northbenz

Anyone here with inside info by working at a dealer, or have checked with your US dealer lately to learn how long the waiting lists are for the new CLK Cabrio coming out in a few months? Does it make any difference (in terms of time for delivery) between the CLK320 Cabrio and the CLK500 Cabrio? Since it was announced that the cabrio will have a soft top rather than the hard top have many on waiting lists dropped off?

northbenz

Hasn't anyone been into their dealer recently to inquire about the cabriolet's availability?

allenjdmb

and the nature of the car biz, there doensn't seem to be much fire around the new CLK Cab. i may not take mine, and I' m the first at our smal market dealership. Also, weather around the country hasn't exactly put people in a convertible state of mind (even in the warm climes like mine, it doesn't do anything but rain, rain, and more rain). The CLK cab is going to be positioned at a place that's sort of a "tweener", that is, most of these customers can't afford an SL, which has proven to be quite "economy proof", or want more than a really cheap convertible (which is easily available). Example: Porsche dealers have plenty of Boxsters, not enough x 50's. Plenty of Cayenne s(65k, many already discounted) not enough Cayenne turbos (95k. most over MSRP). Interesting world.
BTW, I wouldn't expect the car before at least July, maybe August.

Aletank

I was in the UK dealers yesterday and over heard a couple that had ordered a 320 CLK Cab. in August 2002 and they were being told it will be sometime in 2004 before they see the car.
So I'd say in the UK your looking at 2 years

Tezta

In california if i put a deposit down a few weeks ago i would see a CLK500 cab in december.

northbenz

Thanks for the info. Welcome hearing from anyone else who has an idea of whether supply will meet demand such that waiting list not necessary in your area.

northbenz

Now that we are headed into April, any updates on US availability of the cabrio?

allenjdmb

are pushing this thing. I don't see any cars into well into the summer; my regional rep just shrugs. I also had a conversation with an acquaintance from Germany about two weeks ago, he says that he has a car on order and they're telling him the same thing, ie, don't get in a hurry. I really don't see too much hoopla over the car in this part of the country; coupes are pretty soft here (compared with Socal I suupose); I guess we'll see. Just not anytime soon.

Steven

I have a clk500 cab on order, I am hedging on whether to get the vehicle. I presently have a clk430A cab and I personally like the more aggressive style of the 208 vs. the 209. Since there is no hardtop convertible on the new model, I may hold off awhile.

allenjdmb

430 Cab too, an 03 with less than 2k miles, some 18" Brabus wheels and a spring set. I just can't see the 209 making heads turn like my present car. I just can't seem to get excited about the 209 ,although I'm sure it's a better car on many levels. It's just too....feminine. Girly even. The move toward the Accord just ain't getting it for me. I feel pretty sure this can be helped by some of the quality aftermarket tuners. But come on MB, don't you realize you're supposed to make us crazy for the product?...