CLK 55 AMG or BMW M3
 

I'm about to repleace my CLK 320 with a new one but have a hard time deciding which way to go.

Here in Australia we can start placing orders on teh new CLK 55 2003 model and BMW M3 are all ready available without any wait.

Pelase help me out here since I'm 50/50 with the two cars.
I'm happy with the old version of the CLK but want to change.

I was looking at the new SL 55 AMG but since the prices here in australia are unbelivable high the new SL 55 AMG is about $250 000 USD dollars. I checked the prices in US and Europe and for teh price we have to pay for the CLK 55 AMG you can get a SL 55 AMG in US and europe.

So please help me out here with your opinions. Expecially if oyu have or had any experience with any of the two cars I'm intrested in.

Thanks.

It depends on what you're looking for.

BMW M3 is the ultimate driver's car. Get it if you have a passion for driving, love being in control of every aspect of what's going on.

CLK55AMG is mercedes' flagship sportscar. it is much more luxurious than the BMW, in that it has a fancy fiber optic system, automatic transmission (something i'd never accept in a sportscar), cushier ride, etc...

The first time I drove a E46 BMW M3 down the new jersey turnpike, i fealt sick from all the little curves up and down on the road. I never noticed it in any other car, but in the M3 you feel every peak and fall of the road. The CLK is much cushier, and should allow even the drivers with the weakest stomache to endure normal highway driving. I got used to the "feeling everything" within a few days of driving. The advantage of the bmw firm suspension is when you actually start pushing it around tight turns.

If you think that SMG will substitute for an automatic, you're wrong. You still have to 'deal' with some of the nuances of manual, like parking with e-brake, and rolling backwards on hills, and things like that. There is a fully-automated mode, but shame on you if you use it! (it IS a driver's car)

The summary:
If you want something that will go very fast in a straight line, with a very simple "push to the floor" drive, get the CLK

If you want to actually "be one with the machine", get the M3.

I own a 2002 M3, and absolutly love it. Paid a little over 50k for it about 8 months ago, it's the best handling car I have ever driven, and I have driven quite a few exotics.

But on the other hand, a SL 55 is a beauty. I am partial to the BMW, but if I wanted to spend that much for a car, I would get the benz.

All this blah blah means shit to me, post some pics and i'll tell you which car to get :)

The CLK 55 AMG.




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with the pics, i think the CLK is the clear winner
witout the pic, it's a bit more even

having said that, I would still go with the SL 55. Thats saying alot about the SL, coming from a m3 owner I guess

You cannot decide alone
We cannot decide for you
Call a fortune teller

I drive an E55 (2001) and it is fast as hell. A very smooth ride at 300km/h. It looks innocent.

I just got the new porsche boxster s 2003 but I still prefer the Mercedes for rides that are longer than an hour.

http://www.kleemann.dk/ has some unbelievable compressors at very reasonable prices to tune your mercedes up to 640hp.

M.

Thansk everyone for your opinions and help.
Here are some links to pictures of the cars I'm intrested in.


BMW M3 Convertible


M3 Convertible

BMW M3 Coupe
M3 Coupe

CLK 55 AMG Coupe
CLK 55 AMG

SL 55 AMG
SL 55 AMG
SL 55 AMG Photos


There you have info and some photos about the cars that I'm intrested in.

As I said earlier I'm 50/50 with CLK 55 AMG and BMW M3 but I'm not sure if I decide to go with BMW to get a convertible or coupe one.
In Australia the BMW M3 is $85 000 USD, CLK 55 AMG $125 000 USD and the SL 55 AMG is $220 000 USD.

As you can see the prices are almost double the prices in US and Europe but what can you do when it's like that.

I was first intrested in SL 55 AMg but when I saw the price I changed my mind a little. In US I can almost buy SL 55 AMG and a BMW M3 for the price of the SL 55 AMG here.

Please help me out in choosing between BMW and CLK 55 AMG.

The SL 55 AMg is well little to much for me unless I move to USA and by my self one.

Thanks for all your replies.

Thanks for the info but since it's located in Denmark and I'm in Australia I don't think there is a way for me to tuen my car in Denmark from Australia.

Though driving an AMG as well I would recommend the M3 as the price is $40k less than the CLK. It's hard to justify the price difference of $40.

Jesus Christ, you would get a new 2003 full equipped CL55 with 500hp for $125,000 here in Germany.

Greetings

Mike

i'd go for a 500SL ( it's only a little more then the CLK55 AMG )

http://www.canadiandriver.com/previe.../03sl500_1.jpg

Well, since that sl55 is too expensive for you i'd say go with clk55. Dont buy a bmw, everybody is driving one (at least here in Holland, dunno about your country)

Anyway, i based this on looks only :) I dont know shit about cars, they either look alright or they dont.

http://www.assterdam.com/benz1.jpg

http://www.assterdam.com/benz2.jpg

This is my 600sl by the way.

This car rocks!

That's my fav

The 2003 M3/smg..fully optioned(less the NAV system) with the gas guzzler tax..is just under 60k in the US..http://www.mintescollections.com/mintesm3.jpg

Just got a 2003 M3 yesterday :)
I had to wait 2 1/2 months.....
I LOVE IT! :)

http://www.mature-post.com/car/

U live in Tucson? We should race ;) I have a 99 M3 down there. I hear that the older ones are faster, even though they have less HP.

Great looking car! Mine won't be here till Feb 2003..did you get the SMG?

M3 Not only does it handle, but it has some very unique transmission options that you cant really explain until yo ar ebehind the wheel. The trans on that machine is amazing. Also, the convertible with the add-on hard top si awesome! It looks really hot as a convertiable or a hardtip. I would go with that option.

I aint much of a racer.... yet :)
Just getting use to the thing hehehehehe

I am in phoneix.... When ever u are around here hit me up... I think it's great to meet other webmasters

yea got the smg.... Gonna take me a little bit to get use to...
lol

Fuck, I'd better keep my ass of the board and into my sites, so I can make some money to get myself one of those, he he he.

Joey looks great, hope you have fun!

Oh and the dude with the 99 I had a 99 and I have a new one don't race Joey, you will go home and go to bed with the sheets pulled over your head:thumbsup

Regards,

Kevin

go with mercedes

Get a lexus SC430 instead, better interior, same cushy drive, looks better IMO and costs half as much, then get a porshe as your second car with the money you saved.

M3 All the way.
pure race car, when clk is a ride to cruize.
also benz got no handling

Personally I'm tied up between the SL500 and the M3. Both are amazing cars. The SL55 is powerful but ridiculously prices (You can buy a modena for that $). The SL500 seems a bit more luxurious than the M3.

I think I'll take the M3 :glugglug

I would never buy an over priced Toyota, no way no how, Toyota cars are good, ok even great but they have no style or class, come on man a SC430 compared to the M3? How can you compare a Toyota to an BMW, I have driven both and I worked in the automotive industry for years for Honda, the japs have great cars but they all feel like crap once you drive a Bimmer!

There is no comparison

Flame away I gotta go meet the boys at Hooters!

Regards,

Kevin

MB (320 and more) is with automatic transmission only and it sucks

clk 550

AMG CLK all the way!