bzliteyear

Hi all,

It's been about a month since I've started to enjoy the CLK55 cab, and I have to say in many respects it's been a major upside surprise. Although there are a few things that are not working perfectly(common with purchase of any used car), there are many more things that I'm more than pleased with. Let me share a few thoughts.
1) The car drives quite well, and I'm actually pleased there's no ABC or airmatics to deal with. For driving around my area, I'm very happy with the suspension...and there's less potential failures to deal with.
2) The engine is runs strong and the transmission shifts much sportier than my S600. The roar of the 5.5 liter V8/exhaust is much better sounding than my previous 2002 NA S55(with the same engine). Further, I enjoy the sportier shifting of the AMG tuned transmission vs. the S600.
3) I'm VERY surprised at how much leg room there is in the back seats. I previous thought about getting CL, but the back seats were too small. Given the size/length of the CL , I'm still in disbelief how roomy the CLK is vs. the CL. My 2 kids are happy in the back seats, where I don't think they would be w/ most 2+2's, including the CL or any of the 2 door Porsches.
4) Lastly, I test drove a E63 wagon yesterday at the MB dealer and it was a blast. The engine felt much stronger(50% more hp than my 5.5 liter V8)...so I can only imagine how much sweeter a CLK63 would have been. However, given that the CLK63 would have been double the price of the my CLK55...and it probably would have been impossible to find a White/Blk fully-loaded combination, I think I can learn to "live" with 362 hp, LOL
5) Perhaps it was that particular wagon, but I was surprised by how much little squeeks there were in the car and near the rear of the car, esp for a 2007 with 40k miles. I've heard the wagons are supposed to be more structurally solid vs. the sedans, but I think the sedan's do a better job of isolating the sounds since the trunk is enclosed/separated from the main cabin.

Have a great wknd everyone.

PL

CLK550AMGpkg

I myself almost bought a CLK63 Cab over my CLK550. That 6.2L V8 is one of the best things that ever came out of AMG and im actually a little upset they're moving towards smaller, forced induction engines with turbos.

I wound up going with the CLK550 b/c it was two years newer, had 18K less miles, more time left on the standard warranty & had an additional CPO warranty (the CLk63 was not certified), and more features (CLK63 I was looking at didnt even have Xenon headlights) all for the same price. Another pleasant surprise was that even though the 6.2L is rated to have over 100 more hp than the 5.5L, it didnt even feel much faster until you got way up in the rev range (above 6000 rpm). From down low, you'd swear the 5.5L had just as much torque in the low end. They both pull equally as hard through 1st gear and even part of second. I didnt really feel the stronger midrange power of the 63 until I got into the 60-90 mph range. Im surprised you thought that E63 wagon you drove felt so much faster than your CLK55.

betrezra

I bought an 04 clk55 and kick myself for not getting the clk63 (non BS). The 63 is another league in stock form, and with longtube headers and tune, you'll need a blower on the 5.5 to keep up.

bzliteyear

I'm could see how the CLK550 might be as fast as the CLK55, but after driving around my S600 vs. the S55, I reiterate that the AMGs just drive differently and sportier vs. comfy. I'm not saying it's better...just saying I enjoy the shifting/sound of the AMGs more.

As for betrezra, you already have C63 so just enjoy the CLK55. After all, for the $15k-20k more for the CLK63, just invest that wisely and you could get yourself a nice 2008 S63 in two yrs to add to your stable

PL

betrezra

bz - in 2 yrs it'll be clk63bs or p-car TT ....... depending on whether a stork pays a visit