General W209 reliability question
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 37
Likes: 2
2002 CLK 55 AMG, 2001 ML430
General W209 reliability question
Cheers all,
Having been a MB fan for over 45 years,
(63 190D, 76 240D, 83 300SD) I finally bought my dream car, a 08 350CLK. 92k miles. After owning the car for a very short while (200 mi). Check engine light comes on. My mechanic says its code P0016, P0017, and P2006. He told me that he doesn't have the tools to fix the problem, and I should replace the engine. I have found 08-09 engines for $2,000.00 and another $2000.00 to remove and replace the engine.
Then the right rear window cable broke and to replace the whole mechanism is $500.00 for the new part and at least another $500.00 for labor.
So the total needed for the car to be right again is another $5000.00.
I absolutely love the power, looks, and handling of the car but............
So my question is, Is there a W209 model/year that is pretty much bulletproof?
Would I be better off with a V8? CLK 430/500/550? AMG? SLK? SL?
I have read through the camshaft sticky and it is kinda overwhelming.
I very much value your thoughts and insights.
Thanks in advance.
Having been a MB fan for over 45 years,
(63 190D, 76 240D, 83 300SD) I finally bought my dream car, a 08 350CLK. 92k miles. After owning the car for a very short while (200 mi). Check engine light comes on. My mechanic says its code P0016, P0017, and P2006. He told me that he doesn't have the tools to fix the problem, and I should replace the engine. I have found 08-09 engines for $2,000.00 and another $2000.00 to remove and replace the engine.
Then the right rear window cable broke and to replace the whole mechanism is $500.00 for the new part and at least another $500.00 for labor.
So the total needed for the car to be right again is another $5000.00.
I absolutely love the power, looks, and handling of the car but............
So my question is, Is there a W209 model/year that is pretty much bulletproof?
Would I be better off with a V8? CLK 430/500/550? AMG? SLK? SL?
I have read through the camshaft sticky and it is kinda overwhelming.
I very much value your thoughts and insights.
Thanks in advance.
Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 119
Likes: 10
2002 C200 Kompressor Elegance MY03
Cheers all,
Having been a MB fan for over 45 years,
(63 190D, 76 240D, 83 300SD) I finally bought my dream car, a 08 350CLK. 92k miles. After owning the car for a very short while (200 mi). Check engine light comes on. My mechanic says its code P0016, P0017, and P2006. He told me that he doesn't have the tools to fix the problem, and I should replace the engine. I have found 08-09 engines for $2,000.00 and another $2000.00 to remove and replace the engine.
Then the right rear window cable broke and to replace the whole mechanism is $500.00 for the new part and at least another $500.00 for labor.
So the total needed for the car to be right again is another $5000.00.
I absolutely love the power, looks, and handling of the car but............
So my question is, Is there a W209 model/year that is pretty much bulletproof?
Would I be better off with a V8? CLK 430/500/550? AMG? SLK? SL?
I have read through the camshaft sticky and it is kinda overwhelming.
I very much value your thoughts and insights.
Thanks in advance.
Having been a MB fan for over 45 years,
(63 190D, 76 240D, 83 300SD) I finally bought my dream car, a 08 350CLK. 92k miles. After owning the car for a very short while (200 mi). Check engine light comes on. My mechanic says its code P0016, P0017, and P2006. He told me that he doesn't have the tools to fix the problem, and I should replace the engine. I have found 08-09 engines for $2,000.00 and another $2000.00 to remove and replace the engine.
Then the right rear window cable broke and to replace the whole mechanism is $500.00 for the new part and at least another $500.00 for labor.
So the total needed for the car to be right again is another $5000.00.
I absolutely love the power, looks, and handling of the car but............
So my question is, Is there a W209 model/year that is pretty much bulletproof?
Would I be better off with a V8? CLK 430/500/550? AMG? SLK? SL?
I have read through the camshaft sticky and it is kinda overwhelming.
I very much value your thoughts and insights.
Thanks in advance.
All cars have problems. If you don't want problems your only option is to buy new or very low km's and dump it after a few years. The euros are definitely not as cheap to run as the Japanese but a good mechanic is worth his weight in gold.
