2004 Clk 55 Amg
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SL500
2004 Clk 55 Amg
Hi everyone,
I currently own a 2002 CLK 320 and am considering upgrading to a CLK 55 AMG. I have another year left on my lease but am ready for the AMG experience. I've driven the car a couple of times (twice and the dealership and at the AMG Challenge) and like it.
Just recently I have read that the C-class will be fitted with the same V8 engine as the CLK. As most of you probably know the current C32 can be had for under $50,000. The CLK, equiped the way I want, will run around $73,000. My question is will AMG be increasing power/torque for the CLK? Will this happen with the facelift? When do you think this will take place?
Honestly, I am having a hard time justifying $70,000 plus for the current CLK especially after driving the E55 & SL55. I'm leaning towards keeping my car, which still gives me great pleasure, and releasing it for another 6-12 months depending on what moves AMG is going to make. I welcome your opinions.
I currently own a 2002 CLK 320 and am considering upgrading to a CLK 55 AMG. I have another year left on my lease but am ready for the AMG experience. I've driven the car a couple of times (twice and the dealership and at the AMG Challenge) and like it.
Just recently I have read that the C-class will be fitted with the same V8 engine as the CLK. As most of you probably know the current C32 can be had for under $50,000. The CLK, equiped the way I want, will run around $73,000. My question is will AMG be increasing power/torque for the CLK? Will this happen with the facelift? When do you think this will take place?
Honestly, I am having a hard time justifying $70,000 plus for the current CLK especially after driving the E55 & SL55. I'm leaning towards keeping my car, which still gives me great pleasure, and releasing it for another 6-12 months depending on what moves AMG is going to make. I welcome your opinions.
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A bucket on wheels
id consider waiting another 8-12 months until the C55 amg comes out because you are right, its going to have the same power as the clk55 for around 20g's less. If you prefer the look of the Clk more which im sure you do and you dont midn spending the extra 20g's then why not? if you can afford it enjoy it. 70g's for the clk55 and around 80g's for the E55, worst comes to worst, if the C55 comes out and you dont like it, try and save an extra 15g's or so and get the E55
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SL500
The C55 is out of the question for me, no disrespect to the c-class but it's just to small for my taste. I know that sounds foolish since the CLK is based on the C but the CLK is just a much better fit for me. I can't believe that AMG isn't going to step it up a notch in regards to the CLK. Time will tell.
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From: Hotlanta
AMG
Originally posted by Micah
Now that the S Class-platform cars have the 65 engine, they need to stop holding the CLK down and put the 5.4L kompressor engine into it.
Now that the S Class-platform cars have the 65 engine, they need to stop holding the CLK down and put the 5.4L kompressor engine into it.
From what I've read, the U.S. market will only be getting the CL65....not the S65. Any truth to this?
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From: Treasure Coast
2018 Mclaren 720s, 2021 Aston Martin DBX
Don't expect the c55 to be 20k less than a clk55. A base price v6 comparison comes in at about a $7600 difference...the price for coupe styling.
What's interesting is the e55 is only about $7600 more than the clk55.
I thought it was surprising that the 208-55 started out as the fastest car in the MB lineup. That wont happen again as the times go down as the hp ratings and prices go up and follow the pricing structure of all the models.
What's interesting is the e55 is only about $7600 more than the clk55.
I thought it was surprising that the 208-55 started out as the fastest car in the MB lineup. That wont happen again as the times go down as the hp ratings and prices go up and follow the pricing structure of all the models.
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SL500
Off the MBUSA website, all AMG cars (excludes 65's), base price, 0-60 mph:
C - $52,120 4.9
CLK - $70,620 5.0
E - $78,370 4.5
S - $110,130 4.6
SL - $120,470 4.5
As can be seen, the S & SL are slower/same as the E to 60 with a minimum $31,760 price difference. Slowest to fastest is .5 difference.
My point is, I don't think AMG is as concerned as people may think about which one of their cars is fastest.
C - $52,120 4.9
CLK - $70,620 5.0
E - $78,370 4.5
S - $110,130 4.6
SL - $120,470 4.5
As can be seen, the S & SL are slower/same as the E to 60 with a minimum $31,760 price difference. Slowest to fastest is .5 difference.
My point is, I don't think AMG is as concerned as people may think about which one of their cars is fastest.
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From: Connecticut
2003 C32 AMG
yeah... I brought the same discussion up in the C32 forum
I cant see AMG not putting the kompressor V8 in the CLK, when the C55 is released. especially when the current CLK 55 is 20k more than the C32. That was my dilema when I chose the C32 over the 55. I couldnt justify the extra 20k for it . And now if you look at the C55 it has dual exhaust. of course they should offer the same to the new clk55. I just think with the introduction of the C55, they have to change the CLK55 to justify its 20k plus price tag.
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From: Atlanta, GA
Originally posted by MBZman
My point is, I don't think AMG is as concerned as people may think about which one of their cars is fastest.
