2006 CLK 55 -vs- 2007 CLK 550 Cabriolets
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Joined: May 2007
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From: Orlando, Florida, USA
09CLK550Cab 61k miles
I wish Mercedes or BMW would copy Hyundai and give 10yr/100K miles factory warranties.
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C63s Cabriolet, BMW M4, Civic
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From: Upper Marlboro, MD
2006 SL500/2006 Porsche Cayenne S Titanium
Hmm, looks like the AMG vs 550 engines will not be settled anytime soon. As far as your question about maintainence goes, the AMG is going to cost more if there are problems. I spoke to my MB tech and he said that if it's not a MB warranty on a AMG, you probably will have some concerns that won't be covered in the long run. If you want the warranty get a MB warranty.
In the end, it comes down to your personal preference. If it came down to a convertible or a coupe, the convertible all the way. As for the CLK550 being a girls car, I'd have to disagree, the majority of the CLK converts I see driving around the MD/VA/DC are driven by men.
Nothing better than having the top down, the stereo cranked and soaking up those rays. IMO, convertibles rule.
Speed is great but the 550 is not slouch so buy the CLK 550 and enjoy the summer!
In the end, it comes down to your personal preference. If it came down to a convertible or a coupe, the convertible all the way. As for the CLK550 being a girls car, I'd have to disagree, the majority of the CLK converts I see driving around the MD/VA/DC are driven by men.
Nothing better than having the top down, the stereo cranked and soaking up those rays. IMO, convertibles rule.
Speed is great but the 550 is not slouch so buy the CLK 550 and enjoy the summer!
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clk55
/\ I think if you had a chance to put your hands on let's say a sl55, you would do it in a heartbeat. Thank you very much
As long as you do your upkeep, and watch the common issues if there is any, you should be good. AMG are solid machines. From my experience, people who have a bunch of issues are the ones who don't really take care of the car in the 1st place.
Nothing beats a quiet ride. Convertibles are loud on the freeway.... you can say all you want but most people here would say the CLK Vert is pretty damn feminine. The majority of the CLK vert male drivers are gay. I live in Southern California... it's pretty easy to spot one.
As long as you do your upkeep, and watch the common issues if there is any, you should be good. AMG are solid machines. From my experience, people who have a bunch of issues are the ones who don't really take care of the car in the 1st place.
Nothing beats a quiet ride. Convertibles are loud on the freeway.... you can say all you want but most people here would say the CLK Vert is pretty damn feminine. The majority of the CLK vert male drivers are gay. I live in Southern California... it's pretty easy to spot one.
Last edited by lychyrychy; Jul 16, 2009 at 05:57 PM.
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C63s Cabriolet, BMW M4, Civic
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clk 550 Convertible
I looked at both as well, went with the newer 550 (2008) - more horsepower, faster, better warranty, better interior, ipod adapter, cross drilled rotors, amg wheels, tips and front spoiler. It seemed like a no brainer choice.
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clk 550 Convertible
Engine is not amg? What I care about is HP, reliability and throttle response. Whether amg built it or mercedes does not matter to me. I did not buy it for the logo on the rear or engine. As to suspension, you are right that the CLK 55 seemed tighter but not by much as the CLK 550 is lower and stiffer than the CLK 350. As to everyone having one, around DC there are not that many 550s most are 350s.
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clk55
If you care about HP, realiability, and throttle response, you're in a wrong brand. Benz aren't the best in any of your preferences. You are flat out a hypocrite when you said you did not buy for the logo. You want HP, realiability, and throttle response? Get a different brand that is a little more performance oriented from the factory. For around the same price there are M3, GT-R ( a little more pricey), S4, etc. These are more performance oriented than CLK550. Besides, AMG is a little more prestigious than CLK550 pal.
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From: Dallas, TX
2012 CLS63
John, pick the car that you like, don't let the forum choose it for you, there will always be different opinions and in the end if you don't like what you are paying for or getting into, then what's the point.
Good luck with your search and hopefully you are satisfied with your purchase when you decide.
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From: Mexico
09 CLK550
Most people will look at a CLK55 AMG and go "Damn! Look that's an AMG!" Most people will look at a CLK550 and go "oh it's a girly clk..." No offense to anyone =] Call me shallow but that's the reality lol. For hardcore MBZ enthusiasts, there will always be plenty of debates over this question.
why would you buy a used car if you can buy a new car with more power?
more reliable.... DOn't get the cabrio i find it ugly but thats my opinnion.
I am still looking for a CLK55 AMG in Tri-state NYC area to put the whole arument to the rest whos faster CLK550 or CLK 55 AMG stock for stock.
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From: Dallas, TX
2012 CLS63
Thank you for the compliment. I still have some work to do, before I post some updated pictures.
