I drove my friends CLK430 the other day.

I still like the car.

The ride, the sound level and the general solid feel were are all excellent. The stock sound system is adequate. Not above average for OEM like my Audi's optional Bose system was, but way better than the HK junk in my BMW. I know all about hating Bose, but my Audi had a nice stereo. I still wish OEM stereos were not so "custom fitted" and easier to replace. I did not examine the CLK stereo, so that's just a general rant, it may be easy to swap out. The 10 speaker trash in my M is a nightmare to swap out - shallow speakers and tweeters and custom mounts for the sub and amp.

I can't really comment too much on the sporting nature of the car. I've always had stuff like motorcycles, a Porsche 944 and my M Coupe. Also, it's not my car and it was my first time driving it, so it's fair to say I did not drive it very hard or approach any limits.

The car does not feel heavy, which is my MB stereotypical complaint. To me the steering was a little vague and the handling was fairly soft. The car has 44k miles on it, so, I'm very convinced that a soft, near OEM rate, spring (to lower the car without hurting the ride) and some new shocks would do wonders for taking the boat and wallow action out of the handling while keeping the ride well within luxurious.

The engine, was a little slow to respond under 30mph. After that, or rather, from a roll, the pick-up was pretty nice. I don't know if the tranny is one of those trannies that adapts to your driving habits, in which case, my driving style differs wildly from tutterrow's, in that my left foot is way heavier! :p

The good Porsches, BMWs and MBs have great brakes, so no need to comment there.

For someone who needs/wants an automatic, the CLK is great looking and feels luxurious. I think that a shock/spring upgrade is essential to make the car a little tighter in the corners.

Just my opinions - worth what you paid for them, or maybe a little less!

 

Count -

Thanks for the feedback. FWIW, the suspension responds even more the harder the CLK is pushed (at least on the 55). Glad you enjoyed the ride.

BTW, some of us are having a little GTG up in Alpharetta at Starbucks (by the Lowe's on Mansell at 400) on Friday night, May 21st, 8pm. Hope you'll make it

 

I replaced my brothers audio system in his m coupe and it wasn't that hard. The only hard part was wiring through the factory amp.