List all Problems you have with your CLK
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Sticky:List all Problems you have with your CLK
Hey Guys and Gals,
Since I bought my 99 CLK 320 last year, I have had nothing but problems. Now some of you may say the pre 2000 models tend to have more problems then the MY2000+. I find that not the case, I have 2 friends that also drive CLK's, one has a 01 the other a 00. They too have many problems. So I thought maybe we should get a thread going listing all known and common problems with the CLK. I know there is a bunch of minor problems I can name off the top of my head. But I'll just list the problems that are occuring with my CLK. Hopefully this will help out. I know there is a lot of new owners out there that would appreciate knowing this. Don't get me wrong, I love my CLK to death, but had I known about all these minor problems that add to one big headache. I would've prepared myself better ie: getting a starmarked. You would think a car of this high class would have much less if any problems. Its no wonder Lexus ranked #1 this year, Beemer #2, and last but not least MB. Anyways, I'll start first, these are the problems I am having with my CLK:
Faulty fuel sensors (always reading empty)
Car lighter doesn't work
Rear defroster doens't work
Driver side seat won't slide foward or backwards
Car occasionally goes into something called "Limp mode"
Idles rough
When cruising at 4mph car sometimes violently downshifts (jerks) into 1st.
Check light always on
Squecky seats, glove
Doors need to be slammed to close
A/C fan is blowing weak
Well thats all I can think of for now. These are mostly electrical problems. Sucks cause I have an Aftermarket Extended Warranty and I don't think it covers a whole lot of electrical. These problems can add up pretty significantly too.
Since I bought my 99 CLK 320 last year, I have had nothing but problems. Now some of you may say the pre 2000 models tend to have more problems then the MY2000+. I find that not the case, I have 2 friends that also drive CLK's, one has a 01 the other a 00. They too have many problems. So I thought maybe we should get a thread going listing all known and common problems with the CLK. I know there is a bunch of minor problems I can name off the top of my head. But I'll just list the problems that are occuring with my CLK. Hopefully this will help out. I know there is a lot of new owners out there that would appreciate knowing this. Don't get me wrong, I love my CLK to death, but had I known about all these minor problems that add to one big headache. I would've prepared myself better ie: getting a starmarked. You would think a car of this high class would have much less if any problems. Its no wonder Lexus ranked #1 this year, Beemer #2, and last but not least MB. Anyways, I'll start first, these are the problems I am having with my CLK:
Faulty fuel sensors (always reading empty)
Car lighter doesn't work
Rear defroster doens't work
Driver side seat won't slide foward or backwards
Car occasionally goes into something called "Limp mode"
Idles rough
When cruising at 4mph car sometimes violently downshifts (jerks) into 1st.
Check light always on
Squecky seats, glove
Doors need to be slammed to close
A/C fan is blowing weak
Well thats all I can think of for now. These are mostly electrical problems. Sucks cause I have an Aftermarket Extended Warranty and I don't think it covers a whole lot of electrical. These problems can add up pretty significantly too.
Last edited by johnnyCLK; Dec 20, 2003 at 06:45 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: WOT somewhere in the Bay Area
1951 Caterpiller D6
Seat tracks replaced
Top mechanism adjusted 3x
SQUEEKS!
Left speakers inoperative (intermittent)
Drag link replaced
Steering column replaced
Fricking lower front grill POS falls off
Bad tires
Cup holder replaced
Instrument cluster replaced (bad leds)
Brake switch replaced
And a few others that I can't remember. Still, I like the car very much.
Top mechanism adjusted 3x
SQUEEKS!
Left speakers inoperative (intermittent)
Drag link replaced
Steering column replaced
Fricking lower front grill POS falls off
Bad tires
Cup holder replaced
Instrument cluster replaced (bad leds)
Brake switch replaced
And a few others that I can't remember. Still, I like the car very much.
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From: The President must win the Peace
my list is at least twice that. Im now doing a maintenace that i need to replace my shocks,rear bushings, ball joints, my entire passenger seat railings as well as a camber kit to fix my horrible tire wear problem. I would trade it in but for the loss id take, what would I get?
