mxracer700

HI All,

Thanks in advance for your valued input!


Long time lover of the MB brand and ever since I drove my buddies 430 clk many years ago I have wanted one. The quiet and lack of turbulence you experience while top down is second to any other rag I've ever been in.

The goal is own a 209 CLK rag while avoiding the impending $5k+ repair that MB has so generously bestowed onto at least one component of nearly every version through **** poor engineering and then skillful avoidance of responsibility.

I have been reading up on these all winter as I watch the CLK for sale ads here in Canada. In this generation of MB CLK trying to steer around investing an additional $5k into a $15k car is a challenge. I keep switching models (eng size/ yr) only to find a new major landmine. Eg..The 272 / 273 engine issues, the 7 speed trans issues, the 6.3 stretchy headbolts.. and on.

It's not lost on me (or a problem) to deal with crank sensors or MAF sensors, seatbelts or any of the other annoying small items that come with owning any car and especially higher end German. I'm just not down with cleaning up major high cost defects MB should have stepped to the plate on as mentioned above.

This thing is to be my weekend escape so while well versed in mechanics (heavy equipment etc) I have no desire to spend my weekends (a) working on it or (b) have it barf and leave me somewhere.. lol. Of course this is not 100% avoidable but I'm trying to spend wisely.

So with that said there is a lot of choice out there in the under $20k range. And for the sake of the goal I'm asking to remove the performance consideration from your answers. I started out looking at 63's and then remembered that here they take your license and your car at 50 over the limit so I reigned myself in. New rubber at every 15k mi is cool but not something I'd look forward to.

People report that the 350 is a pretty decent performance so I don't really care whether it's a 350, 500, 55AMG or 550. As a former pro motorcycle racer I've done my time going fast and it always comes at a cost.

So to the mechanically experienced or multi unit 209 owners if you were willing to spend 12-20k and you had your choice of 05-08 CLK's which would you buy with the goal of having the least problems?

For example there is a cherry super low mileage (-30k miles) '07 550 available but even if the VIN escapes the bal shaft / gears issue it seems the trans is still a potential biggie.

From what I can tell here is the no go list.

05-07 350's -272 bal shaft
06-07 550 -273 bal shaft gear and Tchain
06-08 550 -possible trans and or TQ converter

The possible go list is:

04-06 500's 113 eng seems solid, 5 spd trans same?
08-09 350 past the bal shaft issue these seem solid?
04-06 55AMG - eng and trans seem solid? Are AMG parts price a huge premium over std MB parts?

Looking forward to your collective wisdom! Thx!

Werkzeug

Yes they avoid responsibility, that is most car companies. To be fair though, it was not an engineering flaw it was a material flaw by the manufacturer contracted to make those parts. That being said there is a clean point for those cars.


05-07 350's -272 bal shaft - If the repair has been done, still worth it.

06-07 550 -273 bal shaft gear and Tchain - same goes for these
06-08 550 -possible trans and or TQ converter - not nearly as many issues with this in my experience.

The possible go list is:

04-06 500's 113 eng seems solid, 5 spd trans same? 113 is super solid! These had a 722.6 trans (predecessor to the 722.9) and they are very reliable and simple to work on. Also non integrated trans electronics, so less likely to have a bad valve body etc.

08-09 350 past the bal shaft issue these seem solid? I would need to look up the clean point but I believe those years should be solid.

04-06 55AMG - eng and trans seem solid? Are AMG parts price a huge premium over std MB parts? Yes always.

Ultimately if you find a nice car but the balance shaft/ idler gear hasn't been done, that is a very useful leverage for price negotiation. Always get the VIN so you can have a dealer check repair history.

Martin_F

Decided to go with the 2009 model for those very reasons.
Figured that on the last year they should have figured out and fixed all the potential problems. I'm a coupe guy though, so I'm not sure on the rag top issues.

I've had mine since January now, and it still puts a smile on my face every time I get in it!
Went with the 350 and it's plenty fast!

Good luck on your search.

gixxerboy

i would go with a later year 350 or 550,

i know you said performance isnt an issue, but the 550 is a big difference over the 500 and is quicker than the 55 with cheaper maintenance.

just make sure past balance shaft issue, the 722.9 trans is fine in those years. And the "bad" years werent as common as people make it sound. I have a trans shop.

every car if you research it has some issues.

Yidney

'08 or '09 350 or 550 and you're good. Past the balance shaft and early tranny issues. But if you think you might want a 350, don't drive a 550.

Rudeney

I'd go for a MY2008 or MY2009 CLK550. Like Yidney said - no timing chain idler sprocket issues there, and much more reliable transmission. Oh, and BTW, you'll still need new rear tires on it every 15K-20K just like the AMG models.

mxracer700

Well gents the usual guru's of knowledge in this forum plus more have weighed in which is what I was really hoping for. The replies were thoughtful and made me smile when I read them. (Yidney)

Yaay internet but really it's guys like you all willing to share your knowledge and experience, taking the time to help someone they don't know is what really needs applause. So thanks very much!!

