Hi guys -

I've had a 2000 CLK 320 Designo Espresso Edition for almost 7 years, have loved it greatly, and just put it in the shop today to find it needs $3K min to $5K max repairs. Needless to say, I've considered upgrading for last couple of years and I am now faced with decision to either put $$$ into this older car, or trade it in for something more fanciful and sexier. I've maintained the car well; I've had parts of it factory repainted - I think I've just hit a bad time in catching up on some mechanical issues.

I stopped by my fav dealer tonight, (same one that has my car in for service) and they just got a sweet 2007 CLS 550 in yesterday with 99% bells & whistles; it's black with tan leather. I admit that I hated the CLS when it first came out (as in: "WTF?!") but have turned 180 degrees as I've seen them on the street the last couple of years and I now find them very sexy. I drove the 2007 CLS 550 tonight and really liked it. My sales rep threw out "$49K" as a price (before trade-in); it has 24k miles and the Navigation. My thoughts are that that's a little high.

I love my CLK for it's handling and turning radius (I live in an urban area and find myself making "U-turns" when many others make "Y-turns") and I often take 2 or 3 colleagues out to lunch and dinner; so an SL or SLK are out of the question. But I want to stay away from the "Sedan" feel of an S or E model.

While I was hesitating on the 2007 CLS, my sales rep thought I might be interested in a NEW 2009 CLK. I sat in one and it felt a little more cramped than my 2000; I didn't have time to drive it as they were already closed for the evening. The cost of 2009 CLK is higher than the 2007 CLS (of course).

So - does anyone have any advice for someone considering switching from CLK to CLS? I don't do a lot of "performance" driving, but occasionally enjoy a high-speed zig-zag cornering around winding roads. I'm also 6'-1 tall, and I immediately noticed the smaller door opening of the CLS compared to my CLK - though perhaps something I could easily adjust to. Cost is slightly important - I'd like to stay at the 50K mark or lower. I've also never felt a need to have a new car - I've been happy buying 2 or 3 year old cars. Though the dealer currently has a 1.9% financing on new cars that's tough to beat.

I don't know what the dealer will offer me on my 2000 CLK (they'll tell me tomorrow) so I'm in a quandry right now as to what to do - I feel like I need to decide within 24-48 hours whether or not to repair my 2000 CLK or trade it in. Maybe I shoudn't succumb to the pressure - my old car is certainly drivable and unfortunately, I just spent $900 on new tires 2 weeks ago...

thanks in advance...

 

I also just wanted to add, that on road trips (2 hours or more) I like to cruise in the 100-mph range (w/ laser/radar detector). So if there's a high speed cruising difference between CLS and CLK that you know of, that would be helpful. Thanks!

 

i would take the CLS for sure...it's very comfortable at high speeds and also there's a new clk (e coupe) that's already out

 

Thanks GINGER; I told my dealer today that I may need to leave my CLK on hold in the shop a bit longer since I wanted my significant other to see the CLS, but her schedule wouldn't allow us until the weekend; so my dealer is letting me borrow the CLS tomorrow for a multi-day test drive... should be fun.

 

def CLS. Its based on the E-class chassis and they modified it to be stiffer. Airmatic suspension helps it cruise real nice at 100mph. CLK is a modified W203 C-class chassis... pretty old.

 

Thanks Kar don - good info. I recall when I bought my CLK; I test drove the E-class and the ride of the E was definitely "smuushier" and I wished it was a bit stiffer. Is the Airmatic an option or standard - is it automatically engaged? (Sorry, I don't know what that is...)

 

High speed driving if fine I drove my CLS from Los Angeles to San Francisco and it was an awesome drive. I felt like sitting on my sofa and only thing missing was the remote control of the tv in my hand. The car was so stable that I didnt even get tired in my drive. Mind you I left my house at 11pm and arrived almost 4am in the morning I was kind a worried that I would be like a zombie for my 7am conference but i was fine, not tired at all. The air suspension was awesome worked like a dream. I was doing anywhere from 60 to 100 mph easy.

