Looking to get into a CLK
05-13-2012, 05:08 AM
#1
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Looking to get into a CLK
Hey some of you may know me from the w203 section. I am currently in the process of selling my C230 sedan and getting a CLK coupe. I had a few questions for you w209 guys before I buy one for myself. First off are there any major issues and things that I should look at for before buying? Also I noticed that the body seems to be different between the 350s and 500 is that right? is there any other differences? Obviously I know that in 05 there was the facelift but I saw the 06s had different headlights, any other differences between the 05s and 06s or any of the higher years? Also how reliable and costly are the w209s?
Thanks in advanced!
Thanks in advanced!
05-13-2012, 12:25 PM
#3
MBworld Guru
The basic body is unchanged through the entire W209 model, but there is an "AMG sport" package that adds more aggressive bumpers and side rocker panels. It came standard on the V8 models, but was optional on the V6. I don't believe the headlights changed, but the Xenon/HID's do use projectors where the halogens use a reflector lens. The tail lights did change in MY2006 from having a "C" shaped clear lens section to a single straight bar clear lens section.
There was a facelift for MY2005, which changed mostly interior switchgear (the same differences you should see between your 2005 C230 and 2002 C230). Also, this facelift changed the fiber optic system from D2B to the more modern MOST protocol. There were also changes to the vehicle's CAN bus system that are transparent to the driver.
The CLK320 and CLK500 models are mostly bulletproof from a drivetrain standpoint, but I'd avoid the 7Gtronic transmission in earlier models (I think it started with the MY2005 CLK500, but the MY2005 CLK320 still used the 5-speed). In MY2006, the CLK350 was introduced and it came with the 7Gtronic. I'd definitely avoid that one as the early M272 engines are prone to premature timing gear wear (search for "balance shaft"). MY2007 introduced the CLK550 (5.5l V8 M273 engine) and I'd avoid that, too, as it had similar timing gear issues. Note that if you do find a car you like, post the VIN and we can lookup the engine serial number to tell you if it falls within the bad timing gear range.
Basically, if I were you, I'd look for a CLK320 (any year, but MY2005 probably being the best), a CLK500 up through MY2004, or a CLK350 or CLK550 that was MY2008 or later, although you may find a MY2007 without the timing gear issue. Otherwise, the CW209 CLK is based on the W203 C, so you'll be in familiar territory.
There was a facelift for MY2005, which changed mostly interior switchgear (the same differences you should see between your 2005 C230 and 2002 C230). Also, this facelift changed the fiber optic system from D2B to the more modern MOST protocol. There were also changes to the vehicle's CAN bus system that are transparent to the driver.
The CLK320 and CLK500 models are mostly bulletproof from a drivetrain standpoint, but I'd avoid the 7Gtronic transmission in earlier models (I think it started with the MY2005 CLK500, but the MY2005 CLK320 still used the 5-speed). In MY2006, the CLK350 was introduced and it came with the 7Gtronic. I'd definitely avoid that one as the early M272 engines are prone to premature timing gear wear (search for "balance shaft"). MY2007 introduced the CLK550 (5.5l V8 M273 engine) and I'd avoid that, too, as it had similar timing gear issues. Note that if you do find a car you like, post the VIN and we can lookup the engine serial number to tell you if it falls within the bad timing gear range.
Basically, if I were you, I'd look for a CLK320 (any year, but MY2005 probably being the best), a CLK500 up through MY2004, or a CLK350 or CLK550 that was MY2008 or later, although you may find a MY2007 without the timing gear issue. Otherwise, the CW209 CLK is based on the W203 C, so you'll be in familiar territory.
05-13-2012, 05:29 PM
#4
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
My bad I ment to originally say tail lights not headlights. Thanks for all your help! I will forsure go for the 5-speed ones. Leaning towards a 500 because of the nicer body and the V8 would be a pretty nice step up from my little 4 cylinder. One quick question, what do you mean buy "MY2008 or MY2005" what does the "MY" mean?
05-13-2012, 07:06 PM
#6
Super Moderator
P - It's based on a modified W203 platform so much of what you know applies here.
