2006 CLK 55 -vs- 2007 CLK 550 Cabriolets
MBWorld Fanatic!
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C63s Cabriolet, BMW M4, Civic
1)First off, Linh, you keep posting the same crap over and over. Your comments of the 5.4L engine are not only insulting, but reflect your poor education and reflect your bitterness.
2)You were foolish enough to buy an old CL55 (2001, non-kompressor) and spend/waste thousands more with HPS (hahahaha) trying to achieve more power.
3)You were one of the fools who did not realize the 2001 CL was underpowered and wasted your money on that car, and the thousands more with HPS (again, hahahahaha). Don't hate on the CLK55 because of your experience. Hate your own stupidity for buying the wrong car.
.
2)You were foolish enough to buy an old CL55 (2001, non-kompressor) and spend/waste thousands more with HPS (hahahaha) trying to achieve more power.
3)You were one of the fools who did not realize the 2001 CL was underpowered and wasted your money on that car, and the thousands more with HPS (again, hahahahaha). Don't hate on the CLK55 because of your experience. Hate your own stupidity for buying the wrong car.
.
1)Thanks for the personal attacked and I can see you're doing very well for someone with better education.
I'm happy for you finally upgrade from a Clk 430 to an Clk 55 since i meet you more then 10 years ago. I don't blame you for feeling being on top of the world with the 3 letters words on your trunk. Enjoy it man. Btw, mext time, race a Clk 550 and I gaurantee you want to sell that thing and get the Clk 550 right away.2)As for being a foolish that I bought the CL 55, that's alright because at that time, you can only dream of AMG cars. Mercedes sold thousand of them world wide. I guess you didn't get one because you're smarter then all of them.........or you can't afford it? I'm happy that your dream finally came ture for you. Happy motoring.
3) kleeman, Renntech....etc sold alot of supercharger kit to Clk 55 and C55 owners. Hmmmm........I wonder why all those owners bought the kit? Could it be they bought the wrong car because they're "stupid" or felt the same as me about the underpower NA 5.4 AMG engine?
Last edited by Klinh; Jul 26, 2009 at 02:50 AM.
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Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,974
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From: Southern California
2017 W205 C43 AMG
Linh, your weak insults have spiraled this thread into crap.
I noticed that you are on suspension, now, huh? Perhaps you should edit you posts again and get back on topic.
The answer to the OP's question is very subjective, as this thread has shown. Each car has its + and -, it just depends on what the buyer values more. Either way, you're getting a good car.
I noticed that you are on suspension, now, huh? Perhaps you should edit you posts again and get back on topic.
The answer to the OP's question is very subjective, as this thread has shown. Each car has its + and -, it just depends on what the buyer values more. Either way, you're getting a good car.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,136
Likes: 5
Corrolla
Linh, your weak insults have spiraled this thread into crap.
I noticed that you are on suspension, now, huh? Perhaps you should edit you posts again and get back on topic.
The answer to the OP's question is very subjective, as this thread has shown. Each car has its + and -, it just depends on what the buyer values more. Either way, you're getting a good car.
I noticed that you are on suspension, now, huh? Perhaps you should edit you posts again and get back on topic.
The answer to the OP's question is very subjective, as this thread has shown. Each car has its + and -, it just depends on what the buyer values more. Either way, you're getting a good car.
Andy
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 9,734
Likes: 65
From: Hotlanta
AMG
If you own more then one then you got to have a convertible. My first mercedes was Slk 230 then when I saw the Clk 430.....i felt in love and bought the Clk 430 also. I then want an AMG, sold the Slk 230 and bought the CL 55. I then realized that have 2 coupe (Clk 430 & CL 55) and always drive the CL 55. After about 2 years, i missed the convertible so bad and decided to buy the Clk 500 convertible. Now I got 2 coupes and a convertible in the garage. Guess what happen........? I stop driving the 2 coupes and take the convertible out every time I got a chance. 6 months later after I bought the convertible, I sold the CL 55 and took a $45K hit depreciation values and mods $$$$$$$. That was a lesson learn for me and that's why I don't do supercharger mods on any of my cars anymore.
Something else to consider: Mercedes-Benz makes many different models - 'flavors' if you will. Some opt for an AMG, some do not. Just look at the R230 SL600 vs. the SL55. HP was rated the same on the V12tt and blown V8 versions, but appealed to totally different buyers. There were many comparisons done both here on MBW and in the press between these two cars.
