Clk55 Or M3
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Newbie
Joined: Aug 2005
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Clk55 Or M3
Right now Im in between an 04 e46 M3 Cab or an o4 Clk55 coupe. I have never onwed a Mercedes and really dont know what they are all about. I have been in the BMW scene for a while and part of me wants to stay in it. However the CLK always intriqued me and the 55 AMG is one sweet ride. What do all you 55 owners have to say?
thx
thx
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Miami
M156
It depends where you live, and what your other cars are. If you live in california where there are 300 sunny days a convertible is a better choice. Other than that clk55 is faster than a m3 coupe (so more faster than a m3 conv. ) on the straight line. I own a clk55 and I have driven a m3 smg. Smg shifts gears like someone is kicking the car from the back and I didn't like that. Clk is much more comfortable and easy to drive, even my mom easily drives it. also clk's engine sound is very deep and better than m3.
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Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Indiana
2003 AMG SL55, 2002 AMG CLK55, 2002 AMG ML55, 2005 ML350, 1995 S320 LWB - totaled
M3 is a fizzy high strung sports coupe. The CLK55 is a muscle car that is a comfortable GT car that can handle and stop. Two very different cars! Both are excellent in their own right. Depends on what you want and what sings to you. I don't think you can go wrong with either one. Just depends on what you prefer. 
Member
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: New York City
1 V10, 2 V8
i chose the 55 over the m3. test drove the m3 and did not like it. wasnt quick enough for me. the clk55 wasnt that quick for me but it has the torque. i came over from a heavily modded evo so the m3 felt like a turtle. i can wait to test the new m3 though.
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almost bought an m3 a while back when I wanted all out performance so I'd sacrifice. I drove a 996 c2 and never thought about the m3 again. I made it a race car and after law school was tired of the sacrifice so went back to AMG, you can drive it everyday without really complaining that you don't like something (other than the climate control) 
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Sparks, NV
03 CLK 55 AMG, IMCO muffler/Magnaflow tips, KW V1 coilovers, 19" Petrol Metrix Wheels
i went through this myself about six months ago. here are the questions i asked myself:
Do I want a V-8 or straight six?
Do I want the ultimate handling car or good driving car that has kick *** performance?
How important is torque?
Both are beautiful cars. They both come in nice colors, are stylish, comfortable, and expensive to maintain. I wanted a V-8, I added some coilovers to step up the handling, and the AMG actually has a little more interior room in my opinion. I felt like the M3's engine was wound up at its limit to deliver the 300+ number. The AMG feels comfotable, redline is reasonable, and the power is there waiting on you. I get lots of looks and lots of complements. After a little exhaust work the car sounds amazing. The M3 can never deliver German V-8 rumble, unless you buy a brand new one.
Do I want a V-8 or straight six?
Do I want the ultimate handling car or good driving car that has kick *** performance?
How important is torque?
Both are beautiful cars. They both come in nice colors, are stylish, comfortable, and expensive to maintain. I wanted a V-8, I added some coilovers to step up the handling, and the AMG actually has a little more interior room in my opinion. I felt like the M3's engine was wound up at its limit to deliver the 300+ number. The AMG feels comfotable, redline is reasonable, and the power is there waiting on you. I get lots of looks and lots of complements. After a little exhaust work the car sounds amazing. The M3 can never deliver German V-8 rumble, unless you buy a brand new one.
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Newbie
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Los Angeles
2001 CLK 55 AMG 1983 Porsche 911 SC Targa
I agree with all of you
there's nothing like this handbuilt German V8.. the torque is exhilerating the sound is intoxicating.. the suspension is taught yet forgiving.. fit and finish are superior to the BMW's (interior especially)..everyday hot rod with the CLK 55.. no doubt..
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From: Atlanta
Current: AMG GT-C. Sold: 01 CLK55, 00 ML55, 01 ML55, 06 E55
just got a 55, and i'm diggin the rumble and the torque. it's a sweet ride. i like m3's but haven't driven one...
+1 for V8 rumble!
+1 for V8 rumble!
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2007
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CLK 55 AMG
ive owned both of them, i prefer
how old are you , you might consider that m3s are usually for younger people,
also I think mercedes are more prestigious, the performance is similar, the interior is nicer for clk
m3 drives more agressive
how old are you , you might consider that m3s are usually for younger people,
also I think mercedes are more prestigious, the performance is similar, the interior is nicer for clk
m3 drives more agressive
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Frisco, TX Dallas 'burb
2003 CLK55
I currently own an '04 M3 Cab and a '03 CLK55 coupe. I am selling the M3. No doubt I loved the M3 and I WILL miss the droptop, however the CLK55 is a real muscle car. Much better sound and amazing power...not ever close. And now that I am 40 (!) it fits me better...a gentleman's car that will leave a burnout half a block (see my new post!). I am putting 19in wheels on the CLK today...same size set up as the M3, so it will be interesting to see how it rides after that...it is MUCH softer now but still pretty nicely controlled.
I agree with the others, it may depend on your age, but if you want a torque monster, go with AMG!
I agree with the others, it may depend on your age, but if you want a torque monster, go with AMG!
Thread Starter
Newbie
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i spun out, the bodyshop on a test run after it was fixed somehow hit a tree
TRUE STORY
I currently own an '04 M3 Cab and a '03 CLK55 coupe. I am selling the M3. No doubt I loved the M3 and I WILL miss the droptop, however the CLK55 is a real muscle car. Much better sound and amazing power...not ever close. And now that I am 40 (!) it fits me better...a gentleman's car that will leave a burnout half a block (see my new post!). I am putting 19in wheels on the CLK today...same size set up as the M3, so it will be interesting to see how it rides after that...it is MUCH softer now but still pretty nicely controlled.
