First Benz purchase ?? Info needed plz.
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Joined: Nov 2008
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'03 CLK55 AMG
First Benz purchase ?? Info needed plz.
Hello to all. I'm obviously new to the forum, and I need a little advice. I've found an '03 CLK55 AMG for sale. 81k miles, clean car fax, no evidence of accidents for $20k.
I'd like to know what I can expect from this model: items or systems that seem to fail at predictable intervals i.e. fuel pumps, brake system components other than the obvious pads and rotors; common items or system problems over all such as keyless ignition problems, sensors, displays, etc., fuel mileage?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I'd like to know what I can expect from this model: items or systems that seem to fail at predictable intervals i.e. fuel pumps, brake system components other than the obvious pads and rotors; common items or system problems over all such as keyless ignition problems, sensors, displays, etc., fuel mileage?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,784
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From: SCV SoCal
2002 CLK430
If you can't do it yourself, I highly recommend you take the car to a Mercedes-Benz dealer and pay them to inspect the car. The drivetrain is bulletproof, but a six year old car does have normal wear items.
The normal wear stuff to watch for at this stage will include:
The normal wear stuff to watch for at this stage will include:
- Power seat motors
- Both motor mounts
- Trans mount
- Brake light switch
- Possibly the differential side seals
- Flex dics
- Possibly the catalytic converters
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'03 CLK55 AMG
I've read elsewhere about Valeo radiators in the 209.376 chasis being prone to leaking coolant into the trans cooler secton of the radiator and destroying the friction material in the trans., basically ruining it.
Has anyone had this problem? How can you tell if this has happened to a particular vehicle? Is there trans fluid present in the coolant or vice-versa? Has anyone just simply installed an auxilary trans cooler and by-passed the in-radiator cooler? How much is a relacement trans for these cars?
I know, I know, alot of questions, but I'd like to make sure about this vehicle. The more I look at pictures of it, the more I fall in love with the styling.
Has anyone had this problem? How can you tell if this has happened to a particular vehicle? Is there trans fluid present in the coolant or vice-versa? Has anyone just simply installed an auxilary trans cooler and by-passed the in-radiator cooler? How much is a relacement trans for these cars?
I know, I know, alot of questions, but I'd like to make sure about this vehicle. The more I look at pictures of it, the more I fall in love with the styling.
Last edited by lsenus; Nov 30, 2008 at 04:42 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 286
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From: Chicago, IL.
2006 E55 AMG, 2019 BMW M240I xdrive coupe, 1969 Mach 1 Mustang
If you can, try to get an aftermarket ext warranty. I got a 3 year on my 208 CLK55. Haven't used it yet but I'm sure I will at some point. 81 K isn't super high mileage wise but might be a challenge to get a warranty - that is if you want one.
Good luck, you will love the car!!
Good luck, you will love the car!!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 3,443
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From: Desert
02 CLK 55 AMG,09 C63 loaded with P30
I guess its too late now. Mine still has 43k miles. I just checked the air filter looks dirty. Still debating if I should go with the OEM or K&N filter. Also the valve gaskets were slightly leaking. Since I tightened the screws no more drip!
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'03 CLK55 AMG
I'm going tomorrow to look at the car again with a friend of mine who is a mechanic. We'll definatly check which radiator is in the car and verify there no leaks of anti-freeze into the trans cooler section of the radiator. If all's well, then put down a deposit and pick it up after I get back from an out of town trip.
