2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Black Series | Jay Leno's Garage

[@JDelta87]

The CLK63 is one of my favorite Mercedes designs. At a quick glance to non enthusiasts, it looks like a normal C class with some extra bits but is so much more than that and it sounds amazing.

[@BlackRam17]

I have a hard time telling them all apart honestly

[@olabisioladunmade2830]

It has the face of C class and end of an E class.

[@muzamilabidi3027]

Actually people are mistaken the CLK was based on the E-Class of the time the W211 NOT THE C-Class. The CLK is what is now known as the E-Class Coupé. The C-Class at the time was the W203 and the CLC kompressor was the Coupé version or model for the C-Class. Tommy and Jay are both mistaken, the CLK63 AMG was based on the W211. The modern equivalent now would be an E63 AMG Coupé (W212 or W213) doesn’t really matter which one, either are still good for today’s time period.

[@BLACKOUT41689]

@@muzamilabidi3027 Thank you! FACTS

[@SavedbyHim]

@@muzamilabidi3027 Well it has C-Class running gear with an E-Class interior so yeah it is a W203 underneath. The suspension and brakes were from the C-Class but the interior and engines were shared with the C-class and E-class.

[@user-uq4ly6fp6m]

Hope to see more of Tommy in the future - fantastic guest to have on the show.

[@scottscottsdale7868]

Love love love Tommy!!!!

[@fw1421]

Tommy was an incredible racer.

[@astonwinter]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZyUkJ-ug52Vns0

[@BadBlonde-CarHistory]

Agreed!

[@corystansbury]

@@fw1421 Dude was a monster

[@jeffreyoldham55]

The lines & proportions of this car are just beautiful. A perfect balance of styling & performance. Having TK show us the car was a real treat. I can't believe that Jay left him behind at the garage!

[@hondaracer888]

He said he doesn’t do the passenger thing, I was glad fo see he’s a man of his word!

[@PL-fh8cz]

I think the head lights look dated but that's all. Overall, it's a nice shape and great proportions. When you think about it, north of $100k is pretty reasonable when compared to a modern performance Porsche or BMW.

[@codyC423]

Because Jay's an absolute boss

[@MegaMeaty]

If you are not looking for a statement car that car would be great. You get to pay a LOT of money for a car that no one cares about, and can be trashed by a Tesla. This car SCREAMS I am boring, but I have a lot of money. Have at it dudes with the knot around your neck.

[@CP-vg4vy]

@@MegaMeaty You’re everything wrong with the car community.

[@Cowboy_moonman396]

Episodes like these are worth their weight in gold! -genuinely great car -great enthusiastic guest -genuinely entertained Jay Leno 👍

[@Endureromex]

Quite so!, he sometimes looks a bit bored.

[@willywillywillywillywilly]

@@Endureromex as he was pulling the CLK out of the garage, Jay had an “old man stare” on his face, lol. Check it out.

[@991.2gt3]

can tell by the lenght of the video

[@SupremeKid98]

@@Endureromex can sound like it as well. lol

[@astonwinter]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZyUkJ-ug52Vns0

[@TwamZ]

Man, I'll never forget when these first came out. I was walking to my bus stop and this one was sitting at a light, waiting to make a right onto ventura blvd. It had the optional aero with the wing and everything. He floored it and slid out onto ventura and it hooked and he just slammed out of there. It was amazing to see one right when they came out, but the sound, the way it hooked and looked will always be something I'll remember. I was just replaying it over and over in my head the whole bus ride.

[@AutobahnVault]

There was no optional rear wing for these. So what you saw was probably a Renntech tuned example or a CLK DTM, which came with a detachable wing that could be stored in the trunk. Regardless, I too remember the first time I saw a CLK63 BS and I KNEW I HAD TO HAVE ONE; one of those things you never forget.

[@keeponcruisin7876]

@@AutobahnVault the DTM is even MORE SICK than a 63

[@optimushagatron]

just your average valley divorce attorney heading to afternoon tee time

[@sbscottw]

The only option was the iPod Adapter Cable!

