CLK or 6 Series?
Discussion
I find myself in need of something coupe, comfy, quickish and able to seat three people.
I don't want anything with four doors.
3.0 and six cylinder minimum.
I live in the countryside and avoid cities like the plague - so ULEZ compliance isn't an issue.
Not really a fan of autos but have little choice in these parameters.
I've driven and enjoyed the E63 630i BMW. A very well sorted and comfortable car with a decent ride and something that's just a little bit different,
The only problem with the SLK is the comparative lack of rear legroom and a 16 year old, near six foot daughter.
To that end, I've been looking at the C209 Mercedes CLK - post 2004 from whence they are actually galvanized - which is a similar concept but with rather better rear legroom.
I understand that the 6 series is based on the 5 series and is therefore a class above the CLK, as it is based mostly upon the C-Class.
Does anyone have any experienced comparisons of the two in terms of refinement and quality or suggestions of what to buy and what to avoid?
I don't want anything with four doors.
3.0 and six cylinder minimum.
I live in the countryside and avoid cities like the plague - so ULEZ compliance isn't an issue.
Not really a fan of autos but have little choice in these parameters.
I've driven and enjoyed the E63 630i BMW. A very well sorted and comfortable car with a decent ride and something that's just a little bit different,
The only problem with the SLK is the comparative lack of rear legroom and a 16 year old, near six foot daughter.
To that end, I've been looking at the C209 Mercedes CLK - post 2004 from whence they are actually galvanized - which is a similar concept but with rather better rear legroom.
I understand that the 6 series is based on the 5 series and is therefore a class above the CLK, as it is based mostly upon the C-Class.
Does anyone have any experienced comparisons of the two in terms of refinement and quality or suggestions of what to buy and what to avoid?
Edited by cologne2792 on Wednesday 6th September 22:09
I had an E63 635d a good 10 years ago now. Very comfortable, well sorted and fairly quick too. Unfortunately the rear seats were small and headroom back there wasn’t great either as you know. Same as my old XKR (07 plate). I think you’re going to struggle with most of the 2+2 format cars I’m afraid.
Dracoro said:
cologne2792 said:
I don't want anything with four doors.
Gordon Hill said:
CLS is what I'd be looking at as a 6 series alternative as opposed to a CLK.
Only on PH 
Yes the CLS has 4 doors but that is the 6 series comparison, the CLK is not in the same league.
Can't comment on the CLK but I used to have a C207 E Class coupe (from 2009 onwards) and now have an LCI 6 series coupe. Both with the 3 litre dervs.
The E class was comfier and felt a bit more 'classy', especially with the rear windows going down to give you the pillarless coupe (CLK does this too I believe). The 6 is more fun to drive, it's lighter and more powerful - surprisingly it's got a bit of a crashy ride for a GT car though.
Love(d) both but prefer the 6 series - I think it's worth getting a late LCI if you can, things like the later CIC navigation make it a lot more up to date.
The E class was comfier and felt a bit more 'classy', especially with the rear windows going down to give you the pillarless coupe (CLK does this too I believe). The 6 is more fun to drive, it's lighter and more powerful - surprisingly it's got a bit of a crashy ride for a GT car though.
Love(d) both but prefer the 6 series - I think it's worth getting a late LCI if you can, things like the later CIC navigation make it a lot more up to date.
I moved from a e63 630 to a newer f series 640i coupe.
The rear space in the newer model is no more than the e63. Both have huge doors that need to open fully in order to put the seat forward for someone to climb in. The seat would then automatically go back to its original position on the 640i when you press the button.
My girls 17 and 14 hate travelling in it. They feel claustrophobic in the back seats with the way the roof slopes. The seats sit really low down to try to give some good headroom but they are very much like small bucket seats and the then struggle to get out. Not the end of the world of course but the claustrophobic environment doesn’t sit well with them.
My e63 630 was cream with a suede grey roof and the 640 is black seats with grey roof. The black makes it feel very claustrophobic.
This is the thread I started when I bought my 630. There are some photos of someone else’s back seats in there!
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
The rear space in the newer model is no more than the e63. Both have huge doors that need to open fully in order to put the seat forward for someone to climb in. The seat would then automatically go back to its original position on the 640i when you press the button.
My girls 17 and 14 hate travelling in it. They feel claustrophobic in the back seats with the way the roof slopes. The seats sit really low down to try to give some good headroom but they are very much like small bucket seats and the then struggle to get out. Not the end of the world of course but the claustrophobic environment doesn’t sit well with them.
My e63 630 was cream with a suede grey roof and the 640 is black seats with grey roof. The black makes it feel very claustrophobic.
This is the thread I started when I bought my 630. There are some photos of someone else’s back seats in there!
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Edited by oldaudi on Monday 4th September 21:16
Just a thought but I'm sure I read somewhere that BMW E92 3 Series Coupes had more rear space than 6 Series.
And there are four 3 litre engine options with 330i, 335i, 330d and 335d to chose from, three of which were sold as manuals.
While I've not had a CLK or 6 Series I love my manual E90 330i!
And there are four 3 litre engine options with 330i, 335i, 330d and 335d to chose from, three of which were sold as manuals.
While I've not had a CLK or 6 Series I love my manual E90 330i!
