NEED HELP!!!!
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 567
Likes: 4
From: somewhere in AZ
w215 - CL55 w/stage III
NEED HELP!!!!
Looking to buy a 2003 CLK55 with 100k miles -problem is I pulled a carfax and it shows 8 owners! Technically it has 6 true owners -- car appears solid and no accidents or mileage issues reported to carfax --- have many of you would buy anyways? need advice ASAP - looking to leave in the morning - Thx in advance!
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Seattle
2005 CLK 320
People tend to swap sports cars more often. Given that this is the 55 version, it might be the reason for the number of owners. Eight owners in itself would not put me off. Rather, a lack of service history would deter me. If the car swapped owners within a few months of each other it might indicate damage of some sort.
If you don't feel comfortable walk away, more 55's will become available.
If you don't feel comfortable walk away, more 55's will become available.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 567
Likes: 4
From: somewhere in AZ
w215 - CL55 w/stage III
People tend to swap sports cars more often. Given that this is the 55 version, it might be the reason for the number of owners. Eight owners in itself would not put me off. Rather, a lack of service history would deter me. If the car swapped owners within a few months of each other it might indicate damage of some sort.
If you don't feel comfortable walk away, more 55's will become available.
If you don't feel comfortable walk away, more 55's will become available.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,109
Likes: 112
2008 CLK550 Cab
That many owners at least raises questions, but may mean nothing. Is there some other reason that you are anxious to buy this particular car? Is it much less expensive than a similar car with 2 owners? Have you actually seen and driven it? If not, how do you know it was well cared for? Have you considered getting it inspected?
Newbie
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
CLK 320
I would pass, it is a buyer's market in this economy.
I understand that particular model doesn't come up for sale too often but you want to be a 100% confident when buying a car of that caliber.
There could be nagging problems which may not show up in a carfax report or maintenance records. Plus the car is now 11 years old, so I would prefer one car that has been loved over one that has been passed around.
I understand that particular model doesn't come up for sale too often but you want to be a 100% confident when buying a car of that caliber.
There could be nagging problems which may not show up in a carfax report or maintenance records. Plus the car is now 11 years old, so I would prefer one car that has been loved over one that has been passed around.
Super Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 985
Likes: 16
From: Queens, NY
2009 clk-350 (Black) AMG, 2009 clk-550 (Pewter) AMG
Agree with sliver,
I have a 09 clk550 more hp than the old clk55 plus better gas miles. I believe the 03 55 is a 5 speed at while the clk550 is a 7 speed at. I wanted the clk55 so badly but do not regret the decision one bit. However, I will be looking for a w208 clk55 cab next year. Love the look
I have a 09 clk550 more hp than the old clk55 plus better gas miles. I believe the 03 55 is a 5 speed at while the clk550 is a 7 speed at. I wanted the clk55 so badly but do not regret the decision one bit. However, I will be looking for a w208 clk55 cab next year. Love the look
Trending Topics
MBworld Guru
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 10,782
Likes: 1,011
NO LONGER ACTIVE
Comparing the CLK550 to the CLK55 AMG, the 550 will not have the AMG-tuned "speed shift" transmission, nor its AMG-tuned suspension. The 550's increased torque and HP produce 0.2 - 0.3 second faster 0-60 times Ironically, MBZ published it as the same as the CLK55, but actual testing proved otherwise. I suspect they didn't want to make the MY2006 CLK55 buyers angry when the MY2007 CLK550 came out for $10K less and better performance. And as Omega48er stated, better MPG. If I don't romp on my CLK550, too much, I get 19mpg around town. Even enjoying the trips between red lights, it's never below 16mpg.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
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
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 567
Likes: 4
From: somewhere in AZ
w215 - CL55 w/stage III
Thanks for all the comments - I just picked up a 2003 CLK55 with 48k miles and drove it home yesterday -- although the 07+ CLK550 might have more HP its still NOT an AMG 
-- plus I got it for a WAY lower price than what I could touch a 2007 550 -- about 11-12k less with similar mileage
-- plus I got it for a WAY lower price than what I could touch a 2007 550 -- about 11-12k less with similar mileage
Super Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 985
Likes: 16
From: Queens, NY
2009 clk-350 (Black) AMG, 2009 clk-550 (Pewter) AMG
Thanks for all the comments - I just picked up a 2003 CLK55 with 48k miles and drove it home yesterday -- although the 07+ CLK550 might have more HP its still NOT an AMG -- plus I got it for a WAY lower price than what I could touch a 2007 550 -- about 11-12k less with similar mileage
-- plus I got it for a WAY lower price than what I could touch a 2007 550 -- about 11-12k less with similar mileage
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 567
Likes: 4
From: somewhere in AZ
w215 - CL55 w/stage III
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 567
Likes: 4
From: somewhere in AZ
w215 - CL55 w/stage III
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 567
Likes: 4
From: somewhere in AZ
w215 - CL55 w/stage III
Came with gross halogen headlights! already upgraded mt smoked taillights - next is Bi-Xenons, window tint and front bumper touch up's ... 
