Help needed on model choice

[zachrisen]

I am considering different mercedes models for a used car.
My options are:

2004 500CL
2005 CLK55AMG
2006 ML500

Now, the advice I need is from thos of you with experience from these models.

How do they compare when it comes to comfort, quality feel, and ride ?

All advice will be appreciated.

 

[WG M-B]

Clk55

 

[Matt H]

Has to be the CLK55 AMG. You won't be disappointed with the performance

 

[John]

CLK55 AMG out of that lot.

You aren't going to see a huge difference in economy between those three - but a huge difference in performance.

Just so long as the CLK meets your requirements - but I guess it does because otherwise it would not be in your shortlist...

 

[tasn1]

Clk 55, no contest!

 

[Palfrem]

Apples, Oranges or Pears

Different cars - what do want from it?

 

[zachrisen]

Great input !

Thanks for sharing guys.
So far an overwhelming support for the CLK55amg.

But I have to ask, is that out of a performance point of view?

I will rate comfort, far above pure speed and accelaration.

Is the CLK really as comfortable as the CL ?

Anyone who`s tried/owned both here ?

 

[Bully2112]

Apples, Oranges or Pears

Different cars - what do want from it?

Agreed, all very different, albeit the one that stands out as the anomaly is the ML for me. CL - Big Coupe/CLK Small Coupe - ML- big wallowy 4X4 (I have a 2010 300)

For outright performance its gotta be the AMG
Nice smooth and classy ride CL
Great soft ride & 4WD - ML

 

[sjmaxwell]

Full facelift CLK55 can be quite refined as is the CL but as others have said, these are all different cars so what do you want out of them?

 

[zachrisen]

Agreed, all very different, albeit the one that stands out as the anomaly is the ML for me. CL - Big Coupe/CLK Small Coupe - ML- big wallowy 4X4 (I have a 2010 300)

For outright performance its gotta be the AMG
Nice smooth and classy ride CL
Great soft ride & 4WD - ML

Thank you, appreciate it.
I did try the ml500 the other day. But I experienced the ride as quite harsh and stiff. (maybe I`m getting older, but it`s the first time ever that I liked the comfort setting better than the sport setting..)

I don`t need the 4wd for any reason, only considering the ml because I like the looks.

If I understand right the CL will be the most comfortable, less noisy alternative ?

 

[zachrisen]

Thanks.
I consider all of them because I like the designs/looks.
I don`t need a 4wd for any reason.
I don`t need supercar, but I do enjoy a good engine and plenty of resources.
I want a really smooth and comfortable ride, that`s priority nr. 1.

 

[V12]

The cl500 is lightyears better than a clk55 in terms of comfort. If that is your no.1 priority, there is no choice.

 

[WOODYTHEWISE]

Try a CL 600 bi turbo, comfort and power in abundance.
20mpg. If you can afford the running costs there is nothing like it.
Had a problem with the air con and the abc pump, both fixed under tier 1 warranty.
As a rule I seldom keep a car longer than a few months, I bought this one in July 2011, says a lot. Go on, you know you want one.

 

[John]

I can't imagine any of those three being uncomfortable...

 

[zachrisen]

The cl500 is lightyears better than a clk55 in terms of comfort. If that is your no.1 priority, there is no choice.

Thank you, if the difference is that big, that`s the kind of answers I was looking for.

Yes, I think all these models have more power than I really need. They never called me back after Daniel Craig got the part as James Bond ;-) So I guess I should take a hint.

I see on the reliability index, these cars come off as non-reliable. What is your ecperiences on this. Is the reliability index reliable or not.........?

 

[zachrisen]

True JohnEBoy, it`s matter of choosing the most comfortable of the comfortable

 

[V12]

Yes the CL has by far the best seats and the best suspension set up for comfort. It is also the most expensive to repair and service.
IMO it's a price worth paying.

 

[garyt01]

My choice a CL55 AMG KOMPRESSOR , but I would say that as I collect one next Saturday, good luck with your choice
Gary

Sent from my iPhone using MBClub UK

 

[zachrisen]

I am a lot wiser now, ready for some testdriving.

In the CL range, how is the 55amg compared to the 500.
I understand the performance is better of course, but is it a lot harder/stiffer than the 500?

Does it handle bumps and surface cracks/holes as good as the 500 or does the performance cost something on the comfort-side ?

Do you know?

And congrats on you expecting a 55amg, a beautiful classic!

 

[garyt01]

This may sound completely mad but I've brought the 55 KOMP without even driving it! Waited a long time and found a good 53 plate low mileage with everything and just brought it. Will report in a couple of weeks if I get a chance to drive it with the forecasted snow

Sent from my iPhone using MBClub UK