CLK55 AMG or BMW M3??
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Joined: Apr 2012
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From: Downers Grove, IL
2003 BMW M3
CLK55 AMG or BMW M3??
Hey all, this is my first thread here. I have a feeling I know where this is going to go, but hey it is good to get all opinions. Here is what is up:
I currently drive a 2003 E46 M3. I absolutely love the car, and it has driven flawless for 94K miles. However, the CLK has been growing on me quite a bit in the last few months. Growing to the point where I was thinking of selling the M and getting the CLK55.
I know the M3 inside and out, but do not know much about the CLK. Could I get some opinions from you all here, for instance why the CLK would be a good pick.
Thanks in advance for any opinions.
Here is my M3.
I currently drive a 2003 E46 M3. I absolutely love the car, and it has driven flawless for 94K miles. However, the CLK has been growing on me quite a bit in the last few months. Growing to the point where I was thinking of selling the M and getting the CLK55.
I know the M3 inside and out, but do not know much about the CLK. Could I get some opinions from you all here, for instance why the CLK would be a good pick.
Thanks in advance for any opinions.
Here is my M3.
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Joined: Feb 2008
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From: PA
09 CLK550
When I was getting rid of my C-coupe a year ago I looked at 330Ci's and E46 M3's but found them far too common around here. I honestly see 2-4 M3's every single day. Finding an unmolested one in your body style is very difficult as well.
I think if I could have found a nice example I could have been happy with the M3 but that never happened before I found my CLK55. The big MB V8 is very different from the BMW I6 I drove.
Otherwise they're very similar cars.
I'd suggest you go drive one. Any year for the covertible, but you'll want a 2005 or newer coupe for the quad pipes and upgraded brakes
Very clean M3 btw. Do the rear windows roll down? I noticed some of the 3 series coupes do, some don't. I love the pilarless design of the CLK with the windows down.
[edit]
I would also add that the CLK is basically 'dead'. The E-class coupe replaced it and there won't be another one. Any you find are probably going to be out of warranty (there are some small 'known issues' with the 55 AMG engine, nothing serious). I see you do some serious mods and there some out there for the CLK, but nowhere near as much as the 3-series.
I plan on keeping mine for awhile unless I come across a CLK63 Black, otherwise there's nothing else that really interests me like the CLK did before I bought it.
I think if I could have found a nice example I could have been happy with the M3 but that never happened before I found my CLK55. The big MB V8 is very different from the BMW I6 I drove.
Otherwise they're very similar cars.
I'd suggest you go drive one. Any year for the covertible, but you'll want a 2005 or newer coupe for the quad pipes and upgraded brakes
Very clean M3 btw. Do the rear windows roll down? I noticed some of the 3 series coupes do, some don't. I love the pilarless design of the CLK with the windows down.
[edit]
I would also add that the CLK is basically 'dead'. The E-class coupe replaced it and there won't be another one. Any you find are probably going to be out of warranty (there are some small 'known issues' with the 55 AMG engine, nothing serious). I see you do some serious mods and there some out there for the CLK, but nowhere near as much as the 3-series.
I plan on keeping mine for awhile unless I come across a CLK63 Black, otherwise there's nothing else that really interests me like the CLK did before I bought it.
Last edited by ambit; Apr 7, 2012 at 11:10 PM.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 13
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From: Downers Grove, IL
2003 BMW M3
When I was getting rid of my C-coupe a year ago I looked at 330Ci's and E46 M3's but found them far too common around here. I honestly see 2-4 M3's every single day. Finding an unmolested one in your body style is very difficult as well.
I think if I could have found a nice example I could have been happy with the M3 but that never happened before I found my CLK55. The big MB V8 is very different from the BMW I6 I drove.
Otherwise they're very similar cars.
I'd suggest you go drive one. Any year for the covertible, but you'll want a 2005 or newer coupe for the quad pipes and upgraded brakes
Very clean M3 btw. Do the rear windows roll down? I noticed some of the 3 series coupes do, some don't. I love the pilarless design of the CLK with the windows down.
[edit]
I would also add that the CLK is basically 'dead'. The E-class coupe replaced it and there won't be another one. Any you find are probably going to be out of warranty (there are some small 'known issues' with the 55 AMG engine, nothing serious). I see you do some serious mods and there some out there for the CLK, but nowhere near as much as the 3-series.
