After driving my CLK500 for 5000 miles, I would like to discuss some problems with you guys.

1. the most common problem- noisy wipers
I'm taking my car to the dealer next week so hopefully new wipers will wipe the noise away...

2. shocks
I've never been in another w209 so I really don't have anything to compare to, but the shocks feel very hard. I can feel every little bumps on the road and when I hit pot holes, it feels like someone's hitting the car from the bottom with a big hammer. Might I have messed them up going over some crazy pot holes in NYC? How do they feel on your cars?

3.traction
the traction of the tires sometimes are problem. Whenever I do a full acceleration from 0 mph, the tires lose traction. Is this the same case for you guys? I have michellin's btw.

4.Keyless go
When I try to start the engine with the button, it fails to do so about 3x out of 10 with the message 'key not recognized.'

5. ticking sound from engine
Another common problem experienced. Has anyone actually solved this problem yet, or is it really just a 'normal' problem?

6.black opal exterior
I have swirl marks and some major scratches and it gets dirty very easily. Not a recommended choice for lazy people like me.

7.ash interior
Again, not a good idea for people like me. the floor, the bottom of doors and the door panels are very dirty, and the most frustrating thing is the armrest is totally messed up-it has stained from my favorite burgundy leather jacket.

8.my biggest concern- high gas consumption
Despite the fact that I drive in NYC a lot, the gas consumption of my car seems unusually high. The average gas consumption so far on the 'after reset' menu is 13.1mpg. And I get just about 190mi with a full tank. (again, ~190/~14.5=~13.1mpg) How is the consumption on yours? Especially the ones who drive in the city mostly??

Need your opinion/experience/info...

Thank you...

 

I have read your list of problems and I will respond as follows:

1. wipers are somewhat noisy although when I first checked mine out, I noticed one of the blades were not set in properly. I corrected the blade and the noise seemed to improve. I do think the intermitant feature sucks and goes crazy when it is lightly raining.

2. shocks seem to be ok. I also do lots of NYC driving and avoid the pot holes as much as possible.

3. traction is just fine. I have nailed it from 0 to 120 and have had no problems.I have Pirelli p-Zero's

4. keyless go works 100% of the time

5. ticking sound from engine I sometimes have but I also had that on my BMW 540. I do not know what to make of it.

6. black opal interior, I chose Pewter because I know from past experience black shows every possible swirl.

7. ash interior, you should have got charcoal. It always looks new.

8. gas consumption. what did you expect, you want to play you gotta pay. 302 horsepower.

 

Hi,

I'm afraid that I only have the problem in point 1, which seems endemic and is covered in another thread.

I've averaged over 30 MPG (OK, so it's only a 240), which seems OK for such a monster of a car.

Michael.

 

Shumacher: You need to take your car to the dealership to replace all motor mounts, there is a service bulletin to replace those on all W209 W211 CLK/E500.

It will get rid completly of your ticking noise.
I know it sounds strenge but that is the scoop.

 

My dealer claims that there is not a service bulletin for motor mounts to be replaced on the W-209

 

7500 miles here.

1. the most common problem- noisy wipers
plus a little stupid frequency in idle speed.

2. shocks
Stiffer than V6 models + low profile tires => Normal

3.traction
Whenever I do a full acceleration from 0 mph, the tires lose traction.
Enjoy the power,especially in colder weather.

4.Keyless go
2~3 occurences, when I mix key & keyless start in few moment, the system seems confused.....

5. ticking sound from engine
Common problem, my case turn out to be the noisy pulley whistle


6.black opal exterior
Love my silver.....

7.ash interior


8.my biggest concern- high gas consumption
190 mi for full tank, sounds about right in city driving.

 

I have a clk 320 balck opal ash interior the only problem that i have had is the windshield wipers and they repalced blades and it is perfect now. I knew going in that the black opal color would take a little of care and the interior is light but it will take a little care. At this point I think the car is a great car. I have only owned the car for a month i am real pleased with it. Also I got the ash interior sealed with some king of product threw the dealer which I recomend if you get the ash interior or get the charcoal interior.

 

Thank you guys for your replies.
Hi there shine. Wow, 190 miles with a full tank does sound about right after all, huh?
Anyways, I will post another reply after the visit to the service dept.