Thoughts from an owner of both... (archive)

The CLK430 seems to be a logical transition for many drivers who want to get out of an E36 M3, or just upgrade to something new in lieu of the e46 M3 release. I went from a '95 M3 to a '99 CLK430. My opinion: the M3 is still much more fun to drive. However, in terms of overall image and build, if that's important to you, the CLK is IMO THE best looking car of all Mercedes/BMWs on the road and certainly one of the best looking cars in the world. Unfortunately, my gripe was the automatic tranny. It is defintely a cruiser. Mine is Brilliant Silver with 19" 2-piece wheels, roof/trunk spoiler, H&R springs, etc...it is sharp! Nonetheless, I missed my M3 so much that I bought another one that I drive daily and leave the CLK for the weekends. I also have a '01 CLK55 (due here in Aug) on order as well as an E46 M3, though I think the ideal stable right now would be an E46 M3 and a CLK430...or perhaps an E46 M3 Cab and a CLK55.

In any event, I've managed to get the CLK430 on the track at Buttonwillow at one of the BMWCCA schools. The car is fast! Lots of torque and power through the rev band, especially low-end. It is a heavy car, so there is some roll going through the twisties (definitely needs springs and stiffer sway bars). You can't really compare handling between the M3 and CLK430. The M3 is a car you can toss around and play with. Not so with the CLK...it's power and beauty combined in one sweet package. The 2000 model has been refined a bit with the Touch-Shift mechanism which is ok. If you are seriously considering a CLK430, I would look at the CLK55 which should be around $65k...faster than an M5 and certainly the fastest production Mercedes ever. Keep in mind, however, that MB cars don't have the same road and driver feel that BMWs do. They are not as responsive, nor do they handle as well...but boy do they have torque! Still, my garage will always have at least one ///M :)

Feel free to contact me should you have any specific questions. In addition to MHaven.com, I also run the largest CLK forum on the Web (link below) and MBWorld.org will be open soon as well. As always, happy ///Motoring!

Mr. Vanos
'88 E30 M3
'95 E36 M3
'99 CLK430
www.MHaven.com
www.MBWorld.org

Mr. Vanos' CLK Discussion Board

Follow Ups:

Good read above!nicely written post IMO,thanks (e) rca 14:37 7/02/2000 (0)

[ Follow Ups ] [ E46 M3 Message Board ] [ Msg. Board FAQ ]

Questions, comments, or problems, please visit the Roadfly help desk.