I have to ask this.

Do you like the huge analog clock taking up almost 1/3 of the instrument panel in the new CLK and E-class?

If you had the choice, what would you replace it with?

In my opinion, the best gauge layout was done by BMW many years ago. Going from left to right: small fuel gauge, large tach, large speedometer, small engine temp. All are the right sizes and in the right places. I think when Lexus was deciding the layout for their old coupe, they simply did a mirrior image. As far as the clock goes, any location is fine, but it is not the most important instrument on the dash, and by no means does it have to be large.

I kinda like the big clock. It resembles a little of my dads old W123

I agree that the clock alright where it is in the W209, the only problem is that only the driver can see it. I'm used to having a digital clock at the top of the center console in my RX300, which honestly I think is the best way to do it (digital and where every passenger can see it). Oh well - its my car, screw the passangers! :p

I'm not wild about the big clock - I prefer more useful instruments. I had a car once that had four circular gauges: water temperatue, oil pressure, voltmeter and a crappy clock. I replaced the clock with a intake manifold vacuum meter of the same diameter. Pretty useful combination of instruments giving a good idea of the cars current operating status. I wish there were more read-outs that could be accessed by the FSS in the MB - I'm sure the car's computer is monitoring several parameters - I'd like to see them for myself.

Cheers, BT

The clock harks back to TRADITION. I Like it.

Excellent design judgement. Now, if the same design team could start on the re-design of the rear-tail-light- clusters, we might have less similarities w/Taurus, Volvo, Acura CL, Hyundai Sonata...

it doesnt bother me as long as my speedo and rpm are visible to me!!!!!!