2004 CLK55 slushy around town
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2004 CLK55 AMG
2004 CLK55 slushy around town
I sold my '02 CLK55 to upgrade to an 04...what a difference in handling. I have noticed around town that I really need to keep it in manual mode or a 3gear as it's very slushy and hesitates before accelerating....any ideas? I am new to this car, so maybe this is normal or I am not doing something correctly...appreciate any input! Thanks.
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Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Manassas, VA
10 Cayenne GTS, 07 Porsche 911 Turbo
I recently purchased an 04 and noticed that it too seemed sluggish compared to another 04 that I recently drove. Because I believe in K&N filters I ordered a pair (the CLK55 requires two). When they arrived I removed the engine covers (very easy) and discovered that both OEM air filters were almost completely clogged with leaves, dirt and other debris. In other words, the OEM filters had not been replaced since new over four years ago and the engine was not getting any air! With the K&N's installed, several fill-ups with 93 octane gas and two doses of fuel injector cleaner the car began to come to life. I also think the computer adjusted the engine to run lean because of the poor air/fuel combination which also contributed to my problem. Anyway, the car now acts like an AMG and my sluggishness has completely disappeared. My solution may not fix your problem but it's worth a shot and not very expensive. BTW, after this fix my gas milage improved, go figure. Good luck.
Last edited by LOVEMYBS; Apr 21, 2008 at 07:40 PM.
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 917
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From: Manassas, VA
10 Cayenne GTS, 07 Porsche 911 Turbo
I use AutoAnything.com which from past and present experience seems to have the best prices and free shipping. I believe the CLK's use 2 K&N 2381's but check with them to be sure. Total is about $80-85 if I recall. You'll need a torx head to remove the air filter housings. Also try a bottle of fuel injector cleaner ($6-7) with your next fill-up. You can buy it at any parts store. your local MB dealer also sells some good cleaner. My only recommendation is stay away from the off brands. Also ask the parts guy/s which brand they recommend.
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Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Hotlanta
AMG
I sold my '02 CLK55 to upgrade to an 04...what a difference in handling. I have noticed around town that I really need to keep it in manual mode or a 3gear as it's very slushy and hesitates before accelerating....any ideas? I am new to this car, so maybe this is normal or I am not doing something correctly...appreciate any input! Thanks.
Would you mind elaborating a little more? You're one of the few on here who was had both the W208/55 and W209/55.
What did you like? Dislike?
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Los Angeles, CA
07' IS 350, 08' E550
Sluggish Ride, Help me out!!!
I just bought my 04 CLK 55 AMG and experienced the same thing with the sluggish, hesitant acceleration issue. I'm sure the stock filters haven't been changed since 2004 and I am so eagered to replace them with 2 K&N air filters. However, I can't take off the top engine cover. The engine covers consist of 2 pieces, the front easily snaps up and out with no problem. The second piece is a different story and appears to be bolted down with 2 screws for each filter. (I guess these are the Torx screws) Here's a picture of the engine. Could someone please give some feedback on how you were able to remove this cover? What kind of tools did you use and is it really as easy as some say it is?
https://mbworld.org/forums/clk55-amg-clk63-amg-w208-w209/239664-02-clk-55-amg-air-filter.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/clk55-amg-clk63-amg-w208-w209/239664-02-clk-55-amg-air-filter.html
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Super Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 917
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From: Manassas, VA
10 Cayenne GTS, 07 Porsche 911 Turbo
Funny, my front cover snaps on/off and my rear does also. Both filters are contained in the rear cover. Now my 05 E55 (very early production) has four torx bolts on either side which are a pain but, all you have to do is loosen them, you don't have to take them out of their socket (if I recall). I used a standard socket wrench with an extension and the right size torx bit. It took few minutes more but the result was the same. My CLK55 is a very late year production and MB may have made some changes in the covers by then.
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Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Los Angeles, CA
07' IS 350, 08' E550
Funny, my front cover snaps on/off and my rear does also. Both filters are contained in the rear cover. Now my 05 E55 (very early production) has four torx bolts on either side which are a pain but, all you have to do is loosen them, you don't have to take them out of their socket (if I recall). I used a standard socket wrench with an extension and the right size torx bit. It took few minutes more but the result was the same. My CLK55 is a very late year production and MB may have made some changes in the covers by then.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: NYC
CLK 55
oh yeah, i recently had some green filters put on the car...definitely seems like it runs cooler and a lil smoother thru shifts/acceleration thus making it easier to "drive spiritedly" ha...dont know the diff. in K&N's and greens, but these seem to be workin out fine...