Not being a homer or anything but I would get the CLS in a heartbeat over the E class. I already sold my CLS but I am seriously thinking of getting another and this time maybe an AMG. I never buy the same car if I already had it in the past, but I will make an exception with this car.

 

glennp - that's quite a compliment to MB if you'll make an exception and buy the same model a second time!

I've been on my "extended test drive" this evening, and drove about 20 miles on the interstate - I must say it was awesome - smoooooth and quiet most of the time, but then VERY responsive to steering when necessary. Not sure which feature makes that possible - someone nicked the manual so I've spent a lot of time experimenting with buttons. Damn, I wish I had instructions! (What does SERV. mean on the console???) I'm also not sure how to distinguish between the Comfort, Sport 1 and Sport 2 differences - don't know what to look or feel for...

I'd too love to get the AMG version - but I live in the midwest and the pickins' are slim out here - when I checked a couple days ago, there were only 4 used CLS models available within 250 miles! They're almost as rare as CL's out here.

Hey - question for anyone reading - I mentioned the manual is missing - what's the deal with the navigation system? It keeps asking for DVDs. I checked the unit in the trunk - no discs. Is there supposed to be a set of discs to be able to use it? Are there regular updates? Do you have to subscribe? I'm still in negotiations with the dealer so this may play into that. I'm beginning to question the value of the navigation system being in a car - I can get anywhere with my GPS-enabled phone as long as I have a cell signal. (Yes, as long as I have a signal...)

thanks
tom

 

Tom the car should come with a navi disc otherwise your navi system or command system is useless other than being a radio. You should definately ask for a replacement disc from the dealer and a manual as well.

Suspension setting just stay in the middle setting I forgot what sport 1 or 2 is. You will ride lower at highway speed when in sport 2 (I think) but then again you get a stiffer ride from the air suspension.

What kind of service is it asking for serv a/b/c? Mind you these will be expensive (depending on which serv you need) so make sure you have the dealer do all the service before you take the delivery.

Only other advice I can give is if you will get the CLS get the 550 instead. 80 more horses from the 500 to 550 so big difference and you can feel it too. Goodluck with your purchase you will not regret it it would be one of the best drives you can get out there.

 

glennp -
Service C is prompted right now; this is a Certified car, so the dealer will be taking care of all that. (Supposedly)
Dealer also found the NavDVD and owner manual, and couriered them to me yesterday. I'm taking your advice and sticking with 550! I will probably be making a decision today.
thanks!

 

Some more observations I've had after another day of driving:
1) While I think the exterior height of the CLS is actually a bid shorter than the CLK, I feel like I'm higher above the road in the CLS while I'm driving, even with the seat adjusted as low as possible.
2) The shape of the seat of the CLS is "flatter", while the CLK has side bolsters that help keep me held in, and I tend to feel like I'm sliding sideways in the CLS.
These are making me feel like the CLS has a less sporty experience from a seating point of view.

any thoughts?

 

Tommy, does the car have multi-contour seating? If you're not sure what that is, you'll find buttons on the bottom seat cushion on the right side by your thigh. If it has those, you could use it to inflate the seat bolsters to give you a feeling similar to your CLK.

 

Hi Quadbez - No, it doesn't have the multi-contour seating. I read through the manual a couple nights ago and saw that in there as an option. I'm headed back to the dealer today for the go-no-go decision; I was wondering if I should look for that in a model in their lot and try it out - but I don't know if not having it on the CLS I'm considering should be a deal breaker... Thanks.

 

sorry - meant "Quadbenz"

 

No brainer, CLS all the way. BTW, $49k is way too high. 2 months ago I bought a 2007 CLS 550 Designo edition, immaculate with all options with 10k miles for $45k, without much haggling. You should not pay more than $43-44k for that car.

 

Thanks everyone for all of your input!
I spent a couple hours at the dealer yesterday negotiating the deal; I expect to receive the car around Wednesday, as the dealer needs to complete the CPO checklist and add a few things that I asked for.
Can't wait!

 

Congrats chief have fun!

 

how much did you get it for?