CLK/SLK what to choose?

Flyinspanner

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Last night Mrs FS said it might be ‘fun’ to buy a soft top for the summer (possible French holiday) she likes the look of SLKs and CLKs

I’m torn!

but going to look at a nice looking CLK in white with a grey interior at lunchtime today(I dislike black interiors) it’s a 200 - I know that there can be issues with these engines, was there a year after which they sorted cam chain on the 200 and balancer shaft on the 350 etc.?

Ive also seen some nice 280s 320sand 350s on our price bracket. I suppose the 280/320 may be a nice smooth cruiser.

Then there are the SLKs - I suppose that dynamically they may be a bit more ‘fun’ and have seen a few interesting ones on offer - one being possibly a Brabus 350, and one a later (09) but has an ‘S’ category history -I think I may look at it, as if properly repaired at the time, it should be fine.

what to do? Decisions Decisions :):)
 
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Wighty

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I’ve got a 2009 CLK200 Kompressor , M271 engine which has you know can have camchain issues , the balance shaft issues are not on this engine .
 

Wighty

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If you are talking France trips , it’s CLK all day long because of the luggage space . We have been using French Gite’s for the last 7 years now .
Don’t rule out the 200 engine for cruising , it will do it all day long at 80mph in France .
Avoid silly big wheels for cruising comfort as well , even though French roads especially the motorways are super smooth
 

A.J.

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For me it would be the SLK. Totally impractical for me and would never stand in my driveway. I just like the look of them more than I do the CLK. :rolleyes:
 

Wighty

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For me it would be the SLK. Totally impractical for me and would never stand in my driveway. I just like the look of them more than I do the CLK. :rolleyes:
If you want the roof down in France with luggage , you will get a couple of small bags in an SLK , the CLK you have the whole of the rear seats as well , even still our car is stuffed full for a 3 week France drive
 

sl500amgsport

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SLK for fun and looks, CLK for practicality and ride comfort, owned and appreciated both which led to the SL, combination of both..

Mercedes SL500 R231
 

Wighty

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60DA6214-F565-4BDE-9CA3-A698EA2850B8.jpeg

There can’t been many nicer looking cars than a CLK with the roof down . I know it’s a gratuitous Alps car shot from sunny Austria , but even with the M271 engine this could be you FlyingSpanner
 

A.J.

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If you want the roof down in France with luggage , you will get a couple of small bags in an SLK , the CLK you have the whole of the rear seats as well , even still our car is stuffed full for a 3 week France drive

As I said 'Totally impractical' :rolleyes:;):D
 

Wighty

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Mercedes SL500 R231
Very true buddy , but only if he kicks his budget to death :D
 

bembo449

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id go SLK because It gives the best of both worlds , yes you have to pack lighter but its not supposed to be a load lugger right ?
 

davidsl500

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The CLK is by far the more practicable option so choose the SLK. You can't put stuff on the back seat of a CLK anyway - it will make you look like you're homeless....:rolleyes: (and it's also open to being nicked)
 

rorywquin

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Having owned a SLK IMO, it is not a good choice for long trips. 1) Space & 2) Depending on what you buy, suspension. I had a R172 SLK350 and it was a hard ride. Packing was always an issue and as posted elsewhere, 2 small bags is about it (no space left for a case of French wine). Even the SL is tight for baggage and I'm now looking at buying custom luggage (£600 outlay).
 

RhodieBill

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Two completely different cars. If you want a purely 2 Door Convertible Sports car, go for the SLK.

But if you are going to require the ability to carry more than 2 people occasionally, and a lot more carrying capacity, the CLK.

Really I would say the SLK is ideally a "2nd Car Fun Runaround". Other than that they have their limitations.

I say this having owned both....
 

sonic

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10 years ago I had a CLK & my wife had the SLK. Long distance touring the CLK is the one to have. Loads of space, very comfortable, & economic if you have the diesel. The SLK a great fun car, lack of space, & tiring over long distances.
 

Blobcat

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10 years ago I had a CLK & my wife had the SLK. Long distance touring the CLK is the one to have. Loads of space, very comfortable, & economic if you have the diesel. The SLK a great fun car, lack of space, & tiring over long distances.
I disagree about the SLK being tiring over long distances - it’s what I do most in mine :D

V6 3.0 is a really nice engine (just check it’s not one with the balance shaft issues).

Very comfortable and really nice to drive top up or top down.

I’ve standard 16” wheels on my 280 and they are much more comfortable than the 18” a lot of them have.

Luggage wise I have 3 large off shore bags that I put in the boot under the roof separator - along with my laptop bag and raincoats. Easily enough for 2 weeks away.

Best thing is go and try a few and see what you prefer - just make sure you get air scarf
 
OP
Flyinspanner

Flyinspanner

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  • Thread Starter
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Thanks for responses, had to cancel the viewing today as the owner ended up in A&E with a broken foot! May have to reschedule
 

flowrider

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What is your budget, if you dont mind me asking. :)
 

sl500amgsport

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+1 for the SL. We're planning a champagne drive in May with some friends who also have an SL500. I can't wait.
Off to Devon later this week, Wales in July for a week, both in the SL carrying 2x medium suitcases. Champagne fits perfectly under the boot floor in the extra storage area, it is like a Tardis!

Mercedes SL500 R231
 

McDonald

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Champagne fits perfectly under the boot floor in the extra storage area, it is like a Tardis!

Mercedes SL500 R231
That's a really useful tip, thanks. It wouldn't have occurred to me to use that space.
 

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