clk350 (3.7L) due next year ? read on ...
08-20-2002, 02:04 PM
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clk320
clk350 (3.7L) due next year ? read on ...
Is there anyone that would like to share an opinion on the implication of mb introducing a ml350 due to competitive pressure of other v6 engines.
If there is model that needs the new v6 it's the clk. MB should stop taking advantage of strong demand for new models .. just make the car right from the start.
Maximas and Accords are blowing clk320s off the road... disgraceful !!!
From the internal memo:
Power increases from 215 to 240 HP and 229 to 258 lb ft of torque, more
competitive with other V-6 offerings in segment
• This new engine gives a solid boost in performance to the M-Class V-6 lineup as many
more competitors continually increase power output of own V-6 offerings. Mated with
standard M-Class features like 4-ESP, 5-Speed Touchshift transmission and traction
control, the new ML350 is bound to appease modest performance appetites while
maintaining the excellent value expected of a M-Class.
If there is model that needs the new v6 it's the clk. MB should stop taking advantage of strong demand for new models .. just make the car right from the start.
Maximas and Accords are blowing clk320s off the road... disgraceful !!!
From the internal memo:
Power increases from 215 to 240 HP and 229 to 258 lb ft of torque, more
competitive with other V-6 offerings in segment
• This new engine gives a solid boost in performance to the M-Class V-6 lineup as many
more competitors continually increase power output of own V-6 offerings. Mated with
standard M-Class features like 4-ESP, 5-Speed Touchshift transmission and traction
control, the new ML350 is bound to appease modest performance appetites while
maintaining the excellent value expected of a M-Class.
08-20-2002, 05:42 PM
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Jeep/Corvette
Where did you get that memo info? I have been considering the clk but cannot bring my self to purchase a car that is only 215 HP.
I think the new car is outstanding but dont really want to stretch myself into the 500. The 3.7 is a great solution for me and probably many others. It would be worth waiting for.
Last Sat. nite I saw the clk 500 at a dealer in Freehold. It looked to be preped for delivery. The car was loaded and in Pewter. It was love at first sight. Congrats to the lucky owner.
I think the new car is outstanding but dont really want to stretch myself into the 500. The 3.7 is a great solution for me and probably many others. It would be worth waiting for.
Last Sat. nite I saw the clk 500 at a dealer in Freehold. It looked to be preped for delivery. The car was loaded and in Pewter. It was love at first sight. Congrats to the lucky owner.
08-20-2002, 05:53 PM
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an old Z, of course....
2005 Date
From what I understand from a engine upgrade chart posted on Autospies a few months ago, the 3.5 liter engine will not be in the MB stable until 2005 or 2006 for most MB cars. 
I would hope that they put this engine in the CLK in the MY 2005, but I think getting it in the MY 2004 may be a dream...
They intend to put it in the US-made ML class a year early (MY 2004), mainly because the ML is not selling as well as they hoped (reliability issues in '98 and '99, rumors that the Alabama-based plant is staffed by houligans with bad American/Chrysler laziness). They also are getting their pants beat off by the X5.
Still, it is very dissapointing that Nissan, I mean Infiniti (I mix the two up all the time) is getting 275+ hp in the new G35 coupe (260 hp in the G35 sedan) with the 3.5 liter engine, and MB is still sitting at 215 hp. Even BMW has 225 hp in the 3.0 liter inline 6 engine.
I would hope that they put this engine in the CLK in the MY 2005, but I think getting it in the MY 2004 may be a dream...They intend to put it in the US-made ML class a year early (MY 2004), mainly because the ML is not selling as well as they hoped (reliability issues in '98 and '99, rumors that the Alabama-based plant is staffed by houligans with bad American/Chrysler laziness). They also are getting their pants beat off by the X5.
Still, it is very dissapointing that Nissan, I mean Infiniti (I mix the two up all the time) is getting 275+ hp in the new G35 coupe (260 hp in the G35 sedan) with the 3.5 liter engine, and MB is still sitting at 215 hp. Even BMW has 225 hp in the 3.0 liter inline 6 engine.
08-20-2002, 06:13 PM
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If alot of people would bug MB about that then the board would probably make a change. If they did decide to drop in the 3.7 liter engine, it would be producing a little bit more than the ML's 240 Hp. Probably like 245 or 250 Hp. Even though the 2002 ML and CLK had the same HP while the E had 221.....thats wierd!
