Well....I've been kicking the E55 vs. CLK55 around for a while now and I've finally made up my mind. I cancelled my order for the E55 and placed an order for a CLK55. This past Friday I was able to take an E500 out for the day from my dealership.
It was a very nice car...but just not me. Very soft ride...which was nice, only problem....I didn't like the feeling I was in a four door sedan. I felt like I should have been married with three kids. Hell no. I drove to the mall with it and I didn't get the stares like I did when I was in my CLK430. Now I know what you guys are going to say....The E55 will get more looks and better performance than the base E500, but its still the whole 4 door thing!! Only thing I will regret is not getting the dual exhaust and 18 inch wheels. And finally the biggest thing....the CLK55 is less expensive than the E55....I finally figured I needed to save as much money as I could. I know some people here will not agree with me on this one....but I think this is the best choice for me. Besides....I probably would have killed myself or gotten arrested with 469 horses!!!!!



Oh yeah...I forgot to mention...my dealership has a CLK55 on the lot that they let me test drive as well. The E500's brake were super touchy...very hard to stop smoothly, but with practice it could be done. The clk55's brakes felt much better to me. test drove the 2 vehicles on back to back days.

 

Stiggs,

369hp can get you arrested pretty fast too, take my word on it.

Lower cost? Try lower resale as well.

If stares are that important, get a Mini S. Practically have to carry a bottle of windex to wash the fingerprints off the windows...and it is really inexpensive.

But what do I know, I'm married with three kids...

 

I can sympathize, this will be my first 4 door but it one heck of a 4 door.

 

I agree 362 horses is scary too!!! I just felt more "at home" with the CLK. Remember....my first benz was a CLk430 so I feel better in the CLK. My mom has a 1998 E320 and I don't like driving that....and I didn't like driving the 2003 E500. What can I say...I like the attention!!!

 

Wait a minute.... AMG is coming up with the 476hp V8 Kompressor on the CLK 55 very very soon... (end of 2003).

Keep that in mind

 

Where did you get that info??? My dealer didn't mention that...Hmmm. I suppose this means a substantial price increase as well. probably dual exhaust too!!
Live for today...don't worry about what you'll miss tomorrow!!!
I can't wait for my CLK55....who cares about resale value...I plan on driving that car until it dies!!!

 

Its was reported in a recent Autocar (British magazine) issue. there was an article on the latest tests conducted by AMG which included the S65 and the SL65. And yes they had photos of the new V8K CLK55 with a dual pipes. If I remember right, all these cars are coming out by year end, maximum 1st Q '04.

 

Actually, the resale value on the CLK should be every bit as good as that of an E class. Auto Spies just listed the M-B factory residual values (no E55 yet) and the best were the E's and the CLK's. Wanna get killed on resale?...try an S600 or an ML55.

The CLK is a great car. Enjoy!

 

Dude, you're making a big mistake. Having recently driven both of these vehicles on the track at Daytona the non supercharged CLK couldn't compare its more powerful brethren. The E55 handled very well and the brakes were clearly better and smoother than in the E500. The CLK is a pretty car but is not as aggressive looking as I think it should be. I personally haven't heard the rumor of a supercharged CLK, but I think the power difference netween the two models is significant enough to deter a CLK55 purchase. Just one fanatic's opinion.

 

Actually resale on the CLK55 has historically been BETTER than on the E55 (208 vs 210 models).

CLK55 has had the second highest resale in the stock auto business the past three years according to one of the online lease sites (second to Porsche 996TT).

My problem with the new 209CLK55 is that it costs almost the same as the E55, for a whole lot less car.
I've never understood why the price point between the two is so close.

 

I read that article, and if I recall correctly, it seemed to indicate that it would be an AMG Special. Which means you might only be able to get it in Europe. Also, the AMG Specials often require that you buy the normal car first and then take it to AMG for the "special" mods.

 

Why would someone who has the means go from the E55 with all those lovely ponies to a girly car that can only muster 362 donkey power?

If you could honestly make that statement without being dead drunk you do not not deserve the E55 and Mercedes should put you on the secret no sell list. They shoo you off to a more sedate sedan, like a Camry..........one where you won't get so scared by all the horses. I still can't believe you said that...............and in this forum too.

