suprtran

Hey guys/gals,

I'm new here to the forum and to the MB scene. I come from the BMW world.

I have plans to purchase an early model ('04-'06) CLK500 or 55 AMG and wanted to get input/advice/opinions on these cars. Specifically, I want to hear what you have to say about the pro/cons of a 500 vs 55 AMG, including common issues with each, cost of ownership, reliability, etc. Whatever thoughts you have, please leave a few words.

Thanks

floridawriter

There's a lot of this content on the forum. Just do a search.

Rudeney

If your budget allows, look at a MY2008 or MY2009 CLK550. The MY2005 and MY2006 CLK500 uses an early version of the 722.9 transmission that is more problematic. The CLK55 is a great car, but some things, like brakes, are very expensive because it's AMG-specific. The CLK550 is actually more powerful than the CLK55 AMG, but with out the extra parts prices. MY2008 and the last year, MY2009, are very good cars - no "balance shaft" worries and more reliable transmissions.

omega48er

^ yes get a clk550 it is a monster of a car. From what I have seen the numbers are unstated to keep the clk55 guys happy.

Unless you plan on doing loads of engine mods get the clk550.

Where are you located and what's your budget?

Send me a message

floridawriter

Both cars are great Mercedes. It's a matter of what you are looking for in a sports coupe.
Look, it really doesn't matter if the 550 has 20 more horsepower than the 55. and frankly unless you are spending your time at a drag strip, who really cares if your Mercedes does 0-60 2 tenths of a second faster. The 550 will be a sweet, smooth, quiet boulevard cruiser, and a nice quiet car to take on a long trip. You'll get 2 or 3 mpg more than the 55. It will not have the feeling, the soul of an AMG. It won't have the amazing steering and exact handling of an AMG, but it's a lovely car, as are all Mercedes. The 55 has a 3.06 rear end and at 80 mph is reading 3 grand on the tach and has a lovely unique sound to the exhaust. Both engines are reliable (aside from the timing chain issue on the M273 engine). Both transmissions are highly reliable, although I think the 722.6 is more robust. The 55 is an absolute f-ing beast when you get on it and the sound alone is the best entertainment. I looked seriously at the 550 and came close to buying an 09, but ultimately I would back off and keep going back to really wanting the AMG. I'm not in the least disappointed with my decision. As for maintenance costs, I think the 55 is a bit less expensive to maintain: the engine is much simpler than the M273, as is the transmission. I would definitely drive both cars before deciding.
Good luck with your purchase.

jazzmammal

I would be careful about that statement. Just front rotors with pads and labor is over $1,500 and another 4 or 5 for the rears. All four wheels = two grand or so depending on who you go to. I know there are other expensive specialty items on that car too.

You're correct that overall reliability is very good.

Bob

floridawriter

Yes you're right, the brakes on the 55 are bigger and more expensive. I didn't include brakes in my comparison only because this forum is full of CLK owners wanting to upgrade their brakes to 55 or 63 brakes. Upgraded brakes and upgrading to quad exhaust (like the 05 55) seem to be some of the first upgrades a lot of owners leans toward.

gixxerboy

i can tell you my 550 will pull on a 55 all day long.

floridawriter

Do you still have your 550 badged as a CLK63 AMG? Maybe that's why it' so quick.

gixxerboy

maybe, i pulled off the amg badge and it f'd the paint a little, so i left the others on.

stock for stock the 550 is a faster car

Fatz

gixxerboy, I agree with you on the 550 being faster than the 55. Just don't think it is worth arguing about.

Regarding the badge removal, did you use a heat gun to soften the adhesive before using a piece of fishing line or 2-3 strands of dental floss (the thick waxed version works best) to "saw" between the emblem and car surface?

gixxerboy

when i had the car at the body shop installing my diffuser i asked them to remove the badges. They called after removing the amg badge and i told them not to do the others. I dont know what method they used.

Amir_AMG

AMG +1...again he did mention 500 vs 55, not 550...either way I looked into the 550 as well. drove like my sisters e 350 coupe..

omega48er

Such a BS statement. I have owned the clk350 before my clk550 and driven the E350/550 & clk55.

You can not compare a clk550 to a e350.

gixxerboy

my wife has an e350 coupe, even she thinks they are completely different when she takes my car.

He is just upset at my statement that the 550 is faster then the 55.

