E55 or CLK55
08-01-2003, 06:39 PM
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2000 E55
E55 or CLK55
I am in the market for a 1999 to 2002 E55 or CLK55. I am having a tough time deciding which to get. I have on driven the E55 but how does the CLK compare. In terms of performance which is better (from a stop or rolling)? Gas Mileage.....? Please help
08-01-2003, 11:20 PM
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CLK55 didn't appear until 2001.
CLK55 was slightly faster (lighter car, same engine) and had slightly better gas mileage for the same reasons.
E55 had much more interior space, bigger trunk, 4 doors, and (IMO) better build quality than the CLK55.
Performance and mileage numbers were so similar I doubt you'd notice the difference.
You should choose based on whether you want a 4 door luxury sedan or a 2 door coupe (or cabriolet).
CLK55 was slightly faster (lighter car, same engine) and had slightly better gas mileage for the same reasons.
E55 had much more interior space, bigger trunk, 4 doors, and (IMO) better build quality than the CLK55.
Performance and mileage numbers were so similar I doubt you'd notice the difference.
You should choose based on whether you want a 4 door luxury sedan or a 2 door coupe (or cabriolet).
08-01-2003, 11:25 PM
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2001 E55 & 1988 BMW M6
my $.02:
the e55 is my daily driver: The clk is a non-starter for me, given the need to haul the occaisional customer around, or, periodically, my two boys...
If this is a "third car", then I'd say you've got a toss-up. A good friend of mine has the clk55 and swears by it!
However, since my third car is a 2dr gt, I need the flexibility that the e55 offers me as a daily driver. Plus: there's always plenty of torque on demand!
As for your question concerning gas milage, I'd guess both cars return generally the same mpg's. if this were a true consideration, I'm certain you wouldn't be considering AMG - 12-15 mpg's around town [w/spirited driving] shouldn't surprise you.
Whether you chose an e55 or clk55, I think your real decision is model year and accumulated milage. For me, I'd pay up for at least an '00 - the 99's do not have the auto-stick, which is actually a lot of fun...
either way, I'm sure you won't regret going with AMG. Best of luck.
the e55 is my daily driver: The clk is a non-starter for me, given the need to haul the occaisional customer around, or, periodically, my two boys...
If this is a "third car", then I'd say you've got a toss-up. A good friend of mine has the clk55 and swears by it!
However, since my third car is a 2dr gt, I need the flexibility that the e55 offers me as a daily driver. Plus: there's always plenty of torque on demand!
As for your question concerning gas milage, I'd guess both cars return generally the same mpg's. if this were a true consideration, I'm certain you wouldn't be considering AMG - 12-15 mpg's around town [w/spirited driving] shouldn't surprise you.
Whether you chose an e55 or clk55, I think your real decision is model year and accumulated milage. For me, I'd pay up for at least an '00 - the 99's do not have the auto-stick, which is actually a lot of fun...
either way, I'm sure you won't regret going with AMG. Best of luck.
08-02-2003, 03:40 AM
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E55 AMG
IMHO, it's really a question of a stylish GT coupe vs. executive sports sedan - pick your poison. A couple of points to think about:
Performance - it's really a wash, the car mags have gotten very similar results for both the E 55 and CLK 55. (In fact, both MT and C&D got 0-60 of 4.8 secs for the '99 E 55, I don't recall seeing a CLK 55 doing better than 4.9 secs in the car mags.)
Looks - subjective, but I prefer the CLK. The downside is the CLK 55 looks identical to the CLK 430.
Class - The nod goes to the E55, it is an E-class. The CLK is based on the w202 C-class. It may look like an E-class on the outside, but it's a C-class on the inside. The chassis is based on the w202, and as amg55 pointed out, the build quality on the E 55 is notch better.
What do the ladies like? Based on the ones I know, definately the CLK 55.
Performance - it's really a wash, the car mags have gotten very similar results for both the E 55 and CLK 55. (In fact, both MT and C&D got 0-60 of 4.8 secs for the '99 E 55, I don't recall seeing a CLK 55 doing better than 4.9 secs in the car mags.)
