06SL500AMG

I am debating which convertible to go for next? I haven't had my SL long and I love the car except for my fear of the ABC going out. Question is if I replace it what's the best car to go to that isn't overly complicated? I am debating an 09+ Z4 (hardtop), M3, or a CLK. Is the suspension under the CLK55 normal or is it airmatic or hydraulic? Other than that what should I be worried about on the 55? An SLK might be a possibility, but I'm not sure if I like the style of them seeing as how I am a guy (no offense to anyone). Our friends have a CLK500 that I am in love with, but performance wise it's lacking. It seems as if the engine is going to die out of first gear.

betrezra

Check out a clk63 .... Sleeper of a car . Can be had for 30k

06SL500AMG

I did search for those, but the only one with everything on it was for sale by a private owner. The bad part about that is that I'd have to sell my SL outright. What's the difference between the 55 and the 63?

tw2

Standard coil springs. Difference is 80kw and the 63 has 2 extra gears and paddles.

Can you not replace the abc with standard coils like you can with the e55's airmatic?

06SL500AMG

You can, but the car won't be right after that in a sense. I dislike the idea of aftermarket stuff on a car.

06SL500AMG

If that's what it takes then I guess that's the only route other than dumping money into a system is is likely to fail again.

tasho3

I have a feeling if you drive an SLK55 you'll be sold on it! I miss mine! One of most fun cars to have. I see so many cars working at my job (Sales associate at Exotic Motors) and yet the SLK55 gets me going every time we get one in! If not that, than go with a CLK63

tw2

Obviously this is only my point of view but I personally wouldn't care. I like tasteful mods that improve a car without hugely sacrificing something for something else. I doubt anyone in the w211 E55 section has the slightest regret from switching to coils when the airmatic broke. There will of course be some suspension buttons which no longer function but as long as the car is recoded for steel suspension it wont know the difference.

I like the SL but I wouldn't get one unless there was a aftermarket alternative to the suspension. CLK550 is a very similar alternative to the CLK55 performance wise, there are differences but you will quickly know which one is better for you. SLK55 is definitely a fantastic car, why did you sell yours tasho? Needing more than 2 seats?

Redcab

I've seen 3 selling (or sold) for $30K since last fall. The more typical price is in the high 30's for a 1 owner clean CLK 63. That being said, I very much enjoy mine.

These decisions are far too subjective for me to say the CLK would be better for you than some of the fine alternatives out there...but speaking for myself, I envy no one on the road. The CLK is my perfect fit.

waveterrorist

I have seen some fully loaded, nav, lights, keyless go, ventilated, remote closer in the mid 20's.

There are countless differences between the 55 and the 550

goatfarmer1970

I love my CLK55 and think it makes a great muscle car cruiser, but for not much more money you can get the bigger motor and 7-speed transmission with paddles. I am not an expert, but I love the basic chassis so much (and feel like it wins hands-down in the category of 4-seat convertibles for reasonable money).