Should I buy a 2003 CLK500 for $3300?
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Should I buy a 2003 CLK500 for $3300?
So, I am not new to Mecedes, as I owned a C36 AMG and a 1999 E55 in the past. I haven't owned one in years and wanted to know what I should look out for?
The car is a 2004 CLK500, has 125,000 miles, amg package, Coupe.
I am a mechanic and a DIYer so most repairs won't be too difficult, but with luxury cars, is this a smart buy? I need something reliable since my 2016 WRX lease is up in 2 months, and I'm not ready to go out and lease something long term at the moment.
Also, I know I did some searches and research, but I'd just like an honest opinion from the community if possible, Thank You!
The car is a 2004 CLK500, has 125,000 miles, amg package, Coupe.
I am a mechanic and a DIYer so most repairs won't be too difficult, but with luxury cars, is this a smart buy? I need something reliable since my 2016 WRX lease is up in 2 months, and I'm not ready to go out and lease something long term at the moment.
Also, I know I did some searches and research, but I'd just like an honest opinion from the community if possible, Thank You!
Last edited by soulonfire11; 09-28-2018 at 02:38 PM. Reason: 2004, not 3, sorry!
#2
MBworld Guru
The engine and transmission on that car are usually very reliable. There are really few major worries. The valve cover gaskets can leak but they are easy to replace. The transmission wiring connector can leak, but again, and easy fix. he seat belt presenters and rear window regulators can need some work, but those are not too bad to fix. For that price, I'd buy it!
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soulonfire11 (09-28-2018)
#3
Newbie
Thread Starter
The engine and transmission on that car are usually very reliable. There are really few major worries. The valve cover gaskets can leak but they are easy to replace. The transmission wiring connector can leak, but again, and easy fix. he seat belt presenters and rear window regulators can need some work, but those are not too bad to fix. For that price, I'd buy it!
#4
MBworld Guru
20mpg is not going ot be what you see in city driving. Maybe if you do equal city and freeway. If you are looking for fuel efficiency, don't look at a MBZ car.
#6
Member
I've loved my clk500! And for that price, it would be a fun car to pickup. Mine has been a very reliable car, and if you are a DIY, they arent really all that expensive to maintain. It doesnt have the expensive pneumatic suspension from that era. Its not a vert, so you have less to worry about there. As Rudeney mentioned, the transmission has a few little issues to fix up. Also, is this the year that had the flawed radiator? If so, it leaks after a while. The updated part # I think fixed the issue. You may have to do a Crank Position Sensor or MAF sensor at some point.
OO, haha, if you do a tune up, get ready to pull 16 spark plugs!!
OO, haha, if you do a tune up, get ready to pull 16 spark plugs!!
#7
Newbie
Thread Starter
So i took a good look at the car and the big things were the alignment felt a bit off so it could be a suspension issue, and the front bumper has a crack.
The radiator has been replaced as well. The transmission has been serviced already with records. Probably could use a tune up though so 16 plugs haha.
The radiator has been replaced as well. The transmission has been serviced already with records. Probably could use a tune up though so 16 plugs haha.
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#8
MBworld Guru
It will probably need new front control arms. The torque strut (a.k.a. upper control arm) uses a fluid-filled bushing where it attaches to the frame. After some miles and years, the rubber gets brittle and the fluid leaks out. It can make noise and will really affect the alignment. I suggest using Lemfoerder OEM parts and not cheap Chinese crap. All four will cost around $450 in parts, and it's not a bad DIY job, or probably $500 i labor at an indy shop.
#9
Newbie
Thread Starter
That's not too bad. I might start saving up some cash and redo the struts and shocks while I'm at it. I'm going to try and find a front bumper as well, luckily in California, there are tons of wrecked Mercedes.
#10
Member
If you have some experience wrenching, the control arms are not that bad to do yourself. If you have a jack and some ok tools, its an afternoon job.
The struts require a few specialty tools, as you usually need a spring compressor for new struts/springs. There is a specialty tool for removing the nut at the top of the strut, but it can be accomplished w/o the special tool as well.
The struts require a few specialty tools, as you usually need a spring compressor for new struts/springs. There is a specialty tool for removing the nut at the top of the strut, but it can be accomplished w/o the special tool as well.
#11
Newbie
Thread Starter
If you have some experience wrenching, the control arms are not that bad to do yourself. If you have a jack and some ok tools, its an afternoon job.
The struts require a few specialty tools, as you usually need a spring compressor for new struts/springs. There is a specialty tool for removing the nut at the top of the strut, but it can be accomplished w/o the special tool as well.
The struts require a few specialty tools, as you usually need a spring compressor for new struts/springs. There is a specialty tool for removing the nut at the top of the strut, but it can be accomplished w/o the special tool as well.
#12
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Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Near Toronto, ON Canada
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2005 CLK500 Cabriolet
From a gas mileage perspective, I can report that my CLK500 averaged 20mpg this year on 3100 miles this year. I do drive mostly on secondary roads, but some in town driving and some highway miles there too. Lowest I saw was 16mpg (mostly in town for around 200 miles), and the best I saw was 26mpg (all highway for around 400 miles).
I keep detailed records of all maintenance and spend etc. Helps me track my total cost of ownership, and really helps with resale.
I keep detailed records of all maintenance and spend etc. Helps me track my total cost of ownership, and really helps with resale.
#13
#14
Front Bumper