Intro...

[VENI-VIDE-VICE]

Hey Gruppe, I'm a newb to the forum and the AMG product. A little intro. I've been dabbling in BMW's "M" series for about the last 10 years. I've owned several M3's e36's and e46's and currently campaign an e36 M3 in BMW Club Racing. It's a C-mod built machine with the euro S50B32 engine. That's the engine we didn't get. A truly special piece of hardware compared to the US version. Anyway, I've recently been bit by the AMG bug. Happened upon an '03 CLK 55 coupe with 22k miles. Wow. I love V8's!!! The torque is just massive right out of the box...keep in mind I'm also comparing to the 3.2 straight six's in the bimmers. Love the car. Handles fine for street duty. Road course work...suggests that suspension work would be in order to compensate for what feels to be a nose heavy car. But, I'm really not looking to slay this car on road courses. So, kind of a moot point. I'm truly more interested in this car serving a daily driving need and would like some input. The car I'm looking for will absolutely be a coupe. Is this car gonna start to feel really small after a few months of ownership? I sat in the back seat. Not something I'd want to do on a long trip, but it's at least usable. In comparison, what are the thoughts on the CL's vs. CLK's for daily drivers. Immediately, I'm swayed to the CLK's due to the paddle shifting....I do wish the paddles were attached to the column and NOT the steering wheel. I'm also attached to the CLK's interior. Very well done. Sporty, yet nicely refined. The CL's just have too much wood. Even in the CL 55! What's up with that! In all fairness though, I've not driven the CL 55 or CL 500. If I love the way the CLK drove...will I abhor the CL? I suspect it's quite soft and again, a rather dated looking interior. Also, based on pricing...is there any reason to purchase a CLK 500 and do mods to get up to the CLK 55's numbers or further? The issues there would again be an interior that is loaded with WOOD, no paddle shifting, not sure if the 500's come with LSD's as well as other unknowns. So, just wanted to say hello. I'm close to closing a deal or either an '03 or '04 CLK 55 and just wanted to see if any of you had some words of wisdom when dealing with these cars. Oh yeah, anyone got any pics of a white clk 55 with some black 18's or 19's rims???? You don't see many white coupes in the 55's! The car definitely needs some masculine touch. Black rims could do the trick!? Thanks. Hope I've not bored you. Looking forward to spending some time here to learn more about the car. I did do some preliminary searching but like bimmerforums...the search button is really not all that great unless you get the topic to match! Ken

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[Stiggs]

I would say go with the AMG over the regular 500. Also I have never driven a CL so I can't give a good comparison....but I have yet to feel cramped in my CLK. It doesn't seem all that small to me. I hate it when I have more than two people because it is a pain to get in and out of the back.
Just out of curiosity......how much are they asking for on the 2003 CLK55?

[VENI-VIDE-VICE]

Originally Posted by Stiggs

I would say go with the AMG over the regular 500. Also I have never driven a CL so I can't give a good comparison....but I have yet to feel cramped in my CLK. It doesn't seem all that small to me. I hate it when I have more than two people because it is a pain to get in and out of the back.
Just out of curiosity......how much are they asking for on the 2003 CLK55?

Hey Stiggs,

Good to hear about the daily driving aspect of the clk and it not feeling too small. Yeah, in my e46 m3...it's always a pain for rear seat passengers. Oh well. I've looked at the C 55's, but just don't want to do a small 4 door.

The pricing on these cars are all over the place. I'm really into researching stuff like this. The great variables with the AMG's will be mileage and records and absolutely no paint work. Records need to show all work has been done at MB's dealers.
That said, keep in mind that these cars are what is referred to as "E" classified cars when using pricing measures. That's a very stringent class to be placed into.
Cars that are exceeding 40k miles are bringing between rough and average. Example, I just got pricing on a car with 46k miles, '04 CLK 55 and it sold at Manheim auction last month for $32k. Rough book on that car is $28k with average in the $34k range...so, it's between the two. Miles definitely hurt it, but it could've also had other issues, who knows.

The '03 that I looked at with 22k miles was offered at a highline dealer....drum roll please....$42,800. PPPLLLEASE. He's called me twice and I've got him down to $37.5. I think there's still room. He knows he's got a killer car with the right mileage, no paint work...clean, clean, clean.

So, it's all over the place. Again, the keys will be Mileage, Mileage, Mileage, NO PAINT WORK and Records. Color factors a bit....just don't go for the crimson. I think they're about $3-4k lower than black, white or silver. You want to stay with the primary colors on these cars for certain.

