What does the black compare to?
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Newbie
Joined: May 2009
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From: milton, WA
cls 500
What does the black compare to?
Hello to all the clk black owners, I do not own a clk black and I dought I will get a chance to drive one unless I buy one. So my question to you is what is the best car to compare the black to? And if possible to describe the handling and the steering feedback. I have driven cayman's, 911's, v8 vantage. And would the car work better with a manual tranny? If it were available. Also I have read a few threads where the guys are pushing these cars really hard, anyone got problems thus far? What are your thoughts?
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 449
Likes: 1
CLK 63 AMG Black
Here is my view:
Turn in: No similar car exists. The BS turn in is comparable to a Lotus ( I have had 3, and currently have 2- Super 7 and Elise 190R).
Brakes: Nothing brakes like rear engined Porsches, but this is pretty darn good.
Basic cornering characteristics: No manufacturer other than Porsche in the 911's (pre 964 series) has allowed on and off throttle oversteer to the extent of the BS. Just about everybody has adopted the philosophy that the cornering must accommodate the least skilled driver. The BS invariably corners in a drift. So it compares to a sprint car.
Power: Compares to late 60's muscle cars, current ZO6, and other AMG products. It has more "push you in your seat" than a 996 porsche, but less than my ttX50 at higher speeds.
Ride: As stiff as after-market mods make some cars. Stiffer than my tt on H and R's.
Sound: Every big V8 should sound this good, but none do.
Track use: This is one of the few cars (GT3 is another) that can be beaten around the track without burning up the brakes or overheating the oil, trans, or dif. Unlike Porsche, MB stands behind the warranty for tracked cars.
Total package: Enthusiasts try to modify their cars to make them this good, but those squeak and rattle, and scrape. If you like razor sharp handling in a street car that has big V8 power, sounds great, and can go to the track any day and all day, with Mercedes reliability, then you need a BS. If you can live with occasional usage and enormous repair costs, then you might consider a Stradale. Or buy the Aston and tow a Lotus Exige. AS
Turn in: No similar car exists. The BS turn in is comparable to a Lotus ( I have had 3, and currently have 2- Super 7 and Elise 190R).
Brakes: Nothing brakes like rear engined Porsches, but this is pretty darn good.
Basic cornering characteristics: No manufacturer other than Porsche in the 911's (pre 964 series) has allowed on and off throttle oversteer to the extent of the BS. Just about everybody has adopted the philosophy that the cornering must accommodate the least skilled driver. The BS invariably corners in a drift. So it compares to a sprint car.
Power: Compares to late 60's muscle cars, current ZO6, and other AMG products. It has more "push you in your seat" than a 996 porsche, but less than my ttX50 at higher speeds.
Ride: As stiff as after-market mods make some cars. Stiffer than my tt on H and R's.
Sound: Every big V8 should sound this good, but none do.
Track use: This is one of the few cars (GT3 is another) that can be beaten around the track without burning up the brakes or overheating the oil, trans, or dif. Unlike Porsche, MB stands behind the warranty for tracked cars.
Total package: Enthusiasts try to modify their cars to make them this good, but those squeak and rattle, and scrape. If you like razor sharp handling in a street car that has big V8 power, sounds great, and can go to the track any day and all day, with Mercedes reliability, then you need a BS. If you can live with occasional usage and enormous repair costs, then you might consider a Stradale. Or buy the Aston and tow a Lotus Exige. AS
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CLK 63 Black Series, 2009 S550, 2011 Range Rover Supercharged, BMW F800 GS Anniv Edition
To answer your question...in short; nothing compares. Do some reading here as just about every aspect of the BS has been discussed at length by the many owners who track them and are also very capable drivers. I have argued that the BS has no competition...it really is in a league of it's own all things considered.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,309
Likes: 86
From: Cave Creek, AZ and Newport Beach
'22 G 63 AMG, '21 GLE 53 AMG, '20 NSX
Here is my view:
Turn in: No similar car exists. The BS turn in is comparable to a Lotus ( I have had 3, and currently have 2- Super 7 and Elise 190R).
Brakes: Nothing brakes like rear engined Porsches, but this is pretty darn good.
Basic cornering characteristics: No manufacturer other than Porsche in the 911's (pre 964 series) has allowed on and off throttle oversteer to the extent of the BS. Just about everybody has adopted the philosophy that the cornering must accommodate the least skilled driver. The BS invariably corners in a drift. So it compares to a sprint car.