I agree with the others, it may depend on your age, but if you want a torque monster, go with AMG!
I agree with the others, it may depend on your age, but if you want a torque monster, go with AMG!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: So Cal
CLK Cabrio
bro i was in the same boat as you i love the m3 but it just gets kind off old fast. i had my friends for about two weeks while he was away. at first i loved it dont get me wrong great car i would still lick one but as a daily nothing like a 55. i am trading my 430 cab for a 55 right now as i could not find what i wanted when i bought mine originaly.
Liran
Liran
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From: Fort Worth, TX
2011 GL550, 2004 Audi S4 v8
I would have to agree with most. There's nothing like the AMG rumble. They are great cars. And there are plenty of good people on here to help out with anything.
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From: L.A., CA
'08 M5, '10 Land Cruiser
Apart from the prestigiousness comment (very similar imo), I would say this is a good answer. M3s suit 25 year olds much better than 35 year olds.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 284
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From: NYC
CLK 55
AMG all day...i'm 26 now and have had my 03' since june 05, and wouldnt think about switching up for a M3...i dont think it's an age thing really, it's more so what u want and expect from the vehicle like others have been saying...if u wanna stomp the gas and get low, go AMG, if u wanna worry about "the twisties" then get an M3...besides that, the pillarless look is just phuccin sexy! lol
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Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Southern CA
08 CLS63, Honda Accord, 04 911
M3 is a fizzy high strung sports coupe. The CLK55 is a muscle car that is a comfortable GT car that can handle and stop. Two very different cars! Both are excellent in their own right. Depends on what you want and what sings to you. I don't think you can go wrong with either one. Just depends on what you prefer.
good one. both nice in their own ways.
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CLK 55 AMG
Jeff, I prefer the clk 55,
you consider that the m3 is a manual car (unless you are getting an smg).
The clk 55 has the touch shift and also a sports mode and manual mode at a press of the button.
So are you stopping in traffic alot? manual is a nightmare.
On the road I certianly see more m3s and much less Clk 55 amgs, not sure what its like in america.
In terms of the clk, alot of the new clks made in 2006 have the amg sports bodykit on it, but no dual exahust.
m3s I guess the m3 front bumper is different from the "m-tech bumpers" .
So in terms of looks you do get those newer clks looking like an amg, but a closer look you can tell, the m3 front bumper is different os its more distuiguished.
Your looking at
m3 - agressive , young sporty ,
55 amg- comfort grand tourer, big v8 engine.
I can say I honestly feel much more comfort, if you are driving this car everyday its one of those things you have to consider.
you consider that the m3 is a manual car (unless you are getting an smg).
The clk 55 has the touch shift and also a sports mode and manual mode at a press of the button.
So are you stopping in traffic alot? manual is a nightmare.
On the road I certianly see more m3s and much less Clk 55 amgs, not sure what its like in america.
In terms of the clk, alot of the new clks made in 2006 have the amg sports bodykit on it, but no dual exahust.
m3s I guess the m3 front bumper is different from the "m-tech bumpers" .
So in terms of looks you do get those newer clks looking like an amg, but a closer look you can tell, the m3 front bumper is different os its more distuiguished.
Your looking at
m3 - agressive , young sporty ,
55 amg- comfort grand tourer, big v8 engine.
I can say I honestly feel much more comfort, if you are driving this car everyday its one of those things you have to consider.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Honolulu, HI
2005 E55
I recently picked up an 04 CLK55, and drove a number of E46 M3s before finding my E39 M5 a couple of years ago. IMO, the two major differences in the character of the CLK55 and M3 are:
1. The CLK55 has a huge torque advantage (its displacement is nearly 70% larger).
2. The E46 M3 is a true drivers' car with sharper handling and better overall driving dynamics (i.e., steering and braking response/feel).
The CLK55 is a really fast GT, while the M3 has more track-ready characteristics. IMO, both are excellent choices (although personally I'm not a fan of cabs).
Good luck!
1. The CLK55 has a huge torque advantage (its displacement is nearly 70% larger).
2. The E46 M3 is a true drivers' car with sharper handling and better overall driving dynamics (i.e., steering and braking response/feel).
The CLK55 is a really fast GT, while the M3 has more track-ready characteristics. IMO, both are excellent choices (although personally I'm not a fan of cabs).
Good luck!
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Joined: Sep 2007
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BMW M3
Here is my take
Hey...I have an M3 (I am sure that is obvious given my sig name) and I also have a ML 550 which I traded my x5 (v8) to get. Im younger as well, but I can say that the M3 is a acquired taste and it really depends on individual taste. I personally cannot have a sports car without 3 pedals...I picked the M3 for that reason alone. I would take an M3 over the CLK AMG Black series (which is an awesome car) because the AMG Black lacks the 3 pedals. However, if one does not mind the auto tranny (I too hate SMG and would never get one) then the CLK 55 is much more of a GT car and is much easier to drive on a daily basis. The M3 is HARD.....and LOUD. I like it...but admit that my personal max is 2 hours and then I have to get out of it or Ill go mad. This is why I like the ML550...its a easygoing car for when I am taking long trips. If you drive the M3 long distances it will wear you out and that is why many older people hate it. If you drive mostly local and are not worried about long trips then its a hoot to drive and reasonably quick. Also keep in mind that the M3 has shown itself to be reasonably reliable and it will likely age better than the CLK 55 in terms of repair costs. Enjoy whichever one you choose. FYI...Steve has it the nail on the head with his comparison of the two cars.
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From: Hotlanta
AMG
Why not just get a Porsche if you want a sports car?
