BMW M3 vs Mercedes-Benz CLK430
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK430
Overview
| Spec | BMW M3Sedan | Mercedes-Benz CLK430CLK430 |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Sedan | CLK430 |
| Body style | Sedan | Convertible |
| Drivetrain | rear wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2027 | 2003 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | BMW M3Sedan | Mercedes-Benz CLK430CLK430 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $79,300 | $57,650 (best) |
| Lowest listing price | $35,831 (best) | — |
| Median listing price | $81,340 (best) | — |
| Highest listing price | $95,762 (best) | — |
| For sale now | 8 (best) | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | BMW M3Sedan | Mercedes-Benz CLK430CLK430 |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 19 MPG (best) | 18 MPG |
| City MPG | 16 MPG | 16 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 23 MPG (best) | 22 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 15.6 gal | 16.4 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | BMW M3Sedan | Mercedes-Benz CLK430CLK430 |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 473 hp (best) | 275 hp |
| Torque | 406 lb-ft (best) | 295 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 3 L | 4.3 L (best) |
| Cylinders | I6 | V8 |
Size & capability
| Spec | BMW M3Sedan | Mercedes-Benz CLK430CLK430 |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats (best) | 4 seats |
| Doors | 4 (best) | 2 |
| Cargo volume | 16.9 cu ft (best) | 9.4 cu ft |
| Payload | 860 lbs (best) | — |
| Curb weight | 3,840 lbs | 3,745 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | 4.7 in (best) | — |
| Wheelbase | 112.5 in (best) | 105.9 in |
| Length | 189.1 in (best) | 180.3 in |
| Width | 74.3 in (best) | 67.8 in |
| Height | 56.6 in (best) | 54.3 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | BMW M3Sedan | Mercedes-Benz CLK430CLK430 |
|---|---|---|
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | BMW M3 | Mercedes-Benz CLK430 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sedan $79,300 MSRP(Currently comparing) | CLK430 $57,650 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Competition Sedan $83,500 MSRP | — |
| 3 | Competition xDrive Sedan $88,600 MSRP | — |
Live inventory
BMW M38 for sale
See all
Used2021 BMW M3
Competition
Brooklyn Grey Metallic•Black41,620 mi$64,217Sewell KIA
Midland, TX
Used2015 BMW M3
Base
Marina Blue•silverstone96,845 mi$35,831Fred Anderson Toyota of Charleston
Charleston, SC
Used2021 BMW M3
Competition
Tanzanite Blue II•Kyalami Orange/Black28,768 mi$77,193Land Rover St Petersburg
St. Petersburg, FL
Used2023 BMW M3
Competition 4D Sedan
Green Metallic13,629 mi$84,782Mercedes-Benz of Pleasanton
Pleasanton, CA
Certified2026 BMW M3
Competition xDrive
Isle of Man Green Metallic•Silverstone/Black430 mi$92,899BMW of Raleigh
Raleigh, NC
Used2024 BMW M3
Competition xDrive
Sao Paulo Yellow•Yas Marina Blue/Black11,836 mi$87,990BMW of Raleigh
Raleigh, NC
BMW M3 vs Mercedes-Benz CLK430 FAQ
- Which is better: 2027 BMW M3 or 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK430?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2027 BMW M3 vs 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK430 on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2027 BMW M3 or 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK430?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK430 starts lower at $57,650. Live BMW M3 listings start at $35,831.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2027 BMW M3 or 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK430?
- The 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK430 leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (57,650).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2027 BMW M3 or 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK430?
- The 2027 BMW M3 leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (19).
- Which has better horsepower: 2027 BMW M3 or 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK430?
- The 2027 BMW M3 leads on horsepower in this comparison (523).
- Which has better seats: 2027 BMW M3 or 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK430?
- The 2027 BMW M3 leads on seats in this comparison (5).