Residual Value: CLK55 v E55

[Silvertank]

What makes a CLK55 more desirable and hence command a higher price than a similar aged, similar mileage, E55?

I'm talking about 5 year old models where generically there seems to be about a £2-3k price difference.

Any opinions?

Tank

 

[grober]

Berlin taxi

The CLK is a sports coupe and is perceived to be more exclusive than an E55 which to most folks ( except for those of us in the know) is the same basic shape as a Berlin taxi! My apologies to all E55 owners out there but thats the reason IMHO.

 

[nickg]

I suppose it would be because generally a person in the market for a car with that kind of performance is more likely to want a "sporty coupe" style than a large traditional saloon style car.

 

[BTB 500]

Yup the E55 is much more of a niche model - fewer people after one. I think the same would apply to the E500 btw, I've only ever seen one of those in the flesh!

 

[Rose Chap]

CLK55 is also faster and lighter.

 

[stats007]

I wouldn't say the E55 is any more niche than the CLK55 - in fact less so to be honest (we're talking about W210s I presume being 5 years old?). Powerful saloons always lose money - the E39 M5 is no different though a lot of that is down to high maintenance and BMW changing the warranty.

 

[machasm]

I think the CLK is a better looking car and would pay the premium for that.
Mac.

 

[Silvertank]

I think the CLK is a better looking car and would pay the premium for that.
Mac.

Maybe it's an age thing, in my opinion the CLK is quite feminine. Even the newer model isn't quite as aggressive looking as some of the other models - although the CLK63 is getting there.

 

[hawk20]

The CLK is a sports coupe and is perceived to be more exclusive than an E55 which to most folks ( except for those of us in the know) is the same basic shape as a Berlin taxi! My apologies to all E55 owners out there but thats the reason IMHO.

Oh boy that relentless taxi jibe. So unfair. I asked a cabbie in Europe why so many ran Mercs. He said "a) they last like no other and b) if you have a Merc you get a lot more rides. They all want to ride in the best in the world. Nobody wants the Nissan."

 

[hawk20]

BTW been reading on another thread in another place a man who has done 650,000 miles in his Merc diesel and had to recondition the automatic gearbox after 500,000 miles.

 

[Birdman]

It's simply the old E55 is another of Stuttgart's Best Kept Secrets.
Let's keep it that way guys!