I think you should also be mindful of context when comparing different model years, etc. AMG made the highest performance vehicle for each model line at the time of release. Are there current non-AMG cars that have equal or better performance that previously-released AMGs? Of course there are! The hand-built 342, 349, 355 or 362 hp 5.4Ls were installed in the W202 (AMG manufaktur), W203, W208, W209, W210, W215, W220, and R171. It is by no means a poor-mans AMG, unless you're only considering the current market value of these cars and nothing else.
The engine is (though very important) also just one piece of the performance enhancements that are part of each factory produced AMG. Upgraded brakes, transmission and suspension, as well as a host of interior options (more aggressive seat bolsters, sport steering wheel, etc.) add to the overall performance enjoyment.
Enjoy your ride(s)!
Last edited by Chappy; Jul 27, 2009 at 02:07 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 613
Likes: 1
From: Sparks, NV
03 CLK 55 AMG, IMCO muffler/Magnaflow tips, KW V1 coilovers, 19" Petrol Metrix Wheels
W209 CLK AMG's with the 5.4L V8 engine go zero to 60 in about 5.2 seconds. if that is weak then by what standard? supercars are only about a second quicker.
AMG cars are not just badging. that is why they are so cool. they take a great car like the CLK for instance and they give you a stronger, more powerful, better performing engine. they give you more stopping power with huge factory brakes, better factory suspension, mandrel bent exhaust, upgraded interior, and very sporty transmission mapping for improved drive feel and throttle response.
you sure seem bitter in your posts. the only reason people are defending the AMG so vehemently is that you are simply out of line. it is one thing to voice your opinion but it is a completely different thing to be flat out wrong.
arent you the same guy that put coilovers on his car only to go back to lowering springs? not sure i would even trust your opinion after something like that. even the cheapest coilovers are a better option for lowering a car than just springs. it is simply a function of suspension travel.
AMG cars are not just badging. that is why they are so cool. they take a great car like the CLK for instance and they give you a stronger, more powerful, better performing engine. they give you more stopping power with huge factory brakes, better factory suspension, mandrel bent exhaust, upgraded interior, and very sporty transmission mapping for improved drive feel and throttle response.
you sure seem bitter in your posts. the only reason people are defending the AMG so vehemently is that you are simply out of line. it is one thing to voice your opinion but it is a completely different thing to be flat out wrong.
arent you the same guy that put coilovers on his car only to go back to lowering springs? not sure i would even trust your opinion after something like that. even the cheapest coilovers are a better option for lowering a car than just springs. it is simply a function of suspension travel.
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,280
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CLK550
W209 CLK AMG's with the 5.4L V8 engine go zero to 60 in about 5.2 seconds. if that is weak then by what standard? supercars are only about a second quicker.
AMG cars are not just badging. that is why they are so cool. they take a great car like the CLK for instance and they give you a stronger, more powerful, better performing engine. they give you more stopping power with huge factory brakes, better factory suspension, mandrel bent exhaust, upgraded interior, and very sporty transmission mapping for improved drive feel and throttle response.
you sure seem bitter in your posts. the only reason people are defending the AMG so vehemently is that you are simply out of line. it is one thing to voice your opinion but it is a completely different thing to be flat out wrong.
arent you the same guy that put coilovers on his car only to go back to lowering springs? not sure i would even trust your opinion after something like that. even the cheapest coilovers are a better option for lowering a car than just springs. it is simply a function of suspension travel.
AMG cars are not just badging. that is why they are so cool. they take a great car like the CLK for instance and they give you a stronger, more powerful, better performing engine. they give you more stopping power with huge factory brakes, better factory suspension, mandrel bent exhaust, upgraded interior, and very sporty transmission mapping for improved drive feel and throttle response.
you sure seem bitter in your posts. the only reason people are defending the AMG so vehemently is that you are simply out of line. it is one thing to voice your opinion but it is a completely different thing to be flat out wrong.
arent you the same guy that put coilovers on his car only to go back to lowering springs? not sure i would even trust your opinion after something like that. even the cheapest coilovers are a better option for lowering a car than just springs. it is simply a function of suspension travel.