[@monk3yboy69]

@TwamZ Tell me you went out and bought one…. And you still have it…

[@albatrapstar9030]

Glad I bought one 10 years ago for 40k been babying it since then one of the most iconic mercedes of its time

[@SerPurple51]

The naturally aspirated Mercedes 6.2 V8 exhaust note is one of the most brutal, yet magically sounding exhausts.

[@idontlikecops1]

Was about to comment the exact same thing

[@jacobl6714]

hell yeah. love these things! like some of the best metallica songs, it's brutal and intense but if you pay attention there's genuine beauty and brilliance within it : )

[@johannes.f.r.]

Of the last 25 years definitely. Of all time I can name quite a few better. In the early days of racing cars sounded almost like fire breathing monsters.

[@angelgjr1999]

Mercedes V8s sound fantastic.

[@mmm4638]

Dem head bolts tho

[@jhetubejhe]

Tommy’s comment about guest drivers trying to impress him, reminds me of a similar line from Derek Bell at a Porsche Driving Experience day in 1991, when he said “Don’t try and impress me - I have won Le Mans 5 times. I can go out on my own anytime and prove that adrenaline is brown”

[@astonwinter]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZyUkJ-ug52Vns0

[@BadBlonde-CarHistory]

hahahahha!

[@PaulZink]

I also attended a Porsche Driving Experience in 1991; mine was in Los Angeles (I was on the local PCA-Los Angeles Region Board of Directors), but our instructor was Vic Elford rather than Derek Bell. One of the proudest moments of my Porsche ownership days was completing the combined acceleration & slalom course at the end, in an AWD 911 equipped with the "new" Tiptronic gearbox (my first experience with that transmission), and having Vic Elford lean into the car at the end and quietly say "Nice run, Paul". Ahhhhh!

[@b.w.g.7302]

Loved their conversation. Tommy Kendall needs his own KZbin channel. You’ve got a subscriber right here !

[@BadBlonde-CarHistory]

Agreed!

[@grahambartsch3195]

Had a 2011 AMG C63 sedan. Looooved that vehicle. The power, the sound... absolutely epic.

[@saulpayan4046]

Had a 2012 coupe with red interior I miss mine lol

[@marcusmarkjones7114]

Really cool to see Tommy K. Only undefeated driver in racing history. L. A. Native !!!👍🤙✌ Thanks Jay !!!!!

[@jmark7390]

What, undefeated?

[@BadBlonde-CarHistory]

Agreed!

[@nastystew6942]

Yes he went through an entire Trans Am season with a win!

[@wiechersify]

This is my favorite era of AMG’s this together with the CLK DTM is my favorite AMG ever. These engines had the headbolt issue. Nevertheless the most understated, timeless and beautiful AMG’s ever. In my opinion.

[@jacobl6714]

I'm with ya about this being the golden years

[@TheSpiritoftheCocktail]

I totally agree!!!!

[@Fluterra]

Headbolt issue is a non-issue. They were fixed. These engines are bullet-proof.

[@Fluterra]

Love the 6.2L… but I actually love the 4L twin turbo more. The latter sounds better at high RPM.

[@TheSpiritoftheCocktail]

@@Fluterra i agree!! I heard an AMG CLS63, AWESOME!!!!

[@AndrewMalary]

This car really is everything. I drove the hell out of a 2013 when I used to work at a Ferrari dealer. It has absolutely amazing performance. It's like putting on an Iron man suit. You feel invincible when you drive this car.

[@stevelangsdorf7307]

Good to see Tommy K. He did have a show back in the day, good to see him again 👍

[@rickarra1833]

I beat the hell out of mine everyday in without a failure, my BMW fell apart prior to this

[@Gthere-cs3ow]

Beautiful...love that sound..had a '98 sl500 5.0 v8 straight piped with magnaflows..drove that bad boy cross country with the top down...this sounds alot like it. Great times.

