jspbtown

Thanks guys. Will look into that lube for the top.

So...since the cap is a maybe then any ideas how to tell if the tranny was serviced? No access to records. And since there is no dipstick I really can't sample it. Well....maybe I can...do you think a small piece of cotton (or paper towel) attached to my little metal flexible pick up tool (you know...has a little claw on the end that opens to grab the stuff you drop into the engine bay) might work to reach down and at least take a look at the fluid? If its real pink then assume it might be good? Or just bite the bullet and get it changed?

Rudeney

If in doubt, just do the service. If you DIY, your're going to need to buy a dipstick anyhow. Check Amazon or eBay - they are readily available for $20 or less. I'd do the pan-drop and filter change, which will need 4-5 quarts of fluid:

http://benzbits.com/722_6/FluidFilterChange.pdf

Then, follow with a flush:

http://benzbits.com/722_6/TransmissionFlush.pdf

You'll need a bout 15 quarts of fluid for all of this. Try getting Shell ATF-134 - you can often get it through a local oil distributor. Find a full-service Shell or Texaco station and ask the manager (not the kid at the convenience store counter!) about ordering it.

thrilos81

Congratulations on the CLK. I have had an 05 CLK320 coupe for the past 7 years and its been an awesome car. Valve cover gaskets, CPS, a dead alarm causing a battery drain and that's about it really, other than routine maintenance. Transmission and engine have been reliable. Drove several long trips in it no problem. Whoever drives it will definitely enjoy it!!!

jspbtown

Well I dug into the CLK a little bit since it has been stored. I attached a battery tender to it for its long nap. Ordered all new filters, a serpentine belt, inspected the brakes, and so on.


Front brakes look good. Backs look a little worn. I will probably just replace all 4 since I want the car perfect when I give it as a gift in May.


Filters looked pretty clean but I will replace air filters, outside cabin, and inside cabin filters. Serpentine belt looked OK but it is 10 years old so off it comes. Still haven't decided on the tranny although I will probably change the fluid & filter. New oil will come in May.


One question.....I am considering adding a rear spoiler. I found one from a 2006 CLK500. Its the same color. Any idea if it will fit?

Yidney

The spoiler should fit. They all use the same trunk. One thing you might add to your list is a brake fluid flush. Supposed to be every two years, but hardly anybody ever does. Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time. Two other things I might do - since you have the belt off anyway, consider replacing the idler pulley. And maybe new spark plugs. They are low on miles, but high on age. And cheap.

jspbtown

Cool...the spoiler is already white (I assume that 2005 & 2006 white is the same???) and not that unreasonable so I might go for it.


I will flush out the brake fluid when I change the pads/rotors. Thanks for the suggestion.


I will inspect the idler pulley. Good suggestion. I will also check the plugs.


One other thing I did find was slight oil "leaks" from those breather covers. It was only a dirty/oily build-up right around the covers. Nothing below or anywhere else that would suggest the valve covers. Took them off, gave them and the area around them a good cleaning, used some grey RTV and put them back with stainless crews (small ones).

Yidney

Not totally sure about the same white. Google the paint codes for the different years and see if it is the same.

Yidney

And if you want to confirm the spoiler fit, look on ebay for an '06 350 - ebay has better pictures than AutoTrader etc - because a 350 will not have a spoiler, and you can confirm the shoulder of the trunk is the same shape as yours.