CLKBSVegas

So, I have had the C55 (every option) for less then a year, but yet again a smoking deal on another Benz. What do you guys think....for a little extra cash ie less then $10k I can get an 06 CLS 500 with 4k miles...every option, etc. It looks cool, but I am worried I will miss the AMG.

Thoughts?

bigben320e

This is an opinion, but I have drove the following:

CLS550
CLS55
CLS500
CLS with full Kleeman

The only real difference I felt were with the CLS500 VS the 55 or Kleeman. Really more so the Kleeman. I get better gas mileage on the 500 and saved about 15K when I bought her instead of the 55. I am not sure how the C55 handles, or power but The thing is, in Atlanta I couldn't really push a 55 like I wanted let alone a 500. Get too many tickets in the city for that.

Bottom line, it is up to you. The 500 does quite nice, fully loaded, plenty of power, is 302 enough? I was on the fence also and I just went for the 500, and I have not been disappointed.

iguess

get the CLS, nicer looks. i assume a more comfortable ride. wont be as fast but, you trade that off for a nicer car.

sdunham

Also driven both, the C55 AMG and the '06 CLS 500 just last Friday. I bought an '04 CLK 500 after driving the C55. The C55 I drove was noticeably more powerful but the interior was lacking to me. Also it was used and abused by the uncaring previous owner so that turned me off to that car. The CLK 500 came along and it made sense at the time, is adequate on power ( lighter car than CLS ) and already had 19" tires/rims and clean. The CLS I drove Friday was black/black with AMG body kit, very nice looking, rode very well, somewhat noticeably heavier than my CLK but not a big concern, but the 500 in the CLS seemed noticeably weaker than in the CLK. Again, I'm attributing this to the extra CLS weight. I liked the ability to stiffen the ride in the CLS ( ADS II ) with the console mounted switch. I left it in the firmest mode most of the ride. Wish my CLK had that option. The car, while heavier than the CLK, still handled pretty well even when pushed in the corners. The rear tires grip pretty well for a big car and it was hard to break the back end loose ( just squealed a little really before the ESP kicked in ). I'm planning to drive the CLS 550 next and hope the extra 82 horsepower is noticeable over the 500's 300 horses... If so, that's the car I'll consider next to replace the CLK... For many, the 500 is enough but after my last 2 cars ( 02 C5 Coupe, 02 C5 Z06) I've gotten to really like the extra power and torque, especially living at high elevation where we lose about 1/3 of rated horsepower...