marc_utjmab

Hi folks

I've always been a Merc fan, but I've always had diesels. Recently I decided that I wanted something petrol and sporty and like the look of the W209.

I've spent hours looking up different facts and figures but I'd rather hear from people who drive the cars day in, day out.

As the title suggests, I'm looking to know which model/engine size is best for power without hitting the V8 AMG running costs lol

I've been looking somewhere around the 350 but I've heard others say the 200K might be best because you can upgrade pulleys etc for increased performance.

Ideally I'm looking a manual transmission but I may be able to go auto for the right car.

I know this is a lot of info but any help would be greatly appreciated!

TIA

Yidney

V8 and AMG are not synonymous in the W209. The 550 like mine is a 382 hp V8 but it doesn't really cost more than a 350 to a maintain. Gas is a little more, but that's it. But it does not have the expensive AMG brake rotors or anything. If you are looking for an older one, pre-2007 the 500 was basically the equivalent model, but with a smaller V8. Where do you live? They are all automatic in the US. We don't have the 200k here.

insame1

I would say there is a little more running cost. Spark plugs for one. Also fuel economy and tire ware are all going to be factors.

ALFAitalia

I love my little CLK200K (and its a 6 speed manual BTW!).......but I could never begin to compare it to the CLK350. The V6 has over 100 more neadies....it would take a fair bit of cash to take the little 1.8 200K motor up to that. You can do a pulley change cheaply which nets about 30 brake on its own and a good tune to go with it will get you perhaps another 15 - 20 but you are still only in the low 200s bhp compared to about 272 for the 350. As they like to say on the left of the puddle "there ain't no replacement for displacement". I bought mine as a daily driver for a 25 mile commute through reasonably busy roads. I got the 1.8 for the mpg rather than the bhp! The 6 speed is rather better is that respect than the auto....bit quicker too.....and of course real men use three pedals (although mine has four with the foot operated hand brake LOL!). I looked at the CDI270....but having had that same engine in my Grand Cherokee and it dropping a valve and trashing the engine at only 140,000 fully serviced miles, that kinda put me off. The newer diesels were out of my budget. If you can go big bore then go for it....im sure you wont regret it!


......and of course they don't get the 200K over there!.....fuel is about a quarter the price it is here so who would care about the MPG! My Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ 2.7 CRD (5 cylinder Merc engine) was never sold there either!

marc_utjmab

Problem with the UK is, the CLK market is pretty much flooded with the 200K, which I had resigned myself to getting.

To be honest, if I could get up over 200bhp with a manual 200K I would be pretty happy (I know I say that now lol).

Is the 350 petrol sold here in the UK?

ALFAitalia

You can get all the models....there are 36 CLK350,s on Autotrader right now!

cdnclk3202004

My 320 has more than enough power.

sailorben

There's also the CLK280 here, 3L, 230hp, 220lbs/ft. I have seen a few of those around where I am.

insame1

If the 320 is more than enough power why make a 55/63?

ALFAitalia

LOl.....its all relative to what you are used to and what you need.....whats "more than enough power" for some is "flat as a witches tit" to others!!!

CDM Motorsports

depends on the person and what they want. The 350 is enough for my wife, the 63 needs mods for me

tw2

Yep all relative. The 55 is not quite enough for me but a great car none the less. However my daily commute nets 16mpg or 18L per 100km. Luckily it is only 10 miles return.