It's getting very close to decision time.

I'm looking at a 208 CLK55 for mid to high 40's

Then I see 03 209 CLK500's in the low 50's

While I'd love to just call it a ballgame and get a 209 CLK55, that's not going to happen.

Anyone have any thoughts/comments/complaints between at 208 55 and a 209 500?

 

IMO, the W209 interior is a lot better than the W208. That's an important factor to me.

 

If you can get a new 03 500 at a steep discount (since 04's are out) get the new car, you never know how a used car was really driven/treated.

 

In terms of resale value down the road, the W209 would probably be a better choice since it's the newer body style, etc.

 

Having had both cars .... go for the '03 500
I have an '04 cab coming, if you are interested in my '03 CLK 500, see other thread

 

think about ure aftermarket the 208 AMG will dip in price probably 5-10k every year cuz it's the old model.
buy the new one and feel like a winner.
even if u like the 208 today the design will feel outdated in a couple of years.

The 500 !!

 

damn, that means my car will be worth absolutely nothing in 10 years.....

 

I driven the 2001 E55 and my clk500, and I honestly didn't notice a significant enough difference (granted they are different cars) to warrant buying the 55. The 500 is pretty damn fast, but if you're still hungry for power, throw a kleemann on it. AMG is a bit over hyped IMO.

 

over hyped?? 211 E55's 467hp 500lb TQ 4.2sec 0-60mph is over hyped...wow...your standard is high

even the 210 E55 has a lot of power over the 500. 1 second of difference in acceleration = 3-4 car length, and that is a lot of difference.

If he's hungry for power, he can get the 208 55 and then Kleemannize it.

but back to the topic, between the 208 AMG and 209 500, I would pick the 209 because I tend to like newer car, and like others have said, you never know how the previous owner treated their car.

when I got my car, I was looking for the 00-01 E55, but later on decide not to because of performance model are often pushed very hard.