kb24forlife24

Hello MBWorld,

I have decided that I need (want) an AMG vehicle.

I've narrowed it down to a few options:
1. Sell my CLK500 (and my modifications) and buy a 2005 CLK55 AMG or
2. Save up for a C63 AMG (preferably a coupe) or
3. Sell my car and get an SLK55 AMG

What is your input on this? I'm a coupe person but I could try out a hardtop convertible (my friend drove an SLK55 and said it was the most fun he's had in a Benz). I really like my W209 CLK500, which is why I know I'd enjoy the extra 60 HP/30 TQ in the CLK55. The C63 is just an amazing car all around and I love that M156 engine.

All I know is that my next car would be an AMG! Thanks

Amir_AMG

imo slk55 looks like a lady bug...
i went with the 05 clk55 and I love it..i loved it so much i bought it a week before shipping out to korea! its sitting in storage right now and Ive already bought mods for it sitting in my friends garage

if you can afford a c63 then thats probably the way to go

kb24forlife24

I was thinking maybe getting the CLK55 and keep that until the C63 coupes depreciate into the $30K range, what do you think?

Amir_AMG

its your car man. if you can afford a c63 now get it, ive driven a few and loved them. I still like the look of the w209 over all though

kb24forlife24

Yeah I drove two, I instantly got addicted to the power

tw2

You can't go wrong with any of those. I test drove an SLK55. I didn't think it was much faster and the traction wasn't great compared to the CLK55 but it was definitely fun.

Changing cars is generally expensive. You can probably assume most cars will need new tires and most maintenance doing. I would recommend against getting a "stepping stone" car. Test drive a C63 coupe and see if you like it.

For me the CLK55 could definitely do with an extra gear or two and another 40hp but you won't find a more reliable AMG. I don't know what prices are like in your part of the world but don't discount a 2012 E550 coupe biturbo.

kb24forlife24

Thanks. I test drove 2 C63 coupes and I fell in love with that engine.

However, the price is a little too high (budget is ~$35K and they're going for around $45K right now) but it's amazing.

But, my car (CLK500) with 60 more HP and 30 more TQ (CLK55) wouldn't be that bad for a while, would it? Can I know why you advise against stepping stone cars? Thanks!

tw2

Sure but of course this comes down to personality more than anything, you may have a different way of approaching things. I personally like everything to be perfect- oil changed as soon as its due, transmission fluid always up to date with new filters etc, spark plugs and leads within 80,000km, good engine mounts, control arms, all of it, everything broken repaired even luxury items like heated seats. I always want to change the stereo to something modern as well.

It takes a while and $$ to get those things done and I think it can be safely assumed that 90% of previous private owners or dealers wouldn't have done even half of it. I have always concluded that I would rather keep a car I own, trust as being reliable and know the history of for a longer time until I could afford the next one I really want. Otherwise you have 2 lots of depreciation and usually the cost of getting a neglected car up to date.

CLK55 is a fantastic car but I would only get one if you really really want one. Otherwise I would save for the C63.

sksvlad

Are you aiming for an auto transmission or manual? I'd like to know the presence of manual shift AMG in the US market. The majority of people here can't drive standard, so does MB risk bringing expensive cars over the Pond, because they may not sell?

tw2

There are no AMGs with a traditional manual box for any market i am aware of.

GatorMB

I replace rear tires on an annual basis. If it says AMG and it is the right badge, You will never go back.

I have a half plugged Cat and still break the 4.1 0 -60 mark. Be prepared to buy tires on a annual schedule. :-)

kb24forlife24

Thanks for all the input guys. I've decided to save up and get a C63 AMG. I think that's the best out of the 3 options.

///AchMeinGott

With what full bolt ons and drag radials?!? No near stock 342hp, 3700lb vert doin that.

OP if it doesn't have to be a coupe, there are multiple C63 sedans of various years/mileage for sale from $30-35k.

Otherwise, I'd vote CLK55 and do it big. $20k for a 55, $5-10k in mods, and you'll have a car that's still super reliable and you can call your own. Not saying the M156 is a headache at all, but I've seen people try and justify eating a quart of oil every 2,000 miles with "It's gonna do that, it's a performance motor!"

CLK55 VS a C63 coupe the handling advantage is going to be tough to beat. The powerband is going to tough to beat. The one thing you have going for you is a hefty budget and low weight. There's an easy 300lb difference between the CLK55 and C63 coupe. Meanwhile they run, 235f/255r tires. The 450-480hp equates to ~8.8lbs/8.29lbs per hp. For a 3650lb CLK55, that comes out to 414/440hp.

So... buy the CLK55 and go the more unusual, but serious route. Carbon fiber vented hood to trim even more weight from the front, sizeable custom twin intakes and different Y-pipe, long tube headers and catted X for a decent power increase and cut a few more lbs, most aggressive cams you can get on stock valve springs, some thin 245 or extra fat 235 front tires and 275 rear tires on light weight 8f/9.5r 18" rims, and minor drop springs or go all out with coilovers. That'll cut some weight, improve mechanical grip and handling, and improve the 5.4's powerband.

Of course, a 7 speed SLK55 is the performance model to get.

kb24forlife24

Thank you for that very informational post, I appreciate it. But even though the C63 is a lot heavier, it makes more power stock, and I'm most likely never going to take it to the track. At most, I'd take it to the dragstrip. The M156 has a lot of tuning capabilities and so does the M113 but most of it is for the M113K motor.

Why do you think the SLK is the best performance model?

Amir_AMG

youll find a clean 05 55 for 14-20k based on mileage..run it for a a while until you get older an can afford a lambo

tw2

Probably lighter and 2 extra gears compared to the CLK55. Much lighter than the C63.

///AchMeinGott

Yup. The SLK32 was a 1st gen. The SLK55 debuted in the 2nd gen. Despite the 32 being ~3300lbs and the 55 being ~3450lbs, the 55 was still faster. Solid 12 second car in testing. It's light, has the 7 speed, engine/trans are worry proof, first year or 2 had 6/4 piston brakes before they cheaped out, it's short with a short wheelbase which should let you whip it around nicely, and with the top down the center of gravity drops and all that weight is shifted to above the rear axle. Also when looking at new vs old car testing, tire tech is hugely important. The C63 does what it does on Continetal Contisport. Not the best tire, but hardly bad, probably more so the C63 spec ones. The SLK55 came with old Pirrelli P-zero rossa's. Mediocre tire at best, don't even think they make that exact spec anymore(P-Zero Nero replaced it maybe?).

Basically, the only thing it lacks is the power. Again, you won't duplicate the M156's power band, but to match a 480hp C63's power-to-weight, you only need 417hp. That's far from impossible. Cam's, longtubes, intake, tune and you're easily, easily there. Even on very limited market cars, there is easy hp to be gained. Cutting weight is 1000x harder. At the end of the day, the C63 is a 2 door performance sedan, while the SLK is the only real sports car MB makes beyond the SLS and GT. Which do you prefer to own/drive?

Plus, you can get an SLK55 for $25k and have plenty of mod/gas/insurance money of your choosing left over.

kb24forlife24

I understand your point. What years did the SLK55 have the 6/4 brakes? I would look into it but I'd still stuck with the C63 because stock vs. stock, the C63 is a faster car. I live in CA where the smog laws are very strict (and stupid), so I don't know how I could get away with headers and a tune just to match the power/weight of the SLK55. I'd definitely look into it though, what years are the best for it?

tw2

I think all years have them 2005-.

2007 has paddles instead of buttons but otherwise there are very few changes over the years.