CLK55 AMG (W209) any niggles ?
CLK55 AMG (W209) any niggles ?
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,894
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From: Connecticut
2003 CLK55
Whats a niggle??
If you mean problem, then I guess I would say the radio sucks. No highs, no lows, and I'm too nervous to let anyone mess with it.
I only have 5,00 miles on mine right now so haven't had enought time for problems to develop , yet!
I love this beast!!!
If you mean problem, then I guess I would say the radio sucks. No highs, no lows, and I'm too nervous to let anyone mess with it.
I only have 5,00 miles on mine right now so haven't had enought time for problems to develop , yet!
I love this beast!!!
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: UK Manchester
04 CLK55
I think problem is the wrong word. I mean something that isnt a fault but you would like changed.
For example, on my M3:
1. the SMG gearbox can get you into trouble if you use auto mode and need the power between shifts.
2. the ride quality is harsh (19" wheels) but awesome handling
3. the engine is moody when cold and the exhaust note only sound good over 4000 revs
4. the door pockets scuff easily as you get out
5. the door handles are stiff
6. SMG gear box sometimes makes a clunking noise
7. 6 disc changer is in the boot
not problems but niggles.
Cheers
Paul
For example, on my M3:
1. the SMG gearbox can get you into trouble if you use auto mode and need the power between shifts.
2. the ride quality is harsh (19" wheels) but awesome handling
3. the engine is moody when cold and the exhaust note only sound good over 4000 revs
4. the door pockets scuff easily as you get out
5. the door handles are stiff
6. SMG gear box sometimes makes a clunking noise
7. 6 disc changer is in the boot
not problems but niggles.
Cheers
Paul
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 47
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From: Los Angeles, CA
'02 BMW M3 convertible
Niggles
re your question and your quote about the M3:
"2. the ride quality is harsh but awesome handling".
I traded my '02 M3 for an '04 CLK55, and I think you will definitely miss the "handling" of your M3.
The CLK handling is much softer than I expected, although the ride is definitely more comfortable. I really felt in control of the M3. You're right -- "awesome"!
I was also surprised to find that BMW had a number of more thoughtful driver conveniences (e.g. storage space in the cabin) than the MBZ.
"2. the ride quality is harsh but awesome handling".
I traded my '02 M3 for an '04 CLK55, and I think you will definitely miss the "handling" of your M3.
The CLK handling is much softer than I expected, although the ride is definitely more comfortable. I really felt in control of the M3. You're right -- "awesome"!
I was also surprised to find that BMW had a number of more thoughtful driver conveniences (e.g. storage space in the cabin) than the MBZ.
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 52
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From: UK Manchester
04 CLK55
Re: Niggles
Originally posted by lucycat
I traded my '02 M3 for an '04 CLK55, and I think you will definitely miss the "handling" of your M3.
I traded my '02 M3 for an '04 CLK55, and I think you will definitely miss the "handling" of your M3.
Which engine do you prefer ?
Did you have SMG ? If so, do you prefer the MB paddleshifts ?
Are you intending to go back to the M3 ?
Cheers
Paul
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Almost a Member!
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 47
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From: Los Angeles, CA
'02 BMW M3 convertible
M3 vs. CLK55
Hi Paul -- to answer your questions:
<< So which do you prefer ? the M3's sharper handling or the CLK55's softer ride ? >>
A hard question. I miss the driving experience and responsiveness of the M3, but have reached an age where comfort means slightly more, so the smoother ride on L.A.'s pot-holed streets leans me to prefer the softer ride of the CLK.
<< Which engine do you prefer ? >>
I really enjoy the 8 cylinders of the CLK, although the M3 never lacked for power or torque.
<< Did you have SMG ? If so, do you prefer the MB paddleshifts ? >>
I had SMG. I drove in "manual" all the time because I loved it and the SMG in "automatic" mode truly sucked -- it was like a teenager learning to drive, jerking all over the place.
With the CLK, the automatic shifting is so smooth and easy, that even though I spent $20K more than the CLK500, just to get the "paddle" shift, I hardly ever use it.
I probably would give the M3 paddle shifts a slight preference over the AMG shift buttons.
<< Are you intending to go back to the M3 ?>>
I think my M3 days are finally over ------ although the new BMW 600 series convertible looks pretty hot!
Richard
<< So which do you prefer ? the M3's sharper handling or the CLK55's softer ride ? >>
A hard question. I miss the driving experience and responsiveness of the M3, but have reached an age where comfort means slightly more, so the smoother ride on L.A.'s pot-holed streets leans me to prefer the softer ride of the CLK.
<< Which engine do you prefer ? >>
I really enjoy the 8 cylinders of the CLK, although the M3 never lacked for power or torque.
<< Did you have SMG ? If so, do you prefer the MB paddleshifts ? >>
I had SMG. I drove in "manual" all the time because I loved it and the SMG in "automatic" mode truly sucked -- it was like a teenager learning to drive, jerking all over the place.
With the CLK, the automatic shifting is so smooth and easy, that even though I spent $20K more than the CLK500, just to get the "paddle" shift, I hardly ever use it.
I probably would give the M3 paddle shifts a slight preference over the AMG shift buttons.
<< Are you intending to go back to the M3 ?>>
I think my M3 days are finally over ------ although the new BMW 600 series convertible looks pretty hot!
Richard
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 273
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From: Randolph, New Jersey
2002 C32 AMG
Your not going to be happy
coming from an M3 into a CLK55 your not going to like the lack of handling and the numb steering of the CLK55 - the engine is great, the frame is too soft for aggressive driving. Comfortable and stable at high speeds. Comparing a M3 to a CLK55 is truly comparing two diffrent worlds, trust me I know, I traded in my CLK55 for a 03 Targa because the lack of handling and true control. Choose wisely... Best of luck.
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Joined: May 2003
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From: Los Angeles, CA
'02 BMW M3 convertible
to 5439
"Comparing a M3 to a CLK55 is truly comparing two diffrent worlds"
Yes, so I've learned. Your choice of words, "numb steering" hits it right on the head.
I guess I thought that AMG was MBZ's attempt at an "M" type performance car and was competing with BMW for that market segment.
I'm not sorry I got the AMG, but I do miss that crisp handling of the M3 (although I certainly don't miss that harsh ride quality).
Yes, so I've learned. Your choice of words, "numb steering" hits it right on the head.
I guess I thought that AMG was MBZ's attempt at an "M" type performance car and was competing with BMW for that market segment.
I'm not sorry I got the AMG, but I do miss that crisp handling of the M3 (although I certainly don't miss that harsh ride quality).
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 73
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From: North Vancouver, BC
2024 SL63/2018 E63s Estate
I too have driven both and, in a perfect world where you drove to work every day on a twisty road, with no traffic, I probably might enjoy a six-speed M3 as well. But in the real world, with traffic lights, idiots, potholes and traffic jams, I much prefer the more civilized driving manner of the AMG cars.
The SMG version of the M3 is about the harshest transmission I have ever experienced and is a poor choice if you do any city driving at all. The M3 is cheaper for good reason in my opinion.
http://www.spotty-dog.com/clk55cab.html
The SMG version of the M3 is about the harshest transmission I have ever experienced and is a poor choice if you do any city driving at all. The M3 is cheaper for good reason in my opinion.
http://www.spotty-dog.com/clk55cab.html
