Trek1200

Ok gang, I know you're all going to be a bit biased, but I'll level with you. I've got a 2011 BMW 128i right now and I'm debating going with an ARMA ($7500) supercharger to boost power to around 340 or so or saving my money and buying a W209. I've always wanted one, especially the BS, but thats a given. What do you guys think? Keep the car I've got, or go MB. Also, I really want a CLK550 or a V6 that can handle forced induction (hat tip to dynomite and the CLK32 AMG) Let me know, and thanks in advance!

Supafly

stay with the 128 and supercharge it....hands down.

I have a 6spd e46 m3 supercharged....rides much more fun than my CLK.

ahmadk

i'm gonna say go for the w209, coz i never liked the look of the 1-series..i'm a fan of the 3-series
but hey this is only my opinion...

kevblah

Depends what you're looking for:

128i + Arma Supercharger ($7500)
+ Better handling than a CLK
+ Unique Car, Modding Appeal
- Resale Value (won't get your money back)
- Small Car, 'Boy Racer' Image

CLK550
+ The 5.5L V8 <3
+ More Luxury, Less Sport
+ Bigger in Size
+ Smarter Investment (Money-Wise)
- Less Modding Potential
- Not As Sporty, Poor Handling

I personally love the CLK550. It has all of the luxury features that a fully-loaded E-Class would have, while having enough power to outrun many "sport cars".

And even if you decide you like the 1-series more than a CLK, I would recommend to sell the 128i and buy a 135i. A JB4 will make it faster than a 128i w/ supercharger, and you won't take a hit on resale.

Mka77

Kev I'd say that says it all. Excellent comparison.

Trek1200

I mostly got the car because I love the way it handles, even if it understeers like it's going out of style. Its got great performance for the type of driving (around town, never really get out of 4th gear) I do on a daily basis. I figure its like the Porsche Panamera, great car, looks like sin, although it does go well with my 76 2002, but that just means if I dump the 1er, I'll have to wrangle an old SL, which I also want REALLY bad.

dynomite05

What they said! Lol.

ahmadk

You may be right in terms of handling and daily driving coz i've never driven one like it... anyways gd luck in your decision ....
but the idea of a supercharger is

Trek1200

Couldn't agree with you more, I think in terms of bang for buck if I want to stay with the 1 I'll go with a 135i, but like many people I bought the car on a budget. I used to sell cars for BMW so I got a crazy low payment on the 1, plus I got to spec it to what I wanted. I now sell cars for Mercedes, but obviously the CLK is going to be a more expensive vehicle, even pre-owned. As far as handling and performance goes, the 135i modded (AA tune probably) would be a better car, but it is kinda boy racer-esq, as the cosmetic mods I've done are frankly kinda childish (flat black Grills, Exhaust tips, BMW performance Brakes). Ever since the W209 came out I've wanted one, and with the advent of the 550 + 7Speed tranny, I want one even more.

In closing, the 1er is a better performing car, but I've yearned for a W209 for so long, and now I spend all day looking at them, so the desire does nothing but grow.

dynomite05

Being here on this board isn't going to help sway you to the BMW. Sounds like you might have made your decision already.

kevblah

I agree. Cut the 1er loose and start your car hunt for a CLK550.

Trek1200

Ive got the dealership i work fors wholesaler looking for a white or silver 07 right now. Let me know if ya'll come across something.

kbahl21

join the white 550 club, so far i think its just me and 2 others lol

Mka77

I passed on a white CLK...

Still hate every second I did. Go with White.

kevblah

I also had the opportunity to buy a white CLK550, but I passed on it, and I'm glad I did. The CLK is a stunningly good looking car, but a bit feminine at its core, and the white doesn't help that issue.

That's just how I feel, though. The white ones on this forum look great, but with a bit of modding.

kbahl21

thats why u put black wheels, tints, cf spoiler etc on it lol

dynomite05

White does have an ooooooooo factor to it.

Trek1200

If i go white, thats exactly what i'll do. Thats the reason i didnt get a base 128i. The MSport package makes it look a lot less girly. I would do black wheels probably vinyl roof or if i can find a cf panel id do that, plus the lip spoiler. Theres always the option to go v6, but i really want that grunt.

Newjd2

Looking like a new person to add to the w209 madness...haha...either way with your decision man they'll be great...



Angelo

Newjd2

Funny thing too is right now I'm driving to the BMW dealership to look at a 1 series as my girlfriend wants one cause they're "cute"...haha!...



Angelo

Trek1200

Want a 2011 128i (6M) MSport with <7k?

sweet jones

go with a CLK550. i should have searched before i jumped into my car. i'm still happy with the V8 power though.

elijah

Hootie hooo if you're here you already know you want that 550. I wouldnt recomment any other model not 500 but go 550.

I was driving in my friends S3 and we got smoked by a red 135i, I mean properly smoked. That little **** has serious potential but its the design I just cant mess with.

Good luck with your purchase

Trek1200

Oh man if I could find a 3 door S3 in the States I'd be all over it! even if it is slower and just a fat R32 (fatter?). And you're right, I'm pretty much decided on the CLK, I just have to find the right one.

DisplacedTexan

you'll love the 550, imho, probably one of the best looking and girls drop panties for it. as far as tq and hp, it's great, handles like a lincoln, but still 100% pure class. I love the black on black as that's what I have.

I'm at a bit of a crossroads as far as what my next car may be. I'm not really digging the new MB style direction. I was thinking probably Audi (S5) but the interior looks so cheap (just me?) or 335di..... can't really find many cars that compare to MB once you've owned one. Will be a sad day when I'm not driving Benz.