Trending Topics
05-13-2012, 10:56 PM
#9
MBworld Guru
05-14-2012, 01:06 AM
#10
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Makes sense, my bad thanks!
06-13-2012, 08:12 PM
#11
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2008 550 clk with AMG package
2008 clk 550 problems by Vin # ?
Hi everyone, New Member here. I just purchased a used 2008 clk 550 cabrolet with the AMG package it has 49,000 miles on it. Was always serviced and maintained by MB Dealers. I understand there may be some issues with the 7 speed trans and also with the timing chain sprockets on these models ? Can anyone look up my Vin # and see if I'm in the affected zone?
My Vin # is WDBTK72F78F237660. I did purchase an extended warranty that is supposed to be basically bumper to bumper. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
My Vin # is WDBTK72F78F237660. I did purchase an extended warranty that is supposed to be basically bumper to bumper. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
06-13-2012, 11:54 PM
#12
MBworld Guru
VIN WDBTK72F78F237660 has M273 engine serial number 170547, which is well beyond the affected range (up to 88611) for timing gear issues. The transmission needs fluid and filter changes every 39K miles. If yours hasn't been serviced, get it done ASAP. Just to give you an idea of why, check out the color of new fluid vs. my CLK550 after 29K miles:
06-14-2012, 04:03 AM
#13
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2008 550 clk with AMG package
Thanks, That makes me feel better. And I just had the trans serviced by a MB Dealer and the Tech said the old fluid didn't look too bad and no unusual stuff in the pan. They put in the same type of fluid as my trans wasn't one of the one's that gets the updated fluid. 
06-14-2012, 04:07 AM
#14
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
VIN WDBTK72F78F237660 has M273 engine serial number 170547, which is well beyond the affected range (up to 88611) for timing gear issues. The transmission needs fluid and filter changes every 39K miles. If yours hasn't been serviced, get it done ASAP. Just to give you an idea of why, check out the color of new fluid vs. my CLK550 after 29K miles:
06-14-2012, 04:25 AM
#15
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: A Canadian in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Posts: 4,748
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
'05 C200K SS, '05 Kleemann CLK500K, '08 Hummer H3 & '92 Z34 5sp (track car in Canada)
Pink & brown, reminds me of spring break college weekends...
06-14-2012, 10:11 AM
#16
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: San Diego North County
Posts: 672
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2015 E400 CAB, 2010 Jeep Compass, 2009 E350 Sedan
06-14-2012, 12:38 PM
#17
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: A Canadian in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Posts: 4,748
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
'05 C200K SS, '05 Kleemann CLK500K, '08 Hummer H3 & '92 Z34 5sp (track car in Canada)
06-14-2012, 05:08 PM
#18
Pey - just went to RAB this morning (oil change & new battery!) and they have a nice black CLK500 - 2005 I think about 45k miles - they're asking 18K for it. I guess it is too old to be CPO'd...but looks like a nice car, fwiw.
06-14-2012, 08:17 PM
#19
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Great find! thanks for the info!
http://www.rabmotors.com/used/2005/m...tj75j55f127687
found the car. It looks like a pretty good deal, I am really tempted. I just need to sell my sedan first. I think I am going to start parting out the mods I have on it as soon as I got my coupe back from the shop. Then I will sell the sedan and get the CLK
. I doubt this car will still be for sale buy then though 
06-14-2012, 09:15 PM
#20
Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: From NYC now in Hong Kong
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Shopping for: CLK500or CLK55 or SL55 or SL500 or C43
The basic body is unchanged through the entire W209 model, but there is an "AMG sport" package that adds more aggressive bumpers and side rocker panels. It came standard on the V8 models, but was optional on the V6. I don't believe the headlights changed, but the Xenon/HID's do use projectors where the halogens use a reflector lens. The tail lights did change in MY2006 from having a "C" shaped clear lens section to a single straight bar clear lens section.
There was a facelift for MY2005, which changed mostly interior switchgear (the same differences you should see between your 2005 C230 and 2002 C230). Also, this facelift changed the fiber optic system from D2B to the more modern MOST protocol. There were also changes to the vehicle's CAN bus system that are transparent to the driver.
