Rear Seating Space Convertibles

Well, the only Mercedes convertible with any rear seat leg space is the CLK cabrio. It is, in fact, the only Mercedes convertible with a rear seat.

As for how it compares to the new E-class; there is significantly less legroom back there. Still, enough for the average sized adult to fit comfortably, but not really enough to stretch out or anything.

I should have mentioned that I was also willing to look at the older E class convertibles, or any other 4 seat Mercedes convertibles in recent history.

Thanks for the response.

Ah, I see...

The E-Class cabrios were really, really great cars. While I am not 100% sure, as far as I remember, the rear legroom on these cars was definately superior to that of the current CLK class cabrios; probably still less than a current E-class sedan though.

My understanding is that the CLK cabrio has more interior space than the old E-Class cab. Furthermore, I think the CLK looks much better than the E cab.

Among cars of this type the CLK has probably no less legroom, if not more, than others (e.g. Saab, Audi, BMW 3).

DAS

Thomas, couldn't you sleep? It must habe been about 04.00 your time when you posted...?...

Yours concernedly DAS

Hehee..... yeah, I was wondering if anyone would notice that.

I fell asleep at like 6pm for some reason then woke up at midnight, so that was it for me. Up for the rest of the night.

This question is an example of why I think there is sufficient demand for a larger 4 seat cabrio - The CL would be a nice vehicle with a cabrio.

greek_philosophizer haute in die Tasten:

AFAIK AMG does a limited series of CL convertibles. OTOH I doubt that there is a large demand for large 4 seater cabrios, because most cabrio owners (especially the expensive ones) have more than one car, so they can take the other one, if they need the transportation capacity. Travelling on the rear seat of an open convertible usually is no fun for the passenger, and most 4 seater cabrios I see in germany have their rear seats covered by a wind shield.

If you are not stuck to Mercedes, you could also take a look at the Chrysler Sebring or the BMW 645i cabrio;-)

Frank

The Sebring convertible is an interesting alternative, offering similar space (if not a bit more) than the CLK, but only at US prices....Not available in the UK at all.

The roof mechanism is not as good as the CLK's and has smaller choice of engines (2.4 or 2.7 l). The latter has been widely crticised in the Chrysler NG. That said, I found it a nice drive, at least for the few days I had it. Interior not bad. (I can't compare with CL, don't know it.)

Have seen some CLs in my area. Look great.

DAS

I saw the new 6-series convertible on the street yesterday, and I have to say it is a really nice car.

From what I've read in the auto press, it's great to drive, although the biggest complaints seem to be that the handling offers too little road input and feels very artificial ('like a driving simulator' was how one magazine put it) and that everyone unanamously hates the I-drive computer control system.

The one I saw was in an ugly color (gold) but it was large and imposing; it's actually kinda wierd to see a BMW convertible of that size, considering that up to this point they only made the 3-series and the diminuitive Z-cars, the 6 is very surprising at first glance. It definately seems bigger than the 5-series as well.

Overall, I liked it. Don't know if I'd ever buy one, but I'm not really a BMW guy to begin with. Certainly dosen't compare to the SL; but I guess if I absolutely needed a big 4-seat cabrio (and the CLK was too small, though I don't really know how the rear leg room compares), that would be my choice. Honestly, what else is there? Lexus (no thanks) or Bentley (yeah, right).

Thomas J. Paladino New York City

Trade three (or is it all 4?) of your cars in for a Bentley convertible...

DAS

I owned a Chrysler Sebring, and the car was built down to the cost. Didn't like it. The BMW 645i Cabrio doesn't appear as though it will have enough rear passenger leg room. I need the car to tour adults to see commercial buildings or building sites. When they aren't in the vehicle, I want to be able to drop the top. My 99 S Class 420 works fairly well in that regard, with the larger than average sunroof and windows down, but I was looking for something that would allow the full convertible experience. In the 60s there were many cars like that, but it doesn't seem to be true any longer.

I do have a second car, a 96 Dodge Viper, which is fine for days I don't need to carry anyone in my vehicle. But it is purpose driven, and impractical for most uses other than top down blasting.

Really not all that important, I was just getting a sense of rear leg room from E vs. CLK owners.

Thanks.

; but I guess if I

Here's an off the wall thought. What about going back to an 80s Rolls Royce Corniche, as a car that would be a full size convertible with comfortable seating, at a price less than a new CLK convertible?

Anyone have any idea of running costs, or forums where one could look into this?

Thanks, Larry

"REInvestments" haute in die Tasten:

Running costs may ruin you. Years ago I heard of a lady who had to replace the muffler of her Rolls cabriolet - paid 6.000 USD for that.

Large 4-seater convertibles are indeed rare cars. Maybe a Caddy Eldorado might amaze the clients;-)

Frank

Old Rollers can be bought for little money. It's the running cost, incl insurance that kills the idea (for normal people...)

Just saw a picture of the new BMW 6 cabrio in the Sunday Times. Among its competitiors the paper put the SL. Maybe that's right on price grounds, but the only 'standard' Merc 4-seater cab is the CLK, and I wonder how rear leagroom compares.

The BMW has a special feature, the vertical rear window that can be used as a windbreak but, given the price difference, the CLK must be a strong alternative.

DAS

"REInvestments" wrote in news:5jwic.17654$ snipped-for-privacy@bgtnsc05-news.ops.worldnet.att.net:

May I suggest the purchase of a pristine Mercedes cabrio of that era?

There is often many available thru classic car specialist's. Do a web search.

Actually, I was thinking of looking at a 280 SE convertible. I will do some looking. When I saw how low the prices are (comparatively) for older Rollers it just caught my interest. Figured the running costs had to be the catch.

Larry

REInvestments: I think one should look at total costs (incl one's own time). It might turn out that an early CLK of the recently superseded model might be the most economic. It will be a modern car with a fairly modern roof mechanism.

DAS