Really want to buy a CLK, but...
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Newbie
Joined: Nov 2005
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Really want to buy a CLK, but...
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????
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Joined: Oct 2004
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From: NYC
S550
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!
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!
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Joined: Feb 2002
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From: 2000 ft over the FL coast in a B-17
Various
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
" " 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
Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 185
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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
Right now Im driving a rental that doesnt do those things
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,061
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From: 2000 ft over the FL coast in a B-17
Various
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.
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.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 12
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From: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
2003 CLK 500. Bose, Sunroof, Heated seats
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. 
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Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 233
Likes: 2
From: Northern Jersey
2022 911 c4s cab, 2022 Lambo Urus
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 $$$ into the car. HREs and eclipse navi coming soon!
after winter, i'm looking to put more $$$ into the car. HREs and eclipse navi coming soon!
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Super Member
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 974
Likes: 1
From: fremont, ca
04 E55
Originally Posted by 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????
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.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 504
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2006 Lexus GS300, 2007 Lexus GS350
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.
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.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
2005 CLK500 Coupe
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.
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.
Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
From: Laguna Beach, CA
2003 CLK 320 Coupe
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. 
Senior Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 458
Likes: 1
From: Oxford, Pa
03 CLK55
In relation to Mercedes Benzs' reliability woes...
Originally Posted by 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.
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.
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
Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
From: Dublin, Ireland.
CLK 200 KOMPRESSOR Elegance
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 !
No other faults. Love the car and will definitely be buying another W209 next year !
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,853
Likes: 1
From: Boston
CLK500/Range Rover HSE/E55 AMG/Bmw 328Xi coupe/BMW 4.8x/Bmw 335i/GS350/Audi S5/E350
Originally Posted by 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????
YOu have got a PM!
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 584
Likes: 3
From: Northern NJ
E90 N54 & W251
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.
Last edited by ~CL500~; Nov 22, 2005 at 12:08 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 584
Likes: 3
From: Northern NJ
E90 N54 & W251
Originally Posted by BlueXavior
i love my babe clk.
W209 is nice dude..dunno ppl think
W209 is nice dude..dunno ppl think
Last edited by ~CL500~; Nov 23, 2005 at 11:14 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 584
Likes: 3
From: Northern NJ
E90 N54 & W251
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.
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,381
Likes: 1
From: J to the V I double L E, Florida
2003 CLK320
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.
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.
