woodyww

The latest edition of Auto Spies news letter ( see http://www.imakenews.com/autospies/e...1BJvy9,aGc5GF9 ) had the following to say about the 2003 Cabriolet vs. the soon-to-be-released Volvo-ish 2004:

…”We suggest you move fast before they're [the W208s] all gone...

Auto Spies perspective: We recommend picking one of these up at these prices, before they disappear. After driving our 2003's, we forgot how well these cars are made and that they are one of the last TRUE Mercedes-Benz vehicles. The new CLK is based on the C-class platform and in our opinion does not look as nice, drive the same or is made as well, as the previous generation [W208] vehicle. Also, the majority of MB salespeople will tell you in confidence that they prefer the 2003 CLK430 convertible and coupe to the new generation product.”

Hmmm… .

MBcoupe forever

Autobild, German leading car magazine, came to a totally different conclusion stating ....... "Perfectly made. With the new Cabrio from CLK, Mercedes-Benz has exceeded themselves. The airy four seater is better in every aspect than its predecessor. Without exception, perfection achieved."

If i was selling MB, i would also say that the old CLK convertible is great. You don't want to get stuck with any old ones you cannot sell anymore when the new model is on the lot.

Cheers

woodyww

I'm familiar with Auto Build but not familiar enough to know if Autobild depends on advertising revenue as do Motor Trend, C&D, R&T, Auto Week, Auto World, and some others. I know that Auto Spies states that, like Conumer Reports, it does not accept advertising or rely on any type of intere$ted-party funding. I may be jaded, but I think those that do accept ad$ probably aren't as impartial/objective as those that don't.

RJC

After owning 3 208's and now a 500 209 here's my input:

208 Much better door closing sounds a true quality sounding "thunk" now all but non exsistent on most newer MB models

209 (500) Better/more powerful drivetrain

209 Better looks front, better looks side (with all windows down only!)

208 Better looks rear

208 Digital clock kept perfect time - 209's analog does not (non command cars only)

209 Nicer interior design and better quality of plastics especially dash materials

208 Better a/c design, 209 gets mildew smell for first few seconds (also reported on new e class)

209 Has keyless go option, parktronic and distronic cruise - none available on 208

209 Smoother ride

209 Side curtian airbags and rear side airbags

209 Better structural and torsional rigidity

208 Better and more expensive mono wiper system

209 Blue lighting in instrument cluster but yellow HVAC and radio???

208 Proper plastic rear wheel well covers...209 has some sort of black indoor/outdoor carpet that's hard to clean.

208 Better and more expensive aux/engine cooling fan system

MBcoupe forever

This auto spies article seems like plenty of BS to me. Like
"After driving our 2003's, we forgot how well these cars are made and that they are one of the last TRUE Mercedes-Benz vehicles".

I don't know about you guys, but i think todays MB line up is much stronger than lets say five years ago, C, CLK, E, S, SL, CL. You name it, all models stack up much better to alternatives today than five years ago.

But enjoy being satisfied with your 2000 CLK. When the 208 was launched i had a 300CE, and i also didn't like the 208 at first. Too small, like a compact car, and not elegant as a MB coupe should be. Being happy with you MB long time after purchase is one of the greatest atributes of MB ownership.

Cheers

Shine

How to attract buyers w the previous model ?
W208 -> W209 .... 5~6 years only !! It's too fast for ppl to disgust their just_bought baby & prepared for the new one.
Ther're not cheap, either.

Even w a lot more new/advanced features,the reason is still not good enough to give up the on hand bady.
I'll defense the same if successor of W209 debut in 2005

MBcoupe forever

Shine,

I agree with your line of thinking. To be happy with a long term MB ownership, they cannot change model too frequently.

That's why a like to buy one early in its model life. With a high quality car that feels new for a long time, it feels like driving the latest and the greatest for many years.

Cheers

KShortill

Can anyone point me to a discussion on this board (or elsewhere) about the mildew smell that comes out of my air conditioning for the first minute or so after I start up my 2003 E?

Many thanks.

Kevin

RJC

I've got it on my clk 500 too, check out a post under the 211 section titled "ac always on"...I think there maybe others so you might want to perform a search.

KShortill

Thanks, RJC.

By thw way, I found your post listing the differences between the old and new very helpful.

RJC

Glad it was helpful