Tell us the truth now...........Did someone put her foot down. I remember when my mommy told me I couldn't have that BB gun for my birthday, I made up all kinds of excuses why my slingshot was just as good.......LOL

 

I got it right in front of me... Autocar May 14, 2003 page 23.

MikE55: The article says that MB hasn't decided if the car will be sold as an official model or as you've said an AMG special... In any case, if I was in Stiggs place I would wait till after the summer at least. I think most people would agree that an extra 100+hp and 140lb ft is WORTH THE WAIT.

 

I agree with you 100%! Did you get your 19" double spokes yet?

 

Stiggs, go with what you want, not what suits others. The CLK 55 will always turn more heads than an E55. If you don't need the room, take the 2 door. Just don't forget to order the 18" wheels!

 

Not yet, I was quoted a price of SR 35K for the wheels alone from Dubai's dealer, same here in Riyadh. With tires, they will cost around SR 42K. I'm still debating wheather I should do it or not........... Hummmmmmmmmmm, I dont know...... help me decide muhri. Keep in mind, for that price, I could bring the power upto 520hp.

 

YIKES!!! No way hllatif, do not get them. However, I really can not understand why they are charging this much, check this thread https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...threadid=40183
kaneman got the 2pc 19" for $1065 a piece for the front and $1100 a piece for the rear wheels INCLUDING tires!!! If you were to go for power, I'd support you more in spending that much..Which tuner are you thinking?

Also, just to note that the prices are cheaper at tire rack, check this thread about the 1 pc version https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...ghlight=wheels so the 19" shouldn't be much more expensive.. let me know what you decide. Good luck and dont forget to post pics!

 

Just like everyone else has stated..I would wait for the V8 kompressor if I were you. Just talk to someone who already has it; I'm sure they will give you a pretty nice review.


edit- by v8 kompressor I meant the E55.

But if you want the CLK, you can probably kleemanize it or something and get back that horsepower lost in not choosing the E55.

 

Stiggs..........I was just Joshing with ya so don't take it personally. Both cars are wonderful and no doubt either will be fun.

Me....I just have this thing for horsepower. It is like sex and money...................you can never have too much.

 

Well I knew some people would have their opinions....you have to expect that sort of thing on these forums!!!

Motormouth: You're pretty funny...you remind me of myself! Sure some people might think I'm wimping out....but do I really need all those ponies....who does?? I was very happy in my CLK430 with only 275 horses. I just knew I wanted an AMG car!


Mhh: Thanks....someone who understands. I know you can't compare the E500 with the E55 but a test drive does say alot....and how am I going to test drive an E55?? I did get to test drive the CLK55 and loved it!! You are right....I really need those 18 inch wheels!!

Dr Chill: I have always agreed with you in the past but no I can't on this topic. I don't think I'm making a mistake as long as I am happy. I guess out there in the "real" world no one will know the difference about my choices. They will still say.."wow look at that sweet AMG!"


As far as the price difference....the CLK55 is almost 10K cheaper E55=80K vs. CLK55=72K with the options I wanted.
Now I only make around 90K a year (before taxes) so a 10K difference is big for me.

 

Stiggs,

I think you're making a great choice. If i didn't have a 17month old daughter, I would look into a clk55 or m3 too. Don't own brand loyalty since being in the software dev field, i think competition is good.

vspt

 

I honestly think the E55 turns more heads than the new CLK55. Yes the E55's resale may be a little worse, and yes the E55 costs more-BUT IT'S WELL WORTH IT. My only question is why don't you have the same need for speed as the rest of us?

Regardless of my opinion, buy what makes you happy and whatever you drive, use it safely and enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!

 

My ****** little brother drives a C32 and although not 469 HP that little mother can really scoot when she gets a full head of steam.

In my opinion ANY AMG car will bring more enjoyment and exclusivity to the owner than a "standard issue" benz.

Enjoy

 

you got looks in your CLK430?? ooh... you live in connecticut, that probably explains it. It would be nice if i could get looks drivin a CLK430 here in LA.

why is it that the e55 is 100hp more powerful than a clk55 when they are both 55 v8 engines?

 

ok i got it... cuz the clk55 doesnt have a kompressor. that sucks! why would you buy an AMG car that wasnt supercharged?