UK - To Buy? E46 3 Series vs C209 CLK vs Others

[icecold601]

Residence: United Kingdom

Hey guys, it's been a while since I've visited these forums!

To cut a long story short, I'm looking at buying a second-hand BMW 330i/325i or Mercedes CLK 320/500 or another car in the same bracket. (Any thoughts on these engines?) I'm not looking at spending more than £4000 which is tight for a decent machine but there are deals floating in this area.

After researching, and with my limited knowledge, I have concluded that I'd be happy with the 3 Series Saloon over the Coupé and the CLK only comes as a Coupé anyway.

Critically, I like the straight-six engine in the BMW, the size of the car, the aesthetics, the maintenance and insurance (from what I've seen so far) and more. Against this, I like the Merc's interior finish (the CLK is pretty sweet inside), smoothness and looks again.

To be perfectly honest, I'd take the 3 Series without considering the price but there seem to be some decent CLK deals at similar prices to the BMW on AutoTrader, eBay and other such places.

What would you guys recommend, being experts, enthusiasts and generally people with more car experience than myself? Are there any other cars in this class that I should be looking at?

Many thanks and best wishes!

TL;DR: E46 3 Series vs C209 CLK vs Others. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each to own second hand?

[waleed030]

After researching, and with my limited knowledge, I have concluded that I'd be happy with the 3 Series Saloon over the Coupé and the CLK only comes as a Coupé anyway.

[DocWeatherington]

Originally Posted by icecold601

Residence: United Kingdom

Hey guys, it's been a while since I've visited these forums!

To cut a long story short, I'm looking at buying a second-hand BMW 330i/325i or Mercedes CLK 320/500 or another car in the same bracket. (Any thoughts on these engines?) I'm not looking at spending more than £4000 which is tight for a decent machine but there are deals floating in this area.

After researching, and with my limited knowledge, I have concluded that I'd be happy with the 3 Series Saloon over the Coupé and the CLK only comes as a Coupé anyway.

Critically, I like the straight-six engine in the BMW, the size of the car, the aesthetics, the maintenance and insurance (from what I've seen so far) and more. Against this, I like the Merc's interior finish (the CLK is pretty sweet inside), smoothness and looks again.

To be perfectly honest, I'd take the 3 Series without considering the price but there seem to be some decent CLK deals at similar prices to the BMW on AutoTrader, eBay and other such places.

What would you guys recommend, being experts, enthusiasts and generally people with more life/car experience than myself? Are there any other cars in this class that I should be looking at?

Many thanks and best wishes!

TL;DR: E46 3 Series vs C209 CLK vs Others. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each to own second hand?

I can't say there are any disadvantages, minus the Saloon vs Coupe aspect... I would say figure out which one you like the best ...overall (Drive, Interior). Then find someone that took good care of that model your after. I doubt either will be more expensive than the other for repairs.

An Audi A4 , Golf GTI( Not in the same class, but bang for buck)

[E46driver]

At one point in time I had the pleasure of having both a 325ci and clk 350. The 325ci handled and felt much better than the clk in regards to the fun to the drive factor where as the clk felt like the better car overall. More power, more room, better sound deadening and more comfortable seats.

Really what it boils down to however is what you want and don't want. The clk honestly drives like a boat compared to my e46 but on a straight completely obliterates it and sounds much better doing it in the process. I found myself however dosing off in the clk very often whereas in e46 was just straight up sheer driving pleasure.

Can't go wrong with either I hope this helped.

Wrote this drunk.