insame1

I bought a 2003 CLK55 Saturday and it has already developed a problem. At idle the car stumbles and the lights in the dash and the headlights dim. This started Sunday night and is getting worse rapidly it seems. I have been reading up on the MAF and such but my code reader will not be here till tomorrow (I hope) It has been cold here but the problem doesn't seem to happen until the car warms up. Any ideas at things I can look at now?

whitee

Sounds like possibly your alternator is about to die..? ..coming from a non-mechanic.

insame1

I think you may be right.

Update: Got in the car today and the seat warmers on both sides didn't work. Got home and turned on the dash voltage read out. 12.5 before start then turned it on and it went back and forth between 14.0 and 14.2. When I put the car in drive it dropped to 13.8 13.9. Dash lights flickered and the car stumbled. I am thinking voltage regulator. Possibly battery. Anyone agree? Other ideas?

tw2

Sorry I can't be much help but I also think you are on the right track with either alternator, battery or voltage regulator. Voltage usually drops when you go into drive as the revs drop from idle I would think. I can't remember where but there was a thread in the w211 forum which had some helpful advice about how to tell the difference between them other than replacing parts of course. The seats and other luxury features on the E55 turn off when there is a voltage problem. Perhaps the same for the CLK...

c32kompressor

you have a bad voltage regulator in the alternator. unfortunately you cant just replace the regulator, a new alternator must be purchased.
I am a Mercedes Benz technician.

insame1

I know this is for an e55 but tons of people in this thread are talking about changing just the VR. Are you sure I need the entire unit? Also does anyone know why all the genuine MB parts site don list the 03 clk55?
https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...ernator-3.html

c32kompressor

According to that thread it's possible. I stand corrected

insame1

FYI https://mbworld.org/forums/clk-class...regulator.html

megacrazy

Could be the regulator. Slowly rev up the car in neutral and see if the interior lights flickering is related to what rev the car is at. I had that issue and the interior lights pulsated, not really flickered, with higher revs. The voltage shot up to 14.8 at one point. Replaced the regulator (20 min job) and it idles smoother and the lights don't act weird anymore.

However your symptoms seem more severe. Replace the regulator anyway though and see what happens.

insame1

I haven't checked the inside lights but I did have the battery tested at lunch and it is good. The car is scheduled to get checked out at MB Austin Monday. I don't have an indi here I trust so it time to pay the $$$$$. At least they are giving me a loaner in the interim for free. I hope it is the VR then maybe it will be covered with the recall I posted above.

I wish. At my house in CA I would have already ordered the part and be planing to do it this weekend. Unfortunately on top of it being 32-34 degrees here for the last 3 days I don't have many of my tools and I live in an apartment so it a mute point anyway.

megacrazy

Yeah the recall should cover it. If not, it's like a 30-40$ part. Oh and you only need like 2 sockets and a screw driver to get it done. The only issue is you have to be under the car so you need ramps or a jack.

insame1

I know. I left my jack in CA. And my complex is crazy about rules. On top of that I know exactly no one out here. It's probably going to cost me at least a couple of hundred if the recall doesn't fix it. fingers crossed.

EDgineered

Below is a write up I did when my VR went out. I bought an alternator,($2xx) swapped the VR as described to get it home then ordered just a VR ($2x+) When I swapped the VRs so that I could return the (rental ) alternator I was actually able to do it alternator in and bolted up. A Mirror, various ratchets and bits, and with some skill and it can be done with little effort in short time... just don't forget to unhook the battery.


https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c...regulator.html

insame1

Got a call from the dealer today and they said i need plugs and wires. Their quote was $1600 . I ordered Denso iridiums and bosh leads for just under $250 shipped with tax. I did have them do the BG fuel injection treatment. I will install the plugs when they arrive and report back.

tw2

Yep definitely a good diy job. Their prices are usually very high. It is an annoying job but not overly difficult. Just buy the $12 boot puller to make it much easier.

insame1

Yeah i did the job on my 208 430 so. Now i just have to find a place to do it. I might have to do in the parking lot at my work

Anyone in Austin TX have a driveway I could use. Ill bring beer

insame1

I think this will work! http://www.diyatx.com/

insame1

Went to TX DIY and it is a great place and a even better idea.

Replaced all spark plugs with new NGK iridiums, all wires with new Bosh set and replaced the voltage regulator. Same issue persists. I did however find a coil pack that one of the wires fell off of and the contact was corroded and looked very slightly melted. I think this may be my issue now. Going to order a new one. When I get it installed I will report back.

On another note I had a look at my motor mounts and they looked OK. Does anyone have a pic of a known good mount that is installed with the protective sleeve installed?

insame1

Well.... now I am really disappointed. Got in a car accident today. I believe the car is totaled and it wiped out one of my renntech monlites for good.

GatorMB

Thats sad, The 03 was the first W209.

These cars seem to total faster than they age. Aggressive nature and tango with blind xover drivers do not help, hope your health is intact.

Now it is time to plan for something with a 6.3L

All the Best, Gator

insame1

Thanks, yeah I am fine. Might have to get out of the MB world for a while. I just made my first payment on that car today so I don't think I will be getting very much insurance money out of it.

tw2

Sorry to hear that. Hope you can find yourself in another AMG one day.