Planning on buying a 2003 CLK500
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2003 CLK500
Planning on buying a 2003 CLK500
Hello everyone!
This is my first post, hopefully of many. This week I will be looking at a 2003 CLK500 with 34,500 miles. It looks to be in great shape and has a few tasteful mods (spoiler, exhaust, and headlights). He does have all of the records since new but I have not looked at them yet. What should I be looking for? What would be a good price to pay? Does anyone have an extra autocheck or Carfax for a future Benz owner?
Any advice would be much appreciated.
This is my first post, hopefully of many. This week I will be looking at a 2003 CLK500 with 34,500 miles. It looks to be in great shape and has a few tasteful mods (spoiler, exhaust, and headlights). He does have all of the records since new but I have not looked at them yet. What should I be looking for? What would be a good price to pay? Does anyone have an extra autocheck or Carfax for a future Benz owner?
Any advice would be much appreciated.
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That should be a solid car. With proper maintenance, the M113 engine and 722.6 transmission are made for the long haul. Check for oil on the valve/head covers - it's a common problem, but an inexpensive DIY repair.
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
+1^ as a Rudeney says it's a bullet proof combo.
Also check the electrohydraulic bush on the RH front diagonal of the transmission where the TCU harness plugs in for fluid leaks. It's a $10 part that can cause issues & allow fluid to wick up the harness to the TCU that is inside the car under the passenger kick plate.
Also check the electrohydraulic bush on the RH front diagonal of the transmission where the TCU harness plugs in for fluid leaks. It's a $10 part that can cause issues & allow fluid to wick up the harness to the TCU that is inside the car under the passenger kick plate.
MBworld Guru
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Oh yeah - one more thing - the Valeo radiator. It can "mix" coolant and transmission fluid. It must be replaced with the revised Behr model. You can do a visual check:
http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/sh...42&postcount=3
http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/sh...42&postcount=3
Thread Starter
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Joined: Dec 2013
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2003 CLK500
Thank you for the advice. It has had the radiator replaced and transmission fluid flushed. Pending an inspection, I am buying the car for $13,000. It does have an extended power train warranty. He's throwing in some suspension upgrades he didn't install and extra hids all around. I am assuming I will need brakes and tires within the next 10,000 miles, any recommendations?
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OEM brakes are best, but dusty. I recommend avoiding Akebono pads. Porterfield pads are good, but not as good at stopping as OEM. Expect to replace rear tires every 20K miles. I am partial to Michelin, but there are plenty of choices base don your driving needs (i.e. all-weather vs. sport vs. touring).
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