Sorry to go tottaly off-topic but, how so? I'm only asking because i been looking for a set of used KW V2's for my CLK550 but have had no luck so i figured i get a set of H&R springs and cut the deal coil in the front just to make the ride even. I don't track my car and i just want it lowered (nothing too crazy, the back of the H&R's is perfect, hell your drop is
) so i figured i'd be ok with H&R's? but do you think if i get a set of Tein basics or KW V1's i'd be better off? If so in what way? track? comfort? ride? Thanks and sorry to go off-topic
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Super Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 613
Likes: 1
From: Sparks, NV
03 CLK 55 AMG, IMCO muffler/Magnaflow tips, KW V1 coilovers, 19" Petrol Metrix Wheels
Running just lowering springs is a fine option but there are better options if you are willing to spend the money. The knock on springs only is that stock and most after market shocks and struts were designed (valved) with stock travel in mind. When you lower a car you shorten the suspension travel. Basically you shorten the amount of time the shocks or struts have to react (damper and rebound). i am keeping this very general so it is easier to understand. coilovers are one unit. when you lower the car the rebound and dampening capabilities are not reduced.
however in my opinion there are some short comings with running a coilover set-up. The first is that you will need to run a spacer on the front if you are running stock wheels. if you are running aftermarket wheels and you want to go low (like me) you can not run anything greater than an 8" wheel. I run a 8x19 with a 20mm offset and 6" backspacing up front. you could run a 8.5" wheel up front but you will have to raise the ride height from where i am by at least 1.5 inches to clear the coilover perch.
you can run just springs on your car and get an even ride height. MB uses spring pads of various widths that allow you to tweak the ride height to get things even front to back. do a search and you will see what i mean. in other words you could go with springs that lower the car 1-1.5" and adjust the spring pads for the perfect all around look. you stock shocks/struts or a good set of aftermarket shocks/struts would probably work just fine.
again i am probably 2-2.5" lower than stock. i can almost slide an index finger between the top of the tire and the bottom of the fender. basically there is almost zero fender gap.
i know this is long winded but i want you to make an informed decision, outside of just your budget. the coilover set-up is more involved because you have to clear the perch, which could involve a spacer. they do limit your wheel options as well if you want to go really low. but i love the way the car rides. again i am slammed, i never bottom out, and the ride is perfect.
so if you are looking to spend less than $1000 you want to stay away from coilovers. if that is the case get you a good set of springs and play with the spring pads. from what i have read the pads are not expensive and they are genuine MB parts.
good luck!
however in my opinion there are some short comings with running a coilover set-up. The first is that you will need to run a spacer on the front if you are running stock wheels. if you are running aftermarket wheels and you want to go low (like me) you can not run anything greater than an 8" wheel. I run a 8x19 with a 20mm offset and 6" backspacing up front. you could run a 8.5" wheel up front but you will have to raise the ride height from where i am by at least 1.5 inches to clear the coilover perch.
you can run just springs on your car and get an even ride height. MB uses spring pads of various widths that allow you to tweak the ride height to get things even front to back. do a search and you will see what i mean. in other words you could go with springs that lower the car 1-1.5" and adjust the spring pads for the perfect all around look. you stock shocks/struts or a good set of aftermarket shocks/struts would probably work just fine.
again i am probably 2-2.5" lower than stock. i can almost slide an index finger between the top of the tire and the bottom of the fender. basically there is almost zero fender gap.
i know this is long winded but i want you to make an informed decision, outside of just your budget. the coilover set-up is more involved because you have to clear the perch, which could involve a spacer. they do limit your wheel options as well if you want to go really low. but i love the way the car rides. again i am slammed, i never bottom out, and the ride is perfect.
so if you are looking to spend less than $1000 you want to stay away from coilovers. if that is the case get you a good set of springs and play with the spring pads. from what i have read the pads are not expensive and they are genuine MB parts.
good luck!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,280
Likes: 0
CLK550
Running just lowering springs is a fine option but there are better options if you are willing to spend the money. The knock on springs only is that stock and most after market shocks and struts were designed (valved) with stock travel in mind. When you lower a car you shorten the suspension travel. Basically you shorten the amount of time the shocks or struts have to react (damper and rebound). i am keeping this very general so it is easier to understand. coilovers are one unit. when you lower the car the rebound and dampening capabilities are not reduced.
