Likely selling A4 2.8 in favor of Mercedes CLK 320, suggestions?
 

As the subject says, im probably going to be selling my A4 here in the next month or so to buy a higher milage 1998-1999 Mercedes Clk 320. The A4 is in great condition with 52k miles, frontrack, sport package, and 5-spd. How much would a car like this go for? I've had a great time with my A4, but i see more tuning potential in the clk than in my 2.8. Granted, its not apples to apples comparing A4 to CLK, but let me know your opinions on both cars, and any suggestions comments you may have.
Basically it was this or G2 Supercharger. The G2 would give me 300hp with FWD, the clk has 215 stock and a kleeman supercharger will put 370 hp with rwd. Im planning to put all the interior upgrades to make the 1998 or 1999 identical to the 2000-2002 (pictured)and then black the whole thing out, black exterior, black interior, black trim...everything but the wheels (which will not be chrome so dont worry, something like 18" AMG reps). Also, if anyone is interested in purchasing my car, email me and make an offer (im living in Winson Salem,NC now so if you're interested and in the area let me know.)

Also, i have a Passport SRX radar/lazer system and am thinking about costs to uninstall and replace altered parts. Can you buy an ECU box separate from the ecu? I had to drill through it to route a wire into the cabin. I also need a new front lower grille, new ashtray (only the gray insert part), and new rear tag light cover. Can these be sold individually and does anyone know how much they cost? Thanks for all the help.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/65407/img_3660.jpg">
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/65407/img_3723.jpg">
<img src="http://www.angelfire.com/film/merced_photo_gallery/MERCEDES-BENZ_CLK320/MERCEDES-BENZ_CLK320_3.jpg">
<img src="http://www.angelfire.com/film/merced_photo_gallery/MERCEDES-BENZ_CLK320/MERCEDES-BENZ_CLK320_2.jpg">
<img src="http://www.mbautowerks.com/performance/00011/clk320_10.jpg"><ul><li><a href="http://www.mbautowerks.com/performance/00002/00002.html">http://www.mbautowerks.com/performance/00002/00002.html</a</li></ul>

Call salvage yards for the parts you need...
 

except the ECU box...just go to your local auto store, and pick up some JB Weld. It's a two part plastic epoxy...mix the two together, fill the hold, and let it dry. All done.

My thoughts...
 

I don't care for Mercedes, right off the bat. You're right, it's not apples to apples. Mercedes is just a name and nicer interior, the way I look at it. I don't see any performance/quality advantages going with those cars. It'll be more expensive to upgrage and maintain. A4s look nicer than CLKs, IMO. As far as the quality of a used car goes, you already know what kind of shape your car is really in. Oh yeah, plus auto trans sucks.

you moved out of NY?
 

I would say it will be cheaper supercharging the A4 than it would supercharging the CLK. I sold both SCs when I was at PES.
The Kleemann charger is definately impressive and im sure it would be fun... although I have only been in a CLK430 Komp and CLK55 Komp. It would be far fetched for me to say anything regarding the V6 kompressor.
In the end really it is up to you... if you feel that going to an older vehicle is impt and supercharging that.... IIRC the charger is somewhere around ~6-7k for the V6 not including installation... and the G2 is ~5k with install lets say ~6k... then you have quattro... an added benefit... over RWD.

Take your pick.

cheaper to mod a benz?
 

if i were you id sell the FWD 2.8, buy a 99 or newer A4 w/ the 1.8T quattro 5 speed, and get a big turbo kit. itll handle better, be cheaper to maintain, be oeverall cheaper to begin with and...look better IMO, oh yeah itll ahve more room too, and better gas mileage, turbos are more fun that S/C, and....if i think longer ill just come up w/ more reasons. or....maybe an S4?

I'd say go for what you want. The MB would be a drain to your pocket compared to the A4 in...
 

maintenance and aftermarket mods, but if you have the $$$, go for it. When I sold my A4, my uncle let me drive his 1999 E320 and I was impressed. I was even looking at the CLK's with higher mileage, but thought it would be a headache for me ($$$). The only thing is that traction and slippage may be a problem, especially in wet weather (even stock) and the interior is so blah.

S4 sounds like a good sugestion. The money that you would throw on the turbo kit on the CLK..
 

would be enough for twin K04's. That would leave you in the 410hp range with an AWD system. Then again, our opinion does not matter, so go with what you really wany (KingNY).

no matter what you should
 

sell me your ecodes :)


the CLK is not as much of a driver's car as an A4 is. since your don't have quattro, that's not really an issue of giving up AWD.

I prefer an RWD car to FWD. the CLK is also a 2 door Vs the 4, so if that's what you're going for... might as well...

Yeh im in school at Wake Forest right now (in Winston Salem, NC)

no he doesnt
 

have the added benefit of quattro...

unless he plans on adding a set of pedals, I believe he said the car was fronttrak :)