I've driven both and like the 208 much better than the 209. Performance is better and the styling is also more unique.
I currently own both, a 2000 Clk 430 and 2006 Clk 500 Cabriolet. Here's mine 2 cents. As for performance, I like mine 500 much better then mine 430. The 430 throttle response is very lazy (even the 320 has a much quicker throttle response). Mine 500 throttle response is very good (but not as good as the 55) and combined with the new 7-speed automatic, the car feel almost like the AMG version. The 500 ride much smoother and feel much lighter then then 430 due to Mercedes switched to strut for front suspension.
As for look, both are unique in term of body line but the 500 has the new AMG body kit which look alot better and up to date then the old AMG body kit. The interior on the 500 are much much better looking then the 430. From the front, the 500 look much more mascular then the 430 due to the new AMG body kit. But I do have to admitted, from the side and the rear, the 500 look very girlies. When both car with top up, the 500 look much better due to the pillarless.
The only 2003 CLK convertibles made are W208 body style. In going to the 430 cab, the only thing I have been disappointed with is the acceleration response and steering. Since cabs are heavier than coupes, look at the '02 CLK55 cab that is the best, the rarest and the biggest sticker price of any W208.
I think its unanimous that W209's are feminine and when I was looking at cars before I came to this forum, the reason I bought a Mercedes CLK is b/c of the W208, NOT the W209.
Last edited by clk430convert01 : 04-26-2008 at 03:55 AM.
Maybe a CLK63 but thats it...only for the power but you cant get the damn thing in a coupe in the US unless you the the black series, I dont want a convertible
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Mod list:Carlssons front bumper, custom angel eye fogs, headlight rings, #1 pads, Eibach springs, Inmotion ECU tuning, chrome wheels, Illuminated door sills, in dash DVD with TV and backup camera, complete audio system, AMG pedals, LED lights, Blk maple and chrome shift knob, blk maple center cover and door pulls, Zaino, H&R 10mm spacers, K&N filters, Magnaflow exhaust
Vehicle: 2003 Ford Ranger kickass edition. Soon 2003 SL55
Location: Minnesota Cottage Grove
Posts: 426
Quote:
Originally Posted by linh
Wrong !!! Only 2003 CLK 55 came with factory quad exhaust system.
Wow..don't be so quick to criticize.. better check your sources again Linh..Maybe you were thinking on he CL 55.. in 03 yes.. it came with the quad pipes.. Like I said.. Mercedes didn't start the quad pipes on the CLK 55 until 2005.
I prefer the looks of the 208. We have a 2001 CLK 320 cabrio and while it looks slightly more masculine than the 209, that doesn't say much in my book. It's my wife's ride and works great for road trips as the 320 gets close to 30 mpg if you keep your foot out of it.
But, FYI, this car has cost me more to own in the past 18 months than ALL of the MBs I have owned in the past 10 years almost combined. I just picked through the receipts and found repair costs (not including regular maintenance) to be over $9,000 from my indy...more than I PAID for my cherry 1984 500SL with 49K or my 1997 SL500. The extended warranty just ran out and I am terrified! The biggie was that the roll bar assy failed and needed to be replaced ...$4800. The interior build quality is marginal at best. I won't say that the car is "junk", but it's definitely not up to MB quality if you ask me.
I will never buy another MB made from 98-06 again. The quality control sucked big time and this is proven by all of the marginal to poor grades their cars got after the Chrysler acquisition. I bought it because my wife wanted it. I am sorry to sound negative and I am sure that others have had great luck with theirs. The thing that gets me is that this car was very well maintained by an older lady and was not a beater. If you do find one, please insist on a PPI and full records. But, I did both and it didn't help me.
But, the car looks and drives great when it's not on a lift! Plus, it scored me points with the wife, which never hurts !
Wow..don't be so quick to criticize.. better check your sources again Linh..Maybe you were thinking on he CL 55.. in 03 yes.. it came with the quad pipes.. Like I said.. Mercedes didn't start the quad pipes on the CLK 55 until 2005.
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