tyancey

I really like the CLK (W209) but every one said they are bad cars. Do they really have a lot of problems? I have read several posts here and I know it is not common for someone to brag on the fact that they have had no problems. They only post with problems. Do I really need to be afraid to buy the used CLK? I am looking at an '03 CLK 500. Is there anything I should look for to get a good one????

rainesa1

Other than the replacement of a cracked tailight under warranty, my car has had no problems.

clkcadet

no problems other than minor electronical glitches ( one touch windows, one touch sunroof )

others may be indifferent.. but since you are looking at an 03 it may have some quirks since that was its first year in production....but you never know..take a test drive you will love it!

RJC

Some minor and serious transmission problem for 03-04 5 speeds
" " 05-06 7 speeds
Noisy window seals 03-05
Squeaky brakes 03-05
Musty AC smell 03-04
Sunroof auto close malfunctions
Loud cooling fans

There may be other assorted issues but these are the most common; otherwise its a great car.

Hope this helps

Nebraska99

Its a head turning vehicle that is fun to drive. My issues are squeaky brakes and a tendency to float left instead of straight. I find that quite annoying for a car of that price.

Right now Im driving a rental that doesnt do those things

RJC

Nebraska 99:

Brake Squealing TSB: P-42_10-51B Mar 05

Give this a shot, found it on Alldata .com for 2004 CLK500's. Since your car is in service right now call the advisor with this notice number. I will be bringing my car in for this next week, the brake noise is making me crazy, had it since 1500 miles.
Let me know what the outcome is.

pongobaz

My '03 has really been problem free...just a few little new car glitshes (all covered under warranty) but nothing that would have kept it off the road. It's beautiful, fast and very luxurious.

dkim

i've had a new transmission put in, a few electrical problems (seat adjustment, mirror, sunroof) BUT nothing that would make me sell the car. I have 34k miles on it BTW. I love it...a lot of power, and just enough attention that i likey.

after winter, i'm looking to put more $$$ into the car. HREs and eclipse navi coming soon!

krispykrme

let's see where do i start?

1. replaced the top caused by damage from mis-aligned top.
2. replaced transmission at 10k
3. Top stopped working at 15k.
4. Rear brake light on the trunk disassembled by itself and falls to the ground.
5. Torn driver seat belt.
6. unsolvable rattle from the top, the seat.

Other than that i guess the car is okay.

platinumsc

Let's face it, all the model benzes are problematic. Make sure a warranty comes with the car or you'll never enjoy the car. Even with the issues there is an allure to a benz few other cars can duplicate. Do your homework, buy a warranty if you have to and dive right in. If you want more infor, check here www.lemonmb.com
I wouldn't let what you read on that site keep you from your dream car though...only wanted you to know what you're facing. Sometimes service departments give better service when you come in with information on what others are experiencing...it gives them somewhere to start. Good luck.

Gojaroo

I bought a CLK 500 because it is such a great car. Its beautiful, Its a coupe (I bought the coupe, because I dont like convertibles), Its powerful, and Its a Mercedes.

The CLK isn't really a high volume selling mercedes benz, so our CLK "family" isn't as extensive as say the C, or ML or E classes. But the Mercedes Benz's my family has owned have always been trouble free.

Not that I can really influence your decision, but enjoy whatever decision you make.

SleeperZZZ

I bought a 03 CLK320 back in April have put 12K miles on it since then and the car can't be better. I had 03 C240 before and that car had its share of electrical problems especially with the power seats and the easy exit convenience feature.

AMG///Merc

As Gojaroo has hinted at, the majority of reliability issues regarding Mercedes Benz as of late has been with the E and ML classes which also happen to be their best sellers. Having experience working in several car dealerships in both sales and service, the CLK doesn't have an unresonable number of TSB's and recalls. So far mine has been mainly trouble free (I get the random "CD changer not found" or "left high beam out" (Both of which work fine again once I restart the car). I have an annoying speaker crackle which I believe is vibration related, but the dealership didn't seem to think there was much that they could do. But aside from that, it's been trouble free...


Best regards,
Matt

Ben'sCLK

I have a '03 with 30,000miles on it. One one problem, a rattle from the rear suspension which was fixed quickly by the dealer at service, under warranty.

No other faults. Love the car and will definitely be buying another W209 next year !

x-tian-230k

YOu have got a PM!

~CL500~

I personally like the CLKs very much. My father has an 03 E500 (mid year build) that had glitches including a trans replacement. This made me fear the 03s so I opted for an 01 CL instead. The car has been flawless thus far and I'm very happy with it.

BlueXavior

i love my babe clk.

W209 is nice dude..dunno ppl think

~CL500~

Don't take me wrong; I too like the CLKs. A CLK500 was my first choice. Problem was I didn't want a 1st year car, so my options were limited to 2004-2005 (due to budget). My lease matured and I needed a car quick. While searching for the perfect pre-owned CLK, I stumbled onto my 2001 CL. It was love at first sight and I bought it right then and there.

~CL500~

My take, go for a 2004. It's a year newer, you'll get the free maintenance and in addition to the standard warranty, you'll also get the CPO warranty.

Had I found the 2004 CLK that I wanted, it would have been in my driveway. I've always been a sucker for the CL though and I stumbled onto it at the right time.

gbahri

I have an '03, the first model year, with 76,000 miles. Yep, thats not a typo, 76,000. I have only had one major problem, at 8,000 miles the car randomly shut down in the middle of the street. Never found out why and never happened again.

Also, the airbag sensor in the passenger seat has broken twice. But covered under extended warranty.
Make sure to get an extended warranty, it will give you peace of mind.