W209 clk55

[Washy]

Please, talk to me about these...

We have been back and forth looked at loads of cars, but struggling to decide!

Narrowed it down to S4 convertible and CLK55 coupe or convertible.

We are looking around £6-9k.

The thing at strikes me about the CLK is how outdated the interior is, whilst the exterior looks good still.

The COMAND can't be updated with anything newer?

I've seen a thread somewhere where someone updates everything including the climate control...bit much that!!

So yeah, I guess I need convincing!

 

[Rashman]

If you need convincing, don't get one.

 

[sjmaxwell]

I'm guessing that you are looking at pre face lift models (prior to late 2004) but yes look at what killerhertz did to his CLK to update the interior

 

[Rashman]

I'm guessing that you are looking at pre face lift models (prior to late 2004) but yes look at what killerhertz did to his CLK to update the interior

Sounds like Washy is wanting a car that is "good to go" as it were and that upgrades to Karl's level would be out of the question.

Personally, I know when I like something and don't need to be convinced to buy anything.

I'd say "CLK" all day long but it sounds like there are too many things that Washy doesn't like about them.

Decision has really already been made if you ask me.

 

[Washy]

Far from made up, that's the problem!

 

[Rashman]

Far from made up, that's the problem!

I see.

I don't have any experience of Audi and I will be rather biased towards the CLK.

Mine is a 63 so it's a slightly different animal to the 55's, but the same car nonetheless.

I used to have the earlier shaped CLK and I can say that the 209 is built 10 times better. Solid feeling car.
Love the look of the CLK too.
Especially with the pillar-less windows.
As for the interior, I actually still like it very much.
Very enveloping and well placed, nice looking switches.

I would always steer towards the coupe.
I've never been into convertibles.
A car loses too much of its shape when you lop the top off, in my opinion.

I'm not really one for my gidgets gadgets so I can't really advise you on upgrades etc.

My only advice would be to go for a later 209 as possible.

 

[Washy]

I'm steering towards the CLK over the S4, as it seems to have more soul if you know what I mean?

The S4 is a bit...audi.

 

[sjmaxwell]

Go for the updated post late 2004 model if you can. I've owned the W208 w209 and a pre 04 and post 04 w208 Cabs, I like the style of the cab but can appreciate the coupe. Personally the w208 coupe was better built than the pre 04 W209 - the post 04 W209 is better built with more modern facilities and supposedly better electronics

 

[E55CHUNK]

Im not speaking for all Audi's here as I only have a limited knowledge of them also but of the 8 people I know with Audi's only 1 said they would have another, 3 have spent fortunes on parts and repairs recently, 1 of which was an S4, 2 others have nothing good to say about the them at all. Models inc A2, S3, A4, S4, A6, RS6, A8, Q7.
That said iv owned an S3 and an A4 in the past (both new though) and didn't have too much grief.

 

[Abdul]

I used to have the earlier shaped CLK and I can say that the 209 is built 10 times better. Solid feeling car.

My only advice would be to go for a later 209 as possible.

I disagree, maybe my 2 W208's and my best mate's W208 are exceptions but in both our experience they feel a lot better built then the W209's and a lot more 'solid'. Similar to how an E39 5 series compares to an E60. As SJMaxwell says though I suspect this was sorted out in the face lift.

I definately agree with your advise that the OP should try and go for a face lifted model.

For the love of god don't buy an S4, you not read about the timing chain issues? Honestly, the CLK55 feels pretty brisk even now but the S4 just feels mundane in comparison (I tried a few saloons).

 

[Washy]

I worked for Audi, in sales, I like them, just nothing to get revved up over unless ey are RS models, saying that, we currently have a Q7 S Line which is great for the wife, just doesn't give me any pleasure, hence looking for a toy now.

As I say, for me he AMG seems to have a bit more about it as opposed to the S4.

Wish I could afford a newer model 209 but they are all in excess of £10k when ey do pop up.

 

[sjmaxwell]

I would have thought Coupe may be around at the higher end of your budget. Cabs at this time if year will command a higher price though !

 

[Rashman]

I disagree, maybe my 2 W208's and my best mate's W208 are exceptions but in both our experience they feel a lot better built then the W209's and a lot more 'solid'.

Interesting.

I found my W208 to be poorly put together, interior wise.
Lots of rattles, creaking plastics and door cards.
Interior panelling wasn't terribly well designed either. Just boards that flexed.
Seats were terribly uncomfortable too.
Electrics had a mind of their own.
Bodywork would corrode before your very eyes.
Great looking cars though and I loved my one.

The differences between the W208 & W209 might be more obvious to me because I went from a 2001 W208 to one of the last W209's.

 

[sjmaxwell]

My 2000 208 was better built but I agree about the rust