however in my opinion there are some short comings with running a coilover set-up. The first is that you will need to run a spacer on the front if you are running stock wheels. if you are running aftermarket wheels and you want to go low (like me) you can not run anything greater than an 8" wheel. I run a 8x19 with a 20mm offset and 6" backspacing up front. you could run a 8.5" wheel up front but you will have to raise the ride height from where i am by at least 1.5 inches to clear the coilover perch.
you can run just springs on your car and get an even ride height. MB uses spring pads of various widths that allow you to tweak the ride height to get things even front to back. do a search and you will see what i mean. in other words you could go with springs that lower the car 1-1.5" and adjust the spring pads for the perfect all around look. you stock shocks/struts or a good set of aftermarket shocks/struts would probably work just fine.
again i am probably 2-2.5" lower than stock. i can almost slide an index finger between the top of the tire and the bottom of the fender. basically there is almost zero fender gap.
i know this is long winded but i want you to make an informed decision, outside of just your budget. the coilover set-up is more involved because you have to clear the perch, which could involve a spacer. they do limit your wheel options as well if you want to go really low. but i love the way the car rides. again i am slammed, i never bottom out, and the ride is perfect.
so if you are looking to spend less than $1000 you want to stay away from coilovers. if that is the case get you a good set of springs and play with the spring pads. from what i have read the pads are not expensive and they are genuine MB parts.
good luck!
however in my opinion there are some short comings with running a coilover set-up. The first is that you will need to run a spacer on the front if you are running stock wheels. if you are running aftermarket wheels and you want to go low (like me) you can not run anything greater than an 8" wheel. I run a 8x19 with a 20mm offset and 6" backspacing up front. you could run a 8.5" wheel up front but you will have to raise the ride height from where i am by at least 1.5 inches to clear the coilover perch.
you can run just springs on your car and get an even ride height. MB uses spring pads of various widths that allow you to tweak the ride height to get things even front to back. do a search and you will see what i mean. in other words you could go with springs that lower the car 1-1.5" and adjust the spring pads for the perfect all around look. you stock shocks/struts or a good set of aftermarket shocks/struts would probably work just fine.
again i am probably 2-2.5" lower than stock. i can almost slide an index finger between the top of the tire and the bottom of the fender. basically there is almost zero fender gap.
i know this is long winded but i want you to make an informed decision, outside of just your budget. the coilover set-up is more involved because you have to clear the perch, which could involve a spacer. they do limit your wheel options as well if you want to go really low. but i love the way the car rides. again i am slammed, i never bottom out, and the ride is perfect.
so if you are looking to spend less than $1000 you want to stay away from coilovers. if that is the case get you a good set of springs and play with the spring pads. from what i have read the pads are not expensive and they are genuine MB parts.
good luck!
Thank you for your info as this really helped. i think i'll be holding off on the springs and gonna go for a set of KW V2's or H&R coils.
i wanna slammmm my ride
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 333
Likes: 0
clk55
It ain't worth it unless you're a track junkie. period
Running just lowering springs is a fine option but there are better options if you are willing to spend the money. The knock on springs only is that stock and most after market shocks and struts were designed (valved) with stock travel in mind. When you lower a car you shorten the suspension travel. Basically you shorten the amount of time the shocks or struts have to react (damper and rebound). i am keeping this very general so it is easier to understand. coilovers are one unit. when you lower the car the rebound and dampening capabilities are not reduced.
however in my opinion there are some short comings with running a coilover set-up. The first is that you will need to run a spacer on the front if you are running stock wheels. if you are running aftermarket wheels and you want to go low (like me) you can not run anything greater than an 8" wheel. I run a 8x19 with a 20mm offset and 6" backspacing up front. you could run a 8.5" wheel up front but you will have to raise the ride height from where i am by at least 1.5 inches to clear the coilover perch.
you can run just springs on your car and get an even ride height. MB uses spring pads of various widths that allow you to tweak the ride height to get things even front to back. do a search and you will see what i mean. in other words you could go with springs that lower the car 1-1.5" and adjust the spring pads for the perfect all around look. you stock shocks/struts or a good set of aftermarket shocks/struts would probably work just fine.
again i am probably 2-2.5" lower than stock. i can almost slide an index finger between the top of the tire and the bottom of the fender. basically there is almost zero fender gap.
i know this is long winded but i want you to make an informed decision, outside of just your budget. the coilover set-up is more involved because you have to clear the perch, which could involve a spacer. they do limit your wheel options as well if you want to go really low. but i love the way the car rides. again i am slammed, i never bottom out, and the ride is perfect.
