DIFFERENT MODEL CLK QUESTION
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Joined: Sep 2016
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From: CT
1999 sl500
DIFFERENT MODEL CLK QUESTION
Looking to buy a 1999-2003 clk convertible, My question is what are the differences between the 4 different ones? (I don't need a lot of speed)
Last edited by jpnascar; Nov 9, 2016 at 11:35 PM. Reason: added year
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2016
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All the engines are fantastic. Here are a few points off the top of my head:
I4 Supercharged
+ It's supercharged so it goes all the time, not only when you rev it.
+ Easy & cheap for servicing.
- It doesn't get that much better gas mileage than the V6.
- It's noisier at higher speeds.
V6
+ Considered by many as the best compromise
- A lot pricier to service than the I4. Think 12 plugs + 6 coils vs 4 plugs + 2 coils.
- Royal Pain In The *** to change plugs.
V8
- The power really shows at higher speeds and it's kind of too much for most people.
- A tad pricier again on maintenance. Basically the V6 with 2 more cylinders, do the math.
- Double Royal Pain In The *** to change plugs.
- Super tight, might need to remove the radiator fan to work on the accessories and pulleys.
A couple of considerations:
Then again I'm from Europe - I'm used to tight streets and smaller-engined cars, so you might want to adjust up a little if you see fit.
I4 Supercharged
+ It's supercharged so it goes all the time, not only when you rev it.
+ Easy & cheap for servicing.
- It doesn't get that much better gas mileage than the V6.
- It's noisier at higher speeds.
V6
+ Considered by many as the best compromise
- A lot pricier to service than the I4. Think 12 plugs + 6 coils vs 4 plugs + 2 coils.
- Royal Pain In The *** to change plugs.
V8
- The power really shows at higher speeds and it's kind of too much for most people.
- A tad pricier again on maintenance. Basically the V6 with 2 more cylinders, do the math.
- Double Royal Pain In The *** to change plugs.
- Super tight, might need to remove the radiator fan to work on the accessories and pulleys.
A couple of considerations:
- Don't bother looking at the non-supercharged I4s.
- If you're not a rice-boy, you'll be fine even with the I4. They all accelerate pretty fast from a standstill.
- If you get the I4, get the 230.
- If you do a lot of cruising you may find the I4 a tad harsh.
- If you do a lot of stop-and-go traffic with the V6/V8 you'll feel like gas is pouring out of the exhaust.
Then again I'm from Europe - I'm used to tight streets and smaller-engined cars, so you might want to adjust up a little if you see fit.
Last edited by shadenfroh; Nov 10, 2016 at 04:00 AM.
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From: SCV SoCal
2002 CLK430
Lastly, I've changed plugs in a V8 CLK twice. For me it wasn't bad.
