Funny Story and a Question
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
Funny Story and a Question
I have been searching for a 01 02 AMG 55 for a month now. Started with the E55 but then I drove the CLK55 Coupe and fell in love with the coupe. I decided to try out a convertable and here was one near by a CLK430 for sale at a KEA dealer.
I go there and they cannot find the 430 but there is am identical CLK55 there. Silver drop top. So I thought I got confused and looked at the wrong one online. I take this CLK55 for a drive. The sales guy takes me to some back roads and I drive it hard. It was fast. The other 55s I test drove I didn't really has a chance to drive hard.
Then we lowered the top and it was just so much fun to go fast with the top down. I am so torn between the lighter prettier coupe vs having an AMG convertible.
The car was fast. I dont remember if the speedo said amg, I rememeber the engine cover didn't say AMG.
He outside said CLK55 AMG and it had the kit and the rims.
We go inside to negotiate. They pull the carfax everything looks good. He finds out the car is in their other inventory list so he calls the manager there. Asking price is $17000. He's talking to the manager on the phone I hear $13500.
I start to get really excited when I noticed the carfax says CLK430. He gets off the phone apologizes and tells me it is a 430 with the badges changed. I asked why would anyone do that? He said previous owner did. I laughed offered $10000 and left.
The 55 has 70hp and 80 tourqe more than the 430. You look at the 0-60 and it's a second difference. I did not notice a difference. The 430 was fast, not sure the mods.
Question
Does that tinny difference in speed really justify the 55 price tag vs getting an easier to find cheaper 430?
I go there and they cannot find the 430 but there is am identical CLK55 there. Silver drop top. So I thought I got confused and looked at the wrong one online. I take this CLK55 for a drive. The sales guy takes me to some back roads and I drive it hard. It was fast. The other 55s I test drove I didn't really has a chance to drive hard.
Then we lowered the top and it was just so much fun to go fast with the top down. I am so torn between the lighter prettier coupe vs having an AMG convertible.
The car was fast. I dont remember if the speedo said amg, I rememeber the engine cover didn't say AMG.
He outside said CLK55 AMG and it had the kit and the rims.
We go inside to negotiate. They pull the carfax everything looks good. He finds out the car is in their other inventory list so he calls the manager there. Asking price is $17000. He's talking to the manager on the phone I hear $13500.
I start to get really excited when I noticed the carfax says CLK430. He gets off the phone apologizes and tells me it is a 430 with the badges changed. I asked why would anyone do that? He said previous owner did. I laughed offered $10000 and left.
The 55 has 70hp and 80 tourqe more than the 430. You look at the 0-60 and it's a second difference. I did not notice a difference. The 430 was fast, not sure the mods.
Question
Does that tinny difference in speed really justify the 55 price tag vs getting an easier to find cheaper 430?
Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 125
Likes: 1
W209 2003 CLK55 Coupe
The trunk badge was probably added because the previous owner was a poser.
As I understand it, W208's did not have the AMG engine badge. The badge started with the W209 chassis, which is from 2003 and on.
Always look at the front calipers for the AMG emblem to identify a real AMG. Wheels mean nothing. Anyone can replace the original wheels with AMG wheels to try to fool you.
As I understand it, W208's did not have the AMG engine badge. The badge started with the W209 chassis, which is from 2003 and on.
Always look at the front calipers for the AMG emblem to identify a real AMG. Wheels mean nothing. Anyone can replace the original wheels with AMG wheels to try to fool you.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,784
Likes: 84
From: SCV SoCal
2002 CLK430
There’s a bit more to it than just the engine and access to the private lounge. There is the AMG spec transmission, rear diff, shocks, springs, wheels, brakes, front/rear sway bars, oil cooler, and exhaust.
Here are some W208 AMG links -
- Press specs
- 2001 Press Release
- 2002 Press info
- All the specs, available equipment, and prices for the 2002 model year
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 329
Likes: 28
From: Virginia, USA
2005 c230
The trunk badge was probably added because the previous owner was a poser.
As I understand it, W208's did not have the AMG engine badge. The badge started with the W209 chassis, which is from 2003 and on.
Always look at the front calipers for the AMG emblem to identify a real AMG. Wheels mean nothing. Anyone can replace the original wheels with AMG wheels to try to fool you.
As I understand it, W208's did not have the AMG engine badge. The badge started with the W209 chassis, which is from 2003 and on.
Always look at the front calipers for the AMG emblem to identify a real AMG. Wheels mean nothing. Anyone can replace the original wheels with AMG wheels to try to fool you.
To the original poster: If you thought that 430 was fast, you need to go try a CLK55..make sure you listen to the intake and exhaust sounds too. I think you will understand why you will not go back to even considering a 430. Also, since the convertible version is heavier, some really want the additional power of the 55's motor.
That said..if you want the lower price of the 430..it's a GREAT car. However..just DONT go test drive a CLK55 first. :-)
Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 132
Likes: 0
From: SOMD
2001 CLK55 AMG
Agreed with all above. The 55 is great. The engine is an absolute gem. It's unfortunate that people like to badge the non AMG cars as such. People drive them looking for something magical to happen, and it doesn't. It just hurts the brand's image for some.
However there is enough difference to justify hunting down a proper AMG. Maintenance costs are going to be similar to the 430 with only AMG specific stuff likely to cost extra. If you do your own work, and stay ahead of the curve on maintenance it will be as reliable as any performance car you can find, and not for outrageous amounts of money.
However there is enough difference to justify hunting down a proper AMG. Maintenance costs are going to be similar to the 430 with only AMG specific stuff likely to cost extra. If you do your own work, and stay ahead of the curve on maintenance it will be as reliable as any performance car you can find, and not for outrageous amounts of money.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,974
Likes: 5
From: Southern California
2017 W205 C43 AMG
I've owned a 2002 CLK430 and now a 2004 CLK55. The 55 engine produces noticeably more HP, Torque and acceleration. I felt the CLK430 power was adequte, but the CLK55 power is amazing, and has kept my interest in the car.
Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 125
Likes: 1
W209 2003 CLK55 Coupe
My 2002 CLK55 Convertible most certainly has the AMG badge on the engine cover and on the Speedo.
To the original poster: If you thought that 430 was fast, you need to go try a CLK55..make sure you listen to the intake and exhaust sounds too. I think you will understand why you will not go back to even considering a 430. Also, since the convertible version is heavier, some really want the additional power of the 55's motor.
That said..if you want the lower price of the 430..it's a GREAT car. However..just DONT go test drive a CLK55 first. :-)
To the original poster: If you thought that 430 was fast, you need to go try a CLK55..make sure you listen to the intake and exhaust sounds too. I think you will understand why you will not go back to even considering a 430. Also, since the convertible version is heavier, some really want the additional power of the 55's motor.
That said..if you want the lower price of the 430..it's a GREAT car. However..just DONT go test drive a CLK55 first. :-)
Trending Topics
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,894
Likes: 8
From: Connecticut
2003 CLK55
I leased a W208 CLK430 and now have a W209 CLK55. The AMG just brings more to the table!
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
