I really like the design of the 209 but the body kit on the 320/350 doesn't look nearly as good as the 500/AMG. I really don't need the extra power of the 500; the 320/350 is fine with me. Here's the rub, I could buy the AMG kit for a grand then pay about another grand to paint it, but that is going to kill a whole month and I'd hate to waste prime driving weather. I've done several searches and unfortunately no one sells pre-painted bodykits.

On the other hand I could buy the 500 but can't imagine I'd enjoy driving it if gas hits $6, $7 or $8 a gallon.

Of course my third option would be to sit here and complain about the lack of pre-painted kits, gas prices and crappy Chicago weather and not buy any car.

What to do what to do...

 

get a 500

 

dont know about you...but for me 500 fo sho

 

Like other said, get the 500/550/55AMG. You won't regret it.

 

I waited to buy a CLK until the 350 came out because it seemed to have the best compromise of power and fuel economy; the front also looks a bit better than the 320 does.

Some day I might put on an AMG front bumper if the front ever needs work.

 

I haven't actually driven a 320 or 350 yet, onlt a 500. I suppose once I drive the 6 cylinder It will be easier to make a decision, only problem is I'm having a hard time finding a used 320 nearby.

 

I just bought a 320. I know exactly what you are going through (economy vs. performance). I drove both cars and I have to say that I am happy with my compromise. Getting 26mpg (freeway) makes me feel better every day as gas prices continue to climb..

I'm deciding if I am going for the Brabus or AMG but I'm not in a hurry. I've actually gotten use to the 320 front end. I'm more focused on getting my wheels first. If you look at some of the pics, you see that 320's with hot wheels look fine.

You may want to consider a 350 if you can afford it. Their front ends look good to me....

 

all depends on how you drive, most i ever got was 27~ mpg highway doing 70ish for about an hour. from mb website, the diff between a 500 and 350 gas mileage isnt too far off. the 320 would probally save you alot more money at the pump though.

 

Depends on what kind of car nut you are. If you just need a fancy Merc, then get the 350. It still has 280(?) HP, which is definitely all you need, and with the 7-speed, it gets great fuel econ.

Me on the other hand, I have the 500. With 300HP and lots of torque, it snaps my head back at a red-to-green stop light floor-stomp. It has so much GO that it surprises me sometimes, and I say "woah!"

Keep in mind that I used to have a 525HP 1971 Corvette, so it had so much HP that I didn't know what to do with it all, but I just LOVED IT.

Some people don't get a rise out of HP. I do. I waste money on gas, but I'm smiling everytime I stomp the peddle.

I just wish I had the CLK63 (with 480HP). Which reminds me...why does everyone here spend so much money on fancier wheels and little engine upgrades instead of just getting a better/newer model?

 

...302HP.

Oh yeah! Lots of Power!

I got 26.7 MPG driving from Phoenix to Ohio. Now here, I usually drive aggressive (like I stole it), and still average 21+ MPG. I do wish the gas prices would come back down, but I manage by mixing my fuel between 89 + 93 Octane. Its still cheaper than driving my Suburban (10 - 12 MPG), discussed in following thread:

https://mbworld.org/forums/clk-class-w209/245728-premium-gas-octane-rating-what-yours.html

 

There is no right or wrong answer. Just make sure that you are truthful with yourself on what you want out of your CLK. If power and the feel of torque is your main want and you like the amg look, then get the 500.

If power is not your major desire, but like to looks of the CLK body style, then a 350 or 320 would be fine. Both are great cars....