[@stevenlopez5832]

One of my favorite AMG cars. This was one of the cars I primarily drove on midnight club L.A.

[@davidporeilly1]

Thank you Jay Leno. This was one of your best. The mutual respect and chemistry between you and Tommy Kendall, his modesty about his racing career and a car you both liked. Pure entertainment. Mr Tommy Kendall, from an Aussie-respect, you didn't just drive at Bathurst you came 8th and the 7 cars ahead of you contained an honour roll of legends. I confess I had not heard of you before but I know who you are now sir.

[@ClassicCarCustodians]

Gorgeous in Red. Prices were already high on these, now with this film…. Will go even higher.

[@yd1984]

These cars are amazingly popular but man the prices for oem parts are out of control, I work at Benz, the convertible pump is like 14K in Canada ….

[@aaronpoisson]

Yeah, they’ve already appreciated above their brand new sticker prices pre-Covid, they must be thru the roof in value now.

[@musaka2022]

@@yd1984 I have a cousin who can make the pump out of 2 yoohoo bottles and a mattress spring for $40

[@hexagonosaurus5848]

@@yd1984 Bro this is a coupe.

[@redbaron5308]

@@hexagonosaurus5848 yeah he’s knows he stating the dogshit prices that people have to deal with lmao 😂

[@raver208]

For me this was the tail end of classy Mercedes Design before everything started to look tech bloated and disposable.

[@miyaaaaw]

Every series looks the same now, no character no soul, such a shame

[@dennisaleander5175]

@@miyaaaaw That's all the road cars. Car designers don't know unique car designs if it hit them in the face.

[@arzaluzx]

So so true Jay! Disposable... I was never a fan of the bubble design, when young always preferred the previous design language with the headlight wipers and the later ones (´03-´12). But indeed those round Mercs were the last "forever" cars if that makes any sense.

[@adammarkowitz7944]

So you think a new AMG 63 coupe looks bloated and disposable? How about an AMG GT? Bloated and disposable?

[@bhaggen]

MB started branding AMG just like Ford did with Shelby; AMGs are now mostly option packages consisting of AMG branded wheels & tailpipe tips.

[@remek_ember]

Jay talking about he AMG factoy, amazed by it's relatively modest floor area: "...I don't think it's as big as this garage!" I cracked up

[@rolexmike]

What factoy? 🤣

[@remek_ember]

@@rolexmike Funny that you commented on a typo, instead of the "it's" which is a grammar mistake

[@BadBlonde-CarHistory]

hahahah

[@johnmurphy9688]

One of my favorite episodes. Tommy is a man with plenty of knowledge on the Mercedes cars and German racing in general. Very interesting stuff. Good man Jay 🇮🇪

[@boowiebear]

Jay at AMG factory 10 years ago….looks like he was filmed yesterday. Denim is ageless!

[@bernardwarr4187]

Got the same shirt too

[@bobbyb69]

Tommy is a legend. He's raced more miles that I have driven in my life. Much respect!

[@andrevonoehsen4857]

I Love the CLK 63. I think this is one of the best build cars Mercedes ever made. A friend of mine told me the same. He is working for Mercedes for roughly 30 years. And both of us are from Bremen. The city of birth for the CLK 👍🏼

[@momnc4721]

Another masterpiece review by Mr. Leno, thank you for the Automotive history lesson today🙏🏽

[@BadBlonde-CarHistory]

Agreed!

[@tailorofsoundpresentsshftm6467]

Sound track of this car is insane. Such a great machine. This is a keeper.

[@sidhawkwind8179]

Thank God a Jay's garage not in a new car commercial and back to the roots of talking about old cars

[@411pete]

I was never fond of the design concept Mercedes had back in these days but when I had the pleasure to drive one around 10 years ago I left the car with a big smile after two hours in the countryside nearby Cologne. I found it to be more fun on the "Landstraße" than on the Autobahn, the engine was pure joy on those curvy streets.