HTH. I'm actually considering hitching a ride with one of my dealer friends to see what's offered at the Orlando Auction as well as the Atlanta Auction.

If you guys are interested, I'll be happy to report back with real world pricing on these cars! Who knows, I might find it next to impossible to buy these cars as low as I think I can. We'll see in about 2 more weeks.

Ken

[Saprissa]

Ken,
i'm enjoying reading about your CLK quest. Like Stiggs said, definitely go for the AMG. I don't own one, but if I did, that's what I would go for.

I'm looking for CLK AMG (black/charcoal) seats, so if you run across any CLK AMGs with seats to sell, please pass info my way. Thanks.

Carlos
MBCA San Diego Section

Saprissa@aol.com

[VENI-VIDE-VICE]

Originally Posted by Saprissa

Ken,
i'm enjoying reading about your CLK quest. Like Stiggs said, definitely go for the AMG. I don't own one, but if I did, that's what I would go for.

I'm looking for CLK AMG (black/charcoal) seats, so if you run across any CLK AMGs with seats to sell, please pass info my way. Thanks.

Carlos
MBCA San Diego Section

Saprissa@aol.com

Carlos,

I've got connections in Porsche and of course BMW...but I'm very lacking in the whole MB thing. I'm gonna work on getting connected. If I see anything like what you're wanting, I'll definitely pass it along to you.

Yeah, I'm dead set on the sticking with the 55's.

One other thing I'm hoping some of you might care to address are items that are pre-maturely wearing out on these cars. I've seen some threads about motor mounts and such. Are there any electrical gremlins showing up in the '03 or '04's that I should know about?
Do the speedo's tend to wear out prematurely? The '03 that I took for a test drive had a sticking speedo and never showed a speed less than 40mph. LOL

Are the navi systems any good in these cars...or should I pass?

Also, is the keyless system something to avoid?

Thanks a lot guys for any help.

Ken

[Joel W Sanders]

Just curiouis why not also look at the W208 these are very low $ and I believe more distinctive than the 2003 and newer W209. Also some can be found with low miles. If I understand BMW people correctly they do modify thier cars to thier tastes, are modifications beyond suspension in the future?

I drive mine every day out of nesscesity (at least that is what I tell mysef). the torque is great: passing and getting on the freeway here in SD torque is most helpfull.

Good luck
Joel

[VENI-VIDE-VICE]

Originally Posted by Joel W Sanders

Just curiouis why not also look at the W208 these are very low $ and I believe more distinctive than the 2003 and newer W209. Also some can be found with low miles. If I understand BMW people correctly they do modify thier cars to thier tastes, are modifications beyond suspension in the future?

I drive mine every day out of nesscesity (at least that is what I tell mysef). the torque is great: passing and getting on the freeway here in SD torque is most helpfull.

Good luck
Joel

Hey Joel,

Here's my thought on the W208's...great rear end, but the front just isn't as nice as the W209's.
Did the W208's have the same "ortho" seats? How about the paddle shifting? I think the interior is more like the CL's, right? Since I've not driven the W208's, I honestly cannot say that I wouldn't do it.

For whatever reason, the W209's just really struck a chord with me.

However, saving money is ALWAYS a good thing

I think I'm pretty set on the W209's...unless a screaming deal on a W208 comes along.

As for mods. I will take my time to feel the car out. I'm not a big believer in mucking with factory stuff...until it either breaks or it doesn't suit my driving style. That said, those factory rims HAVE GOT TO GO. Either some 18's or 19's with black center/polished lips or totally blacked out.
I will also consider a CAI. I'm assuming that there are companies out there that can flash the ecu for such mod, right?
If it's anything like the bimmers...better driveability and sometimes gas mileage with a slight increase in bhp's and torque.

Those are a few things that I'd consider for immediate mods and shake the car out to see what's lacking...if anything.


Like I've said, this is more about a daily driver. I've got a race car to flog at the track.

