Looking for a cab...currently considering 05 CLK55 and 08 CLK 550
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2012
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Drives an 08 CLK 550 cab, 2013 E350 sport 4matic, 08 Malibu V6
Anyone near Mooresville, NC to check out a 20005 CLK55 ?
I live in Ottawa Canada area and Just joined the forum because I'm currently on the hunt ( almost obsessively) for a CLK and also considering the M3's. However, I believe the Benz ride would be better for the WAF....more grand-touring-like. I'm currently considering a couple of CLK's from www.southeastautogroup.com in Mooresville NC....... an 05 CLK 55 and a 08 CLK 550. Has anyone done business with SouthEast? Any thoughts to share? Salesman provided CarProofs showing the 550 as having been repaired for structural damage but nothing on the 55 although the salesman (seemed like a nice guy) told me that the 55's front right fender was repaired and head light replaced.
I was told that both cars are a 9.9 out of 10. Any Benz fans in the Mooresville area that could have a good look at the cars and let me know what they saw and think?
Any advice?
Best Regards
I was told that both cars are a 9.9 out of 10. Any Benz fans in the Mooresville area that could have a good look at the cars and let me know what they saw and think?
Any advice?
Best Regards
Last edited by Dandaco; Aug 13, 2012 at 03:56 AM.
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2008 CLK550 Cab
How did you focus on a dealer in North Carolina given how many of these cars are out there and that you are from Canada? Just curious. Both are nice low miles. The 550 is pretty basic. Pretty much no options at all. No xenons, no nav, etc. Normally I'd go for the newer car, but between those two I'd do the 55. I'm not a fan of gray interiors.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 71
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Drives an 08 CLK 550 cab, 2013 E350 sport 4matic, 08 Malibu V6
How did you focus on a dealer in North Carolina given how many of these cars are out there and that you are from Canada? Just curious. Both are nice low miles. The 550 is pretty basic. Pretty much no options at all. No xenons, no nav, etc. Normally I'd go for the newer car, but between those two I'd do the 55. I'm not a fan of gray interiors.
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From: Los Angeles, CA
2007 CLK 550
CLK 550's are amazing. I have an 07 model with AMG package and it rides beautifully. The 05 CLK 55 AMG has 20 less horsepower then a CLK 550, but keep in mind, its an AMG 
. You can never go wrong with an amg lol. Overall, your going to be the one driving the car, so just compare some differences and see which one you like a little more. And the body damage on the 550 would defiantly have me leaning towards the 55 lol. And also, the M3 has the most horsepower out of the 3 (if your talking about the newer body models). But i defiantly agree that Mercedes would be a better ride overall, theres just more comfort when your in a benz lol. Dont get me wrong though, M3's are monsters.
. You can never go wrong with an amg lol. Overall, your going to be the one driving the car, so just compare some differences and see which one you like a little more. And the body damage on the 550 would defiantly have me leaning towards the 55 lol. And also, the M3 has the most horsepower out of the 3 (if your talking about the newer body models). But i defiantly agree that Mercedes would be a better ride overall, theres just more comfort when your in a benz lol. Dont get me wrong though, M3's are monsters.
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The CLK, even in AMG form, is still a much better touring car than the BMW M3. It's also much larger in the cabin. I have always believe MBZ gives the best balance between performance and comfort where BMW will sacrifice comfort for performance. Also, in my experiences with both brands, MBZ's tend to hold up better cosmetically. BMW's really start to show a lot of wear and tear early in life. Anyhow, the engine performance between the CLK55 and CLK550 will be very similar, but the CLK55 AMG will handle better as it has beefier suspension and brake parts.
I echo what others have said - avoid a car with chassis damage! I wouldn't worry much about having paint work, but these unit bodies can be very difficult to properly repair when there has been structural damage. Concerns include suspension problems causing handling issues, abnormal tire wear, and even misalignment issues with the engine and driveshaft.
I echo what others have said - avoid a car with chassis damage! I wouldn't worry much about having paint work, but these unit bodies can be very difficult to properly repair when there has been structural damage. Concerns include suspension problems causing handling issues, abnormal tire wear, and even misalignment issues with the engine and driveshaft.
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2004 CLK320
So, how can we tell if a car has structural damages?
One can have a huge accident and pay cash to get it fixed by a corner paint shop. There will be no record in Carfax and MB. The next buyer will not know about this accident until he notices the uneven tire ware, alignment issues much later.
One can have a huge accident and pay cash to get it fixed by a corner paint shop. There will be no record in Carfax and MB. The next buyer will not know about this accident until he notices the uneven tire ware, alignment issues much later.
Last edited by mis3; Jul 29, 2012 at 02:18 PM.
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Carfax records come from public records, i.e. police accident reports. It does not matter where it is repaired. Carfax also won't show the severity - just that there was an accident and the damage indicated is whatever tick marks the police officer makes on the diagram of the vehicle on the accident report. The only way to know if there is structural damage is to get the vehicle properly inspected. An MBZ dealer can do that, and most will for about $100.
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From: via Mulholland
2024 GLE63s
For me, my CLK 550 with the simple addition of H&R swaybars make it a great daily driver with no penalty in ride quality. but....I'd have a big problem with a car that has damage like that one has.
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From: Sweden
Mercedes CLK 320 W209
How can both cars be 9.9 when both have been damaged and repaired?
The CLK55 might be a 9.9 after the repair but not the 550.
I'd go for the 05 CLK55, AMG car and 6/4 calipers.
The CLK55 might be a 9.9 after the repair but not the 550.
I'd go for the 05 CLK55, AMG car and 6/4 calipers.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,200
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2004 CLK320
Carfax records come from public records, i.e. police accident reports. It does not matter where it is repaired. Carfax also won't show the severity - just that there was an accident and the damage indicated is whatever tick marks the police officer makes on the diagram of the vehicle on the accident report. The only way to know if there is structural damage is to get the vehicle properly inspected. An MBZ dealer can do that, and most will for about $100.
