chuck5330

I just joined and hoping to get your opinion. I would love to buy a 2009 either a clk350 or clk550. Don't know enough about them as far as problems go. Is one better than the other? I know the differences between the 6 cylinder and the 8 but are there things to avoid when looking for one?

Thank you all for your honest answers. Have a great day!

Yidney

Zero differences in terms of reliability. The 550 has a different engine, same trans, and different bumpers, rocker panels, a trunk spoiler, and usually more options, but not always. 2008 or 09 are the years to get. If you are considering a 350, don't drive a 550 or you won't buy the 350.

tw2

Do you like lots of torque, going fast and buying petrol? Or not so much of these things?

Rudeney

For MY2008/2009, the CLK350 the EPA estimates for US MPG is 17/25. The CLK350 is 15/22. (Note that the only difference between coupe and cabriolet is the CLK550 cabriolet drops to 21mpg highway).

I never get as low at 15mpg in my CLK550 cabriolet unless I am either sitting in horrible traffic, averaging 10mph, or if I really try to kill the economy by staying on the accelerator. I usually get around 18mpg on average in my mixed driving. And I've gotten over 25mpg on the highway. Based on 12K miles per year and averaging the EPA city/highway rating, you're looking at using about 75 more gallons of gasoline per year in the CLK550. That's less than $300 per year at today's prices for premium fuel.

Airmousam

Whats better about the 08/09 vs the 07?

mguerrero

+1

mguerrero

are you paying cash? if so, for that kinda money I'd consider an older W209 CLK55 -- I bought a MY2003 CLK55 AMG with 48k miles for a lot less than that MY2009 CLK350

Rudeney

The MY2007 may have an engine that falls int he "balance shaft" problem range. That problem had been resolved by MY2009. Also, the later models have more reliable transmissions. The 722.9 has had problems with pump and speed sensor failures that seem to get less frequent in later models. I would go for the latest model you can afford.

gaazmon

08/09 550 come with 18 inch AMG wheels and lowered, sport suspension.. 09 comes with iPod standard.

Yidney

I was just referring to the balance shaft/gear issue. Although I also think that there has been some reference to later 722.9s having some refinements. And I personally would rather have the 18-inch wheels.

chuck5330

I thought about going older as well, but a few things are keeping me from that thought. First, dual cup holders didn't become standard until 2006, second, no satellite radio in those older models, and lastly, I'm going to most likely finance and 10 years is the max most banks and c/unions will go back.

I heard something about a "balance issue" in some engines but not sure when the problems got fixed. I hoped to go with a 2009 (would love even never but surely cannot afford the E series just yet in the event the problem would be worked out by then.

Yidney

You are safe in 2009 on the balance shaft/gear issues. Mostly safe in 2008, but if you post the VIN of any 08 here Rodney will look it up and tell you.

Rudeney

Actually, MY2008 is safe. Once I though we had found a MY2008 with an engine in the affected range, but it turns out it was not - it was a defect in the Russian EPC site where it returned the wrong engine number.

Yidney

My info is just based on reading the original class action complaint, which said some model year '08 550s were affected. If you can't rely on lawyers for reliable information about cars, who can you trust?

chuck5330

amen to that!

Rudeney

And yes, the crappy job the lawyers did was a contributing factor to the class action suit being dismissed.

Airmousam

Good info on the diff on the later years, did not know that! Thx. Also my 2007 550 did not fall into the balance shaft issue range, thanks to check by Rodney ;-)