Power: Compares to late 60's muscle cars, current ZO6, and other AMG products. It has more "push you in your seat" than a 996 porsche, but less than my ttX50 at higher speeds.
Ride: As stiff as after-market mods make some cars. Stiffer than my tt on H and R's.
Sound: Every big V8 should sound this good, but none do.
Track use: This is one of the few cars (GT3 is another) that can be beaten around the track without burning up the brakes or overheating the oil, trans, or dif. Unlike Porsche, MB stands behind the warranty for tracked cars.
Total package: Enthusiasts try to modify their cars to make them this good, but those squeak and rattle, and scrape. If you like razor sharp handling in a street car that has big V8 power, sounds great, and can go to the track any day and all day, with Mercedes reliability, then you need a BS. If you can live with occasional usage and enormous repair costs, then you might consider a Stradale. Or buy the Aston and tow a Lotus Exige. AS
Turn in: No similar car exists. The BS turn in is comparable to a Lotus ( I have had 3, and currently have 2- Super 7 and Elise 190R).
Brakes: Nothing brakes like rear engined Porsches, but this is pretty darn good.
Basic cornering characteristics: No manufacturer other than Porsche in the 911's (pre 964 series) has allowed on and off throttle oversteer to the extent of the BS. Just about everybody has adopted the philosophy that the cornering must accommodate the least skilled driver. The BS invariably corners in a drift. So it compares to a sprint car.
Power: Compares to late 60's muscle cars, current ZO6, and other AMG products. It has more "push you in your seat" than a 996 porsche, but less than my ttX50 at higher speeds.
Ride: As stiff as after-market mods make some cars. Stiffer than my tt on H and R's.
Sound: Every big V8 should sound this good, but none do.
Track use: This is one of the few cars (GT3 is another) that can be beaten around the track without burning up the brakes or overheating the oil, trans, or dif. Unlike Porsche, MB stands behind the warranty for tracked cars.
Total package: Enthusiasts try to modify their cars to make them this good, but those squeak and rattle, and scrape. If you like razor sharp handling in a street car that has big V8 power, sounds great, and can go to the track any day and all day, with Mercedes reliability, then you need a BS. If you can live with occasional usage and enormous repair costs, then you might consider a Stradale. Or buy the Aston and tow a Lotus Exige. AS
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Joined: Mar 2008
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CLK63 Black Series
I agree that the thigh support is a nice feature if you have long legs, but in no way are the seats better in an M5. I have an M6, and those seats don't offer as much lateral support as the ones in the BS. I'm 6'1/165lbs and the seats in the BS fit me like a glove. Can't say the same about the M6 seats.
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clk63 black series
I agree that the thigh support is a nice feature if you have long legs, but in no way are the seats better in an M5. I have an M6, and those seats don't offer as much lateral support as the ones in the BS. I'm 6'1/165lbs and the seats in the BS fit me like a glove. Can't say the same about the M6 seats.
and the sides of the m5 squeezes ur body when ur taking a sharp turn to hold u in better
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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CLK63 Black Series
which seats do u have? there was 2 different options i was able to choose from with the m5. and im pretty sure the seats in the m6 r not the same as either of the m5s seats. simillar but the m6 isnt as adujustable
and the sides of the m5 squeezes ur body when ur taking a sharp turn to hold u in better
and the sides of the m5 squeezes ur body when ur taking a sharp turn to hold u in better
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clk63 black series
i dont want this to sound like im just trying to disagree with all ur statements
but actually i find the side bolsters annoying unless im taking a turn which is an other reason i think the m5 seats r better
what do u like more ur m6 r bs?
by the way very nice car collection
i wish i could afford an m5 and a bs
but actually i find the side bolsters annoying unless im taking a turn which is an other reason i think the m5 seats r better
what do u like more ur m6 r bs?
by the way very nice car collection
i wish i could afford an m5 and a bs
Last edited by james23; May 27, 2009 at 04:10 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 917
Likes: 1
From: Manassas, VA
10 Cayenne GTS, 07 Porsche 911 Turbo
Here is my view:
Turn in: No similar car exists. The BS turn in is comparable to a Lotus ( I have had 3, and currently have 2- Super 7 and Elise 190R).
Brakes: Nothing brakes like rear engined Porsches, but this is pretty darn good.
