Hello Everyone,

I am a BMW M3 owner today & am looking to trade up to Mercedes. I am new to this site & am interested in purchasing a CLK 55 or 430. Can some of the experts on here help me answer a few questions that will help me in making my decision? I thank you in advance for your responses. Happy Holidays!

#1. Any known problems with the CLK 55 or CLK 430
#2. What model years should I avoid?
#3. Are there any options for the CLK55 (I went to MBUSA & it doesn't list any major options...is everything standard)
#4. Lastly, when looking at a used model, is there anything specific I should be looking for, or just an overall check will suffice.

Thanks again for your help.

Gus

 

GUS

A couple of points to consider:

1. The CLK55 is fully optioned, with multiple seat inlatable sections, heated seats (I don't need it in S. Florida) Nappa leather, Comand/ GPS/ Audio system...

The AMG55 is the best car for me, since I drove many 2002 BMWs, when one blinked/flashed meeting another BMW several decades ago.

2. Like all mechanical devices, there will be defects to be corrected. For those corrective actions at MB service centers, you have the initial 50,000 mile/ 4 year warranty.

Now, if you intend to keep the AMG beyond the four year period, in order to qualify for the MB Premium 100,000/7yr. extended warranty, the car must be less than 12 months old.

I purchased the extended MB plan within the first year.

 

Gus.
Like Karl k said, the CLK-55 comes complete. The CLK-430 try to buy the one with the K3(power sunroof & rear sunshade) and k4(rain sensor, headlamp washing system, Xenon lights, heated front seats) specially for resale value.
If you are buying used, stick with 2000 and newer models.
Good luck.

 

CLK55's haven't had any major problems I'm aware of.
They came fully optioned.
IMO the W208 CLK55 was a whale of a car and deal compared to the W209 CLK55 given the relative prices.
Resale market is good for them now from the buyer's perspective.
What kind of budget range are you in?
There is a very significant difference in performance profile for the 55 vs the 430.

 

1. there are only few known problems for the whole CLK line up. First it's the window's power sensor causing the one touch window to fault. But you can just hold on to the window switch to close the window. Forgot about the other ones. Nothing major though.

2. for CLK430 go for 2001 and up. same for the CLK55. 2001 has better insulation on noise level. the steering wheel is a little firmer, not as puff as the 2000.

3. Actually for 2000 and 2001 the Command system was optional for CLK55. my friend's 2001 CLK55 has no command. I think the Xenon headlight was an option for 2001 as well.

4. For a used car you should always check the service history and car fax. Make sure the car was not crashed before. Mileage, leather condition, if the previous owner smoke in the car, and lastly but not least, the paint condition.

expect the 2001 CLK55 to be in the mid to low $50k's range.

the CLKs that i have encounter and driven are my sister's 2000 CLK320, friend's 2001 CLK55 AMG, and another friend's 2002 CLK320.

 

btw...i forgot if there was a 2000 CLK55.

 

Thanks for all your replies. One clarification.

So most are saying that everything is standard on the CLK55. How about Command & the Cell phone? Is that standard equipment as well or is that an option.?

Also, any major differences between the 2001 & 2002 model? Locally there is a 2001 at the dealer with 18K miles on it for $55K.

If you could help me out with the above two questions, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks again for all the responses.

Gus

 

COMAND (spelled with 1 M) = standard
Phone = optional (many providers)

 

After doing some research, it looks like the Comand system is an option for the 2001 model year. Can someone confirm this to be true?

 

Yes it was an option in 2001 but you had to wait for delivery.

As a 2001 CLK55 owner, I can tell you the car is a strong performer. Best Mercedes I have owned. No problems with the car.

Where are you located?

I have put mine up for sale as I wait for my new one to arrive.

You can find the details in the classifieds. 53K 36K miles willing to talk a bit if you are serious about buying.

You will see them all over the price spectrum. I have seen 2001 models from 49K with high miles to dealers asking 60K with low. Some dealers seem to think they can still get major dollars for these cars. The reality is that you are in the drivers seat. Don't pay more than 53K for one......

 

I am located in Seattle. I just started my search. I'm still trying to make a decision if I shoud go for the clk55 or 430. I'm leaning towards the 55. I'll check out your ad

Gus

 

Yes for 2001 the comand sys is an option. I've driven my friend's 01 CLK55 without comand.

 

The CLK55 is a world apart from the 430. From the outside the changes are subtle but under the steel is a whole different story.

The power and torque of the 55 is great and the sound sold me the first time I heard it.

The car can be driven daily as a luxury car then turned free when you want to.

If I was looking for a deal, I would look to pay between 51K and 53K for a 2001 with phone and CD Changer. (Mine stickered in 2001 for 69K and change plus tax tag title and luxury tax.) A little more with Command. Of the four friends of mine that have 55's, none have command, so I don't know how many 55's have it in 2001.

Good luck, you will love the car!

 

comparing with the C32 the hp of the W208 CLK55 is not all that, but the TORQUE in that thing is AMAZING. When i drove my friend's car, I was pushed back into the seat like someone is holding me from the back. It sure was FUN. Like riding a rollercoaster

 

If you want to REALLY get the full effect and even scare yourself a bit if driving on the street, take off the ESP and let the CLK55 rip.
Back end can bounce around like a rodeo horse there's so much torque. It's an amazing kick to drive.

 

I recently leased a used 02 CLK55 AMG. The original window sticker shows COMAND as optional equipment that was purchased by the orignal owner, not as standard equipment. Also, my car came with the timeport phone cradle, not the V.60, any one has any ideas why that would be? I thought 2002 cars came with the new phones, not the old timeport.

--
Amir.

 

i thought you can choose between timeport and v60 for that option.

 

Gus,

There were three 'major' options on the W208 CLK55 (not including the designio option)

1. COMAND
2. Phone
3. CD changer

Minor options included a ski sack/pass-through, cargo nets, and other accessories.

Everything else comes standard....and the list is very long:

Xenon headlamps
Rear sunshade
Metallic paint
Sunroof
Nappa leather
Power everything
etc., etc.

The only difference I have found between the 2001 and 2002 CLK55's (those were the only two model-years made for the W208) is that the center caps on the wheels have a chrome star on the '02's.

Hope this helps!

 

Chappy,

Good to see another Atlanta owner. Where are you located? I am in Peachtree City....

 

Crabapple/Cherokee - just a mile North of Roswell.

I don't see many CLK55's running around

 

Either do I. I work Downtown, I know of two others around. Another Black one like mine in Fayetteville and a silver one downtown.


Regards,

Scott

 

I have a 2002 CLK 55 without comand. It was definitely an option.

 

Does CLK 55 AMG using supercharge?

 

No, the W209 CLK55 will only have the upgraded NA engine output around 360 hp and 390 lb ft torque.

 

thats a shame for the clk55 not to have a supercharger....ppl will obvoiusly go for the e55