elsidster

I'm trying to choose between a Starmarked 2001 CLK430 with 39K and a 2001 BMW 540iw/sport with 14K. I wanted to keep the car for about 5-7 years, a little past the extended warranty. I've driven and like both cars, though I know they each have their pluses/minuses.

Is keeping the CLK until 100K something reasonable to expect without major maintenance(eg new transmission), or should I be hesitant to keep it after the warranty expires(2007)?

Thanks!

simon78

I say go with the 540 !

you get a saloon , and a sport car at the same time.

J Lucas

Did you also take into account your gaining or losing 2 doors?

jnx

Is price an issue ? The Mileage on the CLK would not bother me, Both cars will last to 100k miles easily if you take care of them and give the proper maintenance. It is just what you prefer.

theine

Either car will last you over 100,000 miles properly maintained. It's up to you to decide if you wan't a coupe or a sedan.

jnx

Theine, Nice lookin car.

Josh K

I currently have 105K miles on my 430 and it runs like the day I bought it new. :0) There's a lot to be said for good maintenance...

theine

Thanks.

SoCalCLK

Overall it is the sexier car, a little more rare than the 540 and having a Mercedes coupe is always a good move!

khans

I think it's a tradeoff.

Do you want the driveability or the looks.

BMW 540 is a great car - manual transmission, haven't driven one but I think it's more a drivers car - will drive much better than a CLk 430.

CLK430 has one of the best lines of any car out there. Looks much better than a 540 IMHO.

I own a CLK 430 and if I were to do it again the 540 would definitely be on my short list.

Buy both!!

PerformanceCLK

My family ironically owns both of the two cars you are considering, and from what i can say, i agree with other comments about the 2 vs. 4 doors, essentially making the clk 430 more of a fun car to drive, and the 540i more of a fun car to be driven in. Plus, the mileage dosn't seem to be much of an issue, I believe when my dad traded in his old 99 430 last year it had close to 100K and there wasn't anything that had changed since the day he bought it (performance or maintanance wise).
On the other hand, you'd be happy with either

krk230

both are sexy cars...

djantlive

I'd vote for 540 since I'm more inclined to a mid size sedan than 2 door coupe. I don't like Bimmers though but I do think you'll get better value with the 540.