Last edited by DBLNICKL; Apr 27, 2008 at 10:05 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 405
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From: Los Angeles, CA
07' IS 350, 08' E550
Dam man i still can't seem to get to these screws to remove the cover...i'm gone end up breaking this ish in a minute. Any suggestions anyone? DBL how were you able to remove the covers off the engine to replace your filters? Or did you just take it to a Benz shop?
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From: NYC
CLK 55
i dont touch anything when it comes to this car bro, lol...my fam. has been using the same mechanic for over 20 years...i take it to him, although i think my cover is one piece...i'll give him a call in the morning and inquire about how to get it off etc...
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Los Angeles, CA
07' IS 350, 08' E550
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 405
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From: Los Angeles, CA
07' IS 350, 08' E550
HERE'S HOW TO GET TO THE AIR FILTERS!!!!!
I finally found out how to get to those pesty air filters. Below is a link that demonstrates step by step instructions!! Please thank M-benz for this awesome link. Thank you to everyone that responded to the new kid on the block. 
http://euroteckmotorsports.com/index...5928&pageid=84
http://euroteckmotorsports.com/index...5928&pageid=84
Thread Starter
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2004 CLK55 AMG
Sure. The '04 is might tigher and responsive when steering. There is less oversteer on my '04. Now, the ride seems a bit harsher on the '04, too....But, for example, I can take a tight freeway onramp going 80 or more in the '04 without any problems....couldnt do that in in W208!
Are you considering getting a W209?
Are you considering getting a W209?
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2004 CLK55 AMG
$3,000 cat converter!
OK, got some bad news today and the reason why the car is so "slushy" and unresponsive. The verdict: Damage cat converter!! Now, for the worst news: Cost for an AMG Cat: $3,000!! I almost fell over...now I dont know what to do. Any you dudes know where I can a good aftermarket one or a good deal on an factory original? Thanks much!
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Los Angeles, CA
07' IS 350, 08' E550
OK, got some bad news today and the reason why the car is so "slushy" and unresponsive. The verdict: Damage cat converter!! Now, for the worst news: Cost for an AMG Cat: $3,000!! I almost fell over...now I dont know what to do. Any you dudes know where I can a good aftermarket one or a good deal on an factory original? Thanks much!
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Joined: Feb 2004
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From: City with Tall buildings!
C43/55,2k11 Volvo S60 T6AWD,2k Audi B5 S4,95 Eagle Talon Tsi AWD 500+awhp
OK, got some bad news today and the reason why the car is so "slushy" and unresponsive. The verdict: Damage cat converter!! Now, for the worst news: Cost for an AMG Cat: $3,000!! I almost fell over...now I dont know what to do. Any you dudes know where I can a good aftermarket one or a good deal on an factory original? Thanks much!
If not I can tell you about some excellent replacements.
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From: Southern California
2017 W205 C43 AMG
OEM Cats carry a warranty up to 70,000 miles. I know this because when 1 of my cats failed on my '02 CLK430 with 66,000 miles, the dealer replaced it for free under the warranty.
It's the only part that exceeds the standard 4-year 50,000 mile warranty. At least, this is what they told me.
It's the only part that exceeds the standard 4-year 50,000 mile warranty. At least, this is what they told me.
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2004 CLK55 AMG
yeah, the cats are under warranty until 80K, but the dealer said since mine were scratched up, they wouldnt cover em. Even though the cats are WAY UP almost inside the engine compartment..what kinda crap is that??
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,475
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From: City with Tall buildings!
C43/55,2k11 Volvo S60 T6AWD,2k Audi B5 S4,95 Eagle Talon Tsi AWD 500+awhp
By the way you could eliminate those cats and move the O2 sensors like many have. Just keep the secondary cats. You will pass emissions and should not pull a CEL. I would speak to VRP.
I figured you needed to replace the secondary cats. I know about getting replacements for those.
