todd5854

Still looking for a decently priced car. I've seen online they seem to be selling for around 11k to 19k with anywhere from 30k to 75k miles. This was for a W208 or a W209. 209 as a newer car was obviously closer to 19k.

Blue book (and NADA guide) values seemed to be around 10-11k for a car with about 50k miles.

Dealerships seemed to put a bit of fluff onto the price, but I also noticed the non-AMG cars are significantly cheaper, even with similar mileage. So I'm thinking AMG cars have a premium just because of the name (and associated performance). Needless to say it seems an AMG car holds its value fairly well

Is it a fair deal to pay about $15,000 for an 01-02 CLK55 with 50,000 miles? What would a good price be? I have about $2,000 more to save up before I'll have a good down payment. I have good credit, and have for 3 years, but I'm a college student so I want to make my payments as low as possible. Looking at 3-4 year terms, with $5,000 down

Quant

iTrader: (1)

not trying to hate on w209, but if you go that route try to get 2005. Those came with quad exhaust and larger brakes.

good luck, you will enjoy amg!

todd5854

What do you think of the W208's? I LOVE the way they look. Since I was a kid, I remember when the W208 was a new car. I remember the commercials.

I know the 209 is slightly faster, but how about the 208 transmissions, and overall quality and reliability. The car is not a daily driver, but I don't want something that will continue to break down. Does the 208 have paddle shifters?

Chadzu

No paddles on the 208, just side to side on the shifter. The 5 speed is a good transmission. Any older car is going to have maintenance needs, but nothing out of the ordinary. I like the looks of the 208 better so I bought an '01 and haven't regretted it.

todd5854

Does the 208 at least shift faster like a paddle shift car would? (When the car is in sport mode) Im pretty sure Im going to pull the trigger on a W208 then. Gorgeous styling. the 209 is pretty too but I love love love the 208 styling. Its so distinct. You realize the car when its a mile away.

MarcusF

Yes, they do shift faster than some other transmissions (although not necessarily faster than a W209 55). AMG vehicles have SpeedShift transmissions. SpeedShift is hardware and software that, among other things, allows the transmission to shift 35% faster than a non-SpeedShift equipped unit.

todd5854

Are there options out there to control that computer without compromising the life of the transmission? I bet it wouldn't be awfully expensive if such a thing exists.

MarcusF

I’m not sure what options you’d like. I’m familiar with BMW’s launch control and I’ve never heard of anything like that for Mercedes. I could be wrong, but I think BMW's launch control is a good way to kill the box. They seem to hold up to all day abuse at press events, but i wouldn't do that to anything I own.

Although it's 10+ years old, the Mercedes 722.6 is an intelligent box. For example, if you’re ripping along with the transmission in drive, you’re in a curve and the transmission is in third gear, if you lift, the transmission won’t upshift. Yaw sensors tell the TCU when the car is experiencing lateral g-forces and this is confirmed by the steering angle sensor. The TCU uses short term memory to determine the driving situation, and it acts just like a person with a manual transmission would – don’t upshift, stay in gear, the power is coming back on momentarily. Of course, lifting in mid turn is kind of a stupid thing to do. It unloads the rear suspension and if at the limits, can bring the back around, but it will follow the instructions given.

For shifting, the TCU compares road speed changes, load, and throttle opening. It recognizes both uphill and downhill grades, and adjusts shifting there too. You know those annoying shifts back and forth between two gears on a long incline? A 722.6 doesn't do that. It also delays upshifts on descents, using engine braking as you'd do with a manual. Although the torque converter has a locking clutch mechanism, it doesn’t simply lock in fifth. It will lock in third or fourth as well. These transmissions have Touch Shift which allows the driver to manually select gears. The TCU prevents downshifts that would cause the engine to be over revved and it will override stupidity and upshift if the driver forgets.

Ash has functional paddle shifters on his W208. But then again, Ash has everything.

OGCLK320

We have some things in common, I am also a college student and love the 208s. I just bought a 2001 CLK 55 for $4,500 got a killer deal and couldn't pass it up. Bought it with 150k miles but have had nothing but fun in the car. I had a 98 208 320 before this car, thats how much I love the 208s. You will not regret buying a 208 AMG they are rock solid if you take care of them.

