New CLK55 Owner w/ Questions
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
2003 CLK55 AMG
New CLK55 Owner w/ Questions
Well... I just picked up my first MB a couple of weeks a go and I am still on cloud 9 when I drive the car. I was able to get what I think is a pretty solid deal on a 2003 CLK55 AMG with only 20K miles on the car.
Here is a picture that I took this weekend.
The beauty of the purchase was that it came from my neighbor who always "babied" the car and made sure it had the attention it deserved.
Now I have a few questions...
1) What is the best option to allow MP3 playback or Sirius in the vehicle? I was thinking about upgrading the stereo to another MB unit, but that doesn't seem very reasonable from a cost perspective. Has anyone used the inline antenna adapter that Sirius makes for their radios?
Link: http://www.amazon.com/Sirius-Wired-R...5858264&sr=8-1
2) I have read a couple of places as well as spoken to the dealership regarding oil change intervals and from what I have gathered; it is only every 10K / year? Is that correct?
3) What else should I look for maintenance wise with the vehicle? It seems very solid and is in great shape.
Looking forward to all the fun...
Here is a picture that I took this weekend.
The beauty of the purchase was that it came from my neighbor who always "babied" the car and made sure it had the attention it deserved.
Now I have a few questions...
1) What is the best option to allow MP3 playback or Sirius in the vehicle? I was thinking about upgrading the stereo to another MB unit, but that doesn't seem very reasonable from a cost perspective. Has anyone used the inline antenna adapter that Sirius makes for their radios?
Link: http://www.amazon.com/Sirius-Wired-R...5858264&sr=8-1
2) I have read a couple of places as well as spoken to the dealership regarding oil change intervals and from what I have gathered; it is only every 10K / year? Is that correct?
3) What else should I look for maintenance wise with the vehicle? It seems very solid and is in great shape.
Looking forward to all the fun...
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 405
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
07' IS 350, 08' E550
Well... I just picked up my first MB a couple of weeks a go and I am still on cloud 9 when I drive the car. I was able to get what I think is a pretty solid deal on a 2003 CLK55 AMG with only 20K miles on the car.
Here is a picture that I took this weekend.
The beauty of the purchase was that it came from my neighbor who always "babied" the car and made sure it had the attention it deserved.
Now I have a few questions...
1) What is the best option to allow MP3 playback or Sirius in the vehicle? I was thinking about upgrading the stereo to another MB unit, but that doesn't seem very reasonable from a cost perspective. Has anyone used the inline antenna adapter that Sirius makes for their radios?
Link: http://www.amazon.com/Sirius-Wired-R...5858264&sr=8-1
2) I have read a couple of places as well as spoken to the dealership regarding oil change intervals and from what I have gathered; it is only every 10K / year? Is that correct?
3) What else should I look for maintenance wise with the vehicle? It seems very solid and is in great shape.
Looking forward to all the fun...
Here is a picture that I took this weekend.
The beauty of the purchase was that it came from my neighbor who always "babied" the car and made sure it had the attention it deserved.
Now I have a few questions...
1) What is the best option to allow MP3 playback or Sirius in the vehicle? I was thinking about upgrading the stereo to another MB unit, but that doesn't seem very reasonable from a cost perspective. Has anyone used the inline antenna adapter that Sirius makes for their radios?
Link: http://www.amazon.com/Sirius-Wired-R...5858264&sr=8-1
2) I have read a couple of places as well as spoken to the dealership regarding oil change intervals and from what I have gathered; it is only every 10K / year? Is that correct?
3) What else should I look for maintenance wise with the vehicle? It seems very solid and is in great shape.
Looking forward to all the fun...
How much did you pay for it? To answer some of your questions...I've never used the factory radio..I have an aftermarket Kenwood head unit...as for the oil changes..that will vary depending upon how much you drive. Sounds familiar eh? As a rule of thump just change it every 3-5k miles if you drive it everyday...to some that might be a bit frequently but that's what I do to play it safe. Other than that, enjoy every bit of the 362 ponies, 376 lbs of torque! 
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
2003 CLK55 AMG
Also, do you have any pics of your install? I am curious as to how it looks in the car.
I was thinking about changing the oil myself as well... I have had several race cars, etc and am comfortable working on vehicles. Is there anything special I should know if I were to do it myself?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,136
Likes: 5
Corrolla
Thanks - $25K and he just had Service A and new Pilot Sports installed.
