Hiya. I'm an owner of a 2001 W208 CLK320 and I'm starting to have this urge to upgrade.

Can any of you compare the vehicles? I'd probably be looking at a 2001-2002 SL500. I am open to suggestions though.

Of the two cars, what do you find the biggest difference in experience? What do you enjoy most about your R129? And what bugs you most about it?

My thanks for your time in answering these questions. As well, anything else you think I should know would be very much appreciated. General comments and tips as well.

Regards,
-Bouncer-

If I were to do it over again, I'd go with the R230.

At a reasonable price (R230 is out of many (my) range) the R129 is a great car.

Is your CLK a convertible?

If not then you may not have the experience to fully analize this.

I had reservations 2 1/2 years ago when I bought used. Would a convertible be worth the 10 to 15 K more in cost?

My wife had very serious buyers remource. 12 months later she was converted. Power? No. Hadeling? No. Prestige? No. Vitamine D. Oh ya ... got to have it!

The answer? It has completely changed our enjoyment of our mundane life. Weekend chores .... like driving to pick up produce is now a great adventure.

Do it!

In my opinion, a 2002 SL500 is a bargain right now. For $30k less than a 2003 you can get an awesome car.

I just got a 2002 Silver Arrow with 29k miles. I love it.

I will be adding a Kleeman supercharger and it will be faster than an SL55.

At half the price.

I don't know how much money I would have to make before I would feel ok buying a car for $100k.