ndabunka

I went from a 1997 BMW 740iL to the 2001 CLK55. Was night and day. Everytime I took the BMW to the shop they wanted anywhere from $1,200 to $2,400 (brakes then A/C) so I dumped it (112K miles) way back in 2003 when I picked up the CLK55. During the time I had it, I never had a SINGLE incident other than normal wear and tear, oil changes and new tires (only got about 20K on the OEM set). In short, some CLK55's are VERY reliable others (like any car) may have been a nightmare. Just make certain to get the prior service records from the dealership BEFORE you buy the car (that's what I did).

neilbo75

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.

Stiggs

You know....like land mines.

SoCalCLK

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.

CPTGRP

What was the parts/labor cost to replace the driver seat motor?

reserved

Sounds like a suspension lasting 79,xxx miles is a big plus to you

Dr. C36

thats weird b/c the W210 E55s are basically bulletproof and they are almost exactly the same car. odd

Z06EATER

if you don't want that car, i'll buy it lol

husk323

The w210 is built on a completely different chassis than the 208/202.

Z06EATER

shouldn't matter in this case, they share the same engines... those 5.5 are bulletproof, and well, the body is good as well

GiZzO

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.

SoCalCLK

Better than one that fails at 8,923 miles.

AMGOODNESS

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.

reserved

Where did that come from???? Did I miss something?????