CLK 500 or 320? (is there a 2005 350 model?)
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Boston, MA
2003 ML 500
CLK 500 or 320? (is there a 2005 350 model?)
Good Morning All...
Just got back from the MB dealership yesterday and was VERY impressed with the CLK 500 convertible they had on the showroom floor (it was an 05 model). It's a really sharp looking car. I have a few questions...is the extra price really worth the 500 over the 320? Is there a 350 model, like they did on the ML's? Are these two models the same in every way, except the engine? I guess what I'm really asking is do they look identical inside and out, and are they the same size? I currently own a 2003 ML500 and am selling it, as I'm not at all happy with the ML and am disgusted with having to replace the brakes every 3 months, due to the unbearable squealing noise.
Am I imagining things or has MB upgraded the interior for 05 over the 04 models?? I looked at both on eBay and the interiors look different and the audio system appears to be completely different. What kind of money is a good price to pay for the 320 versus the 500 (for the record, I will only purchase the convertible model, as the coupe doesn't look as sharp to my eyes). One final question I have for convertible CLK owners...Is the cabin quiet when the top is up? I've owned convertible sports cars over the years, and most ragtops tend to be VERY noisy when they're up, because of the wind. This is one of the reasons that I'd love to own an SL500 (for the hardtop convertible) but I simply can't bring myself to spend 100K on a car. Any and all feedback is most appreciated.
John from Boston
Just got back from the MB dealership yesterday and was VERY impressed with the CLK 500 convertible they had on the showroom floor (it was an 05 model). It's a really sharp looking car. I have a few questions...is the extra price really worth the 500 over the 320? Is there a 350 model, like they did on the ML's? Are these two models the same in every way, except the engine? I guess what I'm really asking is do they look identical inside and out, and are they the same size? I currently own a 2003 ML500 and am selling it, as I'm not at all happy with the ML and am disgusted with having to replace the brakes every 3 months, due to the unbearable squealing noise.
Am I imagining things or has MB upgraded the interior for 05 over the 04 models?? I looked at both on eBay and the interiors look different and the audio system appears to be completely different. What kind of money is a good price to pay for the 320 versus the 500 (for the record, I will only purchase the convertible model, as the coupe doesn't look as sharp to my eyes). One final question I have for convertible CLK owners...Is the cabin quiet when the top is up? I've owned convertible sports cars over the years, and most ragtops tend to be VERY noisy when they're up, because of the wind. This is one of the reasons that I'd love to own an SL500 (for the hardtop convertible) but I simply can't bring myself to spend 100K on a car. Any and all feedback is most appreciated.
John from Boston
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,061
Likes: 326
From: 2000 ft over the FL coast in a B-17
Various
The 500 is night and day more powerful than the 320 and if you want tosave the $'s from an 8 to a 6, wait for the new 350.
The interior was changed for 05, updated centet stack controls for radio/nav climate control and upper switches. The 500's also got a small lip rear spoiler and the rims were changed on both the 320 and 500 with the 320 going to standard 17' five spokes with more aggressive rubber like the 500. In addition the new 7 speed is in all 05 CLK's.
There will be a CLK 350, the C350 is due this spring, the clk 350 could be as early as spring too or in July for the start of 06 production. The 3.5 for the passenger cars will be different and better than the 3.7 used in the ML 350.
My CLK 500 has the brake squeal issue too.
The interior was changed for 05, updated centet stack controls for radio/nav climate control and upper switches. The 500's also got a small lip rear spoiler and the rims were changed on both the 320 and 500 with the 320 going to standard 17' five spokes with more aggressive rubber like the 500. In addition the new 7 speed is in all 05 CLK's.
There will be a CLK 350, the C350 is due this spring, the clk 350 could be as early as spring too or in July for the start of 06 production. The 3.5 for the passenger cars will be different and better than the 3.7 used in the ML 350.
My CLK 500 has the brake squeal issue too.
Last edited by RJC; Feb 6, 2005 at 08:56 PM.
Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 222
Likes: 0
From: NJ
04 M3, 05 R1
If you look at the body kit, the 500 comes with AMG kits. (looks so much better IMO)
I believe CLK 350 should be on the way later this year (late summer????) and all the CLKs are getting facelift at that time. may be you mite want to wait for the facelifted 350.
that 350 engine is very impressive from my experience in the slk 350.
I believe CLK 350 should be on the way later this year (late summer????) and all the CLKs are getting facelift at that time. may be you mite want to wait for the facelifted 350.
that 350 engine is very impressive from my experience in the slk 350.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 935
Likes: 0
sl and M-class E320 4Matic SLK350
Ditto
I too have been very impressed with the 350 engine in the SLK. IMHO it is a better fit for that car than even the somewhat outdated heavier AMG alternative - at least for everyday driving. Given that the CLK is a lighter car than the E Class, I would suspect it will be even more suited to the CLK than even the E where it is already garnering praise to the extent that some have suggested the E500 is now hard to justify.
