Tipo815

I've admired them from day one but was always put off by the price. How could Mercedes justify a MSRP of $138,000 for a CLK based Benz? It was simply a matter of perceived value for me. Today - with prices being where they are - I could not pass up an opportunity to purchase one.

I picked the car up with 60 miles on the odo and it now has 400 miles on it. It has been 340 miles of sheer pleasure driving this car. It joins some stout company in my garage but definitely holds its own. In terms of an "all around" vehicle is may be the best compromise of any car I own since it does almost everything well.

Anyone who may be considering acquiring one of these special cars should not hesitate to acquire one. You'll grin from ear to ear and enjoy every minute behind the wheel!

clkwork

Congratulations! I just broke 400 miles on mine as well. Let's see some pics!

kchristos

Congratulations, what other cars do you or have you owned? Can you post some pics?

I drove the car in last years AMG Challenge in Homestead, it was the best car they had that day. They had 2, one White and one Red. A lady managed to crash the red one, I couldn't stand the sight to see it crashed, it was like sticking a knife in me.

Tipo815

It's 100% stock (silver) so there's nothing really different to see at the moment. I do intend to make a few changes so I will post pics once that is done.

Here is a pic of some of it's stable mates ... Don't worry - I have more garage space on the other side of my house so it won't be parked outside!

user z478747

Nice cars!

What color is the BS? Pics?



...get any pics? How bad was it damaged?

clkwork

What a great collection. Add a luxury sedan and an Auto Union Type D and that would be my dream garage!

Tipo815

There are some cars missing in the pic. I have the luxury four door covered but I am missing the Auto Union Type D!

JamE55

What's up Jeff!? How much did you acquire this BS for?

I know the market is getting soft for these cars and was just wondering where it stands now.

Tipo815

Thanks. Attached pic.

Tipo815

I like to keep these things on the low down. Suffice it to say that I think I got a good deal! As I mentioned it was always a car I wanted but refused to step up to to the $138k+ MSRP. The market is probably $40k to $50k off MSRP for low mileage (or even new) cars in some situations. I think the car - with its limited production numbers, performance, etc. - is worth every penny at these levels.

jl88

You have a great collection, very envious!

The CLK63 BS is a steal at sub $100k. Unfortunately, it seems like the car's price is still in free fall.

I'm definitely looking to add one as a permanent car.

slm

Nice acquisition to a very nice collection. I am interested in your thoughts on the comparison between the Stradale and the BS. They are both intended to be serious track cars, but they are so different. I love both of mine.

Tipo815

I don't think "free fall" is applicable now that prices have reached the $90k to $100k mark. I think free fall was the drop from OVER sticker when they first came out to now. They've been out for almost a year and prices have dropped in excess of 40%. That's your free fall.

With only 350 or so cars there's definitely a "bottom" where demand will catch up with existing supply. Will that be $80k? $75k? I don't think you'll see them drop much below those levels (if at all). The car is a special car in every way and demand will firm up values somewhere at these levels imo.

Tipo815

I've tracked my Stradale but never tracked the BS. I plan to take it on track next month to see how it does. I will keep you posted.

The Stradale is a very capable track car as far as a street car is concerned. It's obviously not a purpose built race car but it does a very admirable job when placed in that environment.

I don't expect as much from the BS. If nothing else it weights 1000lbs more than the Stradale. Power alone can't compensate for cornering loads, braking, etc. However, I might be pleasantly surprised. Only time will tell.

Green789

Hey guys, I know three cars that have traded hands the last few days, one at $82k one at $85k, and one at $85,700. Some of you may have heard that the markets have been a little volatile recently. New car sales are tanking, resales are diving, and banks AREN'T LENDING MONEY TO BUYERS! Wake up, and smell the coffee. Remember, asking prices are a whole different ball of wax then selling prices.

