CLK500 vs CLK320

[Seeker_UK]

I was looking for a 320 / 280 W209 Cab but I've just spootted a very nice '500 which would seem to fit the bill.

Apart from the engine size

Now, I know what Parkers etc say about fuel and servicing costs but I'd like to know what people think based on experience - that is, in the real world would a 500 cost me much more to run in terms of fuel and servicing than a V6?

(Insurance is going to be about £100 a year more and tax would be the same).

BTW, the car has a 7G-tronic box fitted. Don't know if that makes a huge difference.

 

[Cole@MBS]

500 all day long, dont think theres much in it MPG!!

 

[television]

I worked it out that my 500 cost me about £170 more in fuel over 5K miles than the 320 that I had

 

[jubhi]

The 500 must be newer as they stopped making the 320 petrol and replaced with the 280 which has the 3.0v6 petrol engine. Also the 7G-Tronic gearbox came out in late 2005 i think. I'd go for the 500.

 

[Brett]

I've had both, well kinda. I had a W208 320 Cab and a W209 CLK55 AMG Cab. The running costs were not dramatically different, most surprisingly on the fuel front. I averaged 22.5mpg in the 320 and 20.2mpg in the 55AMG.

Personally I always felt the V6 was a little underpowered but never had the same concerns with the V8! So my vote definitely goes for the 500!

 

[bigasotonuk]

500 all day long, just for the V8 soundtrack.

 

[jberks]

There isn't that much in the cost and there is a hell of a lot in the pleasure. Get the 500.

 

[Alex M Grieve]

I was looking for a 320 / 280 W209 Cab but I've just spootted a very nice '500 which would seem to fit the bill.

Apart from the engine size

Unless you are serious about it, don't drive the 500. Once you have, there will be no way back. The power delivery is so smooth and continuous, you will wonder why all cars can't be like that. Then very soon you will take it for granted as you waft along. And neglible throttle pressure gets you an immediate and significant response at any speed you are likely to encounter in the UK.

In short, you will love it and it will spoil you for anything else.

Now the good news and the bad news. The good news is that, as a function of its list price, the 500 will be at a bigger discount than the 320 (people's perceptions of running costs, fuel, maintenance, insurance, tyres (!), depreciation, VED changes if after 2001).

The bad news is that these factors are really all marginal, as others have said (with the possible exception of tyres). MB have made 500s for a long time and they are understressed in standard form and do not require elaborate maintenance. So the bad news, if there is any, is that others will work out that this is really getting down to being a "no brainer" in favour of the 500 and they will want it too.

If you are considering it, then you need to do it. You will love it, and if you don't you will always have that lingering regret.

 

[PeterCLK]

Damn. When I bought the 320 I teetered between this and the 500.
Makes me want one now.

 

[Alex M Grieve]

Damn. When I bought the 320 I teetered between this and the 500.
Makes me want one now.

Gotcha!

 

[television]

Damn. When I bought the 320 I teetered between this and the 500.
Makes me want one now.

Thats a good likely engine, you cant use the extra power most of the time, I was very happy with my 129 320SL, and that cost me £500 fine for driving at 135 MPH through Denmark

 

[Alex M Grieve]

Thats a good likely engine, you cant use the extra power most of the time, I was very happy with my 129 320SL, and that cost me £500 fine for driving at 135 MPH through Denmark

OK Malcolm, you admit to 135mph - how fast were you really going??

I agree, the 320 is an excellent engine and, in the real world is very well suited to the car.

After all, I am sure Helen will tell me that her SL55 would take the pants off my 500 - but in the real world, when and where might that ever happen?

 

[st4]

After all, I am sure Helen will tell me that her SL55 would take the pants off my 500 - but in the real world, when and where might that ever happen?

After the tolls on the M6, kickdown time all the way upto 155mph