Quant

iTrader: (1)

I wouldn't say w209 is faster, I know it rated higher hp but both dyno and real life experience tell me it's as fast if not slightly faster. either way both cars are fast with lot of torque to keep you happy. In terms of paddle shifters, they can easily be installed. I got ACG NY to do it for me. great shop if you live in ny area. In terms of maintenance, I would say check out Marcus site he has lot of great info. with good care the car can last a very long time.

todd5854

This is all good to know, guys. You all also helped me make my decision, I'm definitely getting a W208 car. I'm looking forward to doing modifications to it, and taking good care of it!

CAPEFEAR

Figured I would post here as this would be most appropriate. I have settled in on a couple of CLK63's. I have a few questions you guys could help with:

How do I know what is an interior upgrade or where can I find the upgrade list for the 07/08.

I know some of them but how do you tell if they have them (integrated phone, ipod control, bluetooth etc...)

Thanks,

CF

forgive me as I am new here and to MB's...

MarcusF

You want the 2007 and 2008 option list. Something like the one for the 2002 CLK55?

I had a W209 webpage that listed all the specifications, available equipment, and prices , but I took it down. Nobody, and I mean like 1 person every 6 months, bothered to look at it. I'll look through my notes and see if I have a copy.

CAPEFEAR

@Marcus- Yes exactly like the one for the CLK55. You make a good point about low traffic for that info: only a few cars for those two years and they don't seem to swap hands a whole lot.

Thanks again and looking forward to the info- big help. You can send it pm if you want.

CF

blackbenzz

I'm biased since I have two W208s but some differences I didn't see mentioned are higher compression, shorter gearing/bigger diff/axles, and more weight for the W209 55.

Also keep in mind Kleemann has discontinued header production for the W208 so it will be difficult to obtain

MarcusF

In 2007, the options were

• Bi-xenon headlights with active curve illumination and washers.
• A glove box mounted six-disc CD changer.
• COMAND
• cellular telephone
• Keyless-Go
• iPod integration kit
• ventilated seats
• an electronic trunk closer
• wood/leather steering wheel

CAPEFEAR

@marcus- thank you sir, exactly what I needed! Short list, I assume very similar for 08 also...

CF

FFXF1

Marcus - or anyone else. I hate the active curve illumination on my CLK. I'm tired of people coming up to me telling me I have a fog light burnt out.

Anyway to make them operate like normal fogs?

Thanks -

todd5854

GUYS!!!

Can someone have a look at this advertisement? I am very interested in buying this car. I want to go see it on Monday. The carfax is posted on the site, free of charge. It says the car had a minor accident, and 4 previous owners.

At 69,000 miles, should I run the other way? Only problems visual from the pictures, it needs the gauge cluster repaired.


LINK: http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...81342873&Log=0

da_guitarist

Have you seen mine for sale? It's an 01 super clean with tasteful upgrades. Asking, 12,5 to mbworld members including extra wheels, and exhaust, in dash, suspension, etc.

da_guitarist

https://mbworld.org/forums/mercedes-vehicles/553478-fs-2001-w208-clk55-amg-black-black-loaded-mods-immaculate-shape.html

todd5854

You're pretty far from me, I was limiting myself to about a 5 hour drive.

I want to hear opinions about the car I posted a few posts up.

beefstallionAMG

The car looks like a good value with low miles. The only glaring problem I can see from the pictures are the dead pixels in the cluster. If you're worried about other problems do a pre purchase inspection. Look for rust and up to date maintenance.

I don't like the solid color interiors as much as the two tone black and white or black and blue in the w208 AMG's. I feel like the black interiors are a little bland. It's really what you prefer though.

todd5854

I'm good with a soldering gun so I'm hoping the bad cluster can be repaired, rather replaced. Its a Jersey car so rust is a concern, but Mercedes-Benz makes excellent cars, so I would be very surprised to find any rust at all.

Anything else to look for when I see this car?

beefstallionAMG

Yes the cluster can be repaired. There are diy's on this.

LOL. Any car rusts. W208 era Mercedes are notorious for rusting when driven year round.

Look for leaking motor mounts. They are fluid filled and leak.
Look for vertical and horizontal play in suspension.
Check the seat motors. They are a common failure on these cars.
Check condition of drive belts.
Check fluids coolant, brake fluid.
Check tires for abnormal wear
Check for proper accident damage repair