Pre Face vs Post Face lifted.
 

So we are in Florida for a while now and we took the auto train down. We took the 2009 CLK so now I have 3 CLK's in Florida at the moment. The issue is I just never realized until I drove them back to back how much better the 2009 one is vs the 2004. What a WORLD of difference. It does not even feel like the same car. Given one is a cab (04) and one is a coupe (09) but the 04 feels just awful. I still love it with the top down. Even the 05 CLK55 still feels like a solid car. Just my observations. If anyone is looking at a W209 I would highly suggest just buying post face lifted. Anyone else feel this way?

What exactly did you feel so different ? I test drove 2008 clk550 convertible (75k miles and in very good condition) about a month ago and .... it's exactly the same as my 2004 clk320 convertible (except couple of things which are much better on my car since they are new :-D )
Maybe it's just difference between coupe and convertible ?

I think the MY2009 can standard with the sport suspension upgrade, so that can be a pretty bug difference in handling and ride feel.

My 2004 has a lesser quality of interior materials. The seats are not as comfy, the pre face lifted cars do not look as good as post face lifted. The ride is not as good being a cabriolet so it has vibrations compared to the coupes being more ridged. Also the center armrest is much better on the post face lifted models as is the engine and transmission as well. Everything just feels so much more solid on post face lifted cars. Just my observations.