CLK500 or CLK55 AMG

[RawBenz]

I'm trying to decide on what to buy. 2003 CLK 500 or 2003 CLK 55 AMG. What is more reliable? Is there much difference in power between the both? Is servicing more for AMG? Does the CLK500 have enough overtaking power? I will def be putting coil overs and exhaust on either. The CLK500 has every option, heated seats, keyless entry, button start on gear knob, etc etc. I prefer the CLK500 because of the colour. The AMG is black and i'm sick of black cars. Both cars are about the same price. What do you guys think?

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[Louie D]

Whats the mileage on both ?

[RawBenz]

115 000km's. Only plan on keeping the car for 2-3 years max.

[bheng]

you really wont go wrong with either. just check to see if the radiator was replaced in the time of the car for either car.

put my vote for amg tho lol why not.

[Rudeney]

Color choices are overrated. if the cars are otherwise equal, and price is not much of a concern, go with the CLK55 AMG. The CLK500 is a fin automobile and its V8 is great, but the AMG is a special vehicle and you will enjoy noticeably better performance.

[Klinh]

Goes for the AMG. Performance is day and night.

[RawBenz]

The clk500 is silver and looks awesome in silver, the highlights of the body are amazing, it has full amg body kit, wheels etc. Looks like an AMG on the outside, but obviously not an AMG. It already has nice wheels, coil overs, and all extras.

The AMG is black and looks plain and boring. Has no coil overs, etc.

I just want to go for the more reliable and cheaper car to maintain.

About the radiator, what if the seller says they have not changed it? Should i buy a new one? I have heard about the problems with leakages into the transmission. Is that for the Australian models too? How can i find out if it has those issues?

[togaclk55]

Seems like you have already made your decision

[Louie D]

Originally Posted by togaclk55

Seems like you have already made your decision

Agree Go for it man.. You will be happy.

[RawBenz]

CLK500 it is then :P

How can i check for the transmission/radiator issue?

All electrics work fine etc. It's an early 03 model.

[Kevwood]

I wanted a 55 and looked for one for months here, only found a few imported ones that had been absolutely bagged on (the 55 wasn't sold here locally, imported only) so I passed on all of them. Ended up finding an absolutely beautiful 500 is pristine shape and (obviously) snagged it on the spot.

In the end I'm very happy with it, plenty of power and an big shared aftermarket with the 55. That being said, if I could find an '05 55 white on black I'd still take it in a heartbeat and swap everything over

[RawBenz]

I love your 500. Looks amazing!

How can i check for the transmission/radiator issue?

[Kevwood]

Thanks, lots of work/mods to get it looking and performing like it is now though

As for the trans, the 2003 falls within the problematic range, you need to check and see if you have the Valeo rad in it. If so, it needs to be checked for coolant bypass leaks (analyze the trans fluid).

Here is some reading for you on the topic, everything on MBWorld is very easy to find with a quick search;

Worried about radiator problem 03 clk500

[RawBenz]

Awesome. I'll check the transmission fluid dipstick when i go to inspect the CLK500 to see if there's any milky stuff in there.

I'll also check if it's a Valeo radiator.

If it is i'll def get it replaced once i buy the car.

Any other ways to find out if it has issues? It's a 10 year old car, wouldn't it have had problems by now though?

[Kevwood]

Never buy a car without having it inspected before hand. I took mine to MB and had them do a full go-through, in the end the work that needed to get done (motor mounts, additional key and control arm bushings) was deducted from the price I paid for the car.

[RawBenz]

Ok sweet. Sounds good.

[Kevwood]

CYA when buying anything, especially a used car.

[RawBenz]

I will get an independent inspection on the car.

I'll have a mobile inspection unit come check out the car. They have comprehensive reports that check: Body, Mechanical & History. Only costs a couple of hundred bucks.

[RawBenz]

If i get the wood grain trimmings on the clk500 changed to brushed aluminium, how can i do the steering wheel? Can they remove the wood grain trims off the steering wheel? Or will they need to do it while it's on the steering wheel?

[M-bENZ]

remove the airbag and replace the one you want ?

[betrezra]

Both are great cars.... prob same reliability and same issues.
If you keep it stock, I'd spring for the 55.
If you mod doesn't matter too much.

Also don't leave out a nice clk550.... faster than both of your options stock for stock.

GL.

[RawBenz]

CLK550's are extremely rare in Australia.

I can't even find any at mercedes or online listings. They have to be imported.

I will def be modding the CLK500 just with some minor adjustments like coil overs, silver interior trimmings instead of the wood grain (amg style), exhaust and maybe a reflash tune later on.

If i remove the airbag from my steering wheel, can i use it on another steering wheel?

I don't mind keeping my steering wheel, i just want to know how i can remove the woodgrain inserts off the steering wheel so i can have them turned into brushed aluminium.

I'm changing the dash, doors etc to brushed aluminium instead of the grain, so i need to do the steering wheel too.. I'd prefer not to change the steering wheel though.

[Yidney]

I think replacing the wood on the wheel with aluminum would be difficult, but I also think it would look kinda funny. I don't think there ever was such a wheel was there? I'd just get all leather for the wheel if the wood trim is not your thing.

[RawBenz]

Yeah that would be good. I don't want the aluminium on the wheel. But the wheel has wood on it so it would need to be changed.

Maybe i'll get them to retrim the wheel.

Can i use my airbag on another steering wheel? Stupid people won't send airbags by freight/boat etc.

[lowpost]

All things being equal I would take an AMG and then mod it how I want. But color is important - if you don't want black, or don't like purple - then you're choice is simple. If you don't care about color, I think your choice is then still simple.