Need buying advice 04 CLK500
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 69
Likes: 8
From: Westchester, New York
2004 SL55 AMG, 2019 Range Rover Sport SVR
Need buying advice 04 CLK500
Hello!
I’m considering buying a 2004 CLK500 with the M113 and 5 speed auto. Going to check out the car this weekend. The owner is a mechanic so I’m not too worried, but I know that the car is in somewhat rough shape. Owner tells me it leaks water in one spot near the window from the convertible top and the cause is bad weather stripping. I also know that the car needs a hood repaint and that the FM antenna doesn’t work. I thought this would be a good fixer upper that I could turn into a weekend toy for the summer. Are there any other common problems that I should look out for specifically? Any problems that are not usually visible but can be (really) expensive? The car has 90k miles on it and the guy is asking $3500.
Thanks!
-Joey
I’m considering buying a 2004 CLK500 with the M113 and 5 speed auto. Going to check out the car this weekend. The owner is a mechanic so I’m not too worried, but I know that the car is in somewhat rough shape. Owner tells me it leaks water in one spot near the window from the convertible top and the cause is bad weather stripping. I also know that the car needs a hood repaint and that the FM antenna doesn’t work. I thought this would be a good fixer upper that I could turn into a weekend toy for the summer. Are there any other common problems that I should look out for specifically? Any problems that are not usually visible but can be (really) expensive? The car has 90k miles on it and the guy is asking $3500.
Thanks!
-Joey
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 784
Likes: 29
From: NYC
2004 CLK 500
Hello . the radio issue isnt a big deal . It can be the antenna . Its in the trunk . The roof seal isnt a huge fix . I would check
1 . Convertible top. Make sure it has no tears or wear marks near the rear window and corner areas. And make sure it goes up and down with no issues . open the trunk and remove the left side panel . Look on the bottom there is the pump check the level . If its low it means there is a leak somewhere .
2. Transmission . get in drive it and see how its shifting . If its smooth your good . Usually the main issue is a conductor plate inside the transmission that goes back . Its not hard to do but it will cost like $250 for the plate . Always buy Original plate not aftermarket .
3. lift up the car and make sure there is no leaks from the engine transmission etc.
4. Check A/C and heat work fine .
1 . Convertible top. Make sure it has no tears or wear marks near the rear window and corner areas. And make sure it goes up and down with no issues . open the trunk and remove the left side panel . Look on the bottom there is the pump check the level . If its low it means there is a leak somewhere .
2. Transmission . get in drive it and see how its shifting . If its smooth your good . Usually the main issue is a conductor plate inside the transmission that goes back . Its not hard to do but it will cost like $250 for the plate . Always buy Original plate not aftermarket .
3. lift up the car and make sure there is no leaks from the engine transmission etc.
4. Check A/C and heat work fine .