Amir_AMG

lol I just wanted to start a fuss. In the end, who cares? If it is faster its not by much

omega48er

True. they are both very fast and i bet the OP will enjoy which ever car he picks.

Rudeney

I am at fault for bringing up the CLK550 and saying that it is more powerful than the CLK55. I only mentioned it because the OP was looking at V8's and that, to me, meant he wanted power. The CLK550 is a much faster car than a CLK55 (comparing stock "apples to apples", of course). The M272 engine has a nice edge with HP an torque and the 722.9 transmission shifts faster than even the AMG-tuned 722.6. That is not to say it's better than the CLK55. After all, the CLK55 is a true AMG car with better brake and suspension components and the M113 engine and 722.6 transmission is good for the long haul. The CLK550 just may be slightly more fun and with a lower cost of ownership in terms of maintenance (mainly brakes and suspension components).

suprtran

Thanks to all who chimed in with their thoughts and advice. Although I was originally asking about a 500 vs 55 AMG, the focus and discussion on the 550 really got me to think whether I should consider a 550 instead.

I my neck of the woods, there is a significant price difference between a clean 550 vs 500. On top of that, as much as I would prefer the 550's newer 7-speed transmission, I'm weary of its M273 engine problems.

Any thoughts?

floridawriter

Buying a used car is always a bit of a crap shoot. Be advised that both the 113 and the 273 engines have inherent engineered weaknesses in the variable flapper door systems that controls the air charge to the combustion chambers based on low speed and high speed efficiency. The 113 engine has a weakness in that the vacuum hose controlling vacuum to control the flapper doors cannot be replaced without replacing the intake manifold assembly (~1000.00). Here's an excellent DIY solution with pics: http://www.benzworld.org/forums/c208...lerate-no.html

While the 113 flapper assembly is at least build out of aluminum, the flapper assembly in the 273 engine is all plastic, including a mess of actualtor arms,pivots and other controls on the front exterior of the manifold, all of which suffer from heat and age and eventually jam or break ( ). These cannot be replaced without buying the whole intake manifold. There are a number of aftermarket fixes that are shown on YouTube:

Both transmissions are equally durable. I favor the 722.6 because it is virtually unbreakable. It has a torque capacity of 796 ftlbs, while the 722.9 has a capacity of around 500 ftlbs - which is the reason that V12 Mercedes use the 722.6. It is the automatic used on Porsche 996 models from 98 - 2006, and is used by Chrysler in a number of their cars. Maybe the 7-speed can shift 5 milliseconds faster than the 5-speed. Personally I don't care one way or the other.

Either model is a very nice Mercedes (assuming you don't buy a CLK with the timing chain weakness). Either engine is very strong and durable. Either can be boosted to twice its rated horsepower and still remain durable. I favor the 113 but the 273 is also tempting. Whichever you decide, don't based your decision on who you think you can beat racing stoplight to stoplight.

gaazmon

Whether you go with a 500, 55, or 550, they are honestly all good choices. It really depends on your needs and budget. If you go 500, I'd recommend 04 to avoid the early years of 7 speed (05 and 06). 550 I would avoid 07 because of potential idle gear issue. For 55 I'd go with 05 since the coupe has the quad exhaust.

Rudeney

I would recommend looking at a MY2008 or MY2009 CLK550. This will ensure the engine is beyond the "balance shaft" problems and you get a later version of the 7-speed transmission. If you do find a deal on a MY2007, then let's check the engine serial number to make sure it's beyond the balance shaft problem range - there's a thread here for that. Oh, and it's not really a "balance shaft" problem on the V8 - it ahs no balance shaft like the V6, but the equivalent part that fails is its timing chain idler sprocket, but "balance shaft failure" i what the issue is known as in case you want to research it.

abqhudson

I found a nice, low mileage CLK 500 coupe to be my daily driver - keeping my 2009 CLK 550 convertible for fun rides/drives. I am an old guy whose racing/track days are over.

I really like the 500 - the transmission is not a problem and, with 300 hp, power is not a problem either. Of course the 550 is more fun when you really get on it, but, the 500 just feels smoother to me and I really enjoy driving it.

Good luck on your search and remember - the search is half the fun.

suprtran

Thank you all for your comments and feedback!!

waveterrorist

want to save $1000?

get them turned
it is no big deal