[@diogors6]

Very Nice car this CLK. About Jeremy Clarkson, not only he owned this model, he reviewed this car back in the day (season 11, episode 2), and it was one of my favorites, not because he praised the car a lot, he gave good insights what a good car should be and driving pleasure. And after all of these years, the CLK Black with Jay is still a meaningful car. The performance, the noise, the looks and still keeps the comfort and usability still makes this special.

[@kellsAC1]

Really refreshing to see Jay review a car that's not a hundred years old or something brand new...really cool

[@mkeskate08]

i agree, those are usually my favorite episodes

[@fredwilliams7893]

Honestly I think the 2000s was good years for cars

[@kellsAC1]

@@fredwilliams7893 yeah, I really liked 2005 to 2008 for almost all brands. Chevy and Dodge were innovative but didn't go too far stylistically. Europeans were still grounded and took a measured approach...

[@fredwilliams7893]

@@kellsAC1 good years for Infiniti to. The g35 and g37 were big sales for them .

[@fredwilliams7893]

@@kellsAC1 Japanese cars to. Lexus isf 06 to 08 06 to 08 Infiniti M45 was a giant success for the company .

[@harrykelly4651]

It never ceases to amaze me that people like Jay put content like this on KZbin for free but people will pay to have the discovery channel and watch crap reality show repeats

[@mistermaxwell]

Regarding the naming scheme: it started with the SL K and then was followed by the CL K. Mercedes‘ wanted to go down market with smaller versions of their established luxury models SL and CL. The letter „K“ here stands for the German word „kurz“ which translates to short. So it is meant to be a short/smaller version of the CL and SL (which by themselves stand for for „coupe leicht“ and „super leicht“)

[@jacobl6714]

so is K standing for Kompressor just like, an old wives' tale? Just wondering cuz I've heard that more than once

[@HeadOnAStick]

@@jacobl6714 It means "kurz". Not all SLK's have a supercharger, which is what Kompressor means. And the S in SL and SLK stands for "sport" not "super".

[@jacobl6714]

@@HeadOnAStick right right thank you very much. I know about the sport part, and I knew not every model with a K had a supercharger, but it's just something I had heard a bunch. But gotcha, it's Kurz, meaning short or small, like the German stg44 rifle in WW2 using the 7.92 Kurz round, a shortened "8mm" cartidge

[@AMGPilot]

Awesome episode! I Love AMG and Mercedes, it is the only thing cars that I own and drive. I met Tommy Kendall in 2016 at an AMG Private Lounge Event at Laguna Seca. I rode with Tommy around the track in an SLS AMG. It was an amazing experience and one that I will never forget!

[@charlie1832]

What AMG do you pilot ?

[@brodsterm3]

show-off! 😜

[@jacobl6714]

how did the sls feel, from the passenger's seat? I know the black had more grip but the regular sls in assetto corsa at least likes to swap end whether you try to or not lol

[@Porsche996driver]

Nice - TK is a great decent Californian.

[@AMGPilot]

@@charlie1832 I drive a 2020 C63S AMG Coupe :)

[@audiwankenobi361]

The wide body Dodges look like really nice aftermarket body kits but this Mercedes looks perfect.

[@southport65]

this and the cl65amg from same era... absolute beasts. love this time in mercedes.

[@vdochev]

It was on a modified C-Class chassis, but exterior and interior wise is more of an E-Class. It was built to "fuse" C-Class and E-Class coupes and convertibles into one package for its 2 generations.

[@arreslee8740]

So happy to see mister Leno enjoying what he loves. A joy to ride along and both receiving quality information concerning the vehicles featured as well as a well narrated personal experience of driving each one. A pleasure to watch yet again. Greetings from the Netherlands and please continue the good work. Kind regards.

[@toomanyhobbies2011]

At first I thought "oh, just another new car review" but this was an outstanding episode/interview. Thanks Mr. Leno!

[@BadBlonde-CarHistory]

Agreed!

[@mosierwerks]

Beautiful car.