I had a 630i… we loved it and genuinely felt it had a road presence.
Although I loved it - it did suffer from the following …
Drains kept getting blocked which meant the rear seat floor areas would be soaking.
Leaking water tank / coolant. Despite a few attempts don’t think I managed to get it 100% sorted.
Expensive tyres but other than that I had a good independent and really enjoyed the car.
Although I loved it - it did suffer from the following …
Drains kept getting blocked which meant the rear seat floor areas would be soaking.
Leaking water tank / coolant. Despite a few attempts don’t think I managed to get it 100% sorted.
Expensive tyres but other than that I had a good independent and really enjoyed the car.
fflump said:
Granturismo ? Worth looking at at least?
Beautiful car with a great engine, but with the other cars suggested OP would be looking at the bottom end of the market for those. Rear seats aren't suitable for anyone tall, interior materials aren't very hard-wearing and on an older car will likely be looking a little shabby, and they're prone to frequent expensive electrical gremlins. Likely to be double the cost of the BMW/Merc to run properly.TBH anything with only two doors is likely to be a squeeze for a full-size rear passenger.
cologne2792 said:
I find myself in need of something coupe, comfy, quickish and able to seat three people.
I don't want anything with four doors.
3.0 and six cylinder minimum.
I live in the countryside and avoid cities like the plague - so ULEZ compliance isn't an issue.
Not really a fan of autos but have little choice in these parameters.
I've driven and enjoyed the E63 630i BMW. A very well sorted and comfortable car with a decent ride and something that's just a little bit different,
The only problem with the Six is the comparative lack of rear legroom and a 16 year old, near six foot daughter.
To that end, I've been looking at the C209 Mercedes CLK - post 2004 from whence they are actually galvanized - which is a similar concept but with rather better rear legroom.
I understand that the 6 series is based on the 5 series and is therefore a class above the CLK, as it is based mostly upon the C-Class.
Does anyone have any experienced comparisons of the two in terms of refinement and quality or suggestions of what to buy and what to avoid?
OP what's your budget?I don't want anything with four doors.
3.0 and six cylinder minimum.
I live in the countryside and avoid cities like the plague - so ULEZ compliance isn't an issue.
Not really a fan of autos but have little choice in these parameters.
I've driven and enjoyed the E63 630i BMW. A very well sorted and comfortable car with a decent ride and something that's just a little bit different,
The only problem with the Six is the comparative lack of rear legroom and a 16 year old, near six foot daughter.
To that end, I've been looking at the C209 Mercedes CLK - post 2004 from whence they are actually galvanized - which is a similar concept but with rather better rear legroom.
I understand that the 6 series is based on the 5 series and is therefore a class above the CLK, as it is based mostly upon the C-Class.
Does anyone have any experienced comparisons of the two in terms of refinement and quality or suggestions of what to buy and what to avoid?
For me & my bias opinion the CLK is the better & more practical option out of the two, plus all of the windows drop away & they feel more airy than the 6 series.
Thread resurrection.
I was in this situation 2 yrs ago, wanting a convertible but with space for 2 x small dogs, so chose a 2008 280 CLK. Deliberately an avant-garde with 17" wheels for a more compliant ride. Luckily I found a well maintained 2 owner example locally.
My only criticism is the slightly numb steering and high RFL. Running costs/comfort/refinement are reasonable I only do 3k p.a. mainly fair weather driving.
Fast forward 2 yrs and dog count has reduced to 1 so the more restricted rear seat of a 640 SE convertible is now viable.
I'm less concerned re performance and tech than the overall feel of the car. I've only driven the BMW briefly and that was the earlier big bangle boot 630 about 15yrs ago.
CLK
Pluses, known quantity, I already own it, enjoy driving it, spent some money on consumables and know it's in good order.
Minuses, numb steering high RFL.
BMW
Pluses, looks great, they've recently grown on me. I've never owned a BMW and like the look of this model, a class up, lower RFL
Minuses, unknown quantity, possible higher maintenance costs, generally dull colours and interior.
Anyone had both that can give me a fair comparison?
I was in this situation 2 yrs ago, wanting a convertible but with space for 2 x small dogs, so chose a 2008 280 CLK. Deliberately an avant-garde with 17" wheels for a more compliant ride. Luckily I found a well maintained 2 owner example locally.
My only criticism is the slightly numb steering and high RFL. Running costs/comfort/refinement are reasonable I only do 3k p.a. mainly fair weather driving.
Fast forward 2 yrs and dog count has reduced to 1 so the more restricted rear seat of a 640 SE convertible is now viable.
I'm less concerned re performance and tech than the overall feel of the car. I've only driven the BMW briefly and that was the earlier big bangle boot 630 about 15yrs ago.
CLK
Pluses, known quantity, I already own it, enjoy driving it, spent some money on consumables and know it's in good order.
Minuses, numb steering high RFL.
BMW
Pluses, looks great, they've recently grown on me. I've never owned a BMW and like the look of this model, a class up, lower RFL
Minuses, unknown quantity, possible higher maintenance costs, generally dull colours and interior.
Anyone had both that can give me a fair comparison?
Edited by Huzzah on Wednesday 18th June 08:49
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