I currently own a 2000 Lightning, work is going well and looking to upgrade.

I test drove a C32 and did not like the size or interior. I also test drove a M3 which i liked a lot. I am looking to stay around the mid 50's can you get a used CLK55 for around that? What years have the same body style?

Any options to look out for? Any thoughts and info will be appreciated.

Thanks

 

Mid $50's, you'll have choices.

They made the W208 CLK55 for 2001 and 2002 only.

The body style change (W209) was for model year 2003, but you won't find one in your price range.

 

Whats a good price on used 2003 if there are any?

 

Besides, the '01 and '02 models look nicer, anyway. The new model is not nearly as distinctive looking, imho.

 

You can find a '01 CLK55 with 20K in the high 40's $47-$49. Use the extra cash to enhance the car with the little changes to make it your own (wheels, tint, etc). Be carefull as a LOT of the sellers out there aren't being realistic. These are great cars but don't pay anything over $53K unless the car already has some $5K wheels on it.

 

Hi Ashenor

I just traded in my '02 M3 for a '01 CLK55 -- about a week ago, in fact. I got my CLK55 for 52,500. It had only 9000 miles on it and in excellent condition...so I was very pleased. The main reason for the trade is the confirmed recall of my M3 engine -- mine was a 10/01 production...the worst. Didn't want to deal w/ it.

They are two different cars. I miss my M3's handling and braking. I love the CLK's V8 and engine growl. The CLK is definately a better everyday driver. Now, I'm thinking of changing the springs and wheels on the CLK to make it a bit stiffer...other than that I love it! Let me know if you have any questions.

mike

 

If you want to be able to upgrade your car get the CLK 55, if you want a mix between luxery and sport, get the CLK 55, if you want a toy that is fast, handles amazingly, is basically one of the cheapest pure race car there is. If you like stick but you want to try something new, then go for the smg (fastest shifting f1 gearbox). If you go with the clk55, dont go the new body, not enough mods out, the only thing that is actually better, the body kit and the shifting on the steering wheel.

 

I think you'll find 2001 & to a lesser extent 2002 CLK55's are a terrific value used. I have mine for sale for $46,500 and nobody's beating my door down. (It's a 2001, silver/charcoal, 16,500 miles, no nav, original owner, very clean, no dents ever.) We all know the used market is down but really this is the worst possible time to be trying to sell a car - almost no one buying while the war is on. Therefore, it might just be the best possible time to be buying. If you do decide the CLK55 is the right car for you I think you'll feel you got a lot for your money should you purchase one. Of course as the saying goes, "We are the converted" on this web site. Good luck. Oh, the obvious question - Why am I selling. Because my 2003 CLK55 arrives next week.

 

Thanks guys, anyone have some pics of there 2001-2002 with some stuff done to them?

I am looking to buy in about a month or two so i just want to make sure i pick right.

I do like the 6 speed of the M3 and the handling. I have only drove one MB ever a C32, which i did not care for.

Any options a must have to look on used 2001-2002's? What size rims are most people going with 19's or some people using 20's? I have 22's on my Lightning at the moment, but i am not real familar with more europian rims on luxury cars.

How do you like the interior?

Thanks for the help.

 

A used 2003 CLK55, if you can find one, will still be around 70K.

As far as rim sizes, I'm not an expert, but I think 19s would be the maximum you should go. Even then, you'll need to change the springs to lower the car after the plus size rims will raise it.

 

This is MB forum; most people will recommend the CLK55 to you, as you might already know.

If I only can get one car, I’ll pick M3 for the fun factor. I love the handling and to work the engine and I have no problem driving a manual car as daily commuter (no big deal).

Straight line performing: CLK55/M5 will win do great but when you add a little curve and turn the M3 will leave them both behind.

M3!

 

The M3's are a great cars but can be a handfull. Striaght drives do have their "kick in the pants" strong points but contrary to what Vivian posts, the CLK55's are exceptional on the twisty's. The higher torque (376) vs. the M3's (290?) really shows up in the cars ability to hold corner revs BETTER than the M3's. There are a number of guys on here who have posted actual on-track performance being BETTER than the M3's (even in the curves). Basically, the V8 is simply stronger than the 6 of the Beemer. Now the M5 is another story.... Have yet to have lost anything to the M-series cars so far (course I don't run that hard either - usually keep it under 120 and only on short spurts). No tickets and trying (my best) to keep it that way. In regards to wheels, if your truely looking for performance don't even bother looking at the 20's. They are heavier and actually hurt the performance characteristics of these cars. For best performance, get the lightest 18" wheel you can afford.

 

M3 has less torque (262 lbs/ft of torque); doesn't mean its a slower car and so does 360 (275 lbs/ft of torque). Lesser torque limit wheels spin and we use manual gear to work the engine to make it more efficient.

Straight line acceleration from a stand still: M3 will do just as well as a CLK55 nor M5 but from 60mph - 120mph M3 will indeed lose big ground to both of them.

I'm quoting from own experience on track with a CLK55 and M5. M3 do leave them both behind on track.

 

I vote for the M3. If you really like it, you should go for it. 208 CLK55 serves up great torque, but they are different car for different ppl.