4 Seater Convertibles

[Tan]

Hi

My wife wants us to buy a 4 seater convertible, unfortunately she is not all that keen on the CLK :-(.

Our other options are the BMW 3-series, Audi A4.

Neither of us are that keen on the BMW's, what are Audi A4 Convertibles like.

I am still keen to try and convince Fi that Mercedes are the way forward... if I succeed, what should I look out for on a W208 Convertible?

I have found two possible CLK's that I like. One has done 28k and the other 40k miles and both under £15k, both cars are 320's one has command and parktronic the other just has partronic.

Is the 320 a good engine on the CLK?

Regards

Tan

 

[Ted]

BIL has a clk 320 convertable which I've driven
Not as powerful as you might expect, but a lovely smooth drive nonetheless.

I'd defititely take the dlk over the others (not that I've driven the SAAB or Audi)

 

[timskemp]

Well, if she's not into handling but wants a big convertible a previous shape Volvo C70 is hard to beat, get it in GT spec and it gets all the toys including a monster stereo. Engine less important as they all go fast enough and all the T5 does is increase your insurance and tyre bills once the novelty of bonkers 3rd gear overtakes wears off - though on the other hand if monster 3rd gear overtakes are required then the T5 will chip to 300bhp+.. Bigger than the 3 series and CLK.

 

[kth286]

why have you not thought of the W124 convertible. Holding values better than ALL the others.

 

[greybowman]

I was very nearly tempted by the A4 recently, but the lack of space in the rear seats and to some extent the interior build quality put me off and I decided to stick with Merc.
The Volvo convertible has never had any good reports as far as I have read, with handling, quality and road noise/vibration being frequently quoted. If you are not looking for new, there are some very nice used E-Class convertibles around.

 

[ik356]

When I had my Clk, I thought it was nice to drive but lacked power. Then I went on to own the 330ci and M3 convertibles - personally feel these are the best out there, unbelievably quick but unlike the Clk you feel the ride.

I have also owned a Saab convertible - not too bad to look at but in terms of performance, nowhere near the BMW's.

It depends soley on the use - it you want power then the BMW is a must and the Sat Nav option is one to get. There are so many out there that as a buyer you are in a very strong negotiating position, unlike the M3 market (sold mine last month).

I helped a friend buy his Volvo convertible - he didnt keep it that long, just isnt all that!

 

[Richard W]

How big are your back seat passengers and what's the budget?

 

[crockers]

Well, if she's not into handling but wants a big convertible a previous shape Volvo C70 is hard to beat, get it in GT spec and it gets all the toys including a monster stereo. Engine less important as they all go fast enough and all the T5 does is increase your insurance and tyre bills once the novelty of bonkers 3rd gear overtakes wears off - though on the other hand if monster 3rd gear overtakes are required then the T5 will chip to 300bhp+.. Bigger than the 3 series and CLK.

I gather she wouldnt like her teeth...or more the case wants the make milkshakes..... this car is one of the worse for scuttle shake.....try one and watch the dashboard do a dance...lol

 

[mb240]

What about a Saab? I think they only ever look right in convertible form, and are very nice looking cars. I don't know anythign about them, and wouldn't ever drive them, but it's an option.

/would recommend tracking down a CLK55 W208 convertible with wide arches and nice low suspension, and see what the wife thinks.

COMAND is good to have, BUT, it's not going to be as up to date in terms of tech (e.g., Bluetooth) or mapping (it will be TeleAtlas based). I didn't care too much with my W208 as I was putting in a new Becker unit which was better anyway.

The 320 V6 is a refined drive and should have plenty of oomph - but the convertibles are a good bit heavier I *think*. What about colour? Any pics of the cars? The same probs with rust applies unfortunately, but it's not a big deal and can be sorted. Do the cars have leather? heated seats? I sort of wish mine was a vert sometimes. What type of wheels does each have? Do post up some pics when you get one.

 

[timskemp]

I gather she wouldnt like her teeth...or more the case wants the make milkshakes..... this car is one of the worse for scuttle shake.....try one and watch the dashboard do a dance...lol

Indeed but for a nice, big, open air cruiser it fits the bill.

 

[neilrr]

Historically, MB 4 seater convertibles eventually attain classic status and high prices. I don't follow Saab or Volvo values but I don't think the same can be said for them.

I think the W124 is the most likely to do this, as well as being the best built of the recent crop.

 

[crockers]

The Saab does look rather nice - but it is just a glorified Vectra (not that that is always a bad thing)..and does suffer badly with scuttle shake - although not as bad as the old Volvo C70..

I like the Audi and CLK convertibles - the BMW is nice - but to me it has an image problem...IMHO...Pity you need back seats as the SLK is a lovely little car..

 

[hawk20]

Try this for size

 

[hawk20]

The answer to the Audi and ugly-bug beemers is to get her to drive them. The ride is a bit like being in the back of a brick lorry. Then drive the Merc.

 

[television]

Though the Volvo has a very good power train, the body was british made and awful, being almost impossible to line up the panels.

 

[del320]

Our neighbours have just acquired this -

View attachment 7702

Apart from the colour, I think it's a superb bit of kit.

But as a four seater it fails the test - the padding on the rear seat-back is about half an inch thick. Not at all like the soft squashy seats in my coupe.

I've sat on more comfortable park benches.

 

[Peterdon]

The Saab does look rather nice - but it is just a glorified Vectra (not that that is always a bad thing)..and does suffer badly with scuttle shake - although not as bad as the old Volvo C70..

quote]

I have a My06 Saab 9-3 Aero convertible. There is no scuttle shake, that was on the previous models (GM 9-3). It's an extremely comfortable car despite the sport suspension, is well put together, looks good, relatively economical (subject to right foot) and fast enough for most. Have a look for an Anniversary model it has all the toys. Prices are good because of the new model coming out next month.

 

[SL300-24]

My E320 cabriolet is reluctantly for sale and may fit the bill and is under your 15k budget? 1993 L, Blue/black with mushroom leather, 5 speed auto, Air con, cruise, alpine MP3/Radio/CD player
97K miles MB and specialist s/h, wind deflector. £13,995

Not yet advertised apart from on the MB club website

Sorry for the large photo.....

 

[Dieselman]

Our neighbours have just acquired this -



Apart from the colour, I think it's a superb bit of kit.

But as a four seater it fails the test - the padding on the rear seat-back is about half an inch thick. Not at all like the soft squashy seats in my coupe.

I've sat on more comfortable park benches.

One of my neighbours just got one a couple of weeks ago, looks smart and is a 330d so should go Ok, though it is certainly less vocal than the M3 CSL he had.

 

[crockers]

The Saab does look rather nice - but it is just a glorified Vectra (not that that is always a bad thing)..and does suffer badly with scuttle shake - although not as bad as the old Volvo C70..

quote]

I have a My06 Saab 9-3 Aero convertible. There is no scuttle shake, that was on the previous models (GM 9-3). It's an extremely comfortable car despite the sport suspension, is well put together, looks good, relatively economical (subject to right foot) and fast enough for most. Have a look for an Anniversary model it has all the toys. Prices are good because of the new model coming out next month.

I stand corrected ....but what about the torque steer??