rlddlr53

Hey there,

I am going to look at a 2003 clk500 tomorrow, and possibly purchase it.

Any problem areas or things to inspect or look for? common wear items?

besides looking at paint, body, oil gunk buildup in cap, rotors, pads?

Carfax/autocheck is clean, 98k miles. Car is under warranty.

any advice is helpful, as I am only familiar with c32 amg's and their common problems

Mka77

Check and see if the idler gears have been replaced.

mrtremere

Pay for a pre-purchase inspection. I spent $140 for the peace of mind that I got a good car. Make sure you have extra cash if a part falls off, maintenance is $$$. I bought a CLK500 4 days and LOVE it.

The whole 14MPG might get old. I thought the radio was crap, but the EQ was messed up and now it sounds great.

mrtremere

Oh and have $190 for a rear spoiler, I hear all the cool kids have one.

malahhaor

Best thing you can do is to look for standard things that you mentioned but taking for inspectiowill save many headaches later. Make sure trans oil has also been taken care of and does not look for pitch black. Waiting till 100k is not the best thing. Listen for knocks in suspension when going over bumps at low speeds. And make sure all electronics work. Check every button.

kostas86

valve cover gasket, maf sensor, power steering pump, alternator, and radiator are common things to look at.

dragon_27

yeah definitely get everything thoroughly checked out. my 03 clk has had problems such as transmission leak, engine mount, thrust arm, seatbelt, a/c, sway bar, and now the heater system and catalyc converter...

lowpost

If the transmission has not already been replaced, If it were me I would get an extended warranty if possible. I'm told that the 03 transmission which was used on the w208 had some issues (mine went out at 30) and was redesigned for 04. So it will go out at some point.

Fai+H777

Lol, I bought my 03 last week (with warranty) 85kms (not miles). When I took it for a test drive I told the guy the transmission was a bit jerky, wasn't sure if it had just been sitting for a while.

Signed the papers with the premise of them getting that looked at for me, and it turned out they had to replace the electrics in the transmission and have it re-coded at a cost of NZ$3500. I pick it up on Friday.

lowpost

/\ Nice. Although I understand the native problem with the 03 transmission are the bearings.

rlddlr53

Guy backed out and said car was not available. Now I need to find another clk!!

kostas86

I am sure you'll find another.

mrtremere

Keep an eye on craigslist. Make sure you get a mechanic to check it out ahead of time.