What is the latest on MB changing the CLK 320 to a 3.5 engine?

Dealer has a new 320 cabriolet for me, if I want it. I'm thinking about waiting until late Spring or '05 model because of rumors of the new engine.

Any thoughts?

 

I don't think you would use the cab much in a colorado winter. i would wait until spring if i could.


My $.02

 

friggin' double post

 

good point, may as well wait. '05 models likely will see the 3.5

 

.... and DVD nav.

 

If you are willing to wait, wait for the DVD navigation and the upcoming minor face-lift, not for the 350 (3.7L) engine. Mercedes launched 500 engines on its less expensive models (CLK, E)because of direct competition from BMW's 4.4L engines (545, 745). As long as BMW retains its 3.0L engine spec and placement, Mercedes is unlikely to do anything on the power of its E320 and CLK320 models.

 

Your logic is good, but I recall reading that someone who went to the factory in Germany to pick up an E Class was told that one can already order the 350 engine in Europe for the E. If so, the CLK 350 should not be far away. There is also some dispute about whether the 350 will actually have 3.7 litres. Last I heard it was not going to be as powerful as the 3.7 now on the M Class and will be closer to actually being a true 350.

 

From what I have read the 350 and 3.7 are two completely different engines. The 350 is a new 4 valve design to replace the 3 valve 320.

 

My CLK320 has now got a build date of February for delivery in March (with the new ventilated seats option which is now available - but not power trunk/boot or multi-contour seats which will not be available in the UK unfortunately). Just before getting the build date I did ask about potential engine changes and my dealer spoke to the Mercedes Product people. They said there were no immediate plans to change. However, that could just be a bluff...