jyeh74

Hi everyone,

After test driving the 2004 bmw m3, I really wanted one. Its fast as hell, and handles like a dream. But I didnt want to spend upwards of $26k+. They hold their values pretty high. I am now looking at an 03-04 CLK55 AMG and was wondering how you guys can tell me your 2 cents. I know bmw is known for handling but how is this car drive? I have not had the chance to test one out, but I currently drive an E350. Slow and does not handle. Please share with me your thoughts.

I think I read somewhere that the CLK55 does 0-60 in 5.4 sec and other sources say 4.9 sec. So I am not sure how fast it really is and how nimble compared to the m3. thanks!

lychyrychy

I was in your shoes about 2 months ago. I was searching for a M3 and could not find a good deal with low mileage. Howver I came across an 03 clk55 and i couldnt not pass up on the deal because it had only 14k miles. If you want to get manual, clk55 isn't the car for you. CLK55 is more comfort than M3 but not as raw. It has 100lb of torque on M3 370 vs 268. I don't think you should look too much into the 0-60 time since street driving is more than launching every time. Drive and see whats better. G'luck

mthis

i had a e46 m3 and i can tell you that im getting another one just to hook it up and track it, (had to sell it car got smashed now waiting for a good deal)

as far a the clk goes its a great car but nothing comared to the m3 (stock to stock) the m3 is a absolute drives car, is your looking for a baby monster then thats the car if your looking for class and v8 sound then get the clk they both have their ups and downs.

CLK Masters

if your talking about handeling, then M3 all the way, I had the chance to compare acceleration with a M3, 2 days ago. 0- about 90ish. the m3 was the SMG II trany. I have a CLK500 with, exhaust, intake and a few other things. it was a dead heat from 0-90. which caught me by suprise.

i'm just saying, if you're looking for performance, go M3.

if your looking for that "leanback" factor go with the benz.

just my 2 cents.

Stiggs

03-04 CLK55 will do 0-60 in 5.0 seconds according to MB literature.
According to Car and Driver back in 2004 the CLK55 will go 0-60 in 4.5 sec.
Not sure how Car and Driver achieved this time and not sure why MB claims 5.0 seconds.

Of course the M3 will be a better handling car. Doesn't it have almost near 50%-50% weight balance?

The CLK55 is a dream on the highway. Endless passing power. I love the low end torque when you stomp the pedal cruising at 80mph. It feels good.
I've never driven an M3 so its hard for me to compare but I love a nice V8. No V6 for me thanks.

MARTYMAR

I prefer a balance of luxury and performance. The CLK does it all. Nice engine, inside interior and it handles well. If you plan to modify the car then you could always increase the power to try to outperform another but then again you have to be willing to pay some $$$ I have no desire to track my car so the CLK gives me everything I want in a coupe. As far as the 0-60 times. I've read that the CLK hits 0-60 in 4.2, 4.7, 4.9, 5.2 etc. To be quite honest I'm not sure how fast it is but from driving it myself, I'll say anything lower than 4.9 would be pushing it if we're talking bone stock. One thing I do know for certain is that most people I've asked and most magazines says the BMW handles better than MB...I've never driven a BMW so I wouldn't know. I'll take their word for it Both are fine cars and truthfully most opinions on this board would be subjective to what one values in a car. I hope this helps now go get your CLK 55 and be happy .....

wmasmb430

Which ever one you chose you will end up being happy... but all I can say is I have an 04 m3 and I LOVE it everything about it is perfect, when u drive it you can really connect with the car. Its ausome

s4avt

M3 is faster on the track, but CLK is faster on the highway.

M3 handles better, but CLK feels faster

CLK is easier to drive fast and M3, you have to know the car well to drive it fast.

CLK is more comfortable but M3 is more raw

Good thing about AMG is that it can be fast and comfortable

while, M3 can be fast and not comfortable...

Good luck.. but I don't know how M3 holds their value so well..

bug88

i have never driven an M3 and have no curiosity to what it would be like, i also had the chance to choose between a 55 and m3 without doubt i picked the clk55! if you want to be behind me on the freeway get the m3, if you want fat chicks then get the m3!
its a privilege to be a owner of a 55 amg!!!!!!
MB>BMW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ProjectC55

The M3 handles but the ride is too damn HARD! Not comfortable for driving everyday as far as I'm concerned.
The Clk 55 won't handle like the E46 M3 but it still handles pretty well almost like a W203 C55.

The E46 M3 has issues with the strut towers and and various mounting points on the unibody getting destroyed. It happened to mines and is prone to happen to E46 M3's and Z3's as well. I have never heard of this problem happening to a 5 series and that is why I'd consider an e39 M5 wayyyy b4 getting an M3 if i were to buy another BMW. No such issues with a Benz.

On the highway ,powerwise and for long distance or short cruises,CLK55 ALL THE WAY. It will ****** the draws off of the E46M3 ,especially 1/4 mile up to terminal speeeds. Believe me a CLK55 is fun to drive. The E46 M3 is as well but just to hard on bumps. You will get tired of it.