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Posts: 5,289
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From: So Cal
W213 '17 E43 ///AMG - W211, W208 no more
while I feel this thread would be helpful to those who are questioning the problems the CLK faces, I don't think it warrants being a Sticky thread... I'd rather see more threads reflecting a positive outlook than ones who criticize some of its faults.
Problems for my 2002 CLK430:
- Squeeky Sunroof
- Cause: Lack of grease
- Solution:Regreased, problem solved.
- Occassional Bouncy Window
- Cause - Unknown
- Replaced window regulator/motor, problem solved.
- Passenger Seat Motors Malfunctioned
- Cause - Passenger spilled full cup of coffee, shorted the seat motor
- Replaced Seat Motor under warranty
So, for me, I haven't really had any real problems. But then again, I have the last model year for the W208 chassis.
Problems for my 2002 CLK430:
- Squeeky Sunroof
- Cause: Lack of grease
- Solution:Regreased, problem solved.
- Occassional Bouncy Window
- Cause - Unknown
- Replaced window regulator/motor, problem solved.
- Passenger Seat Motors Malfunctioned
- Cause - Passenger spilled full cup of coffee, shorted the seat motor
- Replaced Seat Motor under warranty
So, for me, I haven't really had any real problems. But then again, I have the last model year for the W208 chassis.
Last edited by mmgrad; Dec 21, 2003 at 02:50 AM.
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Hmm... Let me see...
2001 CLK430
List:
1) CD player hopped like crazy (replaced under warranty)
2) Passenger Seat doesn't auto move up anymore when the seat is tilted forward for backseat passengers to enter ( computer reset - problem solved, but its back again)
3) ABS warning faulty came on the computer read out a couple times (have never seen it again)
4) Driver side window stuck 2 inches open (did the reset method / problem solved)
Thats about it. Not many big problems
Rob
List:
1) CD player hopped like crazy (replaced under warranty)
2) Passenger Seat doesn't auto move up anymore when the seat is tilted forward for backseat passengers to enter ( computer reset - problem solved, but its back again)
3) ABS warning faulty came on the computer read out a couple times (have never seen it again)
4) Driver side window stuck 2 inches open (did the reset method / problem solved)
Thats about it. Not many big problems
Rob
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Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 360
Likes: 0
Hmm... Let me see...
2001 CLK430
List:
1) CD player hopped like crazy (replaced under warranty)
2) Passenger Seat doesn't auto move up anymore when the seat is tilted forward for backseat passengers to enter ( computer reset - problem solved, but its back again)
3) ABS warning faulty came on the computer read out a couple times (have never seen it again)
4) Driver side window stuck 2 inches open (did the reset method / problem solved)
Thats about it. Not many big problems
Rob
List:
1) CD player hopped like crazy (replaced under warranty)
2) Passenger Seat doesn't auto move up anymore when the seat is tilted forward for backseat passengers to enter ( computer reset - problem solved, but its back again)
3) ABS warning faulty came on the computer read out a couple times (have never seen it again)
4) Driver side window stuck 2 inches open (did the reset method / problem solved)
Thats about it. Not many big problems
Rob
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 290
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay Area
'05 E55
1) Squeaky drivers seat - Warranty
2)Cracked dash at passenger side airbag - Warranty
3)Window bounce-Warranty
4)Fuel sender/gauge reading off - Fixed itself
Thats really been it for me. Hope I didn't just jinx myself!
2)Cracked dash at passenger side airbag - Warranty
3)Window bounce-Warranty
4)Fuel sender/gauge reading off - Fixed itself
Thats really been it for me. Hope I didn't just jinx myself!
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 14,362
Likes: 1
From: Staples Center
w211 & w124
Here is my list off the top of my head...
