Stiggs

So I was looking at MBUSA.com today and what did I see, a picture of a 2006 CLK500.This damn thing looks exactly like my 2003 CLK55....Right down to the twin, chrome exhaust pipes on the left side. It even has the three ribbed grill and round fog lights of the 2005 CLK55. This sucks. I really can't wait until I get rid of this car. Why does Mercedes have to do this. Why can't they let AMG owners have some sort of unique design styling that lasts throughout the car's lifespan? Is that really too much to ask? I think its great that owners of the 2006 CLK500 get a great looking car......a 2003 CLK55!!
Just another thing to **** me off.

sicrx65

that sucks. U should have kept the 208 hehe

M1M2M3

how could you go from 208 to 209 Do you really like the 209 better?

Stiggs

I loved my CLK430, but I also love my CLK55. Can't I love two cars at the same time?
I guess I really wanted an AMG and I wanted it new....not used. So back in 2003 I really had no choice but to go with the W209. I regret nothing. The car is great.
I just now love the CLS55 more. And the fact that the new CLK500 looks like my car pisses me off.

Kar don

well at least ull still be able to blow away the 500.

Stiggs

Who is Kar Don? Did AlBoston change his name?

BiTurboBenz

Most CLK500 owners wish they had the CLK55 anyway but they could not afford/justify the $20,000 increase. I can't blame them, MB doesn't give you much for the extra 20 large like they do with the W211.

FIXEDupW209

take the badges off and have it as a sleeper. I have always wanted to do this but it can get costly to make a top of theline model look like a lower model. In your case MB did it for free. I agree with you. And now you see it more. You can get the AMG package on the E class as well. Think of it this way...its just minor exterior mods. Your interior is different along with all the performance parts. Get the cls 55 though that thing is sooo sweeet

Chappy

I disagree. Let's see what the differences are:

1. Hand-built engine
2. Beefed up transmission
3. Beefed up brakes
4. Beefed up suspension

..not to mention all of the interior standard features that are optional or not available on the 320 or 430/500.

You would be in for a lot more than 20K if you went aftermarket for the listed items above....plus, you get a factory 4/50 warranty. Having a factory hot-rod seems almost a bargain.

Perhaps the luxury mid-size coupe market in general is waning. It was not long ago that Mercedes-Benz did not even offer a mid-size luxury coupe (after the E320 coupe disappeared in 1995; the CLK did not appear until model year 1998!). The only option during that time was to go larger...to the CL500 or CL600.

Prior to that the mid-size luxury coupe was also on hiatus in the U.S. when the W123 280CE and subsequent 300CD production ended....the 300CE did not arrive until MY 1988.

So....are we entering an brief era where the CLK will disappear for a few years?

Stiggs

Damn....you are not helping. I really want one!!!!

I guess my point is....let the CLK500 have its own special sport design or something. Don't just copy the AMG exterior. I want to be special dammit!!!LOL

55 ON IT

I feel your pain. It's so easy to fake an AMG. I wish they would take a page out of BMW's book and go with with some flared fenders just to make it more difficult to replicate.

Frisco

HAHAH - nice generalization. I saw the W209 AMG as a poorly spec'd and differentiated car and didn't understand why they even released it. I didn't buy it because it seemed like a poor use of $20k, not because I couldn't afford it.

termigni

just so you know, the body kits are slightly different from 03 to 06.

AMG///Merc

If I were to do it again (I wouldn't!), I would get the CLK500 and have someone like Brabus or Kleeman modify it. The differences just aren't enough to justify the costs in my opinion. If you look at the suspension between the two cars, you'll note that they look identical, the only difference being the numbers stamped on the shock body. Of course they are valved differently, but compared to a BMW ///M car, the differences are minor. BMW's ///M cars use completely different control arms, shocks/springs/bushings and have a wider track. I wish the AMG make over was more comprehensive like BMW's ///M...


Best regards,
Matt

M1M2M3

IMO the reason that AMG cars are as different from the base model as BMW is that there is an AMG for every model even G wagon! If they were to make them drastically different from the regular car it would cost way too much throughout the entire product line.

55 ON IT

In no way am I putting down Mercedes, but I would find it very hard to drive a standard Mercedes. (Meaning a non AMG) Just knowing the fact that it's not the best will always bother me. Call me shallow if you want, but you get a certain sense of pride owning one. Having a Mercedes is one thing, but having an AMG is another.

If I had to choose an SL65 or a SL600 it would be a no brainer to get the SL65. But woud I take a SL600 over a SLK55? In a ****ing second!

AMG model > standard model

BlackC230Coupe

Why dont they make an 06 CLK55 coupe? only a convertible? also did anyone notice they finally stuck 255 rear tires on the CLK55 cabrio?

BigHat

What was I thinking !!! The car was cherry.

Got hooked on the M3 and made the jump. I love the Bimmer but won't mind getting a vert CLK 55. Problem is a hate the 209 body.

I too hope for great things in the next model. When can we expect it?

vraa

255mm wide? What's it?
Man I have 255!

skytop

Just bought a 2005 CLK55 coupe. Did not want or need a rag top down here in the land of the intense sun. For 2006, only rag top AMG CLK55's will be offered.
I traded in my 04' CLK500 for the AMG. What has been said about the exterior trim on the new 2006 CLK500 is true and is a bummer. MB has usurped the speciality of the AMG and downgraded it to the regular production vehicles.
However, I must state to the board that the difference inside and the mechanicals of the AMG are light years ahead of the CLK500. The power, the suspension, the far improved road feedback, the mighty brakes and the fabulous sport seats and paddle shifter bring a broad smile to my face every time I drive. And did I mention the awesome sounds the AMG makes? WOW!!!