[@The_R-n-I_Guy]

I worked at a Mercedes dealership body shop for a while. And after working on them and seeing the cost of parts, I'm not a big fan. That being said, that's a great body style. That style and the ones from the 70's are my favorites

[@flat_life750]

if someone was to buy this car what would you tell them to look out for and what things start going bad on these??

[@bernardwarr4187]

You can buy cheaper, but probably not better

[@challenger516]

Buy a Toyota if you worry about cost lol. No one buy a new Mercedes worry about cost of parts lol.

[@lilpsack7194]

normally people who work at car shops can’t afford this either so makes sense

[@bernardwarr4187]

@@lilpsack7194 normally people that work on Mercedes’ know the design, material used are of the highest quality and are happy to invest in quality. Uninformed don’t

[@WarriorsPhoto]

Listening to Mercedes Benz sound that good will put smiles on my face per gallon. I would willingly pay the price for such joys. (: Thank you Jay and crew.

[@Toomsa-art]

Wow, I love this AMG, never seen it in red before. Such a beautiful yet aggressive design. Thank you Jay!

[@jacobl6714]

I know, red really does it for me. I prefer leaving most non-tuner cars stock(ish) but I'd love to see this with black rims

[@g6g401]

This is "Mars red" only 10 red clk blacks were imported to the states.

[@Toomsa-art]

@@jacobl6714 black rims would totally suit this car

[@Toomsa-art]

@@g6g401 I thought it was only available in black or silver. Thanks for the info!

[@jacobl6714]

@@Toomsa-art yeah, right? Especially with that red. I've never seen that spoiler either, which rocks. But mainly a manual transmission would put this car in my top five favorites. The tail lights look kinda lame in my opinion though. This era of Mercedes design had a bunch of amazing cars but the rear ends are some of the only weak elements imo, I wonder if smoking them or replacing them with led's might help?

[@johndeere1951a]

54 years ago the Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3 was king of European cars, and king over most of American muscle cars. I serviced them when new, what a treat to drive it and even 300SL gullwings regularly. Tommy = a racers racer . He limps from his near fatal crash at Watkins Glen. Miss watching him in a race car. He's built like a tight end. I would avoid him on the gridiron 💪. Super nice guy 💚👍🏁✌️

[@fredlabosch5164]

I think what Jay is referring to @3:47 is our TÜV regulations. And it's true, you're only allowed to put on a tyre and wheel size that has been approved by the manufacturer.

[@SpaceGhostPurps]

Jay you are a status symbol from bridging gaps and bringing everyone together through your comedy and car culture

[@HooviesGarage]

Who else is watching this and feel like Tommy when he mentioned missing the boat when these cars were in the $50k range? I also gave someone very bad advice on the new AMG GT black series, as I didn't think the huge MSRP would command more any times soon. Now they want $200k over sticker?

[@Thatguy55595]

John Temerian made you

[@eedoamitay3341]

God bless Jay Leno, one of the greatest car enthusiasts ever

[@ridetheapex]

CLK DTM is still my favorite car ever. It looks similar to this, but more better.

[@cornishrider]

Absolutely stunning, would rather has this than many contemporary hyper cars!

[@chadchadchadchadchad]

Tommy Kendall is the man!

[@tlrprice7]

My favorite Mercedes of all time! I wanted one since it's release when I turned 17.

[@jakesmith7145]

A collision shop I worked at in 2008 had one of these come in for minor damage and the owner showed us the letter it came with from AMG that basically said if there is any moisture on the road not to drive it hard.

[@greydog1104]

I don't understand why it would be much different to all the other models with the M156 like C63 etc

[@gerarddion4859]

Great feature, Jay! It was great seeing you at the Concours d' Elegance this past October. I also had the pleasure of meeting and conversing with Mr. Kendall at the event. He regaled us with some very fascinating and entertaining stories! He was so gracious! It was such a great weekend!

[@ZachM525]

Jeremy Clarkson’s Top Gear review of this car was one of the most legendary reviews he ever did…when he read the Mercedes warning letter. I highly recommend it.

