2006 Saleen Mustang or 2002 CLK55
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2007 R350, 2002 CLK55
2006 Saleen Mustang or 2002 CLK55
I have had my 2002 CLK55 for about 2.5 years and now getting itchy for something new. CLK55 has 85k miles and been virtually bulletproof, there is no other reasons to sell it except that I am constrained to only car at a time. I've been looking at the Saleen Mustangs for over a year now. One just popped up on the radar, a clean 2006 n/a model with reasonable miles and in very good condition. My daily commute is 5.5 miles one way, some canyon driving (spirited/not crazy). Otherwise the car sits in the garage as I have a nice fleet of bikes to choose from for weekend rides. So the dilemma (purely first world one) is whether to cut the CLK55 in favor of the Saleen. I would really like to hear from those that have had experience with Saleen Mustangs. My concerns are long term reliability and cost of maintenance. Insurance on the CLK is not cheap and would be comparable to the Mustang.
Thread Starter
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2007 R350, 2002 CLK55
I already have a CLK55. Problem is under current arrangements I can have only one car at a time, unless I unload several bikes which I’m not prepared to do. The CLK is great but after two and a half years I think it’s time for a change. I don’t think a n/a Saleenwill be any quicker, I just happen to like the look and story behind the brand
I’m not a fan of installing a remote rear turbo on the w208, so what are the other mods available?
I’m not a fan of installing a remote rear turbo on the w208, so what are the other mods available?
Last edited by Tirefriar; Mar 8, 2019 at 11:20 PM.
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C204 C350 12
I already have a CLK55. Problem is under current arrangements I can have only one car at a time, unless I unload several bikes which I’m not prepared to do. The CLK is great but after two and a half years I think it’s time for a change. I don’t think a n/a Saleenwill be any quicker, I just happen to like the look and story behind the brand
I’m not a fan of installing a remote rear turbo on the w208, so what are the other mods available?
I’m not a fan of installing a remote rear turbo on the w208, so what are the other mods available?
supercharge it,
use the 209 cams and lifters
m113k swap, - this has to be the best option and few people have done this swap, it helps as the engine is the same dimensions etc.
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2007 R350, 2002 CLK55
BigJimmy, I appreciate the heads up on the power upgrades. The CLK55 I drive is stock with 85k miles on it, so I would hate to modify it. If it was a 200k mile wheezer I would probably consider those mods though.
I got the Saleen on Saturday. Different animal for sure. I am on the fence even more now as to which one to keep. The Benz feels quicker to me, but every friend I had given rides to in the Saleen tell me otherwise??
I got the Saleen on Saturday. Different animal for sure. I am on the fence even more now as to which one to keep. The Benz feels quicker to me, but every friend I had given rides to in the Saleen tell me otherwise??
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From: PDX
1999 C43, 2008 P30 E63, 2014 SQ5, 2024 Model Y Performance
BigJimmy, I appreciate the heads up on the power upgrades. The CLK55 I drive is stock with 85k miles on it, so I would hate to modify it. If it was a 200k mile wheezer I would probably consider those mods though.
I got the Saleen on Saturday. Different animal for sure. I am on the fence even more now as to which one to keep. The Benz feels quicker to me, but every friend I had given rides to in the Saleen tell me otherwise??
I got the Saleen on Saturday. Different animal for sure. I am on the fence even more now as to which one to keep. The Benz feels quicker to me, but every friend I had given rides to in the Saleen tell me otherwise??
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2007 R350, 2002 CLK55
If you can't tell the difference between the 2 then you must have the S281-3V model and not the S/C or extreme version. The 3V model has 335 HP and runs a 13.7 1/4 mile. It should be neck and neck with the CLK 55. The S/C or extreme version would blow the CLK 55 out of the water.
A supercharger mod is much less expensive than on a CLK55.
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 37
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2007 R350, 2002 CLK55
I've been enjoying the Saleen for about a year and a half. The 55 has its strong points, no doubt and both are similarly a rare sight on the street. Is the Saleen a better car? Not really. Stick shift is a pleasant feature that I did not have on the Benz but the ride quality was better in the Mercedes At the end of the day, it boils down to personal preference and what one seeks from a car. I like the simplicity and styling of the Saleen. Saleen also gets more respect on the road. Hardly a day went by when some putz in a newer BMW, Benz or Audi would roll up on me. These same "mama's racers" give the Saleen a wide berth. Its not that the Saleen is faster than the 55 but it projects a more menacing image. Enjoy your w208, it is a great car and one of Mercedes' hidden treasures.
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From: California
2001 CLK 55 AMG, 2008 Yamaha R1 RM
I've been enjoying the Saleen for about a year and a half. The 55 has its strong points, no doubt and both are similarly a rare sight on the street. Is the Saleen a better car? Not really. Stick shift is a pleasant feature that I did not have on the Benz but the ride quality was better in the Mercedes At the end of the day, it boils down to personal preference and what one seeks from a car. I like the simplicity and styling of the Saleen. Saleen also gets more respect on the road. Hardly a day went by when some putz in a newer BMW, Benz or Audi would roll up on me. These same "mama's racers" give the Saleen a wide berth. Its not that the Saleen is faster than the 55 but it projects a more menacing image. Enjoy your w208, it is a great car and one of Mercedes' hidden treasures.
The best part is I've only got an exhaust and 275's on the rear; Some people just don't know how to drive. :P