You have helped my rule out the AMG's. Much as I like the badge and the prestige that follows it's personally not worth the cost at the parts counter on this MB purchase.

mxracer700

As I mentioned above there is a nice 07 550 for sale. Nearly the lowest mileage CLK on the market at under 30k mi. The woman who owns it is out to lunch on the asking so it may be a long shot to get her into reality but may be a score if I could, assuming the engine is past issues by SN. I was wondering if there is a same serial # point on the trans where they are good or did the revisions start with the '08 model year, period?

If there are no clean 07's in the tranny dept... would you suggest risking buying one? It seems there is no single issue with these.. what is the usual spend to right the wrong? Can these issues be avoided with an early trans fluid change?

Price wise here the issue free years are all $20k plus unless you get into milers and by that I mean +140kms+ (86,000mi). Mentally the before and after 100,000 price difference exists here just as it does in America but 100k kms here is only 63k mi. Price falls hard after 125k kms.

Anything with 200,000 kms here (126k mi) is worth almost zero even though I'm sure you guys see these cars going 250k mi, no problem.

mxracer700

While hunting I found a site that seems russian that will decode your VIN and give the eng and trans SN's. I was glancing around this site and remember a negative comment about a site like it or maybe this one. I can't find where that post was but can this be trusted?

I know Rodney in particular has been super generous in running down SN's on the 272 / 273 issues but looking at many used cars I would surely wear out my decoding welcome. Just wondered what your thoughts were on these sites.

gixxerboy

thats what they used to decode the vin, there is a thread on here for that and to check for the balance shaft issue.

gixxerboy

i almost wouldnt want one from those years with that low of miles, if the car does have any issues they may not of surfaced yet. Where something with a little more miles may have already been fixed and no need to worry.
I dont know what she is asking but i would rather newer with more miles.

I honestly think the tranny thing is over played. Yes there are some with issues but the balance shaft is much more of a common problem.
I've personally owned an 06 and 07 mercs and never had a tranny issue and never deterred me from buying one. And i get very few in my shop with that issue.
And i dont know of any serial number checker for the transmission as with the balance shaft

DanielFD

plus one on gixxerboy, a close friend runs a Mercedes/Jaguar specialty garage most of his costumers are w221s and w209s M113 M272 M273 they all have passed under his arm, much like gixxerboy's experience some problem are overblown on the internet. Even the common balance shaft problems aren't overly common as in its not a sure bet thing. Balance shaft problems are much more common on more heavy cars to his experience (also worked at the stealership here) He guesses its due to more load on the engine more of the time.

mxracer700

Thanks gents. I can now go forward with some direction on what to look for and this opens the market a bit for me. Much appreciated!!

Rudeney

Here are my thoughts on the issues at hand:

1. Mileage: Personally, I would rather buy a car with "average" or "slighty low" miles-per-year. This gives the original owner(s) time to have worked out all the "teething problems". I'm not saying buy a 100K mile car over a 40K mile car, but I'd rather have a 50K mile car than a 15K mile car.

2. Balance shaft: All M272 (xx230/280/300/350) and M273 (xx450/550) engines in care made through the mid-model year 2007 are in the affected range. So, if you are considering a MY2006 with one of those engines, it will be in the range for potential failure. MY2008 or later is fine. For MY2007, you need to check the engine serial number, which can be looked up in EPC with the VIN. I and others with our own copies of EPC can do it or you can use the "Russian" online EPC site. Failure is rare, but I still recommend against buying a car int he affected range. If it does fail, you're out $5K or more for the repair. Plus the chance fo the mechanic breaking something else (e.g. they damage my flywheel).

3. Transmission: The 722.9 7-speed is a good unit, but the early models (pre-MY2008) had more issues than would be expected. First of all, the fluid pumps used sleeve bearing which would wear and cause noise, and eventual failure. After seeing the design and wear patterns, I can tell you that these will all need replacement at some point. The torque converters were not designed to handle the higher torque output of the V8 engines. Symptoms were very dirty fluid and noise.

My advice, unless you are like me and are willing to DIY some repairs to save money, then get a MY2008 or MY2009. You'll pay more up front for the newer model, but in the long run, you'll save on maintenance.

xsever

I owned a US-spec 2003 CLK 320 in Canada and I now own a European-spec 2005 CLK 320 in Lebanon and I definitely did not have many teething problems in the 05 compared to the 03.

I am very happy with the reliability of the 2005 CLK 320 with the M112 Engine and the 5-speed 722.6 transmission. It's been nothing but regular maintenance like any other car. For example, the original factory spark plugs were not replaced until last year (after 10 years) and even after changing them, I could not feel a difference. These engines are simply built-tough!

If I were to let go of my car (very unlikely) and stay in the pillarless CLK realm, it would definitely be for an 08-09 CLK 350 or 550 and nothing else.