It also sounds like you got ripped of for the rear window, I haven't taken it apart myself but there isn't much back there that needs replacing.
If your unlucky you got the worn balance shaft sprocket. I would check with MB if will good will anything as it's quite a known issue, after that get quotes from a couple of mechanics, it should cost nowhere near $5000 to repair. I would estimate $2000-$4000 depending on the mechanic.
There are years where the issue is apparently rectified but either way if your set on a CLK you might as well get it repaired as there are no guarantees it wont happen later on. Some of the V8's (can't remember which ones also have a similar issue)
Last edited by aleks001; Sep 25, 2017 at 06:03 AM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 37
Likes: 2
2002 CLK 55 AMG, 2001 ML430
Thanks Aleks
Where I live, my mechanic is the best ind MB mechanic.
I did find a rear window mechanism (org MB ) for $385.00 but I do not have the tools to replace. There is a kit you can get to replace the cable and drum. You need to take out the back seat, and R rear panel and then adjust the new mechanism. Labor hours.
I guess I will take it to the stealership and pay them $150.00 to tell me exactly what the problem is with the CEL.
I did find a rear window mechanism (org MB ) for $385.00 but I do not have the tools to replace. There is a kit you can get to replace the cable and drum. You need to take out the back seat, and R rear panel and then adjust the new mechanism. Labor hours.
I guess I will take it to the stealership and pay them $150.00 to tell me exactly what the problem is with the CEL.
Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 119
Likes: 10
2002 C200 Kompressor Elegance MY03
Where I live, my mechanic is the best ind MB mechanic.
I did find a rear window mechanism (org MB ) for $385.00 but I do not have the tools to replace. There is a kit you can get to replace the cable and drum. You need to take out the back seat, and R rear panel and then adjust the new mechanism. Labor hours.
I guess I will take it to the stealership and pay them $150.00 to tell me exactly what the problem is with the CEL.
I did find a rear window mechanism (org MB ) for $385.00 but I do not have the tools to replace. There is a kit you can get to replace the cable and drum. You need to take out the back seat, and R rear panel and then adjust the new mechanism. Labor hours.
I guess I will take it to the stealership and pay them $150.00 to tell me exactly what the problem is with the CEL.
I would take it to mercedes personally or better yet if there is another indy in your area. From what I've read (very quickly) online these are not the codes for the camshaft issue. This could just be the sensor. Apparently the bad codes you want to look out for are P1200 and P1208
Also have a google for the engine numbers that are affected and check to see if your falls out of the range (it's all over the internet) If it does I would think its most likely not the balanceshaft:
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...se-help-2.html
Last edited by aleks001; Sep 25, 2017 at 06:30 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,109
Likes: 112
2008 CLK550 Cab
The balance shaft issue affects a known range of engines. Post your VIN and somebody can tell if your engine is in the range. If your mechanic said he could not fix the problem, then he must know what the problem is. So what did he say it was? 2008s are supposed to be outside the balance shaft problem.
As for your window, window regulators are a failure point on many cars. Yeah, it can be labor intensive to replace. Basically, any decade-old luxury car is a gamble if you cannot do most of the work yourself.
As for your window, window regulators are a failure point on many cars. Yeah, it can be labor intensive to replace. Basically, any decade-old luxury car is a gamble if you cannot do most of the work yourself.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 37
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2002 CLK 55 AMG, 2001 ML430
The Vin is
WDBTK56F08T089528
WDBTK56F08T089528
Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 119
Likes: 10
2002 C200 Kompressor Elegance MY03
The Vin is
WDBTK56F08T089528
WDBTK56F08T089528
Mercedes-Benz with the improved parts have engine serial numbers that are higher than:
M272 Engine Serial No. 2729..30 468993
M273 Engine Serial No. 2739..30 088611
ANd yours is: 272960 30 675246
So technically you should have the improved part that has the issue fixed. Although owning a couple of european cars in my life I tend to find that they don't really ever fix these sorts of issues as it's usually a design fault from the beginning. This is such a sad issue and it's even worse that Mercedes has left it's customer with massive bills because they didn't design and build and engine properly.