Looks - subjective, but I prefer the CLK. The downside is the CLK 55 looks identical to the CLK 430.
Class - The nod goes to the E55, it is an E-class. The CLK is based on the w202 C-class. It may look like an E-class on the outside, but it's a C-class on the inside. The chassis is based on the w202, and as amg55 pointed out, the build quality on the E 55 is notch better.
What do the ladies like? Based on the ones I know, definately the CLK 55.
08-02-2003, 12:02 PM
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I think MikE55 hit the nail right on the head 
M6toE55....only 12-15mpg? Man, you must be hitting it like a banshee!
The WORST I have ever gotten is 17.6 around town...usually right at 20!
Highway sees 24-25mpg.
Either way, you can't go wrong. Enjoy the new ride whichever you decide
'02 CLK55
'91 300CE / sportline bits
M6toE55....only 12-15mpg? Man, you must be hitting it like a banshee!
The WORST I have ever gotten is 17.6 around town...usually right at 20!Highway sees 24-25mpg.
Either way, you can't go wrong. Enjoy the new ride whichever you decide
'02 CLK55
'91 300CE / sportline bits
08-03-2003, 09:34 PM
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2002 E55 AMG
Well the way I drive my '99 E55 AMG, I go through a tank of gas in about a week. I think the CLK55 looks a little better but the E55 has more space. I guess either would be a blast to drive. 
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08-03-2003, 10:45 PM
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Since I own both cars here is my $0.02. If you are not marry with children, get the CLK. It is a blast to drive! I take the CLK55 whenever I am by myself and I never have a dull moment. The CLK55 is a tad noisier in the interior and the exhaust sound is more aggressive( more rumble
) The suspension is much firmer than my 02'E55 and it handles well, not bone jarring like other sport coupes. CLK55 trunk space is more spacious than the E55 since you can fold the rear seats. The down side is interior room and comfort. It is obviously smaller than the E55 and it is not as comfortable on the long trip. Performance is a toss up but my wife thinks CLK55 faster, since it is her car
My 02'E55 is the car of choice for the family outing, unless it is snowing then we take the crappy ML320. It has a smoother and quieter ride and an excellent highway cruiser. It handles well but with more body roll than the CLK55. So driving 60 MPH exiting off ramp is not recommended. Interior fitment quality is better on the E55 and it is practically rattle free. CLK55 does make some minor creaky noise but I figured it is because of the stiff suspension.
I love both cars and each has its purposes. All you need is to figure out your priority. Or, you can do what I did, buy both
John
) The suspension is much firmer than my 02'E55 and it handles well, not bone jarring like other sport coupes. CLK55 trunk space is more spacious than the E55 since you can fold the rear seats. The down side is interior room and comfort. It is obviously smaller than the E55 and it is not as comfortable on the long trip. Performance is a toss up but my wife thinks CLK55 faster, since it is her car My 02'E55 is the car of choice for the family outing, unless it is snowing then we take the crappy ML320. It has a smoother and quieter ride and an excellent highway cruiser. It handles well but with more body roll than the CLK55. So driving 60 MPH exiting off ramp is not recommended. Interior fitment quality is better on the E55 and it is practically rattle free. CLK55 does make some minor creaky noise but I figured it is because of the stiff suspension.
I love both cars and each has its purposes. All you need is to figure out your priority. Or, you can do what I did, buy both
John
08-04-2003, 03:08 AM
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white and whiter
My vote goes to the sedan since I'm more of a sedan person nowaday. 01 CLK55 and 01 E55 had basically same kind of built quality, which both are solid and superb.
The CLK55 will handle a little better and might accelerate a little faster rolling start since it's a little lighter.
It all comes down to whether do you like the coupe of sedan.
The CLK55 will handle a little better and might accelerate a little faster rolling start since it's a little lighter.
It all comes down to whether do you like the coupe of sedan.