so if you are looking to spend less than $1000 you want to stay away from coilovers. if that is the case get you a good set of springs and play with the spring pads. from what i have read the pads are not expensive and they are genuine MB parts.
good luck!
however in my opinion there are some short comings with running a coilover set-up. The first is that you will need to run a spacer on the front if you are running stock wheels. if you are running aftermarket wheels and you want to go low (like me) you can not run anything greater than an 8" wheel. I run a 8x19 with a 20mm offset and 6" backspacing up front. you could run a 8.5" wheel up front but you will have to raise the ride height from where i am by at least 1.5 inches to clear the coilover perch.
you can run just springs on your car and get an even ride height. MB uses spring pads of various widths that allow you to tweak the ride height to get things even front to back. do a search and you will see what i mean. in other words you could go with springs that lower the car 1-1.5" and adjust the spring pads for the perfect all around look. you stock shocks/struts or a good set of aftermarket shocks/struts would probably work just fine.
again i am probably 2-2.5" lower than stock. i can almost slide an index finger between the top of the tire and the bottom of the fender. basically there is almost zero fender gap.
i know this is long winded but i want you to make an informed decision, outside of just your budget. the coilover set-up is more involved because you have to clear the perch, which could involve a spacer. they do limit your wheel options as well if you want to go really low. but i love the way the car rides. again i am slammed, i never bottom out, and the ride is perfect.
so if you are looking to spend less than $1000 you want to stay away from coilovers. if that is the case get you a good set of springs and play with the spring pads. from what i have read the pads are not expensive and they are genuine MB parts.
good luck!
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
From: Lee's Summit, Missouri
2007 CLK 550
First off Gentlemen and ladies,
I want to thank you all for your feedback in regards to the question I posted. I ended up purchasing a 07 CLK 550 cab with 16,500 miles on the clock. I would have loved to have pulled the trigger on a CLK 63 but I feel I have stimulated the economy enough with this purchase. Anyhow, I negotiated the purchase from the orginal asking price of $36,500 to $32,500 and feel very pleased with my choice. I'll post pictures as soon as I can. Thanks again for your knowledge and feedback.
Silver/black
Cabriolet
Nav
AMG package
I want to thank you all for your feedback in regards to the question I posted. I ended up purchasing a 07 CLK 550 cab with 16,500 miles on the clock. I would have loved to have pulled the trigger on a CLK 63 but I feel I have stimulated the economy enough with this purchase. Anyhow, I negotiated the purchase from the orginal asking price of $36,500 to $32,500 and feel very pleased with my choice. I'll post pictures as soon as I can. Thanks again for your knowledge and feedback.
Silver/black
Cabriolet
Nav
AMG package
Super Moderator
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 22,052
Likes: 972
From: MBworld
bone stock E55 AMG
First off Gentlemen and ladies,
I want to thank you all for your feedback in regards to the question I posted. I ended up purchasing a 07 CLK 550 cab with 16,500 miles on the clock. I would have loved to have pulled the trigger on a CLK 63 but I feel I have stimulated the economy enough with this purchase. Anyhow, I negotiated the purchase from the orginal asking price of $36,500 to $32,500 and feel very pleased with my choice. I'll post pictures as soon as I can. Thanks again for your knowledge and feedback.
Silver/black
Cabriolet
Nav
AMG package
I want to thank you all for your feedback in regards to the question I posted. I ended up purchasing a 07 CLK 550 cab with 16,500 miles on the clock. I would have loved to have pulled the trigger on a CLK 63 but I feel I have stimulated the economy enough with this purchase. Anyhow, I negotiated the purchase from the orginal asking price of $36,500 to $32,500 and feel very pleased with my choice. I'll post pictures as soon as I can. Thanks again for your knowledge and feedback.
Silver/black
Cabriolet
Nav
AMG package
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
CLK 550
clk
It depends what you want in a car, if its a 2nd or 3rd car, then you may want to go with the amg, but if its your only car then go with the 550, it has a softer supension and you can probably live with it a little easier everyday, plus its the MB corporate v-8, so it will be easier and get parts for than the specialized 5.4 L engine, plus you get more HP with the 550, the amg is a great car though, but its a great car just like the e46 m3 was, nowadays a 135/335 are just as quick its just the evolution of performance, i think now power in cars are starting to plateau as there is a push for more economical cars
