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Hi all,
I've been reading the forum here for some time and I would like some opinions as you all seem very knowledgeable. I use to be a MB guy, then went to Porsche for a while and am now looking at buying a CLK. Trying to decide between the 320 and the 430; I do realize that the 430 will have more power/torque and perhaps feel a bit heavier. Not sure if the 320 will feel underpowered for me but honestly these are more cruising cars than what I'm use to. I would like some opinions on which would be better, and I'm assuming that the reliability of both are equal. Thanks in advance.
Ken
Reliability should be on the same level. The engines are basically the same - the M113 V8 is an M112 V6 with 2 extra cylinders. If the 430 is an AMG the brakes will be upgraded and so on. I'm not really familiar with the AMG package.
The 320 is plenty powerful for a daily driver, whereas the 430 is a bit too much for my taste. Where the V8 would make a big difference is at higher speeds after the electronics stop holding it back.
I agree with insame1 in that you should try and drive them. Having said that, I very rarely drive different cars before I buy them but I'm impulsive!
I think the 320 is a great motor and would make a great car.
The motor in my CLK55 dominates the car and for me, that's why I was attracted to it. That and the sound of a V8 when you put your foot down. If you had a Porsche 928 then go for a V8 CLK. If you had a Porsche 944/968/boxster then the CLK320 might seem like a better balanced car.
You sound like you should be going for a 430 or even a 55!
Reliability should be on the same level. The engines are basically the same - the M113 V8 is an M112 V6 with 2 extra cylinders. If the 430 is an AMG the brakes will be upgraded and so on. I'm not really familiar with the AMG package.
The 320 is plenty powerful for a daily driver, whereas the 430 is a bit too much for my taste. Where the V8 would make a big difference is at higher speeds after the electronics stop holding it back.
Both will make you happy.
Just FYI there is NO SUCH THING AS A CLK430 AMG. The only w208 AMG is the 55.
I've been saying this since the W208s were new, if you think you want a 320 do NOT drive a 430. If you think you want a 430, do NOT drive a 55. The difference in power is shocking. And whatever you do, do not, under any circumstances drive a W211 E55. The K motor is unbelievable. It makes the CLK55's 4.9 second 0-60 seem longer than it should.
As for handling, Bilsteins and 55 springs will make a difference on a 430. The brakes on a CLK are surprisingly good. Good as in sixty to zero in a 2002 CLK430 taking 2 feet longer than a 2004 911 GT3. The 2002 CLK55 does it in 2 feet less than a 2004 911 GT3. No shock or spring combo will make a non-BS CLK handle like a GT3.
If anyone mentions fuel economy, below are 430 road trip numbers. And no, I didn't drive sixteen and a half hours straight. That's from So Cal to Reno and back. Cold starts, stops for food/gas, and a couple of days in Reno. I've got straight trips where I eclipsed 30 mpg for hours on end. Chappy's CLK55 used to get 28 on the highway. A 320 gets better economy, but at a cost.
I've been saying this since the W208s were new, if you think you want a 320 do NOT drive a 430. If you think you want a 430, do NOT drive a 55. The difference in power is shocking. And whatever you do, do not, under any circumstances drive a W211 E55. The K motor is unbelievable. It makes the CLK55's 4.9 second 0-60 seem longer than it should.
As for handling, Bilsteins and 55 springs will make a difference on a 430. The brakes on a CLK are surprisingly good. Good as in sixty to zero in a 2002 CLK430 taking 2 feet longer than a 2004 911 GT3. The 2002 CLK55 does it in 2 feet less than a 2004 911 GT3. No shock or spring combo will make a non-BS CLK handle like a GT3.
If anyone mentions fuel economy, below are 430 road trip numbers. And no, I didn't drive sixteen and a half hours straight. That's from So Cal to Reno and back. Cold starts, stops for food/gas, and a couple of days in Reno. I've got straight trips where I eclipsed 30 mpg for hours on end. Chappy's CLK55 used to get 28 on the highway. A 320 gets better economy, but at a cost.
That pic is at least 7 years old. I thought you were back in Japan. Are you back in the states again? Did you do the Hot August Nights car show in Reno?
That and I should revise what I wrote earlier - if the OP can find a Japanese spec CLK320 and copy the mods on the Jimmy's CLK, then he can drive all the 430's he wants, he's going to come back to the Williams-spec 320.
Hi,
Is there any structural difference between V8 (430, not AMG) CLK and the rest of the series (6 or 4 cylinders)? I know about brakes, suspension or extras but how about the body itself?
That pic is at least 7 years old. I thought you were back in Japan. Are you back in the states again? Did you do the Hot August Nights car show in Reno?
That and I should revise what I wrote earlier - if the OP can find a Japanese spec CLK320 and copy the mods on the Jimmy's CLK, then he can drive all the 430's he wants, he's going to come back to the Williams-spec 320.
Thanks for the plug on my 320, yes I'm back in Japan as of April, hopefully for the next 7-9 years. When I got my car it was time to ship it back to Japan so didn't get a chance to do any car shows but I did place 3rd this past Sunday in Hiroshima.
Thought I'd share my mileage as well. Hope it helps.
Ken, I average around 27 mpg highway. I travel from Edmonton to Calgary usually 4 times a week and my 430 will cruise effortlessly at 160 kph (100mph). I did test drive a 320 convertable and was a little dissappointed in the lack of power though I am sure it would have superior fuel economy. My CLK 430 requires premium fuel only. I use Petro Canada 94 octane and thus far have had no issues. Something to consider given gas prices. The 430 has a stiffer suspension than 320 cars and the body cladding is actually different. The 430 got the AMG style nose cone and side skirts as standard while the 320 only got them as optional with the AMG appearance package.
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but I did place 3rd this past Sunday in Hiroshima. 