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NO LONGER ACTIVE
It is possible to experience timing chain and sprocket problems even if the engine is not in the range for potential balance shaft failure. Mechanical parts can and do fail. P0017 and P0016 are generic OBDII codes which each can be one of four different MBZ DTCs. Unfortunately, none of them are any better than "balance shaft" failure. My advice is to get a diagnosis with a tool that reads MBZ-specific codes. SDS (Star Diagnosis) is best, iCarsoft is another one that will work.
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2017
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2002 CLK 55 AMG, 2001 ML430
Thanks Rudney
I will take and get the SDS done and find out exactly what the problem is.
Back to my original question:
What V8 models/years are considered to be the most reliable?
CLK 430, 500, 550?
Are the AMG engines pretty bulletproof?
Back to my original question:
What V8 models/years are considered to be the most reliable?
CLK 430, 500, 550?
Are the AMG engines pretty bulletproof?
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 62
Likes: 10
From: Central Michigan
(2) 2004 Mercedes Benz CLK500, (2) 2005 ML500, SL500
I can vouch for the 113. engine in my wife's 04 CLK500, normal maintenance, she has 307,000 miles. It is so reliable, could take a trip cross country without any concern. As with any car I have owned
it has design flaws, I have made the engineers ears ring many times.
it has design flaws, I have made the engineers ears ring many times.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,364
Likes: 149
2012 C300 4MATIC Sport
Assuming you are in the USA...
Here's the model breakdown. Note that the new model for the next year was being built early in the
previous calendar year, so a MY2003 started production in March/April of calendar year 2002:
MY2003 - W209 Coupe introduced (cabriolet was still W208): CLK320 (3.2L M112 V6 engine, 722.6 5-
speed transmission), CLK500 (5.0L V8 engine, 722.6), CLK55 AMG (5.5L AMG V8 M113 engine, 722.6)
MY2004 - W209 Coupe and Cabriolet: CLK320 (3.2L M112, 722.6), CLK500 (5.0L V8, 722.6), CLK55
AMG (5.5L AMG V8 M113, 722.6)
MY2005 - W209 Coupe and Cabriolet, the "facelift" was introduced with some interior switchgear
changes and new CAN bus protocols: CLK320 (3.2L M112, 722.6), CLK500 (5.0L V8, new 722.9 7-
speed transmission), CLK55 AMG (5.5L AMG V8 M113, 722.6)
MY2006 - W209 Coupe and Cabriolet: CLK350 introduced (3.5L M272 V6 engine, 722.9), CLK500
(5.0L V8, 722.9), CLK55 AMG (5.5L AMG V8 M113, 722.6)
MY2007 - W209 Coupe and Cabriolet: CLK350 (3.5L M272 V6, 722.9), CLK550 introduced (5.5L M273
V8 engine, 722.9), CLK63 AMG introduced (6.2L AMG V8 M156 engine, 722.9).
MY2008 and MY2009 continued with the same engines/ transmissions as MY2007.
So, you want to avoid the MY2006 M272/M273 engines and half the MY2007's (checked by VIN) as
they can experience timing hcain idler sprocket (a.k.a. balance shaft) failure. You want to avoid any
722.9 transmission prior to MY2008 (actually, MY2009 would be best to have for it). Finally, the
AMG M156 engines had horrible issues with head bolts and valve lifter until halfway through the
MY2010 build, so avoid the CLK63.
Here's the model breakdown. Note that the new model for the next year was being built early in the
previous calendar year, so a MY2003 started production in March/April of calendar year 2002:
MY2003 - W209 Coupe introduced (cabriolet was still W208): CLK320 (3.2L M112 V6 engine, 722.6 5-
speed transmission), CLK500 (5.0L V8 engine, 722.6), CLK55 AMG (5.5L AMG V8 M113 engine, 722.6)
MY2004 - W209 Coupe and Cabriolet: CLK320 (3.2L M112, 722.6), CLK500 (5.0L V8, 722.6), CLK55
AMG (5.5L AMG V8 M113, 722.6)
MY2005 - W209 Coupe and Cabriolet, the "facelift" was introduced with some interior switchgear
changes and new CAN bus protocols: CLK320 (3.2L M112, 722.6), CLK500 (5.0L V8, new 722.9 7-
speed transmission), CLK55 AMG (5.5L AMG V8 M113, 722.6)
MY2006 - W209 Coupe and Cabriolet: CLK350 introduced (3.5L M272 V6 engine, 722.9), CLK500
(5.0L V8, 722.9), CLK55 AMG (5.5L AMG V8 M113, 722.6)
MY2007 - W209 Coupe and Cabriolet: CLK350 (3.5L M272 V6, 722.9), CLK550 introduced (5.5L M273
V8 engine, 722.9), CLK63 AMG introduced (6.2L AMG V8 M156 engine, 722.9).
