Hope this post finds you well!
I'm going to purchase a 2003-2005 CLK-55 with 60k plus miles or CLk-500 with probably less miles.
Since you purchased your AMGs, how many repairs have you done to them?
According to Edmunds common problems are the mass air flow sensors and bushing in the front.
Sounds like a solid car.
I drive about 12k a year, and I was wondering also, how much regular maintenance i'll be doing.
Thanks you.

 

Hello. The CLK's have for the most part been rock solid. For a AMG especially I would say definatly get your self a PPI- Pre Purchase Inspection at a good indi shop. Where are you located? A 03-05 CLK is not worth bringing into a dealer if one can avoid it. Check for all records, get a long test drive and get a car fax while your at it too.

 

Thanks for the quick response, Im in Long Island, NY
I have always done all the normal maintenance in my cars like Water pump, Brakes, Oil, Fluids, Sensors, etc. Troubleshooting problems has become very easy since the invention of forums like this one.
So if I could avoid going to the dealer, it would make it easier to own a 55.
Thats why I was wondering what other things could go wrong, and what kind of costs I'll be looking at.
Is a 500 much cheaper to maintain? is a 55 more bullet proof and is worth the extra maintenance ?
These are things I want to make sure before I pull the trigger.
A water pump, AC pump, normal tier and wear things like that.
Thanks again.

 

I actually work with someone who owns a 199x's 600 SL V12 like yours, and even though he does all the work him self, he tells me you need a lot of money set a side for cars like these.
Im guessing an 03 would be easier and much less problems than those older once?

 

Clk is a good car and not very bad on maintenance. You'll be able to do 90% your self if you have done it on other cars before. I would go for a 55 if you are looking for more power. 500 is hard to get more power out of.
It will cost more to maintain than a civic, but not nearly as bad as other newer amg cars.
The 600s are known to be sink holes when it comes to maintenance. I would not judge all Mercedes by that one example.

 

watch out for the valeo radiators if u go with the 55, which of course you should

 

Well, I can almost feel that steering in my hands and those pedals at my feet now.
Few people are discouraging me from buying a car like this; but their experience is from older mercedes or hearsay, that is why I came to the source, you guys.

Did I mention this would be a daily driver? would that be ok? IM in NY and we get snow sometimes, but I do have lots of sick days lol.

Thanks again.

 

How can I tell if it has a Valeo?
Thanks.

 

Just get a set of cheaper rims and winter tires and you will just fine. From experience I like Nokian WR. Or second choice would be Dunlop winter sport. Last 5 cars I had were rear drive and no problems with those tires. And I'm in Chicago.

 

Thats what I thought, thanks for the response.

I tell you, we have a Magnum SRT8, and even though is "American" it is costing a lot more than other cars we had. Brembo brakes and synthetic alone adds up.
I know it has many Mercedes Benz parts, I had to trace a few wires and every box (computers) I came up to, had the Mercedes Benz emblem. Even the tranny is right off and e-class. This was when Chrysler was with Daimler.

 

I got a Clk55 as daily driver here in Sweden when we got snow half the year. With ESP and good tires there is no problem.

 

Assuming you get one that has been taken care of, and you do the maintenance yourself, I think you're going to find a CLK to very inexpensive to keep running. This is the regular service schedule. You can ignore the part about tightening the steering gear bolts (although on a W208 CLK it takes about 2 minutes with the front wheel off). Since "inexpensive" is a relative term, go to Autohaus AZ enter the year and model CLK, and check their prices. Alternatively you can go to the Rock Auto website and do the same there. They're in upstate NY, so the shipping should be pretty fast.

The major difference in cost between maintaining a W209 CLK55 and CLK500 is going to be the brakes. Specifically, the front rotors. First, the horrifically bad news - front rotors on a 2005 CLK55 have a list price of $670 per side. I've seen them discounted as low as $500 per side at Internet MB dealers. They are meant to wear and will be worn out after the second set of pads. 2003/2004 CLK55 rotors are much more reasonable at $150 per side. Discounted down to $105 from Internet MB dealers. CLK500 rotors? After seeing the 2005 AMG, at $50 each they're practically free. Those 2005 CLK55 rotors that Rock Auto advertises? The ones for $100? Uh, yeah, read their return policy. It's very good and you'll be using it. Other than brakes, the AMG/non-AMG upkeep prices will be very similar. Just make sure to use MB approved motor oil. For most people thats Mobil1 0W40. This may lead to a flame fest where someone swears they've been using some crap that Jiffy Lube recommends and their car has run fine for the past 6 months . . . . . but do yourself a favor, spend $55 and buy 8 quarts of something approved. And use a fleece filter. At 12K miles/year you're only doing 1 oil change annually, so it's only $70.

 

Yes, the CLK55s are stout. I had no real issues(10K miles or so, 36k-46k) with my 01 CLK55 except my ballast was on the fritz for my HID on the passenger side, CD changer cartridge would not eject(Bought it this way), replaced a fuse for the power seat and replaced some lightbulbs.

Maintainance in the same time frame was:

Service B
Tires
And was about to do the Brakes, but car was sold.

I also took the car to the dragstrip on two occasions, and had it dyno'ed.

Car ran flawlessly, and would run consistently in the mid 13s @105-107. After the tune it put down 311whp. Never redyno'ed with the K&Ns. Very fun car, and reliable.

I enjoyed it so much I am picking up another CLK55 tomorrow. This time in 2005 flavor. Did not know the rotors were that much, but it is worth it for the 05.

Definitely get one, you will not regret it. Good luck on your search!

 

You watch out for those 03's and 04's!! I almost got rid of my 03 55 because of the fan/ECU common problem. It's a ***ch to fix.
No matter what you do, make sure if you have an extra 2-3k parked in the bank just in case anything happens. That's what I've learned while owning AMG's, actually all MB's in general.

 

Only major thing to go wrong with my 2003 CLK55 was the fuel pump died. that was a big job to fix. Other than that the car is rock solid!

 

My 2004 CLK55 (to date after 30K Miles):
Motor Mounts / Trans Mount
Front Control Arms bushings
Cam Pos Sensor
Mass Air Sensor
CD Changer intermittent non-op

 

My 2004 CLK55 at 80K miles:

Motor Mounts
Front Control Arms bushings
Cam Pos Sensor (just did this one at 79K miles)
Radiator

The engine is silky smooth and runs great

 

2003 CLK55 70k miles, only thing that was ever replaced was a fuel pump that my warranty took care of. very solid car for me. TC

 

Whats the different between 04 and 05 ? brakes are more expensive but they do look the same If i understand correctly, 05 should not have the Valeo radiator/ECU issue right ?