Ken

[AMG_55]

hi, i no longer have a clk, i drive a 997s now.
but i did, i suggest you stay away from 03's, mine had a lot of little problems, was at the shop like 30 times (thank god for warranty). also clk 55 or 500 dont come w/ lsd, the reason i went w/ a 55 is b/c of the transmission. on the 500 you cannot put it in manual mode, you can still shift it but it will also shift itself. my clk also shifted itself if i floored it in m and forgot to shift but a software update fixed that. i believe 04's come with the real manual mode. most cars probably had the software update anyway. also as you mentioned the 55 comes with buttons for the tranny and the 500 does not, the 500 has a regualr transmission, the 55 amg modified (faster changes). all these things cannot be put on a 500. (at least for a reasonable price, everything is possible). at the time of purchase the dealer i got my car from couldnt find a clk55, they offered me a cl500 for the SAME EXACT price on a lease and i declined. too much weight, too big, air suspension (not my thing, i prefer regular susension). i dont know how you plan on using your car but i do a lot of canyon runs and the clk held up pretty well, a cl 500 would not have, i know for a fact that after 10min of really hard driving the cl's brakes would be gone.


hope that helps, sounds to me like you enjoy driving so i suggest you stay away from any cl

btw,
i used to have a e36 m, i miss it a lot, i had yokohama a032r tires on it and h&r race springs, when those tires got hot it would hurt my neck in the corners (on the street)

[VENI-VIDE-VICE]

Originally Posted by AMG_55

hi, i no longer have a clk, i drive a 997s now.
but i did, i suggest you stay away from 03's, mine had a lot of little problems, was at the shop like 30 times (thank god for warranty). also clk 55 or 500 dont come w/ lsd, the reason i went w/ a 55 is b/c of the transmission. on the 500 you cannot put it in manual mode, you can still shift it but it will also shift itself. my clk also shifted itself if i floored it in m and forgot to shift but a software update fixed that. i believe 04's come with the real manual mode. most cars probably had the software update anyway. also as you mentioned the 55 comes with buttons for the tranny and the 500 does not, the 500 has a regualr transmission, the 55 amg modified (faster changes). all these things cannot be put on a 500. (at least for a reasonable price, everything is possible). at the time of purchase the dealer i got my car from couldnt find a clk55, they offered me a cl500 for the SAME EXACT price on a lease and i declined. too much weight, too big, air suspension (not my thing, i prefer regular susension). i dont know how you plan on using your car but i do a lot of canyon runs and the clk held up pretty well, a cl 500 would not have, i know for a fact that after 10min of really hard driving the cl's brakes would be gone.


hope that helps, sounds to me like you enjoy driving so i suggest you stay away from any cl

btw,
i used to have a e36 m, i miss it a lot, i had yokohama a032r tires on it and h&r race springs, when those tires got hot it would hurt my neck in the corners (on the street)

Ahhh some sage advice! Thanks AMG 55. Yeah, the issues I've seen in my brief search on the net with the MB's is pretty alarming. We both know that BMW has also had it's share of issues. These co's are putting way too many electronics/gadgets into the cars.
I have a friend with an '05 C-55 AMG, and he's had several issues as well. One of the biggest were the lifters needing to be replaced. His stereo head had to be replaced twice. Seat heaters were frying their bottoms.
Is that kind of stuff common? Then I've read that motor mounts and suspension bushings are failing prematurely.
What has MB done to rectify? Have they developed proper replacement parts to be retro fitted on the earlier cars...'03-'05's?

Do you have any knowledge on the W208's? I'm beginning to wonder if an '02 W208 might be a better car since it was at the end of that run as opposed to the beginning.

I think the most important thing for me to consider with any of these cars will be warranty.
Yeah, I've put the CL idea to bed.

The E36 M3 really was a special car. If you like the a032r's....you should try a set of Hoosier!!!!
Yes, corner work is where the BMW's exceed. Perfect 50/50 balancing.

The new e90 M3 is gonna be interesting to see. I'm just not digging their styling anymore.

Thanks for the heads up AMG 55. I will probably take your advice and stick with '04's and newer. The '04's seem to be in the sweet spot with used car pricing...provided there's enough warranty left!!!

Ken

[ItalianStallion]

After modification, my CLK500 has beaten M3's and even ran with some high powered cars (E55 Evosport, Gallardo) but I doubt your interested in the modifications I did. Since you just came from a true sports car, I'd suggest the CLK55 because of the SpeedShift tranny, the suspension and the overall sportier feel.
The CL55 is more of a cruiser than the CLK55, however, the motor is ridiculous. Once you drive an AMG with the 55 Kompressor you'll become addicted right on the spot. Its got brutal torque. I'd suggest taking one for a test drive. But if neck snapping acceleration isn't your #1 preference, then go for the CLK55. Good luck.

[VENI-VIDE-VICE]

Originally Posted by ItalianStallion

After modification, my CLK500 has beaten M3's and even ran with some high powered cars (E55 Evosport, Gallardo) but I doubt your interested in the modifications I did. Since you just came from a true sports car, I'd suggest the CLK55 because of the SpeedShift tranny, the suspension and the overall sportier feel.
The CL55 is more of a cruiser than the CLK55, however, the motor is ridiculous. Once you drive an AMG with the 55 Kompressor you'll become addicted right on the spot. Its got brutal torque. I'd suggest taking one for a test drive. But if neck snapping acceleration isn't your #1 preference, then go for the CLK55. Good luck.