My point is, I don't think AMG is as concerned as people may think about which one of their cars is fastest.
Then why did MB significantly reduce the engine's output on the E55K? There is no other reason for detuning the engine on one model.
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SL500
Micah, perhaps your correct but they still boasted it as being the fastest MB 4-door in history.
I think we have to decipher between speed 0-60, 0-100 etc. and power: hp/torque. It would seem speed is not a concern for AMG but hp/torque ratings are, hence detuning the E55. Following that assumption it is only logical that changes to the CLK are inevitable.
I think we have to decipher between speed 0-60, 0-100 etc. and power: hp/torque. It would seem speed is not a concern for AMG but hp/torque ratings are, hence detuning the E55. Following that assumption it is only logical that changes to the CLK are inevitable.
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From: Charlotte, NC
2000 CLK430
they didnt detune the E55, it has been dynoed stock as having over 500hp....they just rated it different from the factory so people would be able to justify spending so much more on the S, CL, and SL.
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From: Oxford, Pa
03 CLK55
I'll be seriously pissed off if they restyle/supercharge the CLK55...
What, with the 209 having just come out in 2003, I'd hope that it will stay the same for a few years at least. Let's say they supercharge the CLK55 for 2005. That'd be great for new buyers, but the current owners like myself would be hosed. It's like that computer commercial where a guy is driving a convertible, with his brand-new-still-in-box "G5" computer under his arm. He's beeming with pride and anticipation, only to see a roadside billboard where the "G5" is being replaced by the "G6" and the guy is crestfallen. It would be the same thing. People would be pulling out of the MB dealership with their brand new 04 CLK55, only to see a newer version pulling in on the transporter. Our cars would forever be known as the gimp model. I can see it now... I'll be pulling up to the gas pumps, and someone's going to say "WOW!!! a CLK55 AMG!!! That car's so awesome!", and then after he or she asks what year it is, "oh... ahhh... it's a really nice car... ah, uhmn I have to go floss the dog..." . As I mentioned in another thread, I suffer from LGS, "Latest, Greatest Syndrome", and that would really bite if my car becomes the "old one" after only two years. They waited four years to change the 208, so I hope we'll get that much at least. Well, please excuse my rant, but with my CLK only being 7 months old, I hate to think that it's "old" already...
Best regards,
Matt
Best regards,
Matt
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SL500
Although current CLK owners would be upset, I can't see MB coming out with a C55 with the same engine, quicker 0-60 time that costs $20,000 less than the CLK. As I said in early posts I was contemplating dumping my CLK320 and picking up an AMG but at this point - no way, I'm waiting to see how everything plays out.
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From: Hotlanta
AMG
"Karnack the Magnificent's" prediction for the future CLK55 powerplant... 
When the next re-style of the CLK55 comes, they will retain the V8 configuration (non-supercharged). However, power will be boosted through the use of 4-valve technology and push near 400hp. It will be an 'evolution' of the current 5439 engine....possibly with an even slightly larger displacement.
AMG will use this future 4-valve engine in the C, CLK and SLK models. This will keep costs down and still provide 'adequate' power for the mid-line Mercerdes-Benz series.
(taking off turbin now.....)
When the next re-style of the CLK55 comes, they will retain the V8 configuration (non-supercharged). However, power will be boosted through the use of 4-valve technology and push near 400hp. It will be an 'evolution' of the current 5439 engine....possibly with an even slightly larger displacement.
AMG will use this future 4-valve engine in the C, CLK and SLK models. This will keep costs down and still provide 'adequate' power for the mid-line Mercerdes-Benz series.
(taking off turbin now.....)
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From: Atlanta, GA
Originally posted by Chappy
"Karnack the Magnificent's" prediction for the future CLK55 powerplant...
When the next re-style of the CLK55 comes, they will retain the V8 configuration (non-supercharged). However, power will be boosted through the use of 4-valve technology and push near 400hp. It will be an 'evolution' of the current 5439 engine....possibly with an even slightly larger displacement.
AMG will use this future 4-valve engine in the C, CLK and SLK models. This will keep costs down and still provide 'adequate' power for the mid-line Mercerdes-Benz series.
(taking off turbin now.....)
"Karnack the Magnificent's" prediction for the future CLK55 powerplant...
When the next re-style of the CLK55 comes, they will retain the V8 configuration (non-supercharged). However, power will be boosted through the use of 4-valve technology and push near 400hp. It will be an 'evolution' of the current 5439 engine....possibly with an even slightly larger displacement.
AMG will use this future 4-valve engine in the C, CLK and SLK models. This will keep costs down and still provide 'adequate' power for the mid-line Mercerdes-Benz series.
(taking off turbin now.....)
That would be good, especially if they develop some variable timing to go with those valves, like their German and Japanese competition have been using. A good dose of VVT should be good for over 400hp NA.
