2004 to 2005 Model Year difference for CLK 55
01-19-2009, 07:26 AM
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2004 to 2005 Model Year difference for CLK 55
In doing some research and test driving a 2004 and 2005 I thought I would share what I have found are some model year differences if anyone has anything else I would appreciate adding to the list 
Interior
Command APS - new version - with integrated blue tooth - larger screen - DVD based sat navigation (standard in European models) - Still pre-wired for a phone cradle - but the Operating system for the entertainment systems is new in 05. Command APS seems to also include an AV input rather than just audio from 04/03 model.
HVAC changed - controls look cosmetically different, but both of the higher end aircon/heating systems seem to be standard in the european market(dont know about US), both versions have active charcoal filter, dual zone etc.
Premium speaker system changes from Bose (03/04) into Harman/Karmon logic 7, DSP settings change as well.
New warning display for Sunroof open that appears if you have it partially open and remove ignition keys
Center console changes buttons and screens from a rounded style in 03/04 into a more square layout (05/06) - the temperature override feature for the face vents seems to have been deleted.
Outside
Twin exhaust tips on both sides of the car - replaces the left side only of the 03/04 model.
Mild change to the front grill/apron, very hard to see.
Engine and transmission seems to be the same, the 7Gtronic transmission was only used in the CLK500 - the 05 one seems to be the same as the 04 one. However in the 04 model I was unable to manually override the gear on the fly from using the shift button - I could only use the shift buttons when I switched the transmission to manual. In the 05 I was able to instantly override the gear choice. (someone with an 04 please confirm)
Interior
Command APS - new version - with integrated blue tooth - larger screen - DVD based sat navigation (standard in European models) - Still pre-wired for a phone cradle - but the Operating system for the entertainment systems is new in 05. Command APS seems to also include an AV input rather than just audio from 04/03 model.
HVAC changed - controls look cosmetically different, but both of the higher end aircon/heating systems seem to be standard in the european market(dont know about US), both versions have active charcoal filter, dual zone etc.
Premium speaker system changes from Bose (03/04) into Harman/Karmon logic 7, DSP settings change as well.
New warning display for Sunroof open that appears if you have it partially open and remove ignition keys
Center console changes buttons and screens from a rounded style in 03/04 into a more square layout (05/06) - the temperature override feature for the face vents seems to have been deleted.
Outside
Twin exhaust tips on both sides of the car - replaces the left side only of the 03/04 model.
Mild change to the front grill/apron, very hard to see.
Engine and transmission seems to be the same, the 7Gtronic transmission was only used in the CLK500 - the 05 one seems to be the same as the 04 one. However in the 04 model I was unable to manually override the gear on the fly from using the shift button - I could only use the shift buttons when I switched the transmission to manual. In the 05 I was able to instantly override the gear choice. (someone with an 04 please confirm)
Last edited by fredbaum; 01-19-2009 at 07:33 AM.