Basic cornering characteristics: No manufacturer other than Porsche in the 911's (pre 964 series) has allowed on and off throttle oversteer to the extent of the BS. Just about everybody has adopted the philosophy that the cornering must accommodate the least skilled driver. The BS invariably corners in a drift. So it compares to a sprint car.
Power: Compares to late 60's muscle cars, current ZO6, and other AMG products. It has more "push you in your seat" than a 996 porsche, but less than my ttX50 at higher speeds.
Ride: As stiff as after-market mods make some cars. Stiffer than my tt on H and R's.
Sound: Every big V8 should sound this good, but none do.
Track use: This is one of the few cars (GT3 is another) that can be beaten around the track without burning up the brakes or overheating the oil, trans, or dif. Unlike Porsche, MB stands behind the warranty for tracked cars.
Total package: Enthusiasts try to modify their cars to make them this good, but those squeak and rattle, and scrape. If you like razor sharp handling in a street car that has big V8 power, sounds great, and can go to the track any day and all day, with Mercedes reliability, then you need a BS. If you can live with occasional usage and enormous repair costs, then you might consider a Stradale. Or buy the Aston and tow a Lotus Exige. AS
Turn in: No similar car exists. The BS turn in is comparable to a Lotus ( I have had 3, and currently have 2- Super 7 and Elise 190R).
Brakes: Nothing brakes like rear engined Porsches, but this is pretty darn good.
Basic cornering characteristics: No manufacturer other than Porsche in the 911's (pre 964 series) has allowed on and off throttle oversteer to the extent of the BS. Just about everybody has adopted the philosophy that the cornering must accommodate the least skilled driver. The BS invariably corners in a drift. So it compares to a sprint car.
Power: Compares to late 60's muscle cars, current ZO6, and other AMG products. It has more "push you in your seat" than a 996 porsche, but less than my ttX50 at higher speeds.
Ride: As stiff as after-market mods make some cars. Stiffer than my tt on H and R's.
Sound: Every big V8 should sound this good, but none do.
Track use: This is one of the few cars (GT3 is another) that can be beaten around the track without burning up the brakes or overheating the oil, trans, or dif. Unlike Porsche, MB stands behind the warranty for tracked cars.
Total package: Enthusiasts try to modify their cars to make them this good, but those squeak and rattle, and scrape. If you like razor sharp handling in a street car that has big V8 power, sounds great, and can go to the track any day and all day, with Mercedes reliability, then you need a BS. If you can live with occasional usage and enormous repair costs, then you might consider a Stradale. Or buy the Aston and tow a Lotus Exige. AS
Excellent, helped me reach my buy-decision. Now let's see what happens on Friday, either I'm an owner or a wanna-be.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,309
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From: Cave Creek, AZ and Newport Beach
'22 G 63 AMG, '21 GLE 53 AMG, '20 NSX
Have you tried the BMW seats on the track? Don't think they have near the lateral support of the BS. But seating can be a subjective thing.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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Posts: 1,068
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CLK63 Black Series
i dont want this to sound like im just trying to disagree with all ur statements
but actually i find the side bolsters annoying unless im taking a turn which is an other reason i think the m5 seats r better
what do u like more ur m6 r bs?
by the way very nice car collection
i wish i could afford an m5 and a bs
but actually i find the side bolsters annoying unless im taking a turn which is an other reason i think the m5 seats r better
what do u like more ur m6 r bs?
by the way very nice car collection
i wish i could afford an m5 and a bs
In regards to which car I like more, hands down the BS. Even though they share certain characteristics, at the core they are very different. Don't get me wrong, the M6 is a great car. For example on the Autobahn, you could do 160 mph all day long fatigue free. But in the corners, especially tight ones, the BS is in it's element. First of all, the DSC in the M6 interferes at a very low level to the extend that it bogs the car down. Now if you don't want to deal with that, you have to push an array of buttons. First M button for the 500 hp, then DSC off and then transmission into S6. It's much simpler in the BS, TC off and let's go. Sometimes less is more.
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From: OC, SoCal
08 S65, 06 M3 CS(stick), 02 BMW X5 4.6iS, 07 R1 Raven, 08 F-450 4x4, 08 CooperS JCW
While the BS doesn't have quite the freeway pull of the M5, it is an AMG that has FINALLY beaten M at their own game...trackability. It's expensive but there's a lot of bespoke parts, adjustable suspension being one example
A good friend of mine is looking into getting one, the only thing stopping him at this point is he already has autos and wants a stick or clutchless manual...shame they didn't put the new MCT tranny on it but I've told him the BS still makes for a very good drive and you owners seem to concur...
