dan212

They changed the gearing on the 550's and 63's. The CLK550 will be faster, but the 63 will be faster still.

The 550's will be faster than MB claims as usual. The MB mechanic at my dealer told me that MB is understating by a GOOD MARGIN the actual power output of the CLK63.. They don't want to eat into sales of other models too much, but the CLK63 will be a monster rocket.

TracerHawk

Im assuming the CLK550's will sell at full MSRP most likely, or can any discounts off MSRP be expected? Im wondering if I decide to go with a CLK over a BMW which is what I have now, if I should go with a CLK550 and expect to pay full retail, or if I should consider a 2006 CLK500 and hopefully they are steeply discounted with a new model and new engine coming out in the 2007's. Any comments are greatly appreciated.

Also, while I still have a lot of great researching to do here on MBworld, what are the other top forums for MB cars that I should visit?

Thanks in advance.

FrankW

there probably will be some discount, but not right away.

IMO don't wait up for the w209 CLK. Once the W204 comes out the CLK will also be replaced. You are better off at picking a newer design BMW which will have better resale value when you are ready for the next CLK.

TracerHawk

Hey Frank, the W204 is a sedan though right? So you're saying once they come out with the new sedan design in 2007, the CLK design will be replaced soon after? Like 2008 then? so if I were to buy a 2007 CLK550 in the next 2-3 months, will it be the last year of that body style and design? If so, then I guess I can stop looking at the CLK550's, as this is why I passed on the 2006 BMW E46 M3, since it was the last year of that production model. I dont want to buy a car that is on its last legs in terms of design and is due to be replaced soon. No sense in paying a premium for a nice car that is becoming outdated soon.

Germancar1

The next CLK will come to the U.S. for the 2009 model year, not 2008. The C-Class sedan comes first for the 2008 model year and then the CLK for 2009.

M

ItalianStallion

I tried breaking my lease and switching to a CLK550...the dealer told me it would cost me about $10 grand to switch. Guess that means I'm stuck with a weak V8 for another 2 years. Hopefully, by the time my lease is up the new body style will be out.

Toog4me

You can imagine how I feel. I want to switch over from a 350!

monagram

Picked up my 550 Cab today, Capri Blue with black top and black / ash interior. Power seems similiar to my 2000 vette and huge upgrade from my '03 430 Cab.

velvet fog

Excellent. So you noticed the extra 107 hp?

quickburn

engine? Any suspension upgrages? brakes, wheels, transmission from the 2006 clk 500?

FrankW

www.mbusa.com

MercedesFTW

I love the new duel exhaust tips with the AMG upgrade package.

I saw two CLK550 cabs yesterday and was super confused, because I didn't know the AMG package came with that!

My friend with the CLK500 is pissed, lol.

marc32

Feel sorry for those that spent money on the clk 55. The 107 hp, is definately noticible. I was on a test drive with the clk 550 coupe and happened to line up a with a clk 55. From a stop position I walked away from. Im looking forward to driving the clk 63

monagram

Yea, it definitely has punch. I am still amazed at how great it sounds too. I wasn't a big fan of the 209s but the extra hp has swayed me over.

Germancar1

I think that a lot of people feel this way about the current CLK both for 2007 and after the 2006 model year facelift, both changes have put this Benz back in favor with folks who though the previous CLK was better looking. Though I think the first one is still somewhat better looking the 07's are just way more complete, especially the 382hp CLK550 a relative bargain for a Mercedes IMO. MBUSA's sales numbers for July are likely to be the best of the year, except for December when they really ship a lot of everything.

M

quickburn

I tried looking on mbusa.com to see what has changed between the 06 clk500 and the 07 clk550 and all I could find is the change in engine. Are there any upgrades in brakes, transmission, suspension or wheels to deal with all the extra power?

clkcadet

head to the dealership quickburn, they have the new brochures out, it will explain everything you need to know

theteeman

I just got the 2006 and I love it

ItalianStallion

Nice CLK, you got the chrome taillights like me. With chrome rims, they make the car look very complete and give it a more exotic look, I get compliments from people on a daily basis and questions like "damn, what'd you pay for that thing, 100k?"

mpalsal

Please post the source.

Thanks,
MP

theteeman

the chrome definately makes it look nicer.. I have the same chrome on the front lights...
mpalsal mine were dealer installed