Good luck and happy hunting!

mxracer700

Wow thanks Rodney!

I know it takes time to write a summary like that and I really appreciate it! I read your previous replies in this thread and thought, ok not so bad.. then I read your "my car has had every single problem" thread and thought.. this is insane. However as you noted it seems a good deal of your misery was caused by the poor workmanship of others correcting the bal /idler issue and eventually you'd have been into that tranny anyway for a pump but now it's all 100% correct.

I'm with you on the DIY stuff to a point but I no longer have an indoor shop or even a paved area where my tools are. Meaning I'm okay with smaller stuff that can be done without a hoist , I draw the line at laying in gravel on jack stands

I've got my eye presently on what appears to be a very clean '05 with about 65k miles on it. I don't think it's seen much if any winter and the seller has already done it up with nice wheels and lowering springs. (stock wheels and springs come with) He is trying for IMO big money at $17,900.00 while I feel fair for the car is $14-15.

As a reference there is an all stock '07 550 with 59k mi, with average care (not babied) and the woman can't get $16,000k for it. (6 wks on the market) Dropped it to $15k the other day (won't take any less) and it's still for sale. I think someone unsuspecting will step in at $15k on this 550 eventually.

So to me the 500 above is a $14k car I just need to wait it out. I would rather have the extra 80+hp and be two years newer but not into the chance for big ticket issues. Also don't love blue. Are you guys with me an 05 500 is a solid (better) choice in my price range?

To get into an 08 or newer (350-550) I'm well beyond $20k and I really don't want to tie up that kind of cash. Plus in 2 years time it'll be a $15k car whereas rock bottom on 209 CLK's here is about $10-12k so there isn't much depreciation left to go on the the 500.

Our dollar slid hard in the last 24 months which killed importing from the US as an option.

xsever

Since you live in Canada, I bought an 03 CLK 320 from Etobicoke, Toronto, Ontario back in 2013 with 80,000 km for $13k. The prices you are quoting are on the high side which tells you more about price retention on these babies.

After everything you described, yes you're better off with the 05 500. The M113 and the 722.6 will make for a very reliable duo without costing you a lot in terms of maintenance compared to the M273 and the 722.9 which will come at a much higher price like you stated.

Which province are you located in by the way?

To be on the safe and ready side, be ready to inspect/change the following as soon as you buy one unless you have proof they've been taken care of:

- Engine oil + filter
- Transmission fluid + filter + gasket
- AC Filter
- Fuel Filter
- Engine Filter

mxracer700

Thanks X! I'm assuming you are into the coupe's which as you know go for a bit less than rags. That same car you bought with same Kms would be worth maybe $8k today. It's kind of the rock bottom I was talking about.. anything decently cared for with low km's is in the $8-12 range.. 2001-04 320/430's 90-190kms range.

I'm just north of Toronto myself.

Thanks for the opinion and tips. I'm all about a full service on anything used. Costs a bit but then you have a baseline and in doing it you might see something that also needs attention preventing a bigger $ repair later.

I've been on this hunt for 3 months or so and its been interesting seeing the hopefuls posting cars for ridiculous money and then watch the weeks / months go by as they stay listed. In that time, out of say 80 available cars in ON / QC maybe 10 have sold. Some people are more than $10k north of what seems to be market.

Because of the newer privacy laws it's damn hard if not impossible to grab a VIN and go to MB and get any service history. They refuse to give it out if it is not your car. On top of that if you don't know which dealer did what service you can only get warranty / recall info MB paid for. That is the only data that is centralized.

There is a so-cal US '07 clk63 here with low kms and a lemon branding on it. Tried to research why but didn't get far. Close as I could come is trans issues. Apparently it doesn't take much in California to get it branded lemon so it may not have been / be a bad unit. However between the $23k the ford dealer wants for it, lack of history, many owners and possible stretchy head bolts I am steering clear.

The pickens in '08 / 09 clk rags is thin and all are $25-39k depending on the kms and weed they smoked at time of listing.

mxracer700

Hey Rodney,

WDB2094751T052948

According to the ruskies the 05 500 I'm eyeing has the 722.901 trans in it with an option code # 427. Was this an actual option choice in 2005 over the 5 speeder as it seems?

Wondered if you'd mind taking a look and also does this lump this car into the same lot at the 06-07 550's in terms of trans issues?

Cheers MXR.

Rudeney

The MY2005 CLK500 came with the 772.9 transmission. Personally, I'd avoid it. If it hasn't had the conductor plate replaced (US$1400) is WILL be needed (and it's a dealer-only job as it requires SCN coding).

Also, I'd avoid the CLK63. The M156 engines through sometime in MY2010 (so all W209's) had problems with deteriorating head bolts. It's not affecting all of them, but like the balance shaft issues, it's an expensive gamble as it's a $5K++ job to pull the heads.