Discussion
My car history has been pretty varied, from an S3, to an Integra type R, 4x 3series BMW's, + many more but mainly I like barges and I like BMW's. Why the CLK? Well I had an E39 530 for a few years and then when I bought my ex out of our house I needed something cheap to run for a bit. I bought a Clio 182 (that ph'er John now has). After a while I realised finances weren't as tight as first thought so with £5000 the hunt for another barge was on. I desperately want an E39 M5 but sadly prices have gone over £10k so out of my budget, started looking at E46 M3's, again prices have gone way up for decent ones so they are out.
After spending some time in the 1-5 barge thread I figured what the hell. Autotrader search. Mercedes 5L+ under £5k.
First on my radar was a W126 500SEL, sadly sold when I called. Next there were a few E55's which I liked the look of and then I chanced upon a CLK55 pretty local. I like cars that are a bit left field, a bit under rated and uncommon. Set off for Esher with an E55 and the CLK to look at. Got to the CLK first and tbh I was a bit underwhelmed. Still not convinced on the front end looks but on the plus side the paintwork was pristine. It really did look well looked after. However I wasn't going to buy the first car I looked at (yet again....) so I walked away to look at the E55. Just as I get in the car the salesman shouted back, fancy a drive? Then started it up.
That was that. SOLD.
Been nearly 2 months now and I find myself liking it more and more. I 'get' AMG now. The interior is a touch dated and sometimes it doesn't feel 'that' quick but it's a genuinely nice place to be. The seats are ridiculously comfy. All electric with 4 way pneumatic adjustment of how hard or soft they are. It'll quite happily plod along on the motorway in near silence. 2 hours round the M25 on sat. 80mph, cruise, 30.6mpg. Thanks very much! Overall it's hitting 24.5mpg, really happy with that. In terms of sporty driving. It's quick and it handles but I don't think it's at home doing it. Lacking in feel and a touch soft.
The noise is addictive, tunnels are actively sought out. It's been for a B Service and health check which came back nearly £2000 lighter but now I know it's in good shape. Few little niggles have been that the alarm went off a few times at 3am and the air con stopped at the weekend - pretty sure it needs gas. I've also done some preventative rust treatment on anything I thought could be at risk so hopefully it'll stay looking good!
Enough waffle, here's some pics:
And the money shot.....
After spending some time in the 1-5 barge thread I figured what the hell. Autotrader search. Mercedes 5L+ under £5k.
First on my radar was a W126 500SEL, sadly sold when I called. Next there were a few E55's which I liked the look of and then I chanced upon a CLK55 pretty local. I like cars that are a bit left field, a bit under rated and uncommon. Set off for Esher with an E55 and the CLK to look at. Got to the CLK first and tbh I was a bit underwhelmed. Still not convinced on the front end looks but on the plus side the paintwork was pristine. It really did look well looked after. However I wasn't going to buy the first car I looked at (yet again....) so I walked away to look at the E55. Just as I get in the car the salesman shouted back, fancy a drive? Then started it up.
That was that. SOLD.
Been nearly 2 months now and I find myself liking it more and more. I 'get' AMG now. The interior is a touch dated and sometimes it doesn't feel 'that' quick but it's a genuinely nice place to be. The seats are ridiculously comfy. All electric with 4 way pneumatic adjustment of how hard or soft they are. It'll quite happily plod along on the motorway in near silence. 2 hours round the M25 on sat. 80mph, cruise, 30.6mpg. Thanks very much! Overall it's hitting 24.5mpg, really happy with that. In terms of sporty driving. It's quick and it handles but I don't think it's at home doing it. Lacking in feel and a touch soft.
The noise is addictive, tunnels are actively sought out. It's been for a B Service and health check which came back nearly £2000 lighter but now I know it's in good shape. Few little niggles have been that the alarm went off a few times at 3am and the air con stopped at the weekend - pretty sure it needs gas. I've also done some preventative rust treatment on anything I thought could be at risk so hopefully it'll stay looking good!
Enough waffle, here's some pics:
And the money shot.....
Fixed the traction control issue, 2 pilot sport 3's! Also went round all the tiny bits of rust and treated with 'Frost' marine spec rust treatment stuff. Just got it to almost how I want it....
Although possibly now for sale pending me getting round to writing an ad...and if I can find a suitable ///M product!
Although possibly now for sale pending me getting round to writing an ad...and if I can find a suitable ///M product!
Edited by S3_Graham on Monday 20th October 16:06
Got one over on Kwikfit yesterday. Air-con now working properly.
The EC light was on permanently so I thought i'd try a re-gas. They filled it up but the light was still on so no charge. I got it home and did a google. Read the codes which related to low gas, reset. Boom. Perfectly working air-con.
1 - 0 to CLK.
Advert is also live on PH. still not sure if I actually want rid but hey ho.
The EC light was on permanently so I thought i'd try a re-gas. They filled it up but the light was still on so no charge. I got it home and did a google. Read the codes which related to low gas, reset. Boom. Perfectly working air-con.
1 - 0 to CLK.
Advert is also live on PH. still not sure if I actually want rid but hey ho.
Yep, Its on the high side but luckily I have rarity on my side. With only 2 others for sale (havent checked ebay) at £4450 and £4950 I dont think i'm too wide of the mark at £5450 considering mines had nearly £2500 spent on it recently.
I think I was overly harsh about the rust on the arches in the advert. Its not as bad as I had in my head. I looked this morning (to check the rear tyres) and there are 0 bubbles and I struggled to even find any discolouration that I mentioned. ah well.
Im also in the lucky position that I neither need nor really want to sell it. I've been offered a nice E36 M3 which I fancy trying.
I think I was overly harsh about the rust on the arches in the advert. Its not as bad as I had in my head. I looked this morning (to check the rear tyres) and there are 0 bubbles and I struggled to even find any discolouration that I mentioned. ah well.
Im also in the lucky position that I neither need nor really want to sell it. I've been offered a nice E36 M3 which I fancy trying.
Usget said:
TT Roadster at the moment. Lovely car, looking forward to taking it out in the snow with the roof down, but always on the lookout for the next trade! I'm thinking about an E36 M3 as well...
to be frank... a TT roadster would be a heap load easier to sell.... throw me some numbers if you are actually interested.P.S. the arches aren't rusty.... just one with literally a tiny patch. Nothing LIKE the Integra....
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