Thinking about buying an 04 CLK500, need your input please..
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Wanting a W209
Thinking about buying an 04 CLK500, need your input please..
Hi everyone! I'm finally in a position to upgrade, and I was thinking about getting a used 2004 CLK500 with 107k kms (I'm Canadian). This would be my first MB if I went through with the purchase. What do you think? Is this a good car for a first time Benz owner, or should I opt for something newer like an 08 C230?
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Great car with a bullet proof & proven drivetrain. Just be aware that it is pre facelift ~ that is the only negative for some. The positive is that it keeps you away from early M272/273 engine problems with timing chain sprocket wear & early 722.9 7 speed transmission valve body & conductor plate issues.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 531
Likes: 17
'08 CL600 with 152k km; '01 E430 4Matic with 433k km; '17 Porsche Cayenne with 130k km
How many km
On the 08 C230? While the W209 is a great car (mother had a CLK500 back in '02), it is wiser to get a newer Merc as your first. In addition, the quality in general has dramatically improved from '07 on.
Banned
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 285
Likes: 2
From: \
/
Welcome! I've got one 'o those... silver w/ ash. I'm third owner, bought from acquaintance, all records. 36,000 miles on it right now, had it for just 1 year.
Had the valve cover (is that 'cam cover' in Canadian?) gaskets replaced recently because of an insidious little drip onto the heat shield, replaced the alternator a month after I got it because the crooked indy said that's where the whining was coming from (it wasn't; normal sound).
I love the style, handling, and smile-factor. It's my toy and daily driver. Haven't modded much (yet), just Brabus 18" Mono VI with Michelin Pilot Super Sports, K&N air filters, resonator delete, face-lifted LED tail lights. Want to change the airboxes and exhaust, maybe a tune, tint the windows, but all in good time. It's really quite fine as bone-stock, but... guys just can't leave things alone (see Kevwood's Mountain of Goodies)
Lots of great reading in this forum, from uber-knowledgable and friendly members. And Glyn M Ruck has just now made me even happier (thanks AGAIN for all your input, Glyn!).
Before this I was driving a 1987 Volvo 740GLE, 4 cyl, 4sp/od (tractor) for 24 years, so the CLK is like driving a go-cart with a big engine.
Buy it!
Had the valve cover (is that 'cam cover' in Canadian?) gaskets replaced recently because of an insidious little drip onto the heat shield, replaced the alternator a month after I got it because the crooked indy said that's where the whining was coming from (it wasn't; normal sound).
I love the style, handling, and smile-factor. It's my toy and daily driver. Haven't modded much (yet), just Brabus 18" Mono VI with Michelin Pilot Super Sports, K&N air filters, resonator delete, face-lifted LED tail lights. Want to change the airboxes and exhaust, maybe a tune, tint the windows, but all in good time. It's really quite fine as bone-stock, but... guys just can't leave things alone (see Kevwood's Mountain of Goodies)
Lots of great reading in this forum, from uber-knowledgable and friendly members. And Glyn M Ruck has just now made me even happier (thanks AGAIN for all your input, Glyn!).
Before this I was driving a 1987 Volvo 740GLE, 4 cyl, 4sp/od (tractor) for 24 years, so the CLK is like driving a go-cart with a big engine.
Buy it!
Trending Topics
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,100
Likes: 4
From: ChiTown
06 Carrera4
CLK500 over a C any day, Looks a ton better in my opinion.
Just make sure to get one with AMG body kit and all service records and as little miles/km on the clock as possible, otherwise you are getting in to older car maintenance and thats not CLK specific but any car, and youll be fine. 04 is not that much trouble at all. Maybe here and there but overall good car. I had one for 2 years, absolutely loved it, only a few small minor issues nothing mechanical.
With all windows down its closest you can get to a convertible while still having good looks of solid top. The car is not too heavy and has good engine. Won't handle like a sports car but not bad for a daily driver.
Between ecu, full exhaust and filters you'll probably be able to add 30hps and as much tourque.
I would recommend going for a 55 amg but if this is your first benz, better to start on cheaper end of ownership to get used to the brand.
Kevwood, I absolutely love what you've done to your CLK.
Just make sure to get one with AMG body kit and all service records and as little miles/km on the clock as possible, otherwise you are getting in to older car maintenance and thats not CLK specific but any car, and youll be fine. 04 is not that much trouble at all. Maybe here and there but overall good car. I had one for 2 years, absolutely loved it, only a few small minor issues nothing mechanical.
With all windows down its closest you can get to a convertible while still having good looks of solid top. The car is not too heavy and has good engine. Won't handle like a sports car but not bad for a daily driver.