-Rob
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 449
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CLK 63 AMG Black
I didn't think the M5 I drove (highway and track) had more highway pull than the BS. The M5 needs to be wound tight to have any feel of power at all. I haven't compared torque curves, but my gut sense was the BS had a bunch more, especially lower in the rev range.
And, I did not fine the M5 seats better. I did find them a bit annoying. And, the M5 I drove did not have the sustained trackability of the BS. AS
And, I did not fine the M5 seats better. I did find them a bit annoying. And, the M5 I drove did not have the sustained trackability of the BS. AS
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Joined: Mar 2008
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CLK63 Black Series
I don't think an M5, especially being over a 100 pounds heavier than an M6, has more FWY pull than the BS. At those speeds they are pretty much even as far as I can tell. Out of the hole though, you better be not only in the right gear, but also in the rev band of 5000 rpm or above. Otherwise, the BS walks. That V10 is fun and makes power between 5000 and 8000 rpm. However below that, it's pretty thin. The BS comes alive just above idle and keeps pulling to it's 7,200 redline.
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CLK 63 Black Series, 2009 S550, 2011 Range Rover Supercharged, BMW F800 GS Anniv Edition
True the BS is WAY more drivable/streetable than the M5 due mainly to the torque of the BS. But the gearing of the M5 allows it to really stretch it's legs at 100+mph (where it's supposed to). Personally, I feel the gearbox and high revving V10 in a 4 door sedan are a strange and uncomfortable match for such a car. But, I guess if you want certain aspects of both worlds the M5 is an obvious choice.....and yes I have lots of seat time in the M5 both on and off the track so I'm not just regurgitating magazine reviews...
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: milton, WA
cls 500
Here is my view:
Turn in: No similar car exists. The BS turn in is comparable to a Lotus ( I have had 3, and currently have 2- Super 7 and Elise 190R).
Brakes: Nothing brakes like rear engined Porsches, but this is pretty darn good.
Basic cornering characteristics: No manufacturer other than Porsche in the 911's (pre 964 series) has allowed on and off throttle oversteer to the extent of the BS. Just about everybody has adopted the philosophy that the cornering must accommodate the least skilled driver. The BS invariably corners in a drift. So it compares to a sprint car.
Power: Compares to late 60's muscle cars, current ZO6, and other AMG products. It has more "push you in your seat" than a 996 porsche, but less than my ttX50 at higher speeds.
Ride: As stiff as after-market mods make some cars. Stiffer than my tt on H and R's.
Sound: Every big V8 should sound this good, but none do.
Track use: This is one of the few cars (GT3 is another) that can be beaten around the track without burning up the brakes or overheating the oil, trans, or dif. Unlike Porsche, MB stands behind the warranty for tracked cars.
Total package: Enthusiasts try to modify their cars to make them this good, but those squeak and rattle, and scrape. If you like razor sharp handling in a street car that has big V8 power, sounds great, and can go to the track any day and all day, with Mercedes reliability, then you need a BS. If you can live with occasional usage and enormous repair costs, then you might consider a Stradale. Or buy the Aston and tow a Lotus Exige. AS
Turn in: No similar car exists. The BS turn in is comparable to a Lotus ( I have had 3, and currently have 2- Super 7 and Elise 190R).
Brakes: Nothing brakes like rear engined Porsches, but this is pretty darn good.
Basic cornering characteristics: No manufacturer other than Porsche in the 911's (pre 964 series) has allowed on and off throttle oversteer to the extent of the BS. Just about everybody has adopted the philosophy that the cornering must accommodate the least skilled driver. The BS invariably corners in a drift. So it compares to a sprint car.
Power: Compares to late 60's muscle cars, current ZO6, and other AMG products. It has more "push you in your seat" than a 996 porsche, but less than my ttX50 at higher speeds.
Ride: As stiff as after-market mods make some cars. Stiffer than my tt on H and R's.
Sound: Every big V8 should sound this good, but none do.
Track use: This is one of the few cars (GT3 is another) that can be beaten around the track without burning up the brakes or overheating the oil, trans, or dif. Unlike Porsche, MB stands behind the warranty for tracked cars.
