saltydizzle

Ok to make a long story short, my car budget has increased and I have the following dilemma. My CLK500 is an '05 and has just under 36k miles on the clock. I have a few options.

1) trade in the CLK and get a 05-06 SL55 45-50k miles and a really ****ty beater.

2) trade in the CLK and get a 05-06 E55 with 30k miles and a better beater car.

3) keep the CLK, tune it up, and exhaust and get a nicer second car.

What does the CLKworld think? As always, your opinion is appreciated.

kevblah

I would trade in the CLK, and get an 07 E63 and no second car, but that's just me.

saltydizzle

Lol thanks for the advice

Newjd2

Fix up the clk...it's a great, reliable car with low mileage and you already have a lot of work done to it...with the other cars you'd still have to fix them up...

My .02...


Angelo

dynomite05

I say go for the E55 or stay with the CLK.

2MCHCAR

This really depends on your goals (short/long term). Do you plan on keeping whatever car you choose for more than 5 years? What performance levels are you trying to achieve? Do these ///AMG cars have a warranty? Do you plan on modding the ///AMG cars?

From the looks of things, you want a supercharged car. The SL55 and E55 are fantastic vehicles, powerful and luxurious. They have a lot to offer out the box, SC 5.5L V8, 8/4 pot Brembo brakes, adaptive suspensions, ect. Without a warranty, they are more expensive to fix (vs non-AMG variants) and their maintenance, insurance, etc is higher too.

I'm in your option 3 category. My CLK is currently my daily driver, but once the supercharger goes in; I'm buying a beater. I like the W209 platform, no complex adjustable suspensions, understated exterior/interior, performance sleepers, and hardly anybody (outside the forums) mods them so you're car is unique. It angers me that Mercedes (pretty sure ///AMG didn't do it) decided not to put the 55K engine in the W209 (not including the CLK-DTM; not street legal) and sell it in US. It also angers me that Mercedes decided not to sell the non-Black Series CLK63 (cabriolets are available but no hard tops) in America. So if you want a ultra powerful two door, four passenger, Mercedes-Benz; the CL 55/63/66/600 is your only OEM option. Well screw them! I'm building my own CLK 55K (Ha, Ha! Well, more like CLK 50K)!

lowpost

E55 or E63

Kevwood

SL bro, if you have the cash to maintain it over the long haul. The CLK is a great middle of the road car though, sporty, 2 doors and 4 seats.

saltydizzle

thanks for your opinions all. they are greatly appreciated. I guess im looking for something with more power and the E55 might be it unless I can find a E63 at a good price with lower miles. 2MCHCAR im also surprised that MB didnt put a duel exhaust on the W209 500. when are you putting that SC in? thats gonna be sweet.

saltydizzle

I might lean this way as well...i love the look and the power of the SL and they are somewhat affordable now. But you are right, it will be more to maintain over the next 4-5 years.

Kevwood

Once my daughter goes back to Canada for university I'll be upgrading my personal car, I always had my eye on a Aston Martin Vantage but I have to say that I am so bloody in love with the new SL63 AMG. For an 'affordable' car though, the SL55 AMG is a knock-out

Whatever you end up deciding on it'll best best for your situation I'm sure, good luck!

2MCHCAR

Yeah, the CLK 500 and pre-2005 CLK 55 should have had duals from the factory. I'm on stand-by with my engine builder, so when ever I get the call; I'm dropping off the car. Have you ever considered a CLS55? Coupe like styling, 4 seater, and has the 55K engine!

Kevwood

OT. Carlos, you mention engine builder, are you re-building the engine before dropping the SC on or is he the one doing the SC work for you?

2MCHCAR

He's the one doing the SC install. The shop I'm going to is a certified Kleemann retailer and installer, but they are very busy at the moment (their specialty is Dodge Vipers and there's some sort of race coming soon). I want the supercharger to go in sooooooo bad........I must be patient.....

dynomite05

badblackbenz550

*** that get CLK 63 AMG BLACK

saltydizzle

Ill definitely check out the CLS55.

The CLK63 BS suggestion is interesting as well. Ill definitely check that out too.

Thanks for the suggestions. They are very much appreciated.

badblackbenz550

I HATE YOU 2MCHCAR!!! I WANT AN SC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

sleepyheadzzz

+1

Jhuey

+2. I've heard of guys getting these cheap. My mech said it's the best Benz for the price he has come across. Mainly they spent an extra attention to detail on the bs. I'm personally going to wait for the 2011 cls 63 to get a little cheaper...

dr_npz

You have a hard decision to make, but what about a C63 AMG?

If just those three are your options, i would go for the supercharged M113. But be carefull, the maintance can be really expensive, especially with that engine and airmatic.
If it should be my dailly drive - E55 or CLS55 is my choice.

dynomite05

Airmatic is very problematic...lol

2MCHCAR

thegeneraltso

An '05 with 36k miles. You don't seem to use it a lot. I say keep it and use the money to get something else. A big screen TV

saltydizzle

LOL yeah i travel a ton for work so I dont really drive it that often.