AMG_BENZ

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2003-...60a39232#v4-42

I'd only suspect on the garbage in the trunk and small wheels. I think the wheels may not be an AMG wheels, because you notice how the wheels almost touch to the brake calipers. Wouldn't you suspect on the wheels?

Also, I am wondering if you any guys have an experience buying a car from ebay. There's an Autocheck feature (at least, it's free to me) in every auction. It's like Carfax, but I am still not familiar with Autocheck.

The description looks like the dealer did inspect by himself, but would you trust him regarding to his positive feedbacks?

MarcusF

I wouldn't worry so much about those OE wheels. What would have my attention is- the car is nine years old and someone is about to become its fifth owner. Why would four owners all decide to move on? That is why PPIs exist - to weed out expensive repairs and answer questions. The PPI should be done by someone other than the seller.

elijah

It looks good indeed but
Its a 2003, we told you to stay away from those
No Navi
No xenons
No keyless go
3 options that IMO are vital for an AMG so I think you can do better than this

AMG_BENZ

I'd like to add the list of suspicious: this car was being used as a leasing/rental car. That may answer to Marcus' comment about why it has many owners. Anyway, I still wouldn't want to buy a rental car.

I've almost never paid attention to those three options, but now I understand why it's a must to look for. I agree with your opinion, elijah. I remember Marcus once mentioned that. Thanks guys for pointing out what I should to look for. I am obviously staying away from a 2003 CLK.

elijah

Keep searching and you'll find what you're looking for! Patience is a virtue!!

AMG_BENZ

Are the xenons coming from the MB factory? I need to know what they exactly look like. I thought all Benzes have the keyless go option, but I am not sure.

I know that the Navi should be an option, so it didn't come in every CLK.

HCUBED

My 2003 CLK 55 does not have navigation or Xenons....I wish I had them now.
It does have has keyless go however.
So far, it has been very dependable.

Since new, I have had to replace the alternator, and stuck a new battery in at the same time, just for peace of mind. It has almost 50,000 almost totally trouble free miles so far.
I put the old OEM battery in my trailer to run the tongue jack, which it has done for about a year so far.

What's all the words about 2003's not being dependable? Why avoid them?
At the ripe old age of 9 model years, all of the problems should be ironed out.

AMG_BENZ

The most common problem is the Valeo radiator. When the radiator got nasty, it will link the problem to the ECU, which you will have to replace them all. One thing I don't know is when that happens in how many miles.

The 2003 CLK is the first year of the second generation, so it should be the one which has the most problems.

elijah

It happened to many of us on the forum who own 2003s.
Radiator issue that is linked to the ECU. It can happen anytime thats why I suggested he stay away from first year production because it doesnt seem to han to 04s and up.

NardoNZ

So is there a solution to this? My clk55 is due to arrive in march with 80k miles, but when i read this id like to prevent this from happening obviously. Mine is a 2002 w209.

elijah

There is always a solution.
If you catch the issue early enough all you will need is a wire harness adapter that you can get for 100$. In my case I needed a brand new ECU and I also added the wire harness.

NardoNZ

so what would be the symptoms to catch it early? also what do you check to see if the problem already exists?

Nachtsturm

I wouldn't throw it out due to the lack of xenons and nav. They can be added with OEM items fairly easy and cheap.

I would try to stick to get an 04, but if you can find a nice low mileage 03, don't count it out. When I was shopping for a CLK55 again, I almost bought an 04 at a dealer, even put a deposit on it. Then I thought to myself, I know if buy this, I'll find an 05 for sale and kick myself. Boy am I glad I waited.

Be patient and find the right car. Mileage/Condition/Maintenance History > what options are on the car.

bobbyjo9

Ummmm you sure bout that?

NardoNZ

Yip, 100%. I found this strange at first too, but I work for a MB dealership in sales and through our systems found out that my car was picked up by the first owner from the factory in december 2002. So it is a modelyear 2003, first registered in 2002.

AMG_BENZ

Yup, I almost gunned down a very nice 2005 CLK500 with everything you wish for. It still smells like brand new, that's crazy. However, someone just bought it before I came back on the very next day to start the negotiation. Right now, I am still glad that I am continue hunting for a nice CLK55.

bobbyjo9

Just to keep your life simple at the parts desk... stick with the 2003. 2002 would be a w208 and may get you the wrong parts. Just sayin

NardoNZ

Well no parts department will actually order parts on year so ill just give him my vin number, which has 209 in it