MY2008 and MY2009 continued with the same engines/ transmissions as MY2007.
So, you want to avoid the MY2006 M272/M273 engines and half the MY2007's (checked by VIN) as
they can experience timing hcain idler sprocket (a.k.a. balance shaft) failure. You want to avoid any
722.9 transmission prior to MY2008 (actually, MY2009 would be best to have for it). Finally, the
AMG M156 engines had horrible issues with head bolts and valve lifter until halfway through the
MY2010 build, so avoid the CLK63.
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Posts: 10,782
Likes: 1,011
NO LONGER ACTIVE
Thanks for that, Xsever! 
The only engine not mentioned there is the 4.3l V8 as for the CLK430, because it was not used int he W209 - only the first-gen CLK W208.
While we're talking about MBZ's engines...they use modular blocks that can easily be reconfigured for different cylidner counts and displacements. The M113 V8 is pretty much the same block as the M112 V6 with to extra cylinders. Same goes for the M272 and M273. In fact, the M272/M273 engines are pretty much the same as the
M112/M113 engines with a different head to an extra valve per cylinder (4 vs. 3) and independently variable exhaust and intake camshaft timing (The M112/M113 camshaft timing is variable but each bank's intake and exhaust are tied together).
There are variations in displacement obtained by adjusting the crankshaft journal height. For example, the 4.3l "xx430" engine is the same as the 5.0l with "xx500" shorter strokes. This is similar with the M112 V6 - 2.6l (xx240) , 3.2l (xx320), and even a 3.7l version used in the early W163 mdoel ML350. The M272 was sold as a 2.5l (xx230), 3.0l (xx280, xx300) and 3.5l (xx350). Even the M273 has a few versions - 4.7l (xx450) and 5.5l (xx550).
Notice that the badge number does not always indicate displacement. There seems to be no rhyme or reason for that, and now it's totally out of control as I don't think any badge number on the current models corresponds to displacement.
The only engine not mentioned there is the 4.3l V8 as for the CLK430, because it was not used int he W209 - only the first-gen CLK W208.
While we're talking about MBZ's engines...they use modular blocks that can easily be reconfigured for different cylidner counts and displacements. The M113 V8 is pretty much the same block as the M112 V6 with to extra cylinders. Same goes for the M272 and M273. In fact, the M272/M273 engines are pretty much the same as the
M112/M113 engines with a different head to an extra valve per cylinder (4 vs. 3) and independently variable exhaust and intake camshaft timing (The M112/M113 camshaft timing is variable but each bank's intake and exhaust are tied together).
There are variations in displacement obtained by adjusting the crankshaft journal height. For example, the 4.3l "xx430" engine is the same as the 5.0l with "xx500" shorter strokes. This is similar with the M112 V6 - 2.6l (xx240) , 3.2l (xx320), and even a 3.7l version used in the early W163 mdoel ML350. The M272 was sold as a 2.5l (xx230), 3.0l (xx280, xx300) and 3.5l (xx350). Even the M273 has a few versions - 4.7l (xx450) and 5.5l (xx550).
Notice that the badge number does not always indicate displacement. There seems to be no rhyme or reason for that, and now it's totally out of control as I don't think any badge number on the current models corresponds to displacement.
Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 111
Likes: 7
From: Dallas, TX
2006 CLK350 Cabriolet (A209)
Cheers all,
Having been a MB fan for over 45 years,
(63 190D, 76 240D, 83 300SD) I finally bought my dream car, a 08 350CLK. 92k miles. After owning the car for a very short while (200 mi). Check engine light comes on. My mechanic says its code P0016, P0017, and P2006. He told me that he doesn't have the tools to fix the problem, and I should replace the engine. I have found 08-09 engines for $2,000.00 and another $2000.00 to remove and replace the engine.
Then the right rear window cable broke and to replace the whole mechanism is $500.00 for the new part and at least another $500.00 for labor.
So the total needed for the car to be right again is another $5000.00.
I absolutely love the power, looks, and handling of the car but............
So my question is, Is there a W209 model/year that is pretty much bulletproof?
Would I be better off with a V8? CLK 430/500/550? AMG? SLK? SL?
I have read through the camshaft sticky and it is kinda overwhelming.
I very much value your thoughts and insights.
Thanks in advance.
Having been a MB fan for over 45 years,
(63 190D, 76 240D, 83 300SD) I finally bought my dream car, a 08 350CLK. 92k miles. After owning the car for a very short while (200 mi). Check engine light comes on. My mechanic says its code P0016, P0017, and P2006. He told me that he doesn't have the tools to fix the problem, and I should replace the engine. I have found 08-09 engines for $2,000.00 and another $2000.00 to remove and replace the engine.
Then the right rear window cable broke and to replace the whole mechanism is $500.00 for the new part and at least another $500.00 for labor.
So the total needed for the car to be right again is another $5000.00.
I absolutely love the power, looks, and handling of the car but............
So my question is, Is there a W209 model/year that is pretty much bulletproof?
Would I be better off with a V8? CLK 430/500/550? AMG? SLK? SL?
I have read through the camshaft sticky and it is kinda overwhelming.
I very much value your thoughts and insights.
Thanks in advance.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,109
Likes: 112
2008 CLK550 Cab
You should not be worried. A 2008 CLK 550 really has no major "known" issues. It is outside the balance shaft/sprocket problem, and the tranny issues had been ironed out by then. Can it have problems? Sure, any car can. But if finding one story on a forum of a car with a major problem scares you off, then there is no car on earth you can buy. Put another way, if you lined up every MB model in the last 15 years and ranked them by overall reliability, a late model CLK would be near the top. Will it cost money if you can't do anything yourself? Somewhat, yes. But that's true of any complex car. But by modern standards it's not complex. In the 550, MB shoved its latest engine and tranny into a decade-old platform.
Last edited by Yidney; Oct 17, 2017 at 10:05 AM.
MBworld Guru
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 10,782
Likes: 1,011
NO LONGER ACTIVE
MY2008/2009 CLK's are going to be as good as it gets with the W209 chassis. Like Yidney said, the earlier engine and transmission issued had been resolved by then. Really, all you have to worry about are the "typical" MBZ complexities.
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
2008 clk 350
Vin Check 08 CLK 350
According to the VIN check:
Mercedes-Benz with the improved parts have engine serial numbers that are higher than:
M272 Engine Serial No. 2729..30 468993
M273 Engine Serial No. 2739..30 088611
ANd yours is: 272960 30 675246
So technically you should have the improved part that has the issue fixed. Although owning a couple of european cars in my life I tend to find that they don't really ever fix these sorts of issues as it's usually a design fault from the beginning. This is such a sad issue and it's even worse that Mercedes has left it's customer with massive bills because they didn't design and build and engine properly.
Mercedes-Benz with the improved parts have engine serial numbers that are higher than:
M272 Engine Serial No. 2729..30 468993
M273 Engine Serial No. 2739..30 088611
ANd yours is: 272960 30 675246
So technically you should have the improved part that has the issue fixed. Although owning a couple of european cars in my life I tend to find that they don't really ever fix these sorts of issues as it's usually a design fault from the beginning. This is such a sad issue and it's even worse that Mercedes has left it's customer with massive bills because they didn't design and build and engine properly.
Hello everyone,
This is my first time posting here. I am interested in buying a 2008 CLK convertible and would like to know more about the VIN. Can anyone be so kind a run it for me?
WDBTK56F78T093141
The car has 65k miles on it and I’m very interested.
thank you in advance