Total package: Enthusiasts try to modify their cars to make them this good, but those squeak and rattle, and scrape. If you like razor sharp handling in a street car that has big V8 power, sounds great, and can go to the track any day and all day, with Mercedes reliability, then you need a BS. If you can live with occasional usage and enormous repair costs, then you might consider a Stradale. Or buy the Aston and tow a Lotus Exige. AS
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CLK 63 Black Series, 2009 S550, 2011 Range Rover Supercharged, BMW F800 GS Anniv Edition
Please don't take this the wrong way, but that's something that's really been discussed here many, many times. The BS forum doesn't have 900 pages of threads like the W211 forum. If you search the BS forum for "transmission" you will find some good results and discussion about the auto tranny in the BS being one of the very few drawbacks to the car. Personally, I like it and remember....when they first introduced the CLK BS they said it had to remain a Mercedes. It wouldn't have if they put a manual in it. Now, if they had put the MCT in it that would have been amazing.
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Joined: Feb 2004
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'14 ML BT
You mean with a clutch pedal?
No, because the paddles are faster in S and M modes.
OTOH, the clutch is becoming a dinosaur in the performance world and this car with its rip snorting V-8 engine is on it's way to becoming a dinosaur very soon.
Some might prefer a clutch, but I've rowed enough and I'm quite happy with the auto trans.
No, because the paddles are faster in S and M modes.
OTOH, the clutch is becoming a dinosaur in the performance world and this car with its rip snorting V-8 engine is on it's way to becoming a dinosaur very soon.
Some might prefer a clutch, but I've rowed enough and I'm quite happy with the auto trans.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,068
Likes: 21
CLK63 Black Series
True the BS is WAY more drivable/streetable than the M5 due mainly to the torque of the BS. But the gearing of the M5 allows it to really stretch it's legs at 100+mph (where it's supposed to). Personally, I feel the gearbox and high revving V10 in a 4 door sedan are a strange and uncomfortable match for such a car. But, I guess if you want certain aspects of both worlds the M5 is an obvious choice.....and yes I have lots of seat time in the M5 both on and off the track so I'm not just regurgitating magazine reviews...
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: milton, WA
cls 500
Please don't take this the wrong way, but that's something that's really been discussed here many, many times. The BS forum doesn't have 900 pages of threads like the W211 forum. If you search the BS forum for "transmission" you will find some good results and discussion about the auto tranny in the BS being one of the very few drawbacks to the car. Personally, I like it and remember....when they first introduced the CLK BS they said it had to remain a Mercedes. It wouldn't have if they put a manual in it. Now, if they had put the MCT in it that would have been amazing.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: milton, WA
cls 500
You mean with a clutch pedal?
No, because the paddles are faster in S and M modes.
OTOH, the clutch is becoming a dinosaur in the performance world and this car with its rip snorting V-8 engine is on it's way to becoming a dinosaur very soon.
Some might prefer a clutch, but I've rowed enough and I'm quite happy with the auto trans.
No, because the paddles are faster in S and M modes.
OTOH, the clutch is becoming a dinosaur in the performance world and this car with its rip snorting V-8 engine is on it's way to becoming a dinosaur very soon.
Some might prefer a clutch, but I've rowed enough and I'm quite happy with the auto trans.
Newbie
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 11
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clk63 black series
acutally funny story i hit 200 mph in my 06 m5 with no chip it started making a beeping noise after 165 was real surprised
the m5 does pul dirty when u down shift feels like ur neck is going to snap off
never tracked it
the m5 does pul dirty when u down shift feels like ur neck is going to snap off
never tracked it
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CLK 63 Black Series, 2009 S550, 2011 Range Rover Supercharged, BMW F800 GS Anniv Edition
You mean with a clutch pedal?
No, because the paddles are faster in S and M modes.
OTOH, the clutch is becoming a dinosaur in the performance world and this car with its rip snorting V-8 engine is on it's way to becoming a dinosaur very soon.
Some might prefer a clutch, but I've rowed enough and I'm quite happy with the auto trans.
No, because the paddles are faster in S and M modes.
OTOH, the clutch is becoming a dinosaur in the performance world and this car with its rip snorting V-8 engine is on it's way to becoming a dinosaur very soon.
Some might prefer a clutch, but I've rowed enough and I'm quite happy with the auto trans.
That being said, a clutched 63 would be hard to handle and even more expensive to repair...