1. SRS Light came on a month ago. (
)
2. Car squeaks over minor bumps or when getting in or out. (Think it's the shocks)
3. Car vibrates slightly when stopping. (Had brake pads and rotors checked but mechanic says it looks just fine and there is plenty of pad left)
4. Gas pedal takes about 180lbs. of pressure to move. (And believe me, I am literally heavy-footed)
5. O2 Sensors failed (Fixed under warranty)
6. Crack on passenger airbag (Not fixed while I still had warranty coverage, don't think they'll do it now)
The funny thing is with all the little problems here and there, I can't imagine driving any other car in this price range, go figure.
1. SRS Light came on a month ago. (
)2. Car squeaks over minor bumps or when getting in or out. (Think it's the shocks)
3. Car vibrates slightly when stopping. (Had brake pads and rotors checked but mechanic says it looks just fine and there is plenty of pad left)
4. Gas pedal takes about 180lbs. of pressure to move. (And believe me, I am literally heavy-footed)
5. O2 Sensors failed (Fixed under warranty)
6. Crack on passenger airbag (Not fixed while I still had warranty coverage, don't think they'll do it now)
The funny thing is with all the little problems here and there, I can't imagine driving any other car in this price range, go figure.
Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
From: GTA
Originally posted by J Lucas
Yeah thats the crazy part, ifI had to trade it in, Id be looking at other clk's or maybe a used CL 500
Yeah thats the crazy part, ifI had to trade it in, Id be looking at other clk's or maybe a used CL 500
but i cant believe CLK have that much of problems...
grad that i didn't get one... although i love clk the most.
now i don't think i'll get one in the future too...
is it only applys to early clks? i use to have a 98 e klass... it have no problem at all...
might be clk is based on C class?
Almost a Member!
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Problems with my 1999 CLK 430
- faulty fuel gauge - shows empty when I fill up the tank - starts working again as the fuel level goes down
- sometimes I get an oil level above max - ironically this always happen on the same stretch of road (incline), going at a certain speed on my way in to work.
- sometimes get a lamp failure - comes and goes (I think it's the lights above the rear plates)
Most of the problems I have seem to fix themselves so I haven't taken my car in to the dealer to get them fixed (I got an extended warranty to 100,000 miles but have yet to use it).
- faulty fuel gauge - shows empty when I fill up the tank - starts working again as the fuel level goes down
- sometimes I get an oil level above max - ironically this always happen on the same stretch of road (incline), going at a certain speed on my way in to work.
- sometimes get a lamp failure - comes and goes (I think it's the lights above the rear plates)
Most of the problems I have seem to fix themselves so I haven't taken my car in to the dealer to get them fixed (I got an extended warranty to 100,000 miles but have yet to use it).
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
CLK 430
2001 CLK 430 little over 30K mi.
Faulty fuel sensor...replaced under warranty.
Driver seat squeaks when getting in/out and going over rough pavement...will have dealer look at it next time I go back.
Slight throbbing vibration at stoplights. I feel it mainly through the steering wheel...dealer can find nothing wrong. Does not occur when car is in park, only when foot is on brake pedal.
Somewhat weak climate control functions, but adaquate.
As others have stated, doors need to be closed with a bit of force.
I got the car used, and have put about 6K mi. on it. The dealer has the service records from the original owner, and it looks like there were never any major issues with it.
BTW. the car is bone stock, and has never had any mods.
Faulty fuel sensor...replaced under warranty.
Driver seat squeaks when getting in/out and going over rough pavement...will have dealer look at it next time I go back.
Slight throbbing vibration at stoplights. I feel it mainly through the steering wheel...dealer can find nothing wrong. Does not occur when car is in park, only when foot is on brake pedal.
Somewhat weak climate control functions, but adaquate.
As others have stated, doors need to be closed with a bit of force.
I got the car used, and have put about 6K mi. on it. The dealer has the service records from the original owner, and it looks like there were never any major issues with it.
BTW. the car is bone stock, and has never had any mods.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 14,362
Likes: 1
From: Staples Center
w211 & w124
Originally posted by Samoan_Ridah
Here is my list off the top of my head...
