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Mercedes-Benz CLK (2006 and newer)

98 messages,  Last post on Sep 26, 2009 at 10:28 PM

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What is this discussion about? Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class, Coupe, Convertible


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#91 of 98
2007 CLK 350 purchase advise by dhsieh9
Jun 16, 2009 (1:02 pm)
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I am interested in purchasing a 2007 CLK 350 that has premium & sport pkg with only 20k miles on it (not to mention it is MB-certified). The MB dealer is eager to unload its lease return inventory and offers me a well-below KKB price. I am close in making the final purchase decision. However, the only 2 things that hanging behind my head are
(1) Reliability - MB has been notorious in the last few years in this regard for most their cars. I did check the latest 2009 Consumer Report Annual Auto Issue and to my surprise, it actually rates 2007 CLK as above average. I am not exactly sure how to make out this favorable rating.
(2) Performance - I currently own a 2008 Porsche Cayman S and am used to its precision handling/performance. As a result, I might be misguided in judging this CLK since it feels somewhat numb and slow. This may not be a fair comparison since CLK is more of a touring coupe than a pure sport car.
Nonetheless, I would like hear what the current 2007 & 2008 CLK owners have to say about their cars.
#92 of 98
Mercedes 2009 CLK 350 Vs. 2009 BMW 328i by lorinj3
Jun 18, 2009 (10:48 am)
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I will be leasing either of the two cars within the month. I have test driven both, and am doing research. Has anyone owned both models in the past? Any current CLK drivers that can comment on their experience with the car? BMW owners? The one comment that I always come across is, go for Mercedes for luxury and comfort and go for BMW for more spirited driving. This is a tough decision as lease offers for both are right in line. Haven't seen that in the past - bascially due to the new MB E coming out in 2010.
 
Any insights would be greatly appreciated!
#93 of 98
Re: Mercedes 2009 CLK 350 Vs. 2009 BMW 328i [lorinj3] by dhsieh9
Jun 18, 2009 (11:48 am)
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Replying to: lorinj3 (Jun 18, 2009 10:48 am)

I also posted a similar msg right before you about my interest in 2007 CLK-350. After extensive research and comparison, I have reached the following conclusions:
 
(1) MB CLK-350 has rather poor resale value as compared to a comparable Bimmer 328 coupe. I believe this is mostly due to the bad reliability record reported by Consumer Report magazine in recent years even though MB has made some progress in late models.
(2) The interior materials used in CLK are relatively cheap. This is not to mention that its engine, including most MB models, emits a constant pulsing noise from the purge valve for recycling the exhaust. According to my local dealer mechanic, he said that is a normal noise that you have live with. What a crap coming from MB if you ask my opinion!
(3) Even though the CLK-350 has 260+ HP (or 40+ more HP than 328), it feels lethargic and the steering is numb comparing to the 328 coupe.
(4) The CLK-350 fuel economy is rated at city/freeway 17/25 while the 328 is 19/28 mpg.
 
So the bottom line is that the 328i out runs, out corners CLK with better fuel economy and has higher quality interior. The only area where the CLK outshines 328 is its cabin space and comfort. If I care about them, I would simply buy a sport sedan instead of coupe.
#94 of 98
Re: 2007 CLK 350 purchase advise [dhsieh9] by mean_porsche
Jun 20, 2009 (7:32 pm)
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Replying to: dhsieh9 (Jun 16, 2009 1:02 pm)

Donovan,
I think you are misguided if you are comparing a Porshe Cayman to a Benz CLK. I have both, a 2007 Cayman (non-S) w/ 19 inch wheels, and a 2007 CLK350 cabriolet, 25000 miles/premium sport pkg . The CLK drives like a pillow after getting out of the Cayman even with the CLK in "S" mode! Also, the Cayman is a mid-engine sports car which create a huge difference on handling/performance/grip! This is not to say the performance of the CLK is not good, but this is not apples to apples. Finally, although very smooth, the 7 speed transmission in the CLK creates some hesitation on agressive acceleration (as if the car has to think of what gear it is in). However, I must say that the CLK is fun to drive once you get use to it, but it is very weighty on the front end and braking cannot compare to the mid-engine Porsche. With respect to reliability, I rate both very high. I've also owned the MB 300D, C220, ML320, and ML350 with no problems that MB did not take immediate action to fix and MB road service is second to none! So for a smooth sporty-luxury ride, I take the CLK, but for agressive/performance driving, I opt for the Cayman! Oh yeah, and don't forget the head turns...my Cayman wins that one 8 out of 10 times!
#95 of 98
Re: 2007 CLK 350 purchase advise [mean_porsche] by dhsieh9
Jun 20, 2009 (8:02 pm)
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Replying to: mean_porsche (Jun 20, 2009 7:32 pm)

Maybe this is not the right forum to continue this thread, I end up buying a 2007 Bimmer 328 coupe as my everyday car over the MB CLk 350 (Cayman is my weekend joy ride) since the performance gap between Cayman & CLk is simply too wide in my opinion. Nonetheless if it is my wife's decision, she would definitely go for the CLK since it is drop-dead gorgeous.
  
Another observation I have is that the Bimmer is simply amazing for everyday use. It seats 4 and the back seat space is pretty decent. Its suspension is not as hard and stiff as Porsche. Even with its front engine/read drive, it manages to deliver so much fun. I am really happy to own these 2 cars since they give me a perfect balance between everyday use & weekend drive.
#96 of 98
MBZ Performance chips by tiny8
Jun 30, 2009 (10:26 am)
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Hey there, I read about these on another site. Has anyone installed them? If so, what are the pros and cons? Heard that the acceleration is much better and adds approx. 40 hp.
#97 of 98
CLK Coupe width by gia5
Jul 15, 2009 (1:48 pm)
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Does anyone know if there is a narrower MB than the CLK? The 350 Coupe is 68.5" Wide.
Are there any other models narrower than 68"?
Many thanks,
MJ
#98 of 98
New CLK 350 Engine Noise by mbfrank
Sep 26, 2009 (10:28 pm)
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Hi all...I just bought a new 2009 CLK 350 Grand Edition and i have a wierd problem.I start the car up and drive for awhile then park it...after the car sits for a few hours and i start the car up and the engine make a knocking sound for a few seconds then goes away.This is the only time i here the noise.The dealer is telling me do not worry about it and MB knows about this from other cars with the same problem but they do not have a fix yet.Does anyone else seem to have this problem.What could it be?Should i just return the car because i think there is a engine problem and do not want to have a new car that they might have to do major work to.Thank you and have a great day!

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