08-20-2002, 06:31 PM
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I agree. The manufactures do monitor these boards. If enough noise is made they will listen.Chrysler has the new Crossfire coming out for MY 2004. I believe that engine is rated at 240-250 .
They also tout that car as Chryslers version of the clk. For that car to outshine the Benz would be a joke!!!
They also tout that car as Chryslers version of the clk. For that car to outshine the Benz would be a joke!!!
08-21-2002, 02:26 AM
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I know this would sound stupid, but what are they gonna call the car then?
CLK320, CLK500, C32, SL55, E430.... they all sound 'right,' but a CLK370? I don't know, but a 350 doesn't sound like a car model...
CLK320, CLK500, C32, SL55, E430.... they all sound 'right,' but a CLK370? I don't know, but a 350 doesn't sound like a car model...
08-21-2002, 08:32 AM
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clk320
Here is the link to the memo
http://www.imakenews.com/autospies/e...e000088156.cfm
The ML350 is MOST DEFINITELY coming out this fall you can't order ML320s anymore for MY2003 and I confirmed from my dealer fort Washington PA; MB is actually joining BMW in the engine size cheating game 323 is actually 2.5L .... and some others .... you get the point.
The reason they do this is to protect the "higher" cars. Labelling it ML 370 will take more sales from ML500 than ML 350 even though the engine is really 3.7L ... go figure.
You read it here first .. CLK350 next year !!!
The new nissan z is z350 so 350 is actually a "sweet" number. IF you already have a 208 clk320 I'll wait for the clk350 .. it's bad enough that nissans and even toyotas are "out duelling" clk320s to add insult to injury the w209 is even a worse performer.
MB if you're reading this ... you guys need to stop insulting our intelligence .. its getting very irritating.
http://www.imakenews.com/autospies/e...e000088156.cfm
The ML350 is MOST DEFINITELY coming out this fall you can't order ML320s anymore for MY2003 and I confirmed from my dealer fort Washington PA; MB is actually joining BMW in the engine size cheating game 323 is actually 2.5L .... and some others .... you get the point.
The reason they do this is to protect the "higher" cars. Labelling it ML 370 will take more sales from ML500 than ML 350 even though the engine is really 3.7L ... go figure.
You read it here first .. CLK350 next year !!!
The new nissan z is z350 so 350 is actually a "sweet" number. IF you already have a 208 clk320 I'll wait for the clk350 .. it's bad enough that nissans and even toyotas are "out duelling" clk320s to add insult to injury the w209 is even a worse performer.
MB if you're reading this ... you guys need to stop insulting our intelligence .. its getting very irritating.
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08-21-2002, 03:03 PM
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SL500
Isn't this 3.7 basically the same engine as the 3.2? Aren't they both built in Germany, or at least those destine for the U.S. market? How and Why would they tweak an engine and continue to produce both? I think we will be seeing the new 3.5 in the C,CLK,& E sooner then everyone thinks.
Last edited by MBZman; 08-21-2002 at 03:05 PM.
08-21-2002, 04:36 PM
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Where did you get that memo info? I have been considering the clk but cannot bring my self to purchase a car that is only 215 HP.
215HP may sound like a little but, but considering the fact that the car scoots to 60 in 6.7 seconds and has awesome high end torque and power, I don't think it should be an issue.
08-21-2002, 06:10 PM
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http://www.auho.com/98cars/Mercedes-BenzCLK-Class.html
http://www.tilocars.com/mercedes/car...cedescar16.htm
http://www.epinions.com/auto_Make-20...Benz_CLK_Class
http://www.mbzsales.com/clk.htm
I dont remember the exact place I found it, and I know I have raced a few people in 0-60 in 7 second cars, and I killed them.
The world Merely means a little below 7 seconds in these ones. I spoke to the person who made the site.
http://www.tilocars.com/mercedes/car...cedescar16.htm
http://www.epinions.com/auto_Make-20...Benz_CLK_Class
http://www.mbzsales.com/clk.htm
I dont remember the exact place I found it, and I know I have raced a few people in 0-60 in 7 second cars, and I killed them.
The world Merely means a little below 7 seconds in these ones. I spoke to the person who made the site.
Last edited by Toog4me; 08-21-2002 at 06:13 PM.