1. SRS Light came on a month ago. ( )
2. Car squeaks over minor bumps or when getting in or out. (Think it's the shocks)
3. Car vibrates slightly when stopping. (Had brake pads and rotors checked but mechanic says it looks just fine and there is plenty of pad left)
4. Gas pedal takes about 180lbs. of pressure to move. (And believe me, I am literally heavy-footed)
5. O2 Sensors failed (Fixed under warranty)
6. Crack on passenger airbag (Not fixed while I still had warranty coverage, don't think they'll do it now)
The funny thing is with all the little problems here and there, I can't imagine driving any other car in this price range, go figure.
Here is my list off the top of my head...
1. SRS Light came on a month ago. (
)2. Car squeaks over minor bumps or when getting in or out. (Think it's the shocks)
3. Car vibrates slightly when stopping. (Had brake pads and rotors checked but mechanic says it looks just fine and there is plenty of pad left)
4. Gas pedal takes about 180lbs. of pressure to move. (And believe me, I am literally heavy-footed)
5. O2 Sensors failed (Fixed under warranty)
6. Crack on passenger airbag (Not fixed while I still had warranty coverage, don't think they'll do it now)
The funny thing is with all the little problems here and there, I can't imagine driving any other car in this price range, go figure.
7. Forgot about having to slam the doors in order to get them to close.
8. Passenger side side marker up front keeps popping out no matter how hard I pop it into place.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 3,559
Likes: 4
From: Las Vegas, NV USA / London, UK
GL320CDI / C63 Edition 507 Coupe (EDP) / E63 S (on order) / G500 / Smart Brabus
Early build 2001 CLK55... about 22,000 miles...
1) dent in the front driver's side fender ... because I haven't bolted on the painted replacement
2) dent in the front driver's side door ... I haven't bolted in the painted replacement and transferred all the guts yet
I guess all my problems are because I am lazy.
Oh, and the aftermarket tires make a lot of noise. New ones going on soon.
-s-
1) dent in the front driver's side fender ... because I haven't bolted on the painted replacement
2) dent in the front driver's side door ... I haven't bolted in the painted replacement and transferred all the guts yet
I guess all my problems are because I am lazy.
Oh, and the aftermarket tires make a lot of noise. New ones going on soon.
-s-
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 4
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Re: Sticky:List all Problems you have with your CLK
I have a 99 CLK320 in London, following faults with it
Faulty fuel sensors
Sometimes idles rough
When cruising at 4mph car sometimes violently downshifts (jerks) into 1st
Doors need to be slammed to close
A/C fan is blowing weak
Plus tired driver's side window seal
When closing windows they someimes stop half way up as if they are blocked
Anybody got any quick cheap fixes to these problems?
Thx
Sashaaa
Faulty fuel sensors
Sometimes idles rough
When cruising at 4mph car sometimes violently downshifts (jerks) into 1st
Doors need to be slammed to close
A/C fan is blowing weak
Plus tired driver's side window seal
When closing windows they someimes stop half way up as if they are blocked
Anybody got any quick cheap fixes to these problems?
Thx
Sashaaa
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area
2001 CLK 430 conv. 2007 CLS 63
Jeez!!
I have a 2001 cabrio w/ no problems...yet. Actually, when I first bought it, the window regulator wasnt working properly but the car is a Starmark so it got fixed for free...AND the rear view mirror was loose. They had to replace the entire mirror for $900!! Luckly the dealership paid fot that because I noticed it immediately. Boy, these MB do not seem to be great cars as they are perceived to be.
I have a 2001 cabrio w/ no problems...yet. Actually, when I first bought it, the window regulator wasnt working properly but the car is a Starmark so it got fixed for free...AND the rear view mirror was loose. They had to replace the entire mirror for $900!! Luckly the dealership paid fot that because I noticed it immediately. Boy, these MB do not seem to be great cars as they are perceived to be.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,438
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From: Genoa, NV
2014 GLK250 BlueTec & 2009 ML320 BlueTec
Besides the usual bouncy windows, the only real problem I had was with the command unit which does not read the navigation CD. Changed under warranty 3 (Three) times. No complaints here, as long as it doesn't fail once my car runs out of warranty on July 2004.
