CLK320 vs. BMW 330ci
CLK320 vs. BMW 330ci
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
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You won't get a biased response from me 
I don't work for MB or BMW, so I really don't care who makes the better car. I don't think I would buy the 320, because the 330CI has more to offer. The only reason I can see is maybe exclusivity, because there are many 3 series around, but not many CLKs. Also, one may argue that the CLK combines more luxury and some performance, while BMW is more spartan. Depends on what you want from the car.
I don't work for MB or BMW, so I really don't care who makes the better car. I don't think I would buy the 320, because the 330CI has more to offer. The only reason I can see is maybe exclusivity, because there are many 3 series around, but not many CLKs. Also, one may argue that the CLK combines more luxury and some performance, while BMW is more spartan. Depends on what you want from the car.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 345
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From: United States
2002M3
Originally posted by 500AMG
You won't get a biased response from me I don't work for MB or BMW, so I really don't care who makes the better car. I don't think I would buy the 320, because the 330CI has more to offer. The only reason I can see is maybe exclusivity, because there are many 3 series around, but not many CLKs. Also, one may argue that the CLK combines more luxury and some performance, while BMW is more spartan. Depends on what you want from the car.
You won't get a biased response from me
I don't work for MB or BMW, so I really don't care who makes the better car. I don't think I would buy the 320, because the 330CI has more to offer. The only reason I can see is maybe exclusivity, because there are many 3 series around, but not many CLKs. Also, one may argue that the CLK combines more luxury and some performance, while BMW is more spartan. Depends on what you want from the car.
300CI is way better car in Manual!
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
I chose a 2003 CLK320 over a 330C auto for following reasons
CLK won (my values):
Interior space, much better looking interior, better more exclusive looking exterior, more comfortable seats, handling (comfortable yet good cornering), very low noise level, lower depreciation
330C won:
Silky sweet engine
Equally equipped, the CLK was around $4K more expensive, but I’ll probably get it back when I sell it. Biggest disappointed when test driving the 330C was performance, where it was only marginally faster than the CLK, and do prefer the CLK more comfortable ride.
The CLK is a new model and will live for another 6-8 year, where the 330C will be replaced probably in ~2 years and will then feel quite old.
In summary, as been said in other threads:
The type of driver who prefers an auto probably be happier in the CLK
The type of driver who prefers a manual probably be happier in the 330C
Having said that, i think the CLK is more of an 6-series alternative than a 3-series alternate. Its a bigger, one step up car.
Cheers
CLK won (my values):
Interior space, much better looking interior, better more exclusive looking exterior, more comfortable seats, handling (comfortable yet good cornering), very low noise level, lower depreciation
330C won:
Silky sweet engine
Equally equipped, the CLK was around $4K more expensive, but I’ll probably get it back when I sell it. Biggest disappointed when test driving the 330C was performance, where it was only marginally faster than the CLK, and do prefer the CLK more comfortable ride.
The CLK is a new model and will live for another 6-8 year, where the 330C will be replaced probably in ~2 years and will then feel quite old.
In summary, as been said in other threads:
The type of driver who prefers an auto probably be happier in the CLK
The type of driver who prefers a manual probably be happier in the 330C
Having said that, i think the CLK is more of an 6-series alternative than a 3-series alternate. Its a bigger, one step up car.
Cheers
Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: Westchester NY
BMW 330CIC
I've driven both, and purchased the BMW.
The 2 big pluses for for the MB are the exterior looks, and the "exclusivity".
Unfortunately, on my small block their is 1 Rolls, 3 s500's, 2 clk55's
a couple of 745's, 2 Cayennes, a Ferrari, and 2 aston martin's.
Soooo, it came down to which car was ***** out more fun to drive.
BMW wins hands down.
Just my .02
The 2 big pluses for for the MB are the exterior looks, and the "exclusivity".
Unfortunately, on my small block their is 1 Rolls, 3 s500's, 2 clk55's
a couple of 745's, 2 Cayennes, a Ferrari, and 2 aston martin's.
Soooo, it came down to which car was ***** out more fun to drive.
BMW wins hands down.
Just my .02
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Newbie
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: San Diego, CA
CLK430
I would say go for the CLK!!! I have the 2001 330ci and I'm very disappointed with the performance. It's a cool looking car, but the resale value is absolutely horrible. The reason is likely from BMW redesigning every few years. My once $58,000 car is now worth $35,000 or even less. Just in 2 years. Mine is a convertible as well so I got screwed (should have waited for the M3 at the same price).
Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: Westchester NY
BMW 330CIC
Originally posted by DOWNFORCE
I would say go for the CLK!!! I have the 2001 330ci and I'm very disappointed with the performance. It's a cool looking car, but the resale value is absolutely horrible. The reason is likely from BMW redesigning every few years. My once $58,000 car is now worth $35,000 or even less. Just in 2 years. Mine is a convertible as well so I got screwed (should have waited for the M3 at the same price).
I would say go for the CLK!!! I have the 2001 330ci and I'm very disappointed with the performance. It's a cool looking car, but the resale value is absolutely horrible. The reason is likely from BMW redesigning every few years. My once $58,000 car is now worth $35,000 or even less. Just in 2 years. Mine is a convertible as well so I got screwed (should have waited for the M3 at the same price).
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Originally posted by MBcoupe forever
... Biggest disappointed when test driving the 330C was performance, where it was only marginally faster than the CLK, and do prefer the CLK more comfortable ride.
... Biggest disappointed when test driving the 330C was performance, where it was only marginally faster than the CLK, and do prefer the CLK more comfortable ride.
The CLK is better looking, more luxurious, more exclusive and has more room, but the BMW 330 will blow away the CLK 320. The CLK is meant to be seen in while the 330 is meant to be driven.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,665
Likes: 208
From: Bahrain
R129 SL55 AMG & W208 CLK55 AMG
thats strange... 
i was impressed with the acceleration of the 330ci but i gotta tell ya, when we hit that 160 kph mark, i tore him to bits!
The only mod i have in my 320 engine is the K&N cone filter. And i'm sure that had nothing to do with it.
So the verdict...........
i was impressed with the acceleration of the 330ci but i gotta tell ya, when we hit that 160 kph mark, i tore him to bits!
The only mod i have in my 320 engine is the K&N cone filter. And i'm sure that had nothing to do with it.
So the verdict...........
