Mercedes CLK Black Series--Thoughts?

I've liked them since they were introduced.

Asking prices have leveled off in the mid-$80K range, and they don't seem to be going down much from there, which I find kind of peculiar. Although, when new, these cars were offered with a $25-35K premium which put them up in the $150K range. The actual current sales prices are likely lower (high-$70K range, maybe).

They are certainly going to give you a track-feel, which means stiffer suspension, sharper shifts, grabbier brakes, lower profile tires, etc. Not always pleasant or desirable on the street. I have found that the AMG Benzes have great torque, but it's often hard to get that torque to the tarmac, and they do eat rear tires.

That said, they got the look right on this one. Fundamentally, NO rear seats. Truck space is minimal, of course. Some upgrades available through tuners like RennTech (expensive, though), but I think there are diminishing returns. You spend a lot to get little (in terms of bhp and performance improvements). Not to mention, you never get the money you put in in mods back out.

Wonderful car, though.

CW

 

It's one of my more favorite cars, and Clarkson on Top Gear was very impressed with it. The exterior manages to come across as classy and aggressive looking at the same time. A bit of a sleeper because non-car people may see it as just another Mercedes, I'm sure it would surprise a Mustang/camaro driver or two.

 

One on eBay just sold for mid 50s

Cool cars.

 

given that they both now cost roughly the same....

CLK Black Series or new C63 coupe?

Black Series is more iconic, and probably will hold its value much better (having already taken a depreciation whack), but the C63 is more modern/refined and has a back seat...so it's more suited to daily driver status.

#whitepeopleproblems

 

They do look nice (the old body, the new body looks too much like a c class to warrant that kind of price). But for $80k, id rather buy a 997 GT3.

 

Black series. Should continue to hold its value, and it's much more unique.

That being said, there are about 60 cars I'd rather have for 70k - ish

 

If the price you quote is real, it must have had lots of miles on it.

They lowest I see is in the mid $70's, and that hasn't met the reserve, so it won't sell for that price.

CW

 

true but that would make me not want to use it as a DD.

agreed!

 

40k miles. No reserve.

 

I would bet, in 5 years a 100k mile black series would still be worth more than a 100k mile c63. Today, they are about the same price so it might actually be less expensive to DD the BS.

 

that's probably a decent guess.

 

That would be my concern. Given the condition of our streets in San Diego, I'm getting to be less of a fan of hard suspensions and ultra-low profile tires.

What he said. But probably not as a daily driver...

 

I followed the recent ebay auction on the CLK. Though the lack of decent backseats can be a deal breaker for me, this model and C63 Black are now in my radar as potential daily drivers - much in the same way I've used 911s in the past.

 

One of my GF's had one ( She is a doctor) and I drove hers quite a bit. Too stiff a driving car for a DD. I really thought her stock SL was a much better car.

 

The CLK63 BS was on my radar when I was looking at the 360. I drove it a couple times and really liked the car. But the Ferrari made my heart beat faster. It just did something for me that the Benz couldn't. So, I bought the 360 and have enjoyed it every minute.

I do like MB as well as brand though. And I suspect I will own another at some point in the future! Maybe SL63 AMG?

 

I wonder if rear seats could be retrofitted in from a standard CLK? Has anyone ever looked into that?

 

dont know if this was brought up yet but depending on the price i might be jumping on the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG black series Coupe..thing look wicked when i saw it at the car show..
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Fine for groceries or driving to clients,or even going to dinner, for heart stopping thrills the F car leads the pack.

IMHO.

 

This yellow/gold colour on the AMG is just magnificent..!

Best

 

It has been done custom (IIRC), but they're not functional for anyone bigger than a child. There is also a raised "hump" that would be beneath one's knees, so the seat level has to be raised up. And, there are no seatbelts. They'd have to be added. The standard CLK rear seating won't fit, I don't think.

CW

 

i agree..

 

I understand the C63 BS coupe has a backseat option.