CLK 350 vs 500

[jimmy156]

Hello all,

I started a thread in GG about the CLK but thought i would post here for some more detailed info about potential problems etc. I have set up email alerts on autotrader etc. as there aren't that many of these cars about.

I am thinking about either a CLK 350 or 500 to replace my ageing alfa, probably around 2004-2006 vintage to avoid the post '06 tax hike.

Is there much of a performance difference between the two? on paper its only about 30bhp but this may not tell the whole storey.

What is the 7 speed auto like? how does it compare to the 6 speed auto in the C-class of the same age?

I have heard of balancer shaft issues on some of the 6 cylinder engines? I am tempted to not pay too much attention to this, if you research any car online there will always be horror stories (cambelts on alfa TS engines, RMS issues on porsches etc) but is there anything in particular to look out for?

TIA, James

[jimmy156]

StarmistBlue400 said:

Cant comment much but I have a 2006 C350 with the 7G box.

I had no complaints with the gearbox, it was very smooth and quote good fun using the Tiptronic function. It also made it quite economical.

It was a lovely engine, just needed to sound better IMO. Had a decent turn of speed but then I was coming from an M5 so it was always going to feel slower.

Thanks for the info, how is the speed of up/down shifts using the tiptronic? Is it paddles behind the wheel?

Would love a 55AMG, and they are within budget. But i think maintenance costs (brakes, tyres, srvicing etc) would end up being too much for me.

[jimmy156]

74merc said:

The later 500s had a 388BHP 5.5 litre V8 which is meant to be more economical than the 5.0 litre. I can't remember exactly when it was introduced, but it would probably be in the higher tax band.

Yeah i have seen these, these would be worth the extra tax, more powerful then the CLK55! But i think being newer they will be out of budget for the moment!

Interesting comments re: running a 55AMG. My mileage will be around 8-10k next year i would imagine, so fuel consumption nor a major concern. I think i would spend too much time worrying about a big bill being thrown up, even if this is unlikely to happen.

I would be coming from a 156 2.0 which has cost me quite a lot in being fixed, in the last few years (not this year so far, touch wood) probably upwards of 1k a year in various repairs and servicing, but all in small chunks. Things like tyres are £75 a corner, not £200 a corner! I realise all three of these cars (350, 500 and 55AMG) will be a step up in some costs compared to what i am used to, but i am hoping the car will prove more reliable!