Calspeed

Hello,

This is my second thread and iif alll goes well it will be the begining of a great relationship with MB and MBWorld.

I am in "need" of a family car. Thinking of the C32, C55, CLK430... Maybe an E Class AMG? The "S" is too big. I think. I definitely am partial to Cabriolets.

From the pictures that I have seen many of the cars I like seem to only have four seatbelts. I would like a five seater.

I used to own an E39 M5 and would like something of that caliber. But an automatic is much more convenient since my wife doesnt drive manual. And this may end up being her car one day. Can we say, "911 Turbo"? But that isnt anytime in the near future.

My biggest concerns are that I will get a nice AMG and it will have a hidden history of being beat up and street raced. Something that was owned by some wealthy kid that didnt have a Civic Si or a WRX as a learner car to show off to their friends. I learned how to crash in a 1976 VW Rabbit. Yeah, I'm of that generation.

Am I over reacting? I certainly hope I am. But YouTube videos of standing burnouts and "donuts" in parking lots and drifting sessions on the dirt gives me the creeps.

So, now I need to decide on which MB to pursue. I really like the CLK430 Cabriolet in white. Funny, my wifes initials are C.L.K and her birthday is April 30th. Next would be the C32. Oh yes... I like 5 seaters.... for the in-laws.

Any and all comments are appreciated.

Miguel

AMGfan

AMG W210 ($15K to $25K) or AMG W211 ($30K to $40K) would fit your bill...seating for five in relative comfort. I've had the CLK430 and the C320 and they are on the smallish side.

kompressorc230

Best answer is "whatever suits your needs."

cdd

If you're looking for a family car, I would steer clear of the C classes--too small in the back. Definitely go for a W211 E55. Decent room and a killer motor.

s204speed

They all will feel different; just test drive em and pick what you like best! (The E55 is great!)

JosephLINY-E55

I was/am in the same situation, but I already have a SUV as primary... I was looking at/for ZO6 Corvettes, but the end purchased 2005 E55 but the fact that I have kids... Killer 4 door sedan that can go and stop and run... I still remember reading Road & Track's 10 Fastest Stock cars and it was the only 4 door sedan as I recall but my memory sucks... It was also listed above a F-360 again if my memory serves correct... Maybe someone on the boards can download it for me, but anyways I always wanted one... Drive one and you may get hooked... Best regards, Joseph

Untertürkheim

From what you said, the only one that would work is a E55, CLK is 2+2, C may as well be too.

sound 8

If you want the ultimate family car get a S600.Because of there size you should be able to pick up an 03/04 for little money. Don't bother with AMG's
they will be more money and no faster except the S65, which be a lot more
money.Sometimes I enjoy driving my S600 more than the SL55 and the CL65.
Good luck.