The CLK320 and CLK500 models are mostly bulletproof from a drivetrain standpoint, but I'd avoid the 7Gtronic transmission in earlier models (I think it started with the MY2005 CLK500, but the MY2005 CLK320 still used the 5-speed). In MY2006, the CLK350 was introduced and it came with the 7Gtronic. I'd definitely avoid that one as the early M272 engines are prone to premature timing gear wear (search for "balance shaft"). MY2007 introduced the CLK550 (5.5l V8 M273 engine) and I'd avoid that, too, as it had similar timing gear issues. Note that if you do find a car you like, post the VIN and we can lookup the engine serial number to tell you if it falls within the bad timing gear range.
Basically, if I were you, I'd look for a CLK320 (any year, but MY2005 probably being the best), a CLK500 up through MY2004, or a CLK350 or CLK550 that was MY2008 or later, although you may find a MY2007 without the timing gear issue. Otherwise, the CW209 CLK is based on the W203 C, so you'll be in familiar territory.
There was a facelift for MY2005, which changed mostly interior switchgear (the same differences you should see between your 2005 C230 and 2002 C230). Also, this facelift changed the fiber optic system from D2B to the more modern MOST protocol. There were also changes to the vehicle's CAN bus system that are transparent to the driver.
The CLK320 and CLK500 models are mostly bulletproof from a drivetrain standpoint, but I'd avoid the 7Gtronic transmission in earlier models (I think it started with the MY2005 CLK500, but the MY2005 CLK320 still used the 5-speed). In MY2006, the CLK350 was introduced and it came with the 7Gtronic. I'd definitely avoid that one as the early M272 engines are prone to premature timing gear wear (search for "balance shaft"). MY2007 introduced the CLK550 (5.5l V8 M273 engine) and I'd avoid that, too, as it had similar timing gear issues. Note that if you do find a car you like, post the VIN and we can lookup the engine serial number to tell you if it falls within the bad timing gear range.
Basically, if I were you, I'd look for a CLK320 (any year, but MY2005 probably being the best), a CLK500 up through MY2004, or a CLK350 or CLK550 that was MY2008 or later, although you may find a MY2007 without the timing gear issue. Otherwise, the CW209 CLK is based on the W203 C, so you'll be in familiar territory.
this is a wonderful post! thank you for this information. I'm looking for late '02-04 CLK500. They actually had '02 CLK500's here in Hong Kong. From your info. it looks pretty rock solid these cars!
06-14-2012, 11:41 PM
#21
MBworld Guru
Thanks, That makes me feel better. And I just had the trans serviced by a MB Dealer and the Tech said the old fluid didn't look too bad and no unusual stuff in the pan. They put in the same type of fluid as my trans wasn't one of the one's that gets the updated fluid.
06-14-2012, 11:43 PM
#22
MBworld Guru
EPC (Electronic Parts Catalog). You put in the VIN, then select 'complete engine" and it give you the part and serial number. I have EPC installed on my laptop with SDS and it's good through MY2011. You can also access it online for free through MBUSA.com (I think they do require a credit card to verify identity, but no charges).
06-14-2012, 11:45 PM
#23
MBworld Guru
06-15-2012, 12:18 AM
#24
Senior Member
Hey man, The CLK is a great series! From my research the CLK models were one of the most depreciated models of any benz. That being said they are fairly inexpensive to get.
For instance I got my 05 CLK55 AMG for $25,000 out the door at a Dealership! it had low miles and a perfect maintenance record. I'd stay with 2005 or later, the CLK550 is a nice choice if you cannot find a 55. Just be patient and search the web. you can find a good deal.
For instance I got my 05 CLK55 AMG for $25,000 out the door at a Dealership! it had low miles and a perfect maintenance record. I'd stay with 2005 or later, the CLK550 is a nice choice if you cannot find a 55. Just be patient and search the web. you can find a good deal.
06-15-2012, 12:28 AM
#25
@Wasted - that is a great looking car. I agree with you on the depreciation/value of these cars - I think the coming bargains (as CPO/used cars) will be in the new C coupe and also the E coupe...
