I am able to afford a 2004/2005 CLK320 within my budget with low miles (25-35K miles) under warranty or a few rare 2003 CLK500/CLK55 barely under warranty - approx 44K miles. What should I pick? I am looking for a fun daily driver and also some performance - if possible. Should I sacrifice the warranty and buy a 500/55 and purchase third party extended warranty or go with the safe option of the 320 with 2 years of factory warranty should I choose a 2005 model?

I was looking at the C32 AMG which is in the same price range but have read too many threads with issues which made me nervous. I have only driven the 320 so far and plan to visit a dealership to drive the 500/55. I want some candid advice before I let my emotions get the better of me and I end up impulse buying a 500/55 without knowing the details.

Thanks in advance for feedback ...

 

Just something to think about, a good aftermarket warranty will run you about $3,000 (usually somewhat less).

You can figure that ammount into what ever you buy, so if it is an '04 320 for $30,000 or an '03 55 for $30,000, the '03 would need around $3,000 to consider it near equal in terms of warranty.

And if you look at warranty make sure it is bumper to bumper and all inclusive.

I just bought an '04 clk 500 a couple weeks ago and love it. The engine has nice enough power to make me comfortable (had a Z06), and is still quite and smooth.

 

In all honesty, I found the 320 a lil sluggish, I don't know the exact curb weight of the car and I don't know if the motor is indeed underpowered or if it is my imagination. I guess this is spill over from my ex-wife's ML320 - my baggage with the MB 3.2 motor in a heavy SUV.

Let me test drive the V8 and if I end up loving them, I will gladly spring for the extended warranty (which I plan to buy anyways). However, if I get a deal on a 320 with low low miles, I might just buy it, throw some nice rims and cruise around town with no headaches for a couple of years.

Let's see but there is a Pewter CLK55 AMG for sale that just looks sooooo good and is priced just right. I am a big fan of White or Silver (too many around) only but I need to check if Pewter catches my fancy - funky color I gotta admit, love it, hate it - one of those colors ...

 

I had the same decision to make about 6 months ago. I drove the 320 and 500, and I felt that the 500 was quicker and handled better. I aslo like the overall stock look of the 500. Ended getting 2004 CLK500.

 

Honestly, i only drove the 320, and it seemed pretty responsive, especially with the mid-range torque, well thats coming from a guy who only owned a 92 laser, 88 legend, and 04 elantra. But it is quicker then my moms maxima, noticibly more torque.

As for the Pewter, my CLK is pewter matallic, and when its washed and polished, can you say watch out silver...its a real eye grabber, it looks almost silverish in pictures, i need to post some of it on here.

BTW, if i ever got behind a 500 or 55, from what you guys talk about the dramatic difference between the 500 and 320, i would trade in my car on the spot.

 

As a 55 owner, get the AMG. It's a different bred and car. Superb car.

 

i dont know where you reside, but if you're in socal, i can come show you my car. its a 2003 CLK-320, and its has about 36k miles now. i'm asking $28k for the car. it also has OZ gallelio III rims. in great condition.

heres a link to my selling page. PM or AIM me, if you're interested.
https://mbworld.org/forums/classifieds/194586-2003-clk-320-sale-low-miles.html

-Kevin

 

I agreed on a price on a 03 CLK 55 AMG, Pewter on Charcoal. I drove this car and loved it so all I am waiting is on a PPI on Mon. The car is going to the flat-bedded to the nearest MB dealership on Mon and if all goes well, I wil own it. The only gripe I have is that the AMG rims are puny - just 17" when there is so much room in the wheel well for beefier rims and meatier tires - any suggestions maybe F19x8.5 and R19x9.5 ??? Pls let me know what fits fine without compromising handling and also any pics of Pewter cars with aftermarket rims would be greatly appreciated ...

Attached is an image from one of the ads for the car.