CJackson13

A lot of you guys ask if it's worth it to buy a w208. They also ask what maintenance costs and what general upkeep will charge. Well, here's an answer. I apologize for the long read, enjoy.

I've just gone through all of the service history as far back as I could find (12/09/2009), including oil changes, new tires, emissions testing, registration prices, and even replacement parts that I've bought and installed myself. I created an entire spreadsheet which includes the service date, the shop that serviced it, the service explanation, the price, and the mileage at which the service took place. I never took my car to the dealer except for one occasion, to buy a headlight washer cover. All of the service took place at a very reputable indie shop in central Phoenix, AZ called German Auto Service.

Here are the numbers since December 9th, 2009.

Total Service Cost: $12,685.62
Total AutohausAZ Parts Cost: $422.96

Service + AutohausAZ = $13,108.58


That may seem steep, but to me it's a reasonable figure involved in taking proper care of an old benz. Especially when you understand that the money was spent over a period of four and half years. Also, I've included in the spreadsheet a list of my modifications and their prices. Below is the "parts only" mod total.

Modification List:
H&R 15mm Spacer
LED Tail Lights
Brabus Monoblock VI Wheels
AMG Airbox
Eibach Pro Kit Lowering Springs
Exhaust Work
G2 Caliper Paint
K&N Air Filters
LED Door Sill Lights
IJDMToy Yellow Fog Lights (4)
Koni Sport Adjustable Shocks
Ksport Kontrol Pro Coilovers

Total Modification "Parts Only" Costs: $3,838.99

Now it's time for the grand total. The total amount of cash I have spent on my car since December 9th, 2009.

Total Cost: $16,947.57

Yikes, thats a big number. But again, it's spread over four and half years. I could've bought a new car with the money I've spent just to maintain mine. But alas, I love this car, so why would I buy any other?

When it comes down to it, it's your choice in whether or not you want to buy an old mercedes and maintain it. It's your choice whether maintaining this car is worth it.For those in the market, I dont mean to scare you away with numbers; I'm simply providing you the information of my personal experience with this car. My car is definitely not a lemon, she has had no major or reoccurring problems. Everything I documented is probably similar for all of us here.

Along with everything, I've attached mod progress pictures, and the cost spreadsheet I made.

CJackson13

Here's the spreadsheet.







CLK Vehicle RecordsPost Sheet1.pdf

The Original Photo.

MagmaRed55

Great stuff! I thought I recognized your car. I seen it on IG a few weeks ago. I was the guy that asked you about your 2 tone rear bumper. This is a great write up. A lot of people are wondering if it's worth it to buy one of these older Mercedes. The answer is if you love it, it will always be worth it.

stim141

When you really look at your spreadsheet - the car really never had all that much go wrong even with the large amount of miles put on the car 200K+ General maint items like tires, oil changes you would have to do on any car. Nothing done with the engine except for small things like a hose, etc. No compressor, alternator, bearings, etc. Pretty much very solid with 200K+ you should be happy.

CJackson13

Exactly, I'm very happy with my car and the relatively small amount of maintenance I've had to do. The biggest thing was probably a rear diff seal. Even with the way I drive, (heavy footed), there haven't been major problems. Just goes to show it's a great car that will last if taken care of properly.

CJackson13

Oh yeah I remember that. Your car looks great as well. Thanks man, it took a little time.

etownbala

Nice write up and contribution to the forum. Car looks mint. Very tasteful mods.

Any info on the rear bumper? Custom?

KRis

Josh K

Looks like a stock AMG rear with a painted center section.

CJackson13

+1

Redcab

I have agonized over the costs of upkeep for my car. Where my Toyota cost me in tires and oil only, the Merc has had many small repairs and continual scheduled maintenance that in sum has cost a lot.

That said, no car has made me smile so often, earned so many compliments or provided such quality time with my girlfriend. Good luck enjoying a July fireworks display by the lake in a hardtop Matrix...

I followed my girlfriend home from the repair shop yesterday. The 208 got fresh fluids and an AC service. Her in the CLK 430 and me driving the CLK 63 AMG. That 208 is magnificently beautiful, sporty and elegant. If I CAN keep it reliable, I will be very hard pressed to stop maintaining it and sell.

At the highway onramp light, my GF put the pedal down. That W208 pulls, even at 198K miles, and continues to thrill. I may feel inner conflict about the car's upkeep expense when paying the bills, or contemplating the next unanticipated repair, but the sight and sound of the car reminds me that it is the right thing to do.

MagmaRed55

You sir, are a poet.