Looking for advice on buy first CLK
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Newbie
Joined: Apr 2017
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CLK500
Looking for advice on buy first CLK
I am new to this for him I am interested in buying a CLK convertible. We found a 2006 CLK500 with 100k on it for 10k? Beautiful automobile! what type of things should we look for on it? mechanical wise that is!
Last edited by Ruth Martin; Apr 20, 2017 at 02:23 AM.
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Joined: Dec 2009
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NO LONGER ACTIVE
Hi Ruthg, welcome to MBWORLD!
MY2008 or MY2009 would be the best bet. Others will be prone to transmission issues and possible balance shaft failure. There is a reason why these car can be bought for a fraction of their original sales price: they will cost more to maintain, especially as they age.
MY2008 or MY2009 would be the best bet. Others will be prone to transmission issues and possible balance shaft failure. There is a reason why these car can be bought for a fraction of their original sales price: they will cost more to maintain, especially as they age.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,364
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2012 C300 4MATIC Sport
This is the summary you need to know which CLK to buy:
https://mbworld.org/forums/clk-class...ml#post6934323
https://mbworld.org/forums/clk-class...ml#post6934323
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 488
Likes: 37
From: Albuquerque, NM
2014 e350
Ive owned several 2005 clks. 320 and 500. Wonderful cars.
I would highly recommend, if you can find one that was well cared for.
Never had a transmission issue, lots of keyless go issues. Some maintenance required, but, minimal depreciation.
Ymmv
I would highly recommend, if you can find one that was well cared for.
Never had a transmission issue, lots of keyless go issues. Some maintenance required, but, minimal depreciation.
Ymmv
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Super Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 986
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From: Kingsville Ontario (South of Detroit)
2003 S500 4Matic (SOLD) + 2004 S55 (SOLD) 2005 CLK 500 Cabriolet 2008 S 450
I agree, the W 209 is a fine auto. I just bought my 3rd CLK, 1 208 and 2 209's. The 209 early transmissions were, as previously stated, potentially problematic. By '08 and '09 these problems were pretty well solved. My big surprise was the 350 versus the 500. The 350 seems to have about the same performance as the 500 and better gas mileage to boot. The 350 is a welcome surprise.
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Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 268
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From: near Birmingham, AL
2014 E350 Sedan; 2025 GLB 250
Price seems in the ball park. I would ask for proof of maintenance and if they cannot produce it I would use that to negotiate a better price. Also, have it inspected (PPI) by someone familiar with MB.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 53
Likes: 6
From: New York
2007 clk550, 2006 clk500 (sold)
MY 2007 CLK 550 has been bullet proof for me
Other posters have suggested avoiding MY 2007 CLK 550s due to balance shaft & 7 spd tranny issues. I would agree but since MY 2007 are now 10+ years old, YMMV with those issues. If you can get a better deal on 2007, I personally would not hesitate to buy MY 2007. I purchased MY 2007 in 3/2008 with 18k miles under CPO so I had peace of mind with 4 years of bumper to bumper Merc warranty at purchase time (+ 2 years Merc extended warranty). Since then I have had these issues w/ 2007:
1- AC freon leak - fixed under warranty
2- leaking cam covers (very common issue on Mercs) - $30 DIY fix
3- Soft top open/close switch error (fixed using duct tape thx to Rudeney)
So after 10+ years my 2007 has not had any balance shaft issues nor transmission issues, nor other major repair issues.
Good luck w/ your purchase
1- AC freon leak - fixed under warranty
2- leaking cam covers (very common issue on Mercs) - $30 DIY fix
3- Soft top open/close switch error (fixed using duct tape thx to Rudeney)
So after 10+ years my 2007 has not had any balance shaft issues nor transmission issues, nor other major repair issues.
Good luck w/ your purchase
Last edited by 0zranvest; May 5, 2017 at 11:16 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,085
Likes: 59
From: Los Angeles
2009 SL550 Roadster Diamond White, 2008 CLK550 Coupe Obsidian Black
Depending on what you want to spend:
2004 CLK500 (Solid v8 engine and 5-speed transmission but older interior)
2005 CLK320 (Solid v6 engine and 5-speed transmission with updated interior)
2008-2009 CLK350, CLK550 (Updated engines, transmission, exterior, and interior)
These model and year combinations are the best way to avoid: glycol contamination transmission issues, early 7-speed valve body issues, early m272 m273 balance shaft and idle gear issues.
2004 CLK500 (Solid v8 engine and 5-speed transmission but older interior)
2005 CLK320 (Solid v6 engine and 5-speed transmission with updated interior)
2008-2009 CLK350, CLK550 (Updated engines, transmission, exterior, and interior)
These model and year combinations are the best way to avoid: glycol contamination transmission issues, early 7-speed valve body issues, early m272 m273 balance shaft and idle gear issues.