I am waiting another month to buy mine in the 70's. Sure they are rare and unique, but guess what, people with cash are now rare and unique!

jl88

Prices are still dropping unfortunately. It's trading wholesale in the 80k range whereas three months ago it was in the 90k range. I think almost every exotic car is being affected right now. Either way, that's saved for another thread.

jl88

quick manheim MMR, and my usual disclaimer, prices don't reflect the condition of the car, whether it's a lemon law, and the cost of reconditioning the car for retail sale:

05/15/08 MANHEIM Regular $110,000 505 Avg BLACK 8G A No
06/03/08 FAAO Regular $100,000 5,202 Avg WHITE 8G A No
06/19/08 RIVRSIDE Regular $107,000 4,822 Avg BLACK 8G A No
06/19/08 ATLANTA Regular $96,000 3,741 Avg Silver NON A No
07/24/08 MANHEIM Regular $103,000 768 Avg BLACK 8G A No
07/24/08 MANHEIM Regular $98,500 362 Avg BLACK 8G A No
08/20/08 CEN FLA Regular $91,000 5,507 Avg NONE NON N No
10/23/08 RIVRSIDE Lease $86,250 2,565 Avg BLACK 8G A No

Green789

Love your auction results! As you can see gents, looking at the dates, the cars are mid 80's right now.... Trend the prices, and forecast the next month. High 70's in a few weeks.... Not sure where the bottom is, just sure that we haven't hit it yet.

user z478747

Rob is that you?

Wholesale.....? How many people buy cars at wholesale? Does that make retail mid $90k's? If you have good credit you can still get a loan if you need one!!!!!!

Green789

Who is Rob? I buy cars at wholesale, you pay full retail? Listen, right now, no one is walking onto the lot, and giving dealers sticker for iron. We all know that. You don't think these cars on ebay can be bought below the BIN price? Of course they can! The point is, retail currently is 90k-, and falling.

user z478747

Right. Joined today, been hunting a BS for a while, your approach shows up in your posting style and most of all what you think the cars are worth???? You passed on the silver BS at $85K? Yup, I'd say Rob. Get the 07 430 for $140?

Maybe $95k+ and slowing down? Didn't say I paid full retail on cars (I NEVER DO), I said most people don't buy them at wholesale. If you buy at wholesale that's great, wish you wouldn't suggest that's the market b/c for most its not. Only serves to drive down the retail market b/c your not clear. I usually get great deals but not quite wholesale. Got a great deal on my BS at the time most were still selling at or near MSRP. I actally had my car on ebay a week or so ago and got offers through ebay of $95k and $96.5k, $97k and $98.5k outside the auction. It's worth more and I'll just keep it for that kind of money.

wolfturbo

Chuck~

I'm flattered (I think!?!?!?!)

I must say I read this guy's post and thought it does have a certain "Prince of Darkness" aura to it. But alas, it is not me. Probably just another finance geek, a guy in the car biz.... or maybe even a guy who reads the Wall Street Journal and saw the cover story today about a record # of dealers going out of business.

I stand by my original economic thesis that I shared with you (and others on this board via PM's). I believe I will acquire one at the price we discussed by the end of the year, but in the interim I am seeing too many other exciting opportunities to deploy capital thanks to these crazy markets.

Fortunately, it appears you have the financial stability to keep your BS in the garage and continue to enjoy it. The unfortunate reality is that others with Black Series, Ferraris, Porsches (______ fill in the blank) don't and they will set the market for the rest of us as they de-lever.

Out where I live in Orange County, we refer to it as "all flash, no cash".

And if you still think this other guy is me posting under an alias, have the admin check the IP address and compare it to mine. I'll bet you any bottle of California cabernet that you want that there is still only one Prince of Darkness (sorry - inside joke with Chuck!! )

slm

I think you will be pleasently surprised. The power and torque in the BS especially at lower revs does make a difference. The more I drive my BS, the more I am impressed with it. The handling is great - it feels quite nimble for all its girth. I have not tracked my cars, but get out and drive them on some of the most challenging back roads one can imagine and both are incredibly enjoyable.

I was joking with a friend the other day about this car. He loves my Stradale and had driven the BS. The BS is my wife's car and I was joking with him that he really likes this girls car. He said, "well, color me pink and call me Barbie!!" I tink this a a great testimony.

Enjoy

JT55

Wait... over a 1.5 Mill. in cars and you were waiting for the price to come down 40K? Am i missing something? Thats like your monthly fuel bill dude.

fickleone

Yes, you are missing something.

Common sense, you never pay more that you have to. That is probably how he got the $1.5 mil in the first place