Hey ItalianStallion.

Yep. I'm looking to stay mild on the mods. As for the 55 Kompressor, what a package!
I'm with you on clk 55. The speed shift tranny is a great touch. I actually think that's what put me over the edge on the car. More than enough fun for daily driving use.
As for the clk 55's feel....I think daily driving the car will put a smile on my face.

Like you said, it's just got a good balance between comfort and sportiness.

Ken

[Chappy]

Welcome Ken. Best of luck in your search!

[VENI-VIDE-VICE]

Originally Posted by Chappy

Welcome Ken. Best of luck in your search!

Thanks Chappy!

Looking forward to hanging and learning a lot more about these cars.

Ken

[neilbo75]

Welcome aboard, Ken, and good luck in your quest.

FYI the 208s did not come with paddle shifters. The later models of the series run had a "tip tronic" type gear shift on the center console that upshifts or downshifts by tipping it right or left. Leave it alone and it stays in drive. It's a very good system, but of course not as easy to use in the twisties as steering-wheel mounted buttons. You can tell the later model 208s by their sidemarker lights integrated into the side view mirrors. All 55 AMGs are the later models.

BTW the new 63 CLKs have proper paddles. I test drove one and the shifting is very quick and sure. No "blipping" of the throttle on downshifts though.

Judgin from your past as a M3 man I think you would be happier in a CLK than a CL. The latter car has impressive acceleration but is just too much of a boat. Surprisingly, there is not much more room in the back of a CL. The 208s are now a touch old fashioned ... but they do not lack charm and they are cheaper to buy. They are also a bit smaller and lighter than the 209s. Many people think they have the cleaner, more distinctive styling, but each to his own.

The N/A 55 engine on the 208 made it the fastest MB ever sold when it was new. Now it falls behind more than a few cars but in 99 percent of real street driving it is still a kickass machine.

[AMG_55]

no problem.
there are many electrical issues w/ these cars, i think that the newer clks 04-05 were mostly fixed though. make sure the car you get has an extended warranty b/c they are very expensive to fix (i paid $3000 to fix a couple of electrical faults when my warranty ran out 3 months before my lease was up). i had my command system replaced also b/c the volume knob was kind of loose. i had my motor mounts and suspension bushings replaced about 3 times (each), however i drive harder than 99% of mb owners out there so i cant really blame them for that. i suggest you get a 209 (the pillarless look is beautiful) they have a much better/more responsive/better feeling steering rack than the 208 and imo look better, also the 209 is faster from personal experience . get an 04 w/ warranty and you should be ok

i agree the new m3 will be a nice car however in imo bmw m lost it after the e39 m5. they began making overweight, ugly computers on wheels

are hoosiers street legal?

good luck, feel free to pm me anytime for any questions

Originally Posted by VENI-VIDE-VICE

Ahhh some sage advice! Thanks AMG 55. Yeah, the issues I've seen in my brief search on the net with the MB's is pretty alarming. We both know that BMW has also had it's share of issues. These co's are putting way too many electronics/gadgets into the cars.
I have a friend with an '05 C-55 AMG, and he's had several issues as well. One of the biggest were the lifters needing to be replaced. His stereo head had to be replaced twice. Seat heaters were frying their bottoms.
Is that kind of stuff common? Then I've read that motor mounts and suspension bushings are failing prematurely.
What has MB done to rectify? Have they developed proper replacement parts to be retro fitted on the earlier cars...'03-'05's?

Do you have any knowledge on the W208's? I'm beginning to wonder if an '02 W208 might be a better car since it was at the end of that run as opposed to the beginning.

I think the most important thing for me to consider with any of these cars will be warranty.
Yeah, I've put the CL idea to bed.

The E36 M3 really was a special car. If you like the a032r's....you should try a set of Hoosier!!!!
Yes, corner work is where the BMW's exceed. Perfect 50/50 balancing.

The new e90 M3 is gonna be interesting to see. I'm just not digging their styling anymore.

Thanks for the heads up AMG 55. I will probably take your advice and stick with '04's and newer. The '04's seem to be in the sweet spot with used car pricing...provided there's enough warranty left!!!

Ken

[VENI-VIDE-VICE]

[quote=neilbo75;1945141]Welcome aboard, Ken, and good luck in your quest.