[@BadBlonde-CarHistory]

hahaha!

[@zilksmooth]

It is on Daily Motion and Zach is on point

[@1928ModelA1931]

I nominate Tommy Kendall as the Garage's guest of the year! Nothing to add, Jay summed him up at the end of the video.

[@stevesmith3033]

I was driving on the Autobahn in a rented Opel doing 210kmph and there were cars passing me on the left like I was standing still so having the correct speed rating of tires is essential for real world safety

[@tmoneyphresh]

@@petterin1 agreed. Only been there once B but I feel like I was going 240 and got passed by old guy in wagon. Its real

[@timbrassinne719]

Not possible in a opel. You were probably stopped on the side of the road with a broken speedometer.

[@stevesmith3033]

@@petterin1 You clearly didn't comprehend my point there in Germany. He said there are regulations that require that the replacement tires meet the manufacturers speed rating recommendations. In North America it's kind of irrelevant as cars aren't driven anywhere near the limits of the tire ratings. Hope this helps you understand a little better why Jay brought it up.

[@Tbird1549]

Jay thank you so much for your show, your talk show, your comedy and your acting! You are a wonder in this world! Stay safe and stay healthy!

[@scottimusgarrett15]

Great to see Tommy Kendall! Legend! Perhaps not a pretty car, but beautifully purposeful. An amazing, purpose-built German muscle car; the Teutonic version of the Eleanor Mustang.✌️❤️🙂

[@travr6]

I have a 500hp 2012 AMG C63 and it's a beast. Love the sound of it

[@paulrogers6037]

The 2008 SL65 AMG Black Series had 670 bhp and 737 lb-ft of torque. Those things scream.

[@nickmlad4677]

Yeah but dont forget about the LSD differential

[@Snicker60515]

Oh Jay! God bless you for saying FOUR WHEEL DRIVE! Love seeing you talk about cars! Thank you for sharing!

[@Christopher_Bachm]

That sound... Incredible is a word. Thank you, Jay! Incredible!

[@tobiko5385]

Thanks for doing newer classics! This was the bees knees

[@Bruningable]

A car from back in the days when MB used to build good looking, well designed, interesting cars.

[@Dance1617]

I mean they still do lol

[@Jim-hw1xr]

I'm gonna start watching Jay Leno Garage videos during halftime of the games with the guys. And every time someone says "In The Day", you have to do a shot.

[@maciejprzepiorka]

This is a perfect car for weekend or night driving. When I was buying my 2007 CLK 350 I though about getting 63 Black Series instead, but the prices of replacement parts were killing me (fron disc brakes about 10x more expensive than in 350). But today, if I could decide again, I would get 63 Black. The problem is... today they are at least 2x more expensive than 10 years ago.

[@hexagonosaurus5848]

Who tf even looks at a black series when buying a clk350? Thats like comparing s 530d to a M5...shouldnt be compared at all.

[@maciejprzepiorka]

@@hexagonosaurus5848 I agree 100%, but CLK is not a daily family car, regardless of engine. At least in my case both are weekend drives.

[@germalean88g77]

350 for a weekend car 🤣🤣

[@michaelquail1582]

@@germalean88g77 Absolutely yes, but not for a weekend track riding though.

[@michaelzepp5816]

I never get tired of watching anything informative on cars, and Mr Leno Sir, you always have the best guests and the best info, please keep it coming!!

[@fed4511]

Fantastic car choice for this episode, definitely didn't expect it. That CLK must be rare in that red, I think most of them are silver

[@derekm15]

6in silver

[@monk3yboy69]

Never seen one in this red

[@tornadotj2059]

We had the predecessor, the CLK 55 AMG. It was in the shop; A LOT, mainly due to seat issues and sunroof issues. Now the black series would not have the issue we had most, which was that the passenger-side electric headrest would go all the way up when you folded the seat to gain access to the rear seat, which means now you cannot put the seat back down. We spent more time driving a C class loaner than we did driving our CLK. There were even times we would drive off the pick-up area at the dealership, and then loop back and turn it back in. Certain years of these had an issue with the transmission cooler lines that run through the radiator tank, they would leak and then antifreeze would go into the transmission and destroy it.