I plan on keeping mine for awhile unless I come across a CLK63 Black, otherwise there's nothing else that really interests me like the CLK did before I bought it.
I think if I could have found a nice example I could have been happy with the M3 but that never happened before I found my CLK55. The big MB V8 is very different from the BMW I6 I drove.
Otherwise they're very similar cars.
I'd suggest you go drive one. Any year for the covertible, but you'll want a 2005 or newer coupe for the quad pipes and upgraded brakes
Very clean M3 btw. Do the rear windows roll down? I noticed some of the 3 series coupes do, some don't. I love the pilarless design of the CLK with the windows down.
[edit]
I would also add that the CLK is basically 'dead'. The E-class coupe replaced it and there won't be another one. Any you find are probably going to be out of warranty (there are some small 'known issues' with the 55 AMG engine, nothing serious). I see you do some serious mods and there some out there for the CLK, but nowhere near as much as the 3-series.
I plan on keeping mine for awhile unless I come across a CLK63 Black, otherwise there's nothing else that really interests me like the CLK did before I bought it.
I do like the interior of the CLK better than the M, it seems a little more plush and refined. The M feels like a racecar. I will definitely tryto find one to drive before I buy.
I have done quite a bit of research, seems that folks who have driven both say the BMW is a better handling machine. On the other side, the MB will out motor it without a second thought. I guess what lacks on one makes up on the other.
As far as the 3 series goes, all the windows roll out unless you get a vert (I believe).
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2015.5 Volvo V60 Polestar
I loved my M3. I had a 2001 Steel Gray 6-speed manual.
Great car, fast, great mileage, handled great,, visited the shop a couple times but nothing major. The M3 is still one of my favorites that I have owned.
With that said, I like the CLK55 better. My CLK55 IMO is more stunning than my M3, and is just fun as hell to drive. Being bias to the V8, the sound is fantastic, and so is the instant power. Just love this car. So much I am on my second CLK55, and bought a ML55 as a daily driver. This coming from an ex-M guy has to say something.
My M3.
My CLK55
Great car, fast, great mileage, handled great,, visited the shop a couple times but nothing major. The M3 is still one of my favorites that I have owned.
With that said, I like the CLK55 better. My CLK55 IMO is more stunning than my M3, and is just fun as hell to drive. Being bias to the V8, the sound is fantastic, and so is the instant power. Just love this car. So much I am on my second CLK55, and bought a ML55 as a daily driver. This coming from an ex-M guy has to say something.
My M3.
My CLK55
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From: A Canadian in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
'05 C200K SS, '05 Kleemann CLK500K, '08 Hummer H3 & '92 Z34 5sp (track car in Canada)
I loved my M3. I had a 2001 Steel Gray 6-speed manual.
Great car, fast, great mileage, handled great,, visited the shop a couple times but nothing major. The M3 is still one of my favorites that I have owned.
With that said, I like the CLK55 better. My CLK55 IMO is more stunning than my M3, and is just fun as hell to drive. Being bias to the V8, the sound is fantastic, and so is the instant power. Just love this car. So much I am on my second CLK55, and bought a ML55 as a daily driver. This coming from an ex-M guy has to say something.
Great car, fast, great mileage, handled great,, visited the shop a couple times but nothing major. The M3 is still one of my favorites that I have owned.
With that said, I like the CLK55 better. My CLK55 IMO is more stunning than my M3, and is just fun as hell to drive. Being bias to the V8, the sound is fantastic, and so is the instant power. Just love this car. So much I am on my second CLK55, and bought a ML55 as a daily driver. This coming from an ex-M guy has to say something.
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clk63 black series
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 302
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From: CA
E63 M157
Love the E46 ///M, I still may buy one, just that I'm scared of all the potential problems I might come across with.
The CLK55 will be a better DD with a little more refined interior, low end torque from the V8 vs high revving S54, automatic vs jerky (& problematic
) SMG. The CLK is more of a German muscle car if you think about it when compared to a E46 M which is more race car like with the fantastic handling & high revving engine it has. You would have to sacrifice the M3's handling though. Me personally, I like to experience all the worthy cars from imports, to muscle & euro. Especially now that you can pick up a W209 CLK55 for around $15-20k, if you don't like it you can just sell it back out
The CLK55 will be a better DD with a little more refined interior, low end torque from the V8 vs high revving S54, automatic vs jerky (& problematic
) SMG. The CLK is more of a German muscle car if you think about it when compared to a E46 M which is more race car like with the fantastic handling & high revving engine it has. You would have to sacrifice the M3's handling though. Me personally, I like to experience all the worthy cars from imports, to muscle & euro. Especially now that you can pick up a W209 CLK55 for around $15-20k, if you don't like it you can just sell it back out
Last edited by BiturboSF; Apr 8, 2012 at 09:11 PM.