I am glad you got the sarcasm, I was afraid it wasn't going to come across that way.
Yes, we are all part of the "gay car" Mercedes Benz community.
Though, I have probably been with more girls than most of the people that call CLK's gay/women cars. LMAO!!!
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From: Dallas, TX
2012 CLS63
Unfortunately, I would have to disagree. Though, I did think that a while ago, but now being a little more conscious of my purchases, I would have to go with what a better deal TO ME would be. Exclusivity really doesn't mean much to me at this point, I mean these cars are pretty attainable to those looking into them so they aren't all that exclusive. I definitely understand your guys' points, but just like Stephen (SoCal) said, to some it matters and to some it doesn't. Just me I guess.
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From: Mexico
09 CLK550
my friends say oh you drive a girly car and in my area women do drive but clk 350 not 550. So after we do a race and i take their so called men car by 8 car lengs they shut their traps.
Last edited by BLKCLK550; Jul 22, 2009 at 01:40 PM.
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From: Dallas, TX
2012 CLS63
I don't race my car, but I still take the girls so it doesn't matter.
I'm all SHOW, NO GO!!!
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clk55
Oh wait let me get out of the girls car.... loading ebay.com looking up AMG badge...... take off the 0 on my CLK 550 becomes CLK 55 glue on EBay AMG badge... WOW im A MAN NOW i drive CLK55 ///AMG look everyone!!!
why would you buy a used car if you can buy a new car with more power?
more reliable.... DOn't get the cabrio i find it ugly but thats my opinnion.
I am still looking for a CLK55 AMG in Tri-state NYC area to put the whole arument to the rest whos faster CLK550 or CLK 55 AMG stock for stock.
why would you buy a used car if you can buy a new car with more power?
more reliable.... DOn't get the cabrio i find it ugly but thats my opinnion.
I am still looking for a CLK55 AMG in Tri-state NYC area to put the whole arument to the rest whos faster CLK550 or CLK 55 AMG stock for stock.
. When it's this close it's a driver race. If you're a professional driver, sure you can outrace the CLK55 by a hair. I'm not real surprised if the stats says most Benz drivers are not quite good drivers like they think they are.
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clk 550 Convertible
Did not mean to get you all agitated over my comments. Yes, I admit AMG is more desirable, so you can calm down.
As to the hypocrite comment - I bought the clk 550 for several reasons that had nothing to do with "prestige." It fit what I needed (wanted): four seat convertible which I could use for a daily driver, wanted it to be somewhat fast and handle well, needed the back seat to be able fit my kids and get two golf bags in the trunk with the top down. Given those specs and pricing considerations, the CLK 550 was the best choice, plus I liked the way it looked just like the CLK 55.
As to the other brands, looked at at BMW 3 series - fast and nice but actually felt much smaller inside (and trunk), also they would not deal on them and bmw charges for everything that should be standard. I even looked at a 2006 Carrera S convertible but it was way too small. I really could not find another car to meet my needs.
As to M3 or GT-R, if i was in the market for a coupe, hell yes, those would be great choices. However, reliability on a M3 or the GT-R - had an M3, reliability and maintenance were not its strong points.
As to the comment about an AMG if i could have it - hell yes, but only if it was CLK 63. I looked at one and, price independent, I would rather have the AMG that than my CLK 550. However, I like many others, had to factor in price and it was not worth the extra $ to me. However, that was not the question originally asked - it was an 2005 CLK 55 versus a 2007 CLK 550. For that comparison, I think the 550 is a better deal.
As to the hypocrite comment - I bought the clk 550 for several reasons that had nothing to do with "prestige." It fit what I needed (wanted): four seat convertible which I could use for a daily driver, wanted it to be somewhat fast and handle well, needed the back seat to be able fit my kids and get two golf bags in the trunk with the top down. Given those specs and pricing considerations, the CLK 550 was the best choice, plus I liked the way it looked just like the CLK 55.
As to the other brands, looked at at BMW 3 series - fast and nice but actually felt much smaller inside (and trunk), also they would not deal on them and bmw charges for everything that should be standard. I even looked at a 2006 Carrera S convertible but it was way too small. I really could not find another car to meet my needs.
As to M3 or GT-R, if i was in the market for a coupe, hell yes, those would be great choices. However, reliability on a M3 or the GT-R - had an M3, reliability and maintenance were not its strong points.
As to the comment about an AMG if i could have it - hell yes, but only if it was CLK 63. I looked at one and, price independent, I would rather have the AMG that than my CLK 550. However, I like many others, had to factor in price and it was not worth the extra $ to me. However, that was not the question originally asked - it was an 2005 CLK 55 versus a 2007 CLK 550. For that comparison, I think the 550 is a better deal.