[@RevJesse]

Had an 03 clk55 from 09-13 then gave to my mother who is still driving it. Had a couple of minor issues, few leaks from valve covers and oil cooler, failed heated seat element (ext warranty paid) but solid other than that. In period maybe not the best electronics from mb but as an inexpensive (to buy) old German coupe, pretty sturdy cars.

[@revinot]

2005-2006 are the best year models for the 55s by then all the issues were sorted and they came stock with the quad tail pipes instead of twi n.

[@placeholdername3206]

These 6.3 motors with a proper exhaust setup sounds mental. One of the best sounding cars of all time, and definetly the best sounding V8. This video doesnt do it justice. Its too muffled. When you downshift it just sounds like thunder

[@texas1526]

His episodes without celebrities are so much better.

[@Kxji]

I get why Jeremy Clarkson cried when he sold his. What a machine.

[@ducatikawasaki1290]

The best TV today is this show.

[@averagebro413]

Wow red suits this car a lot.

[@steveshoemaker6347]

Tommy is one hell of a nice guy.....Thanks Jay,you are one hell of a super nice guy...!

[@mementomori4972]

Regarding tire regulation in Germany. Car manufacturers had "exclusive deals" with certain tire manufacturers and until the year 2000, you were only allowed to run the tire brand that was "approved" for your vehicle,...which of course was just unnecessarily stupid and dropped by a European-Union regulation.

[@DoctorSkillz]

Germany is needlessly bureaucratic.

[@Rondo2ooo]

@@DoctorSkillz Was just obscure business practice, sold as a safety regulation rule.

[@pop3yesspinach]

Half German here living near Frankfurt. 😅 I can't remember ever having to put an "approved" BRAND of tires on any of my cars (got my license and first car back in 1998). Dimensions, speed and load index of the tires you are allowed to put on your rims (wich also have to be of approved technical specifications) on the other hand, still have to be of a certified type up to this day. Our "TÜV" - wich is the stringent german stepmother of the american inspections - can be a real pain in the arse when it comes to this. If they haven't approved a tire / wheel combination for use on your cars make and model, the cops can pull you over and revoke the operating permit for your car, basically forcing you to walk home.

[@audikris]

Tommy Kendall is so personable, and talented! Great guest!

[@leosheepman]

"You feel like you are in one of those Transporter movies in this thing"... BMW and Audi... "well that was a waste of marketing budget"

[@aumkar2]

Lol

[@rong.7768]

M156 Engine - the last 'independent' - no turbo charge, best sound!

[@writenamehere0000]

For me probably the best car in all of his show. That looks, that sound... W O W

[@mrmatthewpaul]

Tommy is looking amazing. I remember the first time meeting Tommy at AMG's driving event. Tommy is an amazing driver and he looks the same.

[@Ganiscol]

I cant say I like the design of that era Mercedes but that AMG growl is just timeless...😌

[@chartreux1532]

I'm so glad Tommy and Jay explained and mentioned what we call "Touristenfahrten" here in Germany on the Nürburgring. Too many People don't know about that being a Thing and that you really can drive whatever you want! I drive there myself every other Month and i have seen anything from a Mercedes AMG 6x6 to aa Ferrari F40 and a Opel Kadett to a Lancia Delta Integrale. You see everything there. For those curious just youtube "Nürburgring Touristenfahrten" Videos of these from certain Corners are uploaded after every Weekend, great Watch and amazing what kind of Cars you see on there Prost & Cheers from the Bavarian Alps

[@smallfaucet]

Makes me love my CLS63 all that much more! 550hp 591tq....and that's stock!

[@carl4298]

We are thinking the same, maybe next year for me

[@drink4711]

This is one of Jay's best episodes in recent times. Half an hour of pure bliss.