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2015.5 Volvo V60 Polestar
Thanks, however the M3 was 11 years ago. That is a pic of my 2001 M3 in 2001. About 30 cars separate that M3 and my current CLK55.
OP, just realized your in my neck of the woods. I'll keep an eye out for your car.
That is a pic of my 2001 M3 in 2001. About 30 cars separate that M3 and my current CLK55.OP, just realized your in my neck of the woods. I'll keep an eye out for your car.
Last edited by Nachtsturm; Apr 8, 2012 at 09:57 PM.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2012
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From: Downers Grove, IL
2003 BMW M3
Wow, thanks for all the input guys. I also appreciate all the compliments on my M3. It has been my baby, as I have put quite a bit of time and money into it.
I also appreciate the honesty in the answers. Most BMW guys would shun the Benz, because they are die hard BMW guys. You all seem to have the respect for it, but in the same are loyal to your machines.
Well, I found an '05 and I am going to drive it tomorrow after work. We shall see how it goes. It is a silver one, and I really want black. However at least I will know what I am getting into. I also like red but only found 1, on ebay. I am not big into buying sight unseen so I believe that will be out of the question. Guess if I do go this route, I can always sell the M outright, and fly wherever to get it.
Again, thanks for all the advice and please do not hesitate to leave more.
PS, most I am finding are in the 60-80K mile range. Anything to specifically watch for with this amount of miles. Most MB guys use to say they weren't even broken in until 100K. I think it was mentioned above, most e46 M3's you find now are ragged. I do not want to sell this one I have taken care of to get a ragged out vehicle.
I also appreciate the honesty in the answers. Most BMW guys would shun the Benz, because they are die hard BMW guys. You all seem to have the respect for it, but in the same are loyal to your machines.
Well, I found an '05 and I am going to drive it tomorrow after work. We shall see how it goes. It is a silver one, and I really want black. However at least I will know what I am getting into. I also like red but only found 1, on ebay. I am not big into buying sight unseen so I believe that will be out of the question. Guess if I do go this route, I can always sell the M outright, and fly wherever to get it.
Again, thanks for all the advice and please do not hesitate to leave more.
PS, most I am finding are in the 60-80K mile range. Anything to specifically watch for with this amount of miles. Most MB guys use to say they weren't even broken in until 100K. I think it was mentioned above, most e46 M3's you find now are ragged. I do not want to sell this one I have taken care of to get a ragged out vehicle.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2012
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From: Downers Grove, IL
2003 BMW M3
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From: Syosset, NY
CLK & GL
sick m3, i like the way you went about modding it, its a real clean look.
A CLK55 would be a great buy, especially if you can find an 05 with the quad tip exhaust or an 06 with the newer taillights. Or you can always look into an 07+ clk550
A CLK55 would be a great buy, especially if you can find an 05 with the quad tip exhaust or an 06 with the newer taillights. Or you can always look into an 07+ clk550
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From: Downers Grove, IL
2003 BMW M3
Thanks for the compliment. I am looking at a bunch. Seems these are a little harder to find than I thought.
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2015.5 Volvo V60 Polestar
BTW, the 05's are the cream of the crop when it comes to W209 CLK55's. Many upgrades. And only 247 were made.
https://mbworld.org/forums/clk55-amg...n-04-05-a.html
Follow the link in that thread, it will list all the differnces for the 05.
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2015.5 Volvo V60 Polestar
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: A Canadian in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
'05 C200K SS, '05 Kleemann CLK500K, '08 Hummer H3 & '92 Z34 5sp (track car in Canada)
J/k, everyone here knows that if I ever find a '05 CLK55 white on black I will have it on a boat bound for Dubai in a heartbeat and swap everything from my 500 over to it.
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'05 CLK55, '04 CLK320
That red one from florida is nice. If I was to buy a clk sight unseen it would be that one. The leather seats look untouched and the mileage is super low. Just by seeing pics of that car online you can tell it was well kept. That car is clean clean clean. Looks as though they want to let it go for above bluebook value
Found a white one with 67K on it!!!
