CLK55 question
I am also looking for an unbiased opinion. New M3 or a used CLK55? What would you guys recommend doing?
Edmunds lists NEW - w/o Options - 2002 CLK55 AMG for TMV @ $73,525 - almost $4,000 over MSRP!!
http://www.edmunds.com/new/2002/merc...5a/prices.html
I realize that you are looking for a used CLK55. Good luck with a good price & happy hunting!
I thought the MB was worth the extra money; both are fantastic rides in coupe or cabriolet form, but I encourage anyone to test drive both before buying. In particular, I preferred the CLK's exterior styling, the interior comfort, the torque of the 5.5L V-8, and the handling. I did not care for the SMG transmission, personally.
Finally, on Roadfly's bimmer board, I kept seeing a lot of major service concerns on the M3 concerning the differential. I've really been happy with the 55 since January and now have about 1,500 miles on it. Waiting for the upper midwest to thaw so I can put the top down. Just my two cents; obviously deciding between them is a nice problem to have.
If you want a stick get the M3, if you don't get the CLK. I think the M3 would be more fun to drive, but the quality and exclusivity is lacking in a BMW 3 series, no matter what M owners say, they all look alike to most -- and so do the CLKs, it's just that the CLKs look better to begin with.
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You asked for unbiased opinion so here it is. I purchased a new BMW M3 and waited for 4 months no 6 no 8 all in all it came too 10 months. I drove the care for two days and the SMG wasn't a big hit with me, the interior is sparse at best felt like a high end Corvette interior. The handling was great, power was adequate but wasn't thro you back in the seat and hang on kinda torque. I paid full sticker for the car 53,400 because I ordered it. I took it back to the dealer and told them I wasn't happy with it and got my 2001 CLK55 with 17,000 miles and no nav but phone and cd changer for $52,000. I haven't looked back since and I just love the car every day I don't drive it I feel like I've missed out
Both are good cars but I think the MB is by far the better choice especially when the used price is equal to a new one or less nowdays.
Good Luck and Happy hunting ; BTW there are 41 01 CLK55's on the dupontregistry w/s right now; some with little to almost no miles.
I am also looking for an unbiased opinion. New M3 or a used CLK55? What would you guys recommend doing?
1. CLK55 is a new model , so everything comes with it will be more advanced than the CLK430. If you do get a used CLK55, be aware to investigate why someone wants to sell it while the CLK55 is probably only a year+ old.
2. M3 belongs to the 3 series , which is a fading out model. So don't pay for a current model 'new' M3 now, as the new generation of M3 will be a V8, and you will lose a lot for paying a new M3 now.
Just my two cents, I am sure you can sort out the personal taste and technical differences.
cnt
Edmunds lists NEW - w/o Options - 2002 CLK55 AMG for TMV @ $73,525 - almost $4,000 over MSRP!!
http://www.edmunds.com/new/2002/merc...5a/prices.html
I realize that you are looking for a used CLK55. Good luck with a good price & happy hunting!
2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK55 AMG 2 Dr STD Coupe
Trade-In Private Party Dealer Retail
National Base Price $47,653 $50,074 $54,109
Optional Equipment $1,363 $1,439 $1,739
Navigation System $1,070 $1,129 $1,365
Compact Disc Changer $293 $310 $374
Color Adjustment Silver $168 $177 $191
Regional Adjustment
for Zip Code 33140 $-58 $-61 $-66
Mileage Adjustment
35,000 miles $-1,106 $-1,106 $-1,106
Condition Adj.: Outstanding $1,503 $1,499 $1,660
Total $49,523 $52,022 $56,527
Certified Used Vehicle $57,977
That's actually better than I thought!
Well - I am good till Oct. 2007 and then... the new CL?
"The 208 CLK55 AMG Coupe is the best car ever produced since Karl Benz
patented the world's first motorcar in 1886, registered his patent DRP
37435, which is considered as the official birth certificate of the first motor
car!"
"The 208 CLK55 AMG Coupe is the best car ever produced since Karl Benz
patented the world's first motorcar in 1886, registered his patent DRP
37435, which is considered as the official birth certificate of the first motor
car!"

Well, I got involved in digital photography and have been shooting all over S. Florida. Was asked to teach, -- and I am teaching beginners -, intermediate - and advanced photography via powerpoint modules, which I designed/developed and digital studio workflow...
At any rate Karl Benz had vision, enough for us to enjoy his seeds in automotive leadership, luxury and safety.
With my focus shift, - no pun intended, - I have become part of the tour narrative in the Shark Valley (Northern Everglades National Park), where the tour guides talked about the photographer with his nikon and his bicyle.
The new MBWORLD format looks great. Frances is coming to close for comfort. Remember the unexpected jig that Charley made and cut Captiva Island before Sanibel in half?
Here is the 5-day NOAA track:
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ftp/graphics...F/010253W5.gif
Here is the 5-day NOAA track:
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ftp/graphics...F/010253W5.gif
With my focus shift, - no pun intended, - I have become part of the tour narrative in the Shark Valley (Northern Everglades National Park), where the tour guides talked about the photographer with his nikon and his bicyle.
The new MBWORLD format looks great. Frances is coming to close for comfort. Remember the unexpected jig that Charley made and cut Captiva Island before Sanibel in half?
Here is the 5-day NOAA track:
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ftp/graphics...F/010253W5.gif
Thanks for the link. The Everglades tour sound's interesting. Frances looks ominous but I hope she takes a last minute turn to the north and goes out to sea. I'm in eastern Palm Beach County and they've already issued an evacuation for 300,000 of us lucky people.
Thanks for the link. The Everglades tour sound's interesting. Frances looks ominous but I hope she takes a last minute turn to the north and goes out to sea. I'm in eastern Palm Beach County and they've already issued an evacuation for 300,000 of us lucky people.
A prayer for all in harms way.
Here is another NOAA link:
http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/PS/TROP/DATA...-ir4-loop.html
Last edited by karl k; Sep 1, 2004 at 11:38 PM.