FYI the 208s did not come with paddle shifters. The later models of the series run had a "tip tronic" type gear shift on the center console that upshifts or downshifts by tipping it right or left. Leave it alone and it stays in drive. It's a very good system, but of course not as easy to use in the twisties as steering-wheel mounted buttons. You can tell the later model 208s by their sidemarker lights integrated into the side view mirrors. All 55 AMGs are the later models.

BTW the new 63 CLKs have proper paddles. I test drove one and the shifting is very quick and sure. No "blipping" of the throttle on downshifts though.

Judgin from your past as a M3 man I think you would be happier in a CLK than a CL.


Hey neilbo75. My wife and I had an awesome visit to Burgundy, France a few years ago for a bicycle/wine tasting vacation. Great experience. The biking is no walk in the park! Loved the region.

Anyway, thanks for the input. I'm totally set on the W209 for the reasons you've listed.

Ken

[VENI-VIDE-VICE]

Originally Posted by AMG_55

no problem.
there are many electrical issues w/ these cars, i think that the newer clks 04-05 were mostly fixed though. make sure the car you get has an extended warranty b/c they are very expensive to fix (i paid $3000 to fix a couple of electrical faults when my warranty ran out 3 months before my lease was up).

i suggest you get a 209 (the pillarless look is beautiful) they have a much better/more responsive/better feeling steering rack than the 208 and imo look better, also the 209 is faster from personal experience . get an 04 w/ warranty and you should be ok

i agree the new m3 will be a nice car however in imo bmw m lost it after the e39 m5. they began making overweight, ugly computers on wheels

are hoosiers street legal?

good luck, feel free to pm me anytime for any questions

Thanks again AMG 55.

As for hoosiers...yeah, you can get dot's...but I don't think they are actually street legal. I forgot that you were not doing track work with the a032r's. If you get a chance to do an event with Audi, Mercedes, BMW at one of your tracks, you should do it. Anyone that will use a032r's on the street, should experience the next level Not to mention, it's much safer to drive at speed on a designated road course in a controlled environment than out on our public roads. Too many people out here that haven't got a clue

Ken

[emrliquidlife]

I thought I would chime in and say hello. I have been lurking the CLK board for some time. I guess it was ever since a CLK was being sold in the classifieds for about 32k if I remember correctly. The car was the wifes, I think he was from the bay area.

So Ken, good luck with the search. Pass along what you learn. When my time is right, perhaps I'll be cruising a CLK AMG.

Best to all.

Mr. E

[Stiggs]

To defend the 2003 CLK55 I must say that I have not yet had one electrical problem with my car. I am the only owner and have exactly 29,100 miles on her right now. I have had no major problems besides a broken drivers side window regulator fixed under warranty. My warranty will be up this April and let me say....I am praying nothing breaks after that! LOL

[AMG_55]

Originally Posted by Stiggs

To defend the 2003 CLK55 I must say that I have not yet had one electrical problem with my car. I am the only owner and have exactly 29,100 miles on her right now. I have had no major problems besides a broken drivers side window regulator fixed under warranty. My warranty will be up this April and let me say....I am praying nothing breaks after that! LOL

you got lucky

[Stiggs]

Originally Posted by AMG_55

you got lucky

Probably....now that you mention it, I have been having some trouble with my passenger's side headrest. Sometimes it decides it won't go up or down. Maybe this is the beginning of the end!LOL

[AMG_55]

Originally Posted by Stiggs

Probably....now that you mention it, I have been having some trouble with my passenger's side headrest. Sometimes it decides it won't go up or down. Maybe this is the beginning of the end!LOL

thats the exact same thing that happened on mine, the pass. headrest stopped working, soon your passenger seat wont lock into place after folding it for rear seat passangers

[MercedesFTW]

Hey Ken, see if you can't find a 05 CLK55...You get the updated look on the inside, and the quad exhaust on the outside.

The 04's I believe have 18 inch wheels, whilst the 03s have 17s. I'm not sure if there are any other differences.

Any specific options on the list? When I was looking for one, I wanted Nav and keyless-go on a black car...it just did not exist!

[AMG_55]

Originally Posted by MercedesFTW

Hey Ken, see if you can't find a 05 CLK55...You get the updated look on the inside, and the quad exhaust on the outside.

The 04's I believe have 18 inch wheels, whilst the 03s have 17s. I'm not sure if there are any other differences.

Any specific options on the list? When I was looking for one, I wanted Nav and keyless-go on a black car...it just did not exist!

brakes

4 piston & 2 (i believe)

and 6 & 4 on the newer ones

definitely worth it