Super unreliable CLK55. I am not happy.
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Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Charlotte, NC
No longer car shopping...
Threads like these are very sobering for me. I have been thinking about purchasing a 03 CLK55. Coming from a 2001 740i, it has got me thinking. My current car is not reliable by any means and its warranty is up, so now I get stuck dealing with the (seemingly) endless problems. if i even decide to go through with this, a very good warranty is a must. and the car has to have very low miles. I hope that will help my cause, but I doubt it.
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Joined: Mar 2006
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From: living in Paris, France and San Diego ...
2002 CLK 55 AMG Coupé
Amen. It you don't know the service history, it's a pure roll of the dice. Other adages apply to the CLK like any other car: test drrive the car thoroughly. Avoid models that rattle and ones built early in the production run.
I've been lucky so far with mine - zero problems since the warranty expired in February. That's not much of a track record, but it is heartening to know that engine problems are rare on these cars. It's usually niggly things like the power seat motors.
I've been lucky so far with mine - zero problems since the warranty expired in February. That's not much of a track record, but it is heartening to know that engine problems are rare on these cars. It's usually niggly things like the power seat motors.
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From: Southern California
2017 W205 C43 AMG
Special thanks to Chappy for the link to this thread.
Let me chime in here.
2002 CLK430 - Bought new from dealer. Light problems, primarily electrical and engine mounts.
-Replaced HVAC controls at 5,000 miles
-Replaced Engine mounts at 28,000 miles
-Replaced Catalytic Converter (1) at 33,000 miles
-Fixed driver's side seat motor at 38,000 miles
-Replaced Catalytic Converter (1) at 70,000 miles
-Fixed slight leak from transmission.
There are many other small fixes, but I don't feel like going through all my dealer receipts. I've only had it serviced at the dealer, and that helps to build a relationship. Overall the CLK430 was a reliable car, never had any problems in terms of engine performance and transmission and suspension performance. Sold the CLK430 with 79,xxx miles and the suspension was as strong as the day I bought it. The '04 W209 CLK55 AMG has been stellar so far as well.
Let me chime in here.
2002 CLK430 - Bought new from dealer. Light problems, primarily electrical and engine mounts.
-Replaced HVAC controls at 5,000 miles
-Replaced Engine mounts at 28,000 miles
-Replaced Catalytic Converter (1) at 33,000 miles
-Fixed driver's side seat motor at 38,000 miles
-Replaced Catalytic Converter (1) at 70,000 miles
-Fixed slight leak from transmission.
There are many other small fixes, but I don't feel like going through all my dealer receipts. I've only had it serviced at the dealer, and that helps to build a relationship. Overall the CLK430 was a reliable car, never had any problems in terms of engine performance and transmission and suspension performance. Sold the CLK430 with 79,xxx miles and the suspension was as strong as the day I bought it. The '04 W209 CLK55 AMG has been stellar so far as well.
Last edited by SoCalCLK; Aug 6, 2008 at 12:40 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 328
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From: virginia beach
clk 500 (wifey's); 350Z roadster (daily driver); 350Z coupe (track car)
Overall the CLK430 was a reliable car, never had any problems in terms of engine performance and transmission and suspension performance. Sold the CLK430 with 79,xxx miles and the suspension was as strong as the day I bought it. The '04 W209 CLK55 AMG has been stellar so far as well.
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 484
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From: orange county, CA
Tesla Roadster Sport
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Joined: Apr 2008
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From: West Los Angeles, CA
CLK55 / E350 Coupe
My W201 was my most reliable benz ever! 230k miles, 20 years old, no problems and still with me. i hope my W208 does well i don't expect it to match the W201 as that was an era where benzs were over engineered. Would be nice if its close!
The beautiful sounding 5.5 sure makes up for the little stupid things like "Engine Oil Sensor" warning that just came up. Ahhhh the sounds so nice, maybe when i get bored of it i'll learn how to turn on the radio.
The beautiful sounding 5.5 sure makes up for the little stupid things like "Engine Oil Sensor" warning that just came up. Ahhhh the sounds so nice, maybe when i get bored of it i'll learn how to turn on the radio.
Last edited by GiZzO; Aug 11, 2008 at 05:05 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 613
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From: Sparks, NV
03 CLK 55 AMG, IMCO muffler/Magnaflow tips, KW V1 coilovers, 19" Petrol Metrix Wheels
i love that it is acceptable for a Ferrari, Porsche, or Lamborghini to fall apart when they cost 3-5 times more. our cars deliver over 350hp on 5.5 liters. they are built rock solid. guys you are going to have the occassional problem. it is a high performance, modern car. there is no such thing as a bullet proof high performance car.
i bought mine a year ago and i have had an issue here and there but you deal with it and move on it simply comes with the territory. not trying to sound like a jerk but if you can not afford to fix it you probably should not have bought it.
i bought mine a year ago and i have had an issue here and there but you deal with it and move on it simply comes with the territory. not trying to sound like a jerk but if you can not afford to fix it you probably should not have bought it.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 328
Likes: 0
From: virginia beach
clk 500 (wifey's); 350Z roadster (daily driver); 350Z coupe (track car)
