Hi There, I have a 1997 CLK320 sport...Only done 86k miles.
I am experiencing power problems.
Usually this is when the car is cold....I leave it a minute then drive off but when I put my foot down it really struggles...I have to switch it off and try again until its right....Usually sorts it if I carry on driving and turn the key off and on one click to 'jerk' it back to normal...
It shouldnt do this and Ive had it tuned up by a merc specialist....all plugs have been changes and everything.
Merc say to take it in so they can 'plug it in' to a laptop but I was hoping it might be something simple.
Any ideas anyone.....? Something must be wrong!
Jamie

 

Check the MAF (mass air flow sensor). This is a common problem on these cars. Hope this helps.

 

Thanks for that.....Do you know if this something expensive to change ?
Also is this something someone with very simple knowledge (ie me!) could change themselves ?

 

It's very simple. Here are the directions from the "How to" sticky thread.

Replace the MAF sensor (aka Mass air flow meter):

1: Remove the snorkels that go from the front grill area to your intake housing. These simply snap off and out.

2: Lift your engine cover off of your engine. There are 4 clips holding your cover down. Simply just pull up and they will detach.

3: On the back portion of your intake (behind the engine, where your intake housing connects to the engine, you will see the MAF sensor. Using a flat head screwdriver, unclip the metal clip on the back of the MAF and then unclip the plastic clips on the front.
4: Unplug the wire on the right and place it somewhere where you will find it again. Then gently pull the MAF out of it’s place and reverse the directions to put it back together.

 

Just got a used MAF from Dronsfield Mercedes for £95 and Im glad I ordered it! Car REALLY started having hassle last few days...Lets hope this solves the problem!
Im a bit of a novice at mechanics so hopefully this will be simple.
If anyone has any pictures of where I should be looking that would be great....Also some idea of how long this might take...and any other advice most welcome. Want to try and get this sorted this afternoon!

 

Just ready to change the MAF.....BUT the screws are like a star driver fitment with a little extra pin so my star driver wont fit....
How do I get these out or where do I get the tool ?
Thanks
Jamie

 

The star shaped screw with the pin in the middle is called a "tamper-proof torx" head, but I've tried several different tamper-proof torx bits on this screw and haven't yet found one that fits correctly....

 

Managed to find a set of these heads in Halfords....They are called security star drivers and have the necessary hole in the top.
Unfortunatly I needed to buy the set (16.99)but guess thats just the way it goes ! The set comes with a size 20 head - That fits like a glove! Job done.

Now the MAF sensor is changed - WOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So thats what my CLK320 should drive like.....I always thought it was a bit of a dissapointment and the gear changes were erratic.....generally was just a bit of a let down.

Now it goes like %$^ of a stick....Was amazed at how much difference this little item can make - Thank god for this site!

If your CLK is running badly, has lost power, seems erratic at gear changes or just doesnt seem as it should - Check this site for advice on the MAF (mass air flow meter)

WOOOOOOOOOAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

 

 

Good ****ing job man, thats what mbworld.org is suppose to be about.