[@georgecostanza2695]

So crazy, that Black Series was the maddest thing back in the day… ten years later 500hp barely seems impressive. Anyways, I found it strange how Tommy described CLK as a two door C Class; I know it’s basically C Class after the fire wall and E class in front, but in terms of pricing, performance, and position in the product line, I always understood CLK to be a compact version of CL Class, just as SLK was a compact SL… hence the “k” designation.

[@danmccarthy4700]

The CLK GTR was a tad bit more 'mad'. ;)

[@alm4132]

You are correct.

[@MultiVeeta]

The SL65 AMG Black series was the nut job.

[@fadingbeleifs]

I know I still absolutely love my good ol' w220 S430... Nothing special, but it's always been rock solid, reliable, comfortable, and is always there for you when you need it..

[@randallmilton]

In regard to his comment about the manual gearbox; I completely agree having driven most Merc performance cars of the era. I always felt that this was more of a “muscle car” platform than anything else; and a 6-speed would’ve complemented it perfectly. Side note: You could still get a manual gearbox in the Audi and BMW competitors to this car in 2008. (S4, S5, M3, etc)

[@troypatillo1688]

Get them while you can.

[@PatricioGarcia1973]

I have an automatic 540 and a manual M5, both e39 chassis. The manual makes the car so much fun to drive. I think the last Mercedes I saw with a manual was the 190 2.3 16v that rivaled the M3

[@randallmilton]

@@PatricioGarcia1973 I also have an e39 540i with the 6-speed (M pkg); still just as in love as the day I bought it!

[@ronenizem]

Thank you jay for presenting this wonderful car

[@danmccarthy4700]

The variation between CLK models was insane.

[@musotica]

from clk 180 to gtr... its great!

[@nescab1543]

one of my all time favorite vehicles. it just looks and sounds right

[@pcar928fan]

These cars are fantastic! I wish I could afford to own one. Just amazing!

[@johnblack4915]

U can for 118- 120 k lol

[@khanwashere264]

THIS IS HOW GOOD PEOPLE ACT IN THE SOCIETY

[@Ganiscol]

When Tommy showed his disdain for power steering in Formula 1, I couldnt help but think of the remedy that is the the sheer power you have to put on the brake pedal to make the brakes work they way they do. And the reason being that under 5 negative G when braking into a corner from top speed, your body and leg weight adds so much force to your muscle power, the brake pedal has to require such force to avoid overbraking and accidentally locking the wheels up. Also, the pedal barely moves, it basically works by measuring the force you apply to it instead of the distance it travels. These guys do hard work in the course of a race for various reasons, no need to make steering a workout as well. 😅

[@amg863]

Exactly. A bit of an ignorant comment from the gentleman. F1 drivers get a real workout by the end of the race. It's definitely very physical. More than they get credit for

[@ThtGuyIzRippin]

we know jays a true enthusiast but great so see someone with just as much passion

[@vwgti3414]

European cars have that 'something special'...i love'em...👌👌

[@niyazmather]

Have always loved those old Mercs with round lights.

[@jamesbambury]

If I could have an ideal retirement my Malibu beach house would look like Jay’s. That shifter gate was an upgrade I wanted to put on my CLK320 it’s back to the traditional gated automatic that Mercedes-Benz always had

[@faynafou]

Love it!! All the video, the conversation between the two, the car, smooth as hell rare as an Honda driver likin' a Mercedes!!

[@ivandenisovichshukhov]

Hey, Jay. How about more of your Brass Era - 1920's vintage collection?

[@matthewgreener9423]

Agreed, he has so many interesting examples to choose from. I think maybe we have been spoiled by the solo episodes

[@markhale8084]

Jeremy Clarkson doing four wheel drifts in the Black Series made me covet these cars! Long fan of Tommy too…remember well sitting on a wall in Capri with my daughters and a couple scooters rode by behind us, the male rider giving a tour to the other rider…that voice was so distinctive I knew it was Tommy. My daughters reached out on some social media platform and he responded in the affirmative, he too was on Capri! Total class act!!!I