2K6E55

I've been thinking of picking up a BS, any known issue(s) that I should be aware of? How's she reliability-wise? I'd love you hear your thoughts/comments on the car before I pull the trigger. Thanks guys.

LZH

Bulletproof is an undestatement. The motor is detuned from the factory and has lots of potential with just bolt ons and a tune. The cooling system is upgraded and aequate for track duty as is the suspension and entire driveline from the bellhousing to the CV's.
Good luck...There is one on here for sale right now at a great price...

LOVEMYBS

Go for it, love mine and will never part with it. So far no problems and don't expect any.

user z478747

the only known issue I know of is, you're likely to get yourself in trouble as it is difficult to keep your foot out of it......

Luke is correct about this car: https://mbworld.org/forums/clk63-bla...d-82k-78k.html It's a SMOKIN deal....

LZH

The only real problem I have seen across the 63 platform is cam position sensors that go bad. Other than that, I don't know of a single problem that has plagued the BS besides it's ability to get you thrown in jail very quickly.

Doctodd33

seats arent ventilated like my S. Car is too fast. I dont know how i havent received a speeding ticket yet.

2K6E55

Thanks Chuck and everyone for the comments on the BS, I test drove one yesterday from a local dealership and Im sold. However, Im getting low-balled on my Pcar trade with only 2500 miles. Hopefully, the dealership and I can agree on the number soon...

If only Learso's BS was WHITE.

BealeAss

Bringing this one back from the dead for my first post. I too am considering a BS for this upcoming fun weather season. Is everyone's car still holding up? Typical expectancy on costs for oil changes? Brake life? etc?

Trying to decide between this and a 997 GT3. Yes I know two slightly different animals, but both sexy nonetheless.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

toddturbos

No problems on mine, in fact, I haven't even had to bring it any for any engine warrantee work. I did bring in for warrantee work, but it was related to the drivers side window not fully engaging when rolled up. It was fixed the first time. I should mentioned, I don't track my car and it's driven about once a month, currently has 4,300 miles. I too will not be parting with mine, best weekend car I've ever owned....Good luck.
Todd

DFW01E55

Oil changes are $100 unless you DIY.
Brakes are definitely DIY! Too simple to pay someone else.
I got 14k out of the fronts with 750 track miles and then 16k out of the rears with 900 track miles.

Between the cars, it depends on whether you enjoy the visceral sensation of heavy torque pressing you deep into your seat or if you prefer the music of 8,000 rpm's in your ears. How often can you use torque vs. 8k rpm's?

Driving on the street or track, the GT3 weighs 900 pounds less and shows it deep in the corners, but the BS carves sharply into any corner and more than holds its own on exit speed against the GT3. How often can you take a corner on the street that would test either car? Not often.

On the track, I believe the overwhelming majority would say the BS is easier to drive hard than the GT3. On a tight technical track the advantage goes to the Porsche. On a high horsepower track, the BS has an advantage.

I think interior comfort goes to the BS, the front seats are just that good but the back seat doesn't exist.

Ride quality is acceptable in either car because you know what you're getting and it's not an S class.

Aftermarket parts are heavily skewed to the GT3.

Style wise, what else looks like one of the 376 CLK Black Series sent to the US?

What else looks like the GT3, except for the 911, 911S, 911 C4, 911 C4S, 911TT, 911TT S or GT2? Oh wait, maybe the GT3 RS?

Either way you can't go wrong but the Black Series will only be nearly new for a short time, while you'll always be able to get another GT3.

BealeAss

Cool I was hoping to get some responses! Glad to hear the maintenance isn't horrible, I know relatively what I'd be getting into with the P-car both cost and what goes wrong and when wise, but the that info truly escapes me on the Benz.

Glad to hear there are still some DIY'able things like brakes. Wasn't sure if there were guys out there doing that on an expensive toy like this.

They both make their case for sure, I really think I just have to drive a BS.

Jim Brady

Can't get two golf bags in a Porsche, and with a manual it's a non plus on SoCal freeways.
Track wise, DFW summed it up best short tracks Porsche, HP tracks the BS.
I've had many duels with GT3's and it takes a very talented driver to wring the best out of the porsche. The BS is much easier to drive fast.

BealeAss

I kind of figured as much, I'm really down to those two cars. I think driving each is the only way to figure it out.

The Porsche I've wanted since I was like 9yrs old...then along came a spyder called the BS into my price range...

Maintenance and reliability was really my only major concern with the BS.

ET550

I have owned my BS for over 2 years and have put 19k miles on the car as my daily driver with 0 issues. The BS will probably feel practically luxurious compared to your Elise.

BealeAss

I think riding my dog around will feel more luxurious than the Elise.

I'm going into either car expecting a step back in terms of raw feel, but that's not necessarily a bad thing for the extra grip and power that comes with it...

lsb

I own a 2 eleven and have driven elise/exige and must warn you that if you are expecting more GRIP then you are in for a disappointment. More power most certainly, more steering from the rear absolutely; but more grip than a correctly set up Lotus - very doubtful.

Not trying to put you off though. The BS is a fantastic car in many ways. I sure you will love it. Just making sure expectations are realistic.

Enjoy.

Doctodd33

i think "carving" is a great term for how the BS handles turns....ive had mine for almost a year with ~1600 miles and no issues

BealeAss

Great responses thank you so much guys. I've become really intrigued by this car. Only sort of crappy thing is I'm going to have to fly out somewhere for a test drive, but that's ok just means a weekend in Miami or Dallas or LA.

alexander stemer

I have an Elise 190R (obviously not my daily driver), and I don't think you'll feel that you gave away anything. What both cars share is incredible response to steering inputs. Both will get the tail out if you brake into a turn, but the BS will also rotate with the throttle, while the Elise tends to plant the rear.
The BS will give you much more throttle responsiveness, but you can drive back from the track with more comfort.
No comparison on engine sounds. My Elise has recaro's so they are pretty good, but the BS seats are fine for all uses as well.
Have fun. AS

sechsgang

You finally realize this is THE car you want man??? Lol.

BealeAss

Well apparently nobody has anything bad to say about the damn thing. I just want to drive one. I have a friend who lives nearby one of the few for sale and his car opinions and likes/dislikes always mirror my own since we have had the same list of cars and sub sequential mods to them. Hopefully he'll go drive it this week and report the good word.

sechsgang

Put it this way...I have always DEMANDED to drive a car before I buy it...and this one I got sight unseen...JUST DO IT!

BealeAss

Just drove an 07 997GT3...fun car. I really need to drive a black.

user z478747

bought mine w/o ever having driven it (I did see the car but didn't drive it) also.... With only 367 BSs in the US, unless you happen to live near where one is for sale you might not get that chance?

BealeAss

I've already accepted that I'm going to take a weekend and fly to see one. At least there's usually one in Miami so it can be fun for myself and the Mrs.