saskatoonbenz

Hi guys,

I'm on the verge of buying a 2005 CLK 320 or a 2004 CLK 320.
they are both black. 2005 CLK has only 74K km, and 2004 has 115K km.
I'm attaching picture of both.
2004 has some Brabus upgrades, Body Kit, AMG wheels and
Alpine 7" screen sound system with navigation. Built in hands free. and built in ipod dock hidden in the glove box. Parking rear camera.

2005 has the standard options, but $2000 cheaper. I think from what I can tell, it doesn't have the Xenon headlights. Can you guys tell from the pic?

I'd like to hear which one you'd buy and why? any improvements in 2005 model that I should take into consideration?

thanks,

Mka77

No Xenons on the 05.

The 04 has some nice upgrades, but has 40k miles more than the 05 on the clock.

05 is clean with less miles for sure, but are you going to have to spend 2000.00 extra dollars to get it where you want it?

Tough decision to make.

Are service records available for both to compare?

Plan on keeping it for long?

That could factor into your decision as well.

Good luck with it.

saskatoonbenz

thanks Mike,

I think I'm planning to keep it long, that's why I'm leaning towards the 05 lower mileage one. They both have clean carproof (i think CarFax in US) and well maintained.
I don't think I would do any upgrades on the 05 since I like the standard look of CLK (Although Brabus bumper looks nice and wild). The only thing I'm planning to get is a bluetooth adapter for the 05 and an Ipod connection cable, which would only cost around $300-$350.
Alpine unit looks cool, but I think I kinda prefer the original Mercedes unit, although I won't have the Navigation and video capabilities, but I don't think I'd ever watch a video in the car anyways.

saskatoonbenz

oh Btw,
is that your car in the pic?
How do you like it? Did you have any problems/issues with it?

thanks.

silk22

If it was me, i'd opt for the low mileage, and its ready for turning it into whatever you fancy, whereas the other one, although not badly done, is someone else work and tastes.

Up to you though, both seem pretty decent

elijah

I say get the 2005. Less km's and if you plan on keeping it for a while you can modify it the way you want.
The 2004 might already be equipped with a few aftermarket mods however that alpine screen imo is nasty. I like OEM look and that just doesnt look proper.

Mka77

That was my CLK. Recently sold.

The car was amazing, just needed something that was a little more practical with room to tote passenger's a bit more comfortably.

Never had a single problem or issue with it.

Rudeney

This is a tough decision! At first, I was going to suggest the 2005 because of the trim and electrical updates that came with that model year. However, that was also the first year for the 722.9 transmission. The 7-speed is actually better in all aspects (performance, economy, smoothness), except for reliability. Those early models tended to be problematic and MBZ was still saying "sealed for life". Now, they recommend a 39K mile service, plus they have made revisions to make them more reliable. So, if you aren't scared by the potential for transmission trouble, I'd go with the 2005. On the other hand, the 2004 "looks" better with its upgrades and has a more reliable transmission. So, I think it comes down to your gut feel. Good luck!

eddieo45

Sounds like you would choose the 2005, even if they were the same price, as you state you prefer the OEM look and low km, so it would seem a no-brainer. That Brabus kit is very cool looking, but for me, the advantages of the 2004 are the wheels, the lights, and the "CF" interior trim....I assume the 2005 has the walnut. You'd spend $2000 doing wheels and lights if those were important to you, but then you'd have the lower km too.

Rodney's point is a good one, as my 2006 just had $1300 in tranny work at about 62K miles, having had some warranty tranny work at just under 40K. As that car has about 46K, is there any way to check that tranny for issues (that ? directed at my smarter board-brothers)? Can the VIN be checked for the issue? Is this an MB dealer, BTW?

Rodney, do you know when MBUSA switched from "sealed for life" to "service once" to "service every 39K miles"? I'm trying to take a shot at getting them to contribute to my repair cost.....

Mka77

I bet Glyn knows the answer to this.

mis3

The Brabas CLK looks great. IMO, it looks a lot better than the stock CLK.

2005, being the first year of introduction of the 722.9, may not be as reliable as the older transmssion. Also, they now have the 7G-Plus after only a few years.
722.6 is a great and proven transmission. I read that MB is still using 722.6 for some AMG models where high torque is required.

I can be wrong. Someone who puts Brabas upgrades would probably maintain his car better than the average people.

Another consideration is were there any internal (engine, suspension) mods for the 2004-CLK. If so, you have to be a good DIY person or find a knowledgeable indie.

Glyn M Ruck

To my knowledge MBUSA switched from filled for life to service once at 39K miles in 2008 (to remove run-in debris). They have never changed to service every 39K miles officially.

ROW has always been EVERY 39K miles 60K Km's ~ fluid & filter. 722.6 & 722.9

The old 722.6 5 speed is bullet proof if serviced.

I would buy the 2005 if it drives well & immediately service the transmission. Fit redesigned pan & spill tube at the same time & make sure you drain the converter. 236.14 fluid. IF THIS CAR IS FITTED WITH A 722.9 7 speed. I think it is likely fitted with a 722.6 5 speed. I don't think any CLK 320's had 7 speed boxes fitted.

If it has the 5 speed I would just service that immediately. No revised pans & spill tubes to worry about.

I would then install BiX - We launch the Wiki shortly which will show you how.

Then keep $1200 on the side should the transmission ever require a new Siemens/VDO conductor plate - if it's a 7 speed - I don't think it is. Benz have realised that the whole valve body seldom needs replacement. It's usually the conductor plate that fails.

I always worry about modified cars unless you know the history. You never know the competence of those doing the modding.

Good luck

mis3

What is this conductor plate issues?

Glyn M Ruck

It's what gives most of the trouble in the 722.9. The minute you start getting turbine speed sensor codes etc. Limp mode - It's usually the conductor plate.



https://mbworld.org/forums/clk-class...-problems.html

Rudeney

It's not in the service booklets, but dealers are strongly recommending this. Some people may think it's just dealers trying to take more money from customers, but I think it's a good preventative service.

You are correct the 2005 CLK320 had the 722.6. I forgot they only used the 722.9 on the V8's that year.

Glyn M Ruck

Yep! 722.9 only came with move to M272/273 engines.

And Yes Rodney - excellent advice as usual. Please service your transmission EVERY 39K miles if you want long troublefree life.

mis3

I am not aware of any trim and electrical updates on the 2005.
Anything worth upgrading to my 2004 CLK320?

Glyn M Ruck

2005 was facelift year for ROW - new dash, wheels, lighting, skirts & spoilers, MOST ring etc. etc. The W203 was launched late in the US so I don't know what happened with the W209 upgrade.

Rudeney

Updates for MY2005 (on all MBZ models, except the then-current G and ML) included interior trim updates, MOST replacing D2B fiber, and the usual exterior styling cues. But the most important update came in the CAN bus system. Additional communication protocols were added. Many aftermarket and diagnostic equipment designed for pre-2005 vehicles quit working. The easiest way to tell the facelifted W209 and W203 vehicles is that prior to MY2005, the center console switches were rounded, but with the facelift, they are square (2004 on the left, 2005 on the right):

CLK320skr

And looks way better IMO... a lot less '80's.

Mka77

Where's the OP?

I would think after all the info that's been passed on he would be making his decision by now. These cars don't last long if priced right.

jamhen01

Hey when is this Wiki comming out? I REALLY REALLY want to know how to retrofit BiX!!

bheng

i second what eddieo45 said