BMW 3 Coupe V Mercedes CLK

[Killwilly]

Not quite sure if this is the right place to ask this question. Without wanting to start world war 3 here goes. I currently drive a BMW 320i 4 door saloon, 51 plate, and would like to get back to driving a coupe. I like the BMW coupe, but I also like the Mercedes CLK, to date I have driven neither.

My question is. Is there anyone on the forum that at some time owned both? Any comments for the pros and cons would be very much appreciated.

[Pete 55]

Depends entirely on what type of BMW 3 and CLK you are talking about (i.e., engine basically). Merc V8s are fantastic cruisers, but definitely more unwieldy on a track compared to an M3 or 335 E92 if that is your thing.

[Killwilly]

Thanks Peter. I was thinking of a 325ci auto coupe and a similar spec in a CLK, not fussed about speed these days, but I do like comfort and the versatility of a coupe.

[///M3]

For a comfortable coupe, it's hard to beat a CLK.

[Killwilly]

///M3 said:

For a comfortable coupe, it's hard to beat a CLK.

Alex, I note from your profile that you have owned both cars, if you had to make a choice, which one would you choose, taking into consideration everything, including reliability and running costs?

[///M3]

Hi there

The ones I have owned were old models, the W208 CLK (this was a convertible) and the E36 BMW 3 Series Coupe.

I don't think you want an E36 because these are really old and hard to find a nice one (and you refer to a 325Ci).

I'm not sure if you're referring to an E46 coupe or E92 coupe but I have been in a friend's BMW 323Ci Coupe (E46, pre-facelift) and as it was a non-sport, I felt the suspension was too soft and it felt wallowy.

As for CLKs, the one I owned was a convertible W208 (previous model) which was well built, smooth and powerful (320 engine). It was avantgarde spec which meant slightly harder suspension but this was a really comfortable car and I enjoyed owning it. It was the perfect balance between sports and comfort. It was not expensive to maintain/run either and reliability wise, nothing went wrong.

If you're talking about the newer model CLK (the W209), I would choose this for the comfort (I test drove the convertible once and it's quick enough in 350 form, but maybe a tad heavy) and as a relaxed cruiser.

If you like sportiness, perhaps a BMW 325Ci with the M sport pack, or for comfort, a CLK is a good choice (much better than a BMW without the M sport pack in my opinion).

Ultimately, you need to get a few test drives done

Edited by ///M3 on Wednesday 29th April 17:43

[Killwilly]

Many thanks Alex, brilliant information exactly what I wanted to know. Whatever car I choose would be no more than 3 years old. The new 3 series and the CLK look very similar in shape. I think my next step will be to test drive both.

Once again many thanks to everyone.