Thank you for your input – 66% of you want me in a 1999 3000GT. The search is on, so we’ll see. This week, I’m going into dark mode with a Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Black Series. It’s gonna cost you more than you think.
And its baby bro will cost less. A lot less.
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Black Series vs the 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK55 AMG Coupe
I’m a big fan of doing things the right way. Sadly, not every manufacturer is, and sometimes they release “special editions” that aren’t so special. Exclusive color. A badge. And a much higher MSRP.
A Mercedes Black Series is most definitely not that.
There’s the usual “special” on top of it already being an AMG, from more power to a sharper suspension. But Black Series cars go further than BMW M ever does by making the track wider and therefore necessitating wider bodywork. Oftentimes out of carbon fiber. The look is cool and exclusive.
It’s also incredibly expensive. Unlike regular AMGs that depreciate faster than your collection of PS3 games, Black Series units maintain their value, and often times exceed it. And that brings us to the crux of the issue. I can get a CLK55 AMG for a lot less. In fact, I could buy 18 for the price of one Black Series.
It might be cool. Is it that cool?
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Black Series
Perhaps I do a disservice to this car. It’s not just an enhancement over the CLK55, but an almost entirely new car.
- 47,300 miles
- Bright Silver Metallic over Black leather. They only came in Black, Silver, or White
- AMG adjustable coilover suspension. What car gets coilovers from the factory?
- Front and rear strut tower braces – a rarity in 2008
- Black Series wide body kit with widened front and rear tracks
- 700 pounds lighter than a regular CLK AMG
- Some flaws – a tire with a sidewall bubble, a mirror that doesn’t work – nothing terrible
- 6.2-liter V-8, with 500 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. A seven-speed automatic transmission is the only one available
- Just 700 made worldwide
- Original MSRP in 2008: $138,000
This same car last sold for $91,000, likely due its higher mileage. That probably makes it a pretty good deal, because if they have low miles, they go for over $160k.
Let’s not rush to judgement just yet.
The 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK55 AMG Coupe
If you squint, it looks just like the Black Series.
- 166,100 miles
- 5.4-liter V-8, with 362 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque. This one has a five-speed automatic.
- Questionable mods – a Kicker sub and powder-coated wheels. The tint is bubbling
- There’s a lot of wear and tear on here – rust, misaligned body panels, etc. Some electronics don’t work either.
- Only one key
- Sold one year ago for $5,000
I get it, this isn’t a good example. But even the cleanest CLK55 is less than $15,000. Try finding an E9X M3 for that price, and you’ll need to tow it out of a junk yard. And if we’re really honest with each other – is a Mercedes ever really going to be the car you go to for canyon carving, even a Black Series? No – we want it for the V-8, and this one has a wonderful-sounding example.
Fix this car up, install some coilovers, bolt on an exhaust, and I bet it offers nearly the same level of thrills.
Might not be a Black Series, but is it enough to keep you satisfied?
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