Hey guys I am not new to Mercedes I have owned everything from CLS to E55 to my current SLK 230, but the W 209 series is a bit of a mystery to me.

Is there a CLK cabriolet buyers guide?

I have always wanted a W209 Cabrio and almost pulled the trigger on a 205 CLK 55 cab but it needed new brakes and I offered the dealer 11k and he laughed at me.. then he sold it a few months later for 10999 or less, idiot.

My first question: I had airmatic suspension on my CLS and man what a nightmare that was. I can't seem to get the straight story on whether the airmatic suspension was ever offered on the CLK. So I can figure out how to avoid it.

Second. Is it really worth spending the extra money for that 82 horsepower and 60 lb ft torque... of course it is! but is it worth the almost double premium? I can find mid mileage )110-140 k 500s for 6-9k but as soon as I move up to an 07+ 550 the price doubles.

Third: 7 G tronic tranny. Also a nightmare. I understand they started using it in 2005? or 06? My CLS 500 had it and it was... in the shop 3 times in 2 years. I want to avoid that transmission or find out when the issues got sorted.

Fourth. I understand that at some point during 05 they switched from the trusty bullet proof M113 to the not-so trusty M273. I had a few problems with my M273 CLS. Coil pack, plugs, MAF. all replaced under warranty. I have owned 2 M113 engined cars with no problems.

Fifth: is it easy to retrofit an iPhone/pod cable to the stock stereo.

I'm about to pass my SLK off to my son, and I'd like to get a CLK. I'd really like a CLK 63 cabrio but..... are they worth the triple-quadruple the price premium.... if I can even find one. I'd prefer not to have a payment.

There is one in LA I wouldn't dare go see because I'd come home with it.

 

Here are my thoughts:

1. No Airmatic or ABC suspensions on the CLK - just a traditional setup. However, the front control arm bushings are fluid-filled and usually leak at 60K miles/10 years and will need some maintenance.

2. Avoid the M272 (CLK350) or M273 (CLK550) engine prior to MY2008. They may have the "balance shaft" failure. It's not a given that it will happen, but if it does, you're lookng at a $4K+++ repair

3. Avoid the 722.9 transmission prior to MY2008 (if you really want to be safe, prior to MY2009). It was used in the MY2005 CLK500, and in all MY2006+ CLKs.

4. MY2005 and later can have the factory iPod interface installed. It may come with, or if not, you can buy on eBay for $100-$300.

5. Regarding the CLK550 vs CLK500, I'd got for the CLK550. It outperforms the CLK55 AMG (which was NOT supercharged like your E55). The extra HP and torque is worth the price, but around here, it;s not 2x, more like a few thousand per model year, at the most.

 

As the very biased owner of a 2009 CLK 550 convertible, my opinion is that they are indeed worth the price you will pay. Wonderful fun.

You can look for a well taken care of and low mileage car and enjoy the hunt.

 

The 2009 CLK 350 has plenty of power for any sane driver. If you want insane go with the 550, The AMG is totally insane.

 

Let me add that the sport suspension is very firm and if you want a cushy rude you should avoid it.

 

There's no buyers' guide that would tell you what year of transmission or engine to avoid. As for options, etc, the list is pretty short, so a couple hours of research will tell you all of that. But go with 08 or 09 if you want 550 or 350. That's just to avoid the possible balance shaft/gear issue. My '08 is the most reliable car I have ever owned. At nearly 10 years and 72,000 miles it has yet to have its first code or CEL.

 

If you're interested, I'm selling my '09 CLK 350 Cab with 61,000+/- miles. It has most options including Bluetooth, Nav., Sat. radio wind blocker etc. It is silver with light gray interior. Interior is like new with no rust. I bought the car last April here in Fort Myers Fl. It's now sitting at our condo in Naples Fl. Mechanically superb, just had the A service and was checked stem to stern by a local Indie garage. I'll take $15,900 for the car. Currently the car is on the Mercedes Indie's lot for sale. Buy it there and they'll provide a 30 day warranty.

 

If your interested I am looking to sell my 2004 clk500 with 72000 miles . Clean title silver on grey interior .I added a few mods i listed below Roof look almost brand new with no leaks . I have full maintenance record from previous owner . Just did complete brakes 800 miles ago . Oil change and transmission filter and oil changed about 500 miles ago . Added Bilstein B12 Shocks and eibach springs . everything on the car works .Comes with all books , Maintenance record and windblocker Asking $14K . I can send you pictures PM ME .

Carbon front spoiler $400
Carbon fiber rear diffuser $450
Carbon fiber vorssein Spoiler $800
True Dual exhaust with magnaflow muffler and remote control valves $750
Kenwood 893S Navigation stereo $950
Bilstein B12 Shock and Eibach spring $1100

Rockford fosgate P1000x5 5 ch amp $350
Kicker KS Components Upfront and 2 way for the rear . $200 front and $120 Read
Kicker 8" Subwoofer in the trunk . $150 with box.

 

Find a 2009 CLK350 or CLK550. If you want a cab you need to make sure the soft top works correctly because they can be costly to repair.

 

imho an 06 CLK500 with all the options is the way to go.
my coupe has bi-zenons, cooled seats, drivers lumbar support, keyless go, navigation, sports suspension, trunk closer and two tone interior with black ash
a late 09 550 would be great but a similarly loaded example could be double the price of an 06!

 

For the budget buyer, an 04 CLK500 or 05 CLK320 are good choices (solid m112/m113 engine, solid 722.6 5-speed auto), but the interior is the prefacelift though on the 04 500 (05 320 has newer interior). If a 55 is desired, an 05 or 06 is the way to go (for coupe they stopped after 05). The 350/550 I would go with an 08 or 09 (to avoid balance shaft / idle gear failure and early 7-speed issues). I would avoid the 63s as the early models have the lifter and head bolt issues.

The CLK has a steel suspension setup (No Airmatic or ABC). The front does needs attention from time to the time (bushings, control arms, etc.). The CLK is a great all around car. Good performer, timeless looks, and the pillarless design is so unique.