Between ecu, full exhaust and filters you'll probably be able to add 30hps and as much tourque.
I would recommend going for a 55 amg but if this is your first benz, better to start on cheaper end of ownership to get used to the brand.
Kevwood, I absolutely love what you've done to your CLK.
Last edited by malahhaor; Jul 10, 2012 at 07:40 AM.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Wanting a W209
Thanks so much for everyone's input. I really appreciate it. I just have to contact a reputable Mercedes dealer in my area now to get a general idea of the maintenance that would be required on the car and an approximate cost of each service.
I'm coming from a 1999 6cyl Honda Accord, so I'm used to the reliability, but in terms of finish and execution, it is lacking. Don't get me wrong, I love this car, especially after the upgrades I did to it (suspension mostly), but I think it's time for me to step into something more refined.
I'll post more when I've made a final decision and sealed the deal. I can't wait
I'm coming from a 1999 6cyl Honda Accord, so I'm used to the reliability, but in terms of finish and execution, it is lacking. Don't get me wrong, I love this car, especially after the upgrades I did to it (suspension mostly), but I think it's time for me to step into something more refined.
I'll post more when I've made a final decision and sealed the deal. I can't wait
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
My recommendation was on the grounds that you did not want to spend enough to buy a 2008/2009 which gets you out of the potential drivetrain problem zone.
That is your prerogative & the 2004 CLK is a fine car.
That is your prerogative & the 2004 CLK is a fine car.
MBworld Guru
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 10,782
Likes: 1,011
NO LONGER ACTIVE
The good news is that the maintenance costs of the CLK are no more than the C (the W209 is based on the W203 platform so many parts are the same or very similar). The bad news is that it will be more expensive to maintain than your Honda. If you use a dealer for the services, expect to pay over $250 for an A service (basically an oil change plus some inspections) or up to $450 for a B service (A service, plus additional inspections and tire rotation, if not using staggered wheels). he good news is that these are easy DIY items and while an oil change will still cost $80+ in parts, you only do it once a year or 12K miles.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,748
Likes: 0
From: A Canadian in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
'05 C200K SS, '05 Kleemann CLK500K, '08 Hummer H3 & '92 Z34 5sp (track car in Canada)
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Aylesbury uk
Clk500
I've just bought a clk500 2005, and all I can say is wow!
It's amazing, having had subarus, Mazda rx8 and ford cosworths this is by far the best I've had. Smooth, fast and quality.
As long as the one you want has service history and you can get a quality warranty to cover it then go for it, I have no regrets.
Cheers
Ian
It's amazing, having had subarus, Mazda rx8 and ford cosworths this is by far the best I've had. Smooth, fast and quality.
As long as the one you want has service history and you can get a quality warranty to cover it then go for it, I have no regrets.
Cheers
Ian
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Wanting a W209
The good news is that the maintenance costs of the CLK are no more than the C (the W209 is based on the W203 platform so many parts are the same or very similar). The bad news is that it will be more expensive to maintain than your Honda. If you use a dealer for the services, expect to pay over $250 for an A service (basically an oil change plus some inspections) or up to $450 for a B service (A service, plus additional inspections and tire rotation, if not using staggered wheels). he good news is that these are easy DIY items and while an oil change will still cost $80+ in parts, you only do it once a year or 12K miles.
So it's looking like I'll be actively searching one out over the winter, and I should have one for sure by March next year. Maybe by then my budget will be cushioned enough to get the CLK that comes with ~380 hp (I think it's the 550?).
In terms of price, I know it varies by location and availability. I was only able to find the one 04 CLK 500 in the autotrader locally. $19k is probably pretty high for this car, isn't it?
EDIT: If I buy it in the middle of winter I'm sure I could negotiate the price down a bit more. If that happens I'll just drive it home, buy a car cover and store it until the summer, haha
MBworld Guru
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 10,782
Likes: 1,011
NO LONGER ACTIVE
If you are going to spring for a CLK550, make sure to check the engine serial number so you don't get one with a bad timing gear (the M273 V8's equivalent to the balance shaft issue on the M272 V6). You can post the VIN here and several of us with access to EPC can check the engine serial number to see if it falls int he affected range. The M113 engine in the CLK500 doesn't have this problem, so no worries there.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
2007 CLK 550
My sister drives a CLK 500 cabrio and those 5 liter V8's have alot of power. Your going to love the car, drives smooth and steady, and packs a lot of power. So you got my vote.
Last edited by robertk2894; Jul 16, 2012 at 05:00 AM. Reason: i put 550 instead of 500 on accident lol.