When I was talking to one of our more accomplished Car Audio stores, they were suggesting that I couldn't use an after market stereo in the car without MAJOR rework of the entire audio system. Do you mind me asking how you avoided this?
Also, do you have any pics of your install? I am curious as to how it looks in the car.
I was thinking about changing the oil myself as well... I have had several race cars, etc and am comfortable working on vehicles. Is there anything special I should know if I were to do it myself?
When I was talking to one of our more accomplished Car Audio stores, they were suggesting that I couldn't use an after market stereo in the car without MAJOR rework of the entire audio system. Do you mind me asking how you avoided this?
Also, do you have any pics of your install? I am curious as to how it looks in the car.
I was thinking about changing the oil myself as well... I have had several race cars, etc and am comfortable working on vehicles. Is there anything special I should know if I were to do it myself?
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 405
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
07' IS 350, 08' E550
When I was talking to one of our more accomplished Car Audio stores, they were suggesting that I couldn't use an after market stereo in the car without MAJOR rework of the entire audio system. Do you mind me asking how you avoided this?
Also, do you have any pics of your install? I am curious as to how it looks in the car.
MAJOR work? Not sure about that...lol. They might be referring to the Fiber Optic cables that DOES not need to be replaced as most Car Audio Stores are quick to suggest otherwise. I was told the same thing and if memory serves me correct, the Fiber Optics wasn't an issue. Anyway, I had a local Audio Shop that my friend used to install his system. They were very professional and reasonably priced. Here's a link to the pics, cost and what I got for the money:
https://mbworld.org/forums/clk63-bla...ar-camera.html
Also, do you have any pics of your install? I am curious as to how it looks in the car.
MAJOR work? Not sure about that...lol. They might be referring to the Fiber Optic cables that DOES not need to be replaced as most Car Audio Stores are quick to suggest otherwise. I was told the same thing and if memory serves me correct, the Fiber Optics wasn't an issue. Anyway, I had a local Audio Shop that my friend used to install his system. They were very professional and reasonably priced. Here's a link to the pics, cost and what I got for the money:
https://mbworld.org/forums/clk63-bla...ar-camera.html
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
2003 CLK55 AMG
MAJOR work? Not sure about that...lol. They might be referring to the Fiber Optic cables that DOES not need to be replaced as most Car Audio Stores are quick to suggest otherwise. I was told the same thing and if memory serves me correct, the Fiber Optics wasn't an issue. Anyway, I had a local Audio Shop that my friend used to install his system. They were very professional and reasonably priced. Here's a link to the pics, cost and what I got for the money:
https://mbworld.org/forums/clk63-bla...ar-camera.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/clk63-bla...ar-camera.html
Yep... They were talking about the Fiber cables. Would you mind letting me know who did the install in hopes that I could put my shop in contact with them or maybe call them myself for some pointers?
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 405
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
07' IS 350, 08' E550
Are you in California? This is from another thread that I posted on a few months back:
I paid $2500 for the Head Unit, Amp, back-up camera and Factory steering wheel control. Without the amp and Head Unit I was looking to pay around 2k. My buddy who lives in Pasadena referred me to this guy who installed his sound system. They are really professional and use top of the line stuff. I forgot the name of his shop but his name is "Art" and if you're seriously considering it, give him a call at 626-796-2122 (Pasadena, CA) that's the number to the shop. I forgot the name of the Amp but it's a good one...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,136
Likes: 5
Corrolla
MARTYMAR, KLinh and Lychychy
I am leaving to cali. on this friday (tomorrow) and I will pm all you guys when im there. See you guys soon.
Wido78,
Sorry for using your thread
and if u live somewhere around Anaheim, CA you are welcome to join us nothing special just coffee and cars.
Andy
I am leaving to cali. on this friday (tomorrow) and I will pm all you guys when im there. See you guys soon.
Wido78,
Sorry for using your thread
and if u live somewhere around Anaheim, CA you are welcome to join us nothing special just coffee and cars.Andy
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
2003 CLK55 AMG
No, Kansas City... just trying to get a hold of someone that has "been there done that" regarding an install on these cars and might be willing to talk.
I have called several of my local shops and they won't touch it at all if the car has the fiber.
One more question... I assume your dash controls, etc (I think it is called the Comand unit) still works?
I have called several of my local shops and they won't touch it at all if the car has the fiber.
One more question... I assume your dash controls, etc (I think it is called the Comand unit) still works?
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 405
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
07' IS 350, 08' E550
No, Kansas City... just trying to get a hold of someone that has "been there done that" regarding an install on these cars and might be willing to talk.
