Looking to buy W208 CLK coupe
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Newbie
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1
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2000 Lexus RX300
Looking to buy W208 CLK coupe
i'm a complete Mercedes noob, but the old W208 CLK coupe (in silver) has been my dream car since i was a teenager. i'm looking to get either get the 430 or the 55 amg. i hear that the AMG cars of that era were more reliable and better built than the standard production cars. I'd be willing to pay more for the 55 if that is true (also b/c i want it more).
Many of the models I'm looking at have about 50-70K miles on them. I'm also looking at getting an idea of typical problems and costs with maintaining these cars. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Many of the models I'm looking at have about 50-70K miles on them. I'm also looking at getting an idea of typical problems and costs with maintaining these cars. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 106
Likes: 2
clk55
i'm a complete Mercedes noob, but the old W208 CLK coupe (in silver) has been my dream car since i was a teenager. i'm looking to get either get the 430 or the 55 amg. i hear that the AMG cars of that era were more reliable and better built than the standard production cars. I'd be willing to pay more for the 55 if that is true (also b/c i want it more).
Many of the models I'm looking at have about 50-70K miles on them. I'm also looking at getting an idea of typical problems and costs with maintaining these cars. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Many of the models I'm looking at have about 50-70K miles on them. I'm also looking at getting an idea of typical problems and costs with maintaining these cars. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,257
Likes: 5
From: Chicago
2015.5 Volvo V60 Polestar
If you are looking for one...I have a low mile CLK55 Coupe in Silver for sale.
https://mbworld.org/forums/mercedes-...41k-miles.html
They are pretty darn reliable overall. Only thing I have replaced on mine is lightbulbs.
But common problems from what I read are motor mounts, and cats going out.
https://mbworld.org/forums/mercedes-...41k-miles.html
They are pretty darn reliable overall. Only thing I have replaced on mine is lightbulbs.
But common problems from what I read are motor mounts, and cats going out.
.
Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 132
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From: SOMD
2001 CLK55 AMG
I picked mine up recently for a pretty good deal. 2001 CLK 55 with 94k on the clock for 11,995 out the door. I had to take care of a few things, namely brake rotors, steering stabilizer, dash lights, and tail lights. I fell in love with it instantly, and have enjoyed taking care of it. A few things I have noticed/experienced:
1) The front brake rotors are expensive. Period. If you have to replace them suck it up, and prepare to dish out $500 at least. (Partsgeek got me OEM rotors shipped for that)
2) Steering stabilizers are cheap, and just about the biggest difference you can make in the steering feel of the car. Plus, they're farking easy to replace.
3) I had a bald left rear tire at purchase. The right was fine, but I couldn't find a matching tire. At the least you should make sure the rear tires are the same make/brand etc... This really applies to any high performance car. Don't be stingy with the rubber going on your drive wheels. Replace both at the same time.
All in all I have had a lot of fun with it. I often find myself staring at it in the driveway for a minute after parking it. Hope you find your dream CLK, cheers.
1) The front brake rotors are expensive. Period. If you have to replace them suck it up, and prepare to dish out $500 at least. (Partsgeek got me OEM rotors shipped for that)
2) Steering stabilizers are cheap, and just about the biggest difference you can make in the steering feel of the car. Plus, they're farking easy to replace.
3) I had a bald left rear tire at purchase. The right was fine, but I couldn't find a matching tire. At the least you should make sure the rear tires are the same make/brand etc... This really applies to any high performance car. Don't be stingy with the rubber going on your drive wheels. Replace both at the same time.
All in all I have had a lot of fun with it. I often find myself staring at it in the driveway for a minute after parking it. Hope you find your dream CLK, cheers.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,784
Likes: 84
From: SCV SoCal
2002 CLK430
The W208 55 is faster than the 430, brakes better, and handles better. As for build quality, ALL W208 CLKs are true Mercedes-Benz cars. IE - this isn’t the type of vehicle where stuff starts falling off after 5 years. The most common premature failure that I know of are the cats. MAYBE the $2 transmission harness o-ring. Most other stuff is normal wear.
A lot of other stuff is posted about that falls under *other* categories. Things like
This page has some info about buying a used CLK. BTW, all things being equal, buy the 55. Other than the brakes, DIY maintenance (IE parts) will be about the same.
A lot of other stuff is posted about that falls under *other* categories. Things like
- lousy service - *Indy’s* that learn on the job with your car
- I used cheap parts (un-branded chain store crap or e-bay) and now my car is a heap.
- I tried [fill in the blank with an unknown vendor's pile of junk performance mod] and now my car's got *issues*
- unknown history (bought the car, never had it inspected, and now the new owner launches a 500 page thread on how AMG build quality is crap)
- I dumped 40oz of soda on my electronic shifter and the dealer won't fix it for free
- The previous owner hit a tree at 80 MPH (but it was *fixed perfectly*, honest) and the [fill in the blank] doesn't work.
- I've got a 10-year-old original battery (that pep boys says is good because they can see 12 volts) and the electronics don't work right.
This page has some info about buying a used CLK. BTW, all things being equal, buy the 55. Other than the brakes, DIY maintenance (IE parts) will be about the same.
Last edited by MarcusF; Jan 19, 2010 at 04:32 PM.