I own both(E36M3 and Benz). My benz I could drive everyday, but my M3 has me wondering why I bought it and now I wanna sell it.

Not only that my Benz murders M3's of all yrs prior to the new one. Just have not ran it against the E90 M3 which does not scare me in the least.

PS,I'd get a E39 M5 b4 an E46 M3 anyday.

bug88

HEARD THAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

sick430

simple if you track your car more then once then get the M3. otherwise the CLK55 is better in everyway!!!!

P.S. i track mine and love it!

Jons95c36amg

I did test drive the e46 m3 smg. Was a little dissappointed on the lowend trq. Unlike the Clk55 feels like a big block with no waiting to feel the power. Also I had no problem walking a e46 m3 in my CLK55. The m3 is better on the track but I never autox. The sum it up the Clk55 is docile when you want it and wakes up with the right pedal.

fredbaum

I raced an e46 M3 last weekend in a controlled environment. It didnt win.

CLK has more power and slightly worse handling characteristics. M3 will make the driver look better than they are. In my view it takes more skill to drive the CLK - and you have to go more into the "uncomfortable zone" on a track where you think you are driving on the edge. The M3 (I have driven several as I swapped cars with M3 drivers) gave you the feeling that the track driving was "easier".

If you are prepared to hammer the power slightly before you are comfortable in a turn - brake way later than you think you should, and shred the crap out of your tires then the CLK can be a very very fun way to go around a track. To me its a more technical drive - with more power and more knowledge required to drive it well in extreme conditions. M3 is much easier to drive on a track

In Video Games, Its almost like comparing racing in an "arcade racer" like Project Gotham- with the technical racers like Forza.

Take the track dimension out of it, and there is no comparison on comfort - daily driveability, etc. CLK wins hands down.

SoCalCLK

This questions has been considered by many current owners of CLK55 AMGs. I repsect, the M3, it just isn't the car for me. In this class, (smaller luxury 2-door European coupes) the CLK55 is hard to bet. The top end power and torque seem to go for days. No need to downshift to pass most cars. The ride and interior appointments are great and have aged well. PLus, the CLK55's are a rare car. Around here you see a lot of M3s, not to mention E46 coupes made to look like an M3. You won't be dissappointed.

AMGOODNESS

nothing to add really it has all been said. however if you enjoy modifying a car then the MB is not for you. what parts are available are expensive. wheel options are limited because of the offsets. if i had to do it all over again i might have gone for the M3. i enjoying modifying cars and i do occassionally like to hit the track.

but i am impressed by the 55. it gets tons of looks, it sounds amazing, and it pulls like a monster truck. it was a a fun challenge to get it to handle better as well. i dont regret my purchase at all i just wonder if the M3 would have been more fun to drive and modify.

ashutt

I did a track day at Miller Sports Park a while back. My instructor had a 2003 M3. While learning the track, we took his car on the course for a few laps. He then drove my 2001 CLK55 AMG on the course.

I have H&R springs and 19" wheels with larger rubber (235/265). IMHO I would never have choosen the M3 over the CLK for the track- the reason is the the CLK has so much TQ and power. On the track I was in first to third gear all day long and frequently braking hard for corners so it was extremely beneficial to have the immediate thrust the CLK offers. On the other hand, the M3 just seemed to strugle getting going again after sharp corners, which required the driver to redline the rpms to get the power the car needed to move quickly. It was very noticable to me as the passanger. Further, the brakes on the CLK are excellent (60-0 in 112 feet). Even the instructor was surprised at the stock brakes on the car (ATE 13.2 rotors in front).

When Car & Driver compared both of these cars they went back and forth on which they liked better, and while they gave the final nod to the M3 they admitted it could have gone either way.

I like the M3 so either choice is a good one but consider that the 2001-2002 CLK is lighter than the 2003+ models.

Moedy

coming from an e350 you don't find the interior of the m3 a bit dull?

Chappy

There are magical things you can do to your CLK to improve handling performance.

ProjectC55

To me both cars(M3 and CLK55) can be expensive to mod. I enjoy modding my C55. CLK55 would be just the same.

AMGOODNESS

in regards to modding i was referring more to availability of products. i agree both a fairly expensive to modify but the parts availability for the M3 is endless. there is very little made for the CLK 55 2003+.

i like the interior of the M3 better than what is in the CLK. The steering wheel in particular is much nicer. The way the SMG works is preferrable as well from the console. with ours you have to tap the gearshift from left to right. most work front to back.

reserved

Go to any track and you will see LOTS of M3's - I have RARELY seen an MB of any type. You can draw your own conclusions!!!!!!!!!

soldier2304

clk55 FTW, its a sexy coupe and you wont see one every 10 minutes like you see an M3 on the street!

phoung

quarter mile the clk will be faster. clk is a perfect blend performance to luxury 50/50. but IMO the M3 would be 70/30. I like the LUXURY the clk offers.

xplosiveg06

o rly