I have called several of my local shops and they won't touch it at all if the car has the fiber.
One more question... I assume your dash controls, etc (I think it is called the Comand unit) still works?
I have called several of my local shops and they won't touch it at all if the car has the fiber.
One more question... I assume your dash controls, etc (I think it is called the Comand unit) still works?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,632
Likes: 150
C63s Cabriolet, BMW M4, Civic
Sorry guys, I'm gonna be in San Diego (parent house) this Friday in the evening. Why don't we all meet up this Saturday (6/27) in San Diego at the biggest SOCAL meet.....? I'm 100% sure I will be at the meet with my friends. Here's more info.........https://mbworld.org/forums/events-ga...th-2009-a.html
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,632
Likes: 150
C63s Cabriolet, BMW M4, Civic
lol man I dont think I can make it there I am not flying man but driving (1300 miles) so I will be in Anaheim around 7 AM on saturday. How far is from Anaheim to San Diego ? Are you driving your Clk? It about 1.5 hrs from Anaheim to San Diego. There will be alot of people meet in Ervine (15 mins away from Anaheim) then caravan to San Diego.
https://mbworld.org/forums/events-ga...-spectrum.html
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 9,734
Likes: 65
From: Hotlanta
AMG
[QUOTE=wido78;3591047]Well... I just picked up my first MB a couple of weeks a go and I am still on cloud 9 when I drive the car. I was able to get what I think is a pretty solid deal on a 2003 CLK55 AMG with only 20K miles on the car.
Here is a picture that I took this weekend.
The beauty of the purchase was that it came from my neighbor who always "babied" the car and made sure it had the attention it deserved.
Now I have a few questions...
Great find, welcome!
Here is a picture that I took this weekend.
The beauty of the purchase was that it came from my neighbor who always "babied" the car and made sure it had the attention it deserved.
Now I have a few questions...
Great find, welcome!
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
2003 CLK55 AMG
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,136
Likes: 5
Corrolla
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 405
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
07' IS 350, 08' E550
Wido,
It seems to me that the local Audio shops in your area are reluctant to do work on your car for liability reasons....either that or they're not confident that they'll be able to do "Quality" work on the car. Well, take your time and keep shopping around because you want it to be done right the first time.
It seems to me that the local Audio shops in your area are reluctant to do work on your car for liability reasons....either that or they're not confident that they'll be able to do "Quality" work on the car. Well, take your time and keep shopping around because you want it to be done right the first time.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
2003 CLK55 AMG
Wido,
It seems to me that the local Audio shops in your area are reluctant to do work on your car for liability reasons....either that or they're not confident that they'll be able to do "Quality" work on the car. Well, take your time and keep shopping around because you want it to be done right the first time.
It seems to me that the local Audio shops in your area are reluctant to do work on your car for liability reasons....either that or they're not confident that they'll be able to do "Quality" work on the car. Well, take your time and keep shopping around because you want it to be done right the first time.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,784
Likes: 84
From: SCV SoCal
2002 CLK430
On a W208, the only fiber connection from a non-COMAND (no nav) head unit is the CD changer. If the stock head unit on a W209 is the same, there are other options. If you get a new head unit the reads digital content from an iPhone, iPod, or USB powered hard drive, it will make the CD changer obsolete. This removes the need for a fiber connection. I’ve got one of these head units and I’d never consider going back. The sound is clearer, the storage capacity is much greater, the sound quality doesn’t degrade over time, and uploads are faster than burning a CD.
As an aside,
As an aside,
- Converter boxes can allow you to keep steering wheel controls.
- If you have Bose amps that you want to keep, and you chose to use a head unit with an unbalanced interconnection, that can overcome for $15 in parts. The Bose amp will accept an unbalanced signal, but the sound will be cleaner with a balanced signal.
- If you use a wiring harness adapter, installing a headunit straightforward and takes very little time.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Southern California
'05 CLK 55 AMG
I just bought my CLK two months ago and have a lot of questions.
The mods I had in mind were dropping it(just springs) on H&R,
purchasing Iforged or HRE meshes and
installing Kleemann tubular headers..
any feedback on these products?
any recommendations?
I'll take any words of advice.
here's the ride
The mods I had in mind were dropping it(just springs) on H&R,
purchasing Iforged or HRE meshes and
installing Kleemann tubular headers..
any feedback on these products?
any recommendations?
I'll take any words of advice.
here's the ride
