Hello
I’m looking to buy my first Merc.
I’m not really a HUGE car guy, so my knowledge on the subject isn’t great, but everyone likes fast, good looking cars I guess.

The car I’m looking to buy is a CLK 55 w208.
only problem I’m having, or that I think I’m having, is the fear of getting scammed.
I have no idea how to tell apart the CLK 55 from the CLK 430 AMG Line.
From what I know they look exactly the same. At least when it comes to the exterior.

Apart from that, what should I specifically be looking at when I’m in front of the car? I know they tend to rust, but I’d like to know the specific places they’re prone to do so.

thank you
Edit

 

Hello Cellemus,

You pose an excellent question, because there are significant differences between the standard W208 (coupe) /A208 (cabriolet) production models (e.g. CLK 320 or CLK 430) and a genuine CLK 55 AMG, which is a wolf in sheep's clothing.

Specifically, the CLK 55 AMG is powered by a hand-assembled 5.4-liter V8 engine, which includes a stiffer forged billet steel crankshaft, weight-matched connecting rods and pistons, lightweight chain driven single overhead camshafts, a dual resonance intake manifold with tuned runners to create optimized torque and power output. These advanced technologies help deliver a healthy 362 hp (270 kW) and 376 lb⋅ft (510 N⋅m) of torque.

To handle the power, the standard five-speed automatic transmission (722.6) was adapted from the gearbox used in the V-12 S-class models and a larger four-bolt driveshaft that's four inches in diameter connects to a reinforced rear differential to keep all the extra power under control. However, the CLK standard traction control system keeps wheelspin to a minimum, while the Electronic Stability Program keeps the CLK AMG on its intended path.

While the standard CLK chassis is used, the AMG version of the CLK offers some special undercarriage components, which included higher rated springs, tighter shock valving, larger diameter anti-roll bars and stiffer suspension bushings. The brakes have been enhanced as well, with larger and thicker discs and the rear discs are specially vented to enhance cooling. The anti-lock braking system (ABS) and brake assist are standard CLK.

Because the CLK 55 AMG was not produced until later production years (e.g. it is more rare), included numerous and significant upgraded performance components, was priced higher than the standard models, it is imperative to know what you're actually buying and paying for.

There are fake CLK 55 AMG's because trunk lid emblems are commonly and inexpensively available.

The genuine high-performance CLK 55 AMG coupe, was introduced first in Europe in 2000 and the cabriolet was launched in 2002.

However, in the United States, the standard CLK models could be equipped with a 'Sport Package,' which gave it the external styling of the AMG and/or equipped it with the same wheels and tires as its AMG counterpart.

The CLK 55 AMG wasn't officially released in the US until 2002 as a cabriolet however, in 2001 the CLK 430 Cabriolet could be equipped with all the AMG options as a special order from the AMG factory with the full 55 AMG setup, which includes the CLK 55 AMG engine and transmission, AMG suspension, AMG brakes and full set up as a factory option. Making it the first 2001 CLK 55 AMG Cabriolet, although only a very few were built.

The short answer to your question would be to get the data card for any MB vehicle your considering purchasing, which will provide the official details concerning a vehicle build (e.g. whether it's a CLK 320, CLK 430, CLK 55 AMG , delievery date, engine/transmission version, all equipped options etc.. I've attached a sample data card, for a genuine CLK 55 AMG currently for sale at a U.S. car dealer. All you need to get a data card, at no cost, is a vehicle VIN number.

 

This was a super helpful reply! Appreciate the effort to help someone out.

 

Hi @serendipity I have one of these A208 clk55 AMG’s with a 430 chassis number with all the options as per your post. Can you please let me know where you managed to find this info?

 

Hi @serndipity , I have one of these A208 clk55 AMG’s with a 430 chassis number with all the options as per your post. Can you please let me know where you managed to find this info?

 

Cassios.......if you want to know if you have a CLK55 AMG, or a fake, is to get the factory data card, as shown in the attachment post #2.

The web site to get a data card is shown at the top of that attachment.

 

I do have the data card. It denotes a clk430. But I am referring to your comment about the very few 430 cars that were made with the full AMG setup. I have the factory data card with 55 engine, transmission, suspension and brakes including clk55 badging and amg badging. It came from the factory like that but with the 430 chassis number.

My question is, how do you know a very few of these were made making it the very first clk55 cabriolet? I’m in agreement with you here, I just cant find the anctual info not even through mercedes Benz. Even though my car came with the m113984 engine which it still retains from when it was built from the factory, along with the suspension, gearbox and brakes Your help would be appreciated.

 

Once you open the hood you'll see that engine. The exhaust is different. White dials on tach, and speedo. When in doubt checkout youtube for more resources. GL
2Merks

 

I have the 55 engine, dials etc. I also own a w208 coupe. The cars are identical as far as drivetrain goes. Engine, exhaust, suspension, brakes, dials. It isn’t a clk430 dressed up to look like a 55. It’s a very early A208 cabriolet with a 430 shell, and all the clk55 setup from factory as per the build sheet. It just says clk430 when you look up the vin. Please explain?


QUOTE=2MERKS;8909905]Once you open the hood you'll see that engine. The exhaust is different. White dials on tach, and speedo. When in doubt checkout youtube for more resources. GL
2Merks[/QUOTE]

 

It’s almost like it’s a prototype clk55 cabriolet.

 

.....https://mbworld.org/forums/clk-class-w208/417558-clk-430-vs-clk55-amg-things-watch.html
R,
2Merks

 

Yes it is actually. If you dig deep enough, MB will confirm that your early model A208 was in fact taken from a 430 production chassis. However, the car in question is a CLK55 AMG

 

So it’s a pretty rare car. Sought after? How many would have been made like this? Does anyone know?

 

What is your VIN and can you upload a picture of the engine?
John

 

here you go mate

 

It sure does look and smell like a 55 on the data sheet.
I see this:
026 PRODUCTION TEST NEW ENGINES (ECE-CHASSIS WITH USA-).
I don't know what that is.

I wonder if the 430 was switched with 55 simply on the entrance paperwork into country?

John

 

It really might be nothing more than a typo way way back?
John