Hey guys, I apologize if this is the wrong place to post this, but since it covers both W208 and 209, it seemed better to post here than the w208 or 209 coupes page.

I am considering buying a CLK Mercedes, I love the way they look. I test drove one (01 CLK 430 W208) a few years ago but I never bought it, I wanted a lower mileage car(140k, with no records or receipts). Well the time has come and I can afford to buy one with significantly lower miles. The lower, the better. I have another car to drive too, so this will be the weekend car/project.

Questions

1. I see people modify the CLK430 and the CLK55, is the CLK55 that much better? I would eventually like to install the Renntech supercharger (I already started researching supporting mods, etc) I do understand the CLK55 is an AMG car though, and has more power, better suspension, etc. I don't believe my HP goals are unrealistic. I want a car that will throw you in the seat hard. Maybe 4-500hp? Maybe 10% of the time the car will be on a drag strip.

2. As far as reliability, cost and availability of parts, and response to aftermarket parts, would I be better off going with the W208 chassis, or the W209? What are some common problems to look for? I have been looking for a CLK55 buyers guide but haven't found one yet.

3. I'm having the hardest time deciding between coupe and convertible. I know its really just an opinion but I almost lost sleep over it. lol. I live in Pennsylvania so the convertible feature would only be nice 4 months out of the year. but those 4 months, would be 5x better with no roof.. nice car ripping through town. I have another car to drive so I am leaning towards convertible. If it was my everyday driver I would choose the coupe. Help me decide!


Thank you for your time.

 

Hi Todd. I just bought a low mileage W208 CLK55 AMG cab (which means it's a 2002). I love it. Even though you live in PA, I'd still get the cab. With the top up, it's nice and quiet inside and it stays warm with it's well insulated top. I went with the AMG because I like that it's a bit more unique. The 430 is great, but the 55 is special in my mind simply because it's an AMG car. The price is a bit higher, but if your budget will support it, I'd go with an AMG cab. I'm not going to mod mine as I also am fortunate enough to have other cars, so I don't need this one to be any faster than it is.

 

The AMG has a manual mode for the transmission. Decides it for me.

A convertible isn't for when it is hot. A convertible is actually nicest to have when it is a bit cooler in spring and fall. You have lots of heating blowing from the engine. It's more like being around a campfire. You don't do that when it's hot anyway. But if you enjoy that kind of thing you will significantly extend you fresh air hours per year with the convertible.

You say that you will kick the car, so that probably means the 430 will be too lame and the 55 will make you poor. Tracking these can be very expensive.

 

If you want a 55, you may not be satisfied making due with a 430. And if its speed you’re interested in, the 430 is a second choice. The 55 is faster. Noticeably faster. You’re starting with an engine that is over 25% larger and has over 25% more torque. And it has more aggressive cams, giving it a better top end. And more aggressive TCU programming. And better brakes. And a better suspension. And the optional 430 seats come standard in a 55. Even the CLK500 is faster than a 430. Of course, the 550 is faster than the 500.

I don’t know about a W208 buyers guide, but this has a lot of info. I had the same thing for the W209, but took it down due to a lack of interest (people weren’t reading it). Maybe we’ll run something in the Southwest Star.

55 issues? If you’re ready to install a blower, there’s nothing intimidating about a stock 55. The M113 is a very reliable engine.

Functionally, the W209 has better steering. Stopping distance wise, the W208 had better brakes than the early W209. The later W209 had better brakes than the W208. You can’t tell the difference among any of their brakes in the basic day to day commute. I’ve driven both at Willow, both cars handle well for a GT. If you want to go fast out of the box, and you want a convertible, a CLK63 may be what you are looking for. There are issues with the 63, but it is quite a bit faster than a stock 55.

 

the 63 will be what he wants with i believe 500 hp and an open top. you can find one for 30K the w208 may only cost you 10-15K but you will spend another 10-15K to make it go like a 63. I love my w208 430 soon to be 55 I also bought it 10 years ago so it a little different for me. If i had to do it over right now with the price of the CLK63 where it is I would get a 63 and there aren't a lot of people that love the w208 as much as I do.

 

Thanks a lot for the insight guys. Based on what I've heard so far, I'm looking for either a W208 or W209 CLK55 cabriolet. I plan to lower it and do a few things to the engine, lowered convertibles have some sort of appeal to them. Don't know why. Here's a picture that I like:

 

Wheres that 400-500hp Todd?