[masokolson]

what is everyones opinion on the clk W208.......im thinking of switching up the 2001 e320 to the 2000-2002 w208 coupe...i want the 55AMG, but dont we all....i can get the car at auction price so i want the most bang for my buck....what do you think the realistic price of a clk 55 with 75k+ mi on it....and is it wrong to want to switch...i feel like im cheating on my car thinking about it, but i dont need the back seat....and that w208 reminds me of the old big body W126 coupes mb made when i was a baby......

i kinda want to get a body shop to plug up the spot where the emblem goes and get the big obnoxious front star grill...i think that will make the AMG w208 look like a german super car.....

lets hear some thoughts on this one guys.....i value the opinions on here....yall know way more than i even pretend to

 

[amcnair]

The CLK is substantially smaller than the E. Personally, I wouldn't be nearly as comfortable in one. It's narrower, shorter, etc. Better performance, but not as much room and less comfortable ride.

 

[acarter53]

I love the CLK 430. If I did not need 4 doors I would be driving a CLK 430. The reason that I had to have an E430 Sport is b/c I loved the AMG body kit on the CLk 430 so much. :thumbsup: It is smaller inside, so if your a big guy go for a test drive. :thumbsup:

 

[BARW126420SEL]

The 208 is based on the 202 C-Class. It has recirculating ball steering, and very narrow interior. It, unfortunately has the "new" Mercedes interior that '98 and up C-Classes have with very low rent materials. The door panels get squishy and misshapen, and the wood fades very quickly.

If you buy one, buy a CPO. I know the auction is cheap, but try to have a local Benz dealer CPO the car. Also, don't get too excited. Wait for the right car. The better the condition, the less money you will need for reconditioning.

Often you will need tires, brakes, alignment, and wheel balance right out of the box. The front spoilers also are typically cracked. The interiors are usually shot with stiff hard leather, squishy door trim, and broken seat back handles.

If you find the right car, be prepared to bid it up and get it. The cleaner the better. Also be aware of wheel bearings, bushings, steering dampers, and shocks. CLK 430s are spongy when new, with miles you may get sea sick. So be diligent about evaluating the car when you drive it.

Best of luck, in good shape they are a very nice car.

 

[masokolson]

thanks for the heads up, didnt know the w208 was based on the c platform....that makes sense now why they put the c class lights on the newer ones...never could figure that out, i think it looks terrible.

has anyone driven the w208 clk, how does it compare to its e class equivalent

 

[Busta Riles]

I own a 99 E320 and a 2000 CLK320.
There is more legroom in my CLK for the driver and passenger, but zero in the rear. If you really only use 2 or 3 seats, the CLK is awesome. Mine is a Cabrio, so the bonus of putting the top down makes it my favourite.

 

[Musikmann]

I have a neighbor who owns a CLK55 (pretty sure it's a W208) and he loves it. He mentioned having a few electrical issues but that the engine and transmission are awesome. However, I'd be very careful buying an AMG-anything with 75,000 miles.

As has already been mentioned, a CPO car is a good way to go. That's what I did and the warranty has already paid for a pretty expensive repair (R&R rack and pinion to replace that seal for the squeaky steering column issue).