mytymaus007

OK im looking for a CLK55 w208 Cabrio looks like the going rate is between $14k-20k. Does the CLK55 have more issues as the miles get higher and higher then a CLK430 and CLK320. Im looking to buy and drive it as a weekend car. Im also interested and doing some mod work, like dual exhaust to start and maybe some suspension modifications if i have to. IM not afraid to put money into it but i just dont want to buy a lemon. There is a CLK55 on ebay for around $20k with 27,000 miles on it. Is it possible now a days to disconnect or turn back the miles on these cars. Any suggestion would help thanks!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Merce...item58941779a9

mytymaus007

Should i get a clk430 if its in great shape or just keep looking for an clk55 in the best possible shape!

503C43 ////AMG

It depends what you are looking for. CLK430 has a toned down version of the motor I have in my C43 and while my car is plenty fast I wish it had a 55 motor in it. CLK55 will have more power and more aggressive suspension, CLK430 will have enough power to get you in trouble but will have a much softer suspension.

CLK55 = brute force

CLK430 = more luxury then brute force


If it was me I would get the CLK55, harder to come by and more fun

MarcusF

There won't be additional "issues". Some items will cost a little more. The most expensive item will be the front rotors. On a CLK55, they have a list price of $284 and are very difficult to find anywhere other than a dealer. CLK430 rotors are $70 and available everywhere. Other than that, normal wear parts will cost about the same.

An odometer can be changed on anything. However, the mileage is stored in more than one place on a W208. Most people know about the dash. When you take the car to a dealer for a PPI, they can confirm the mileage displayed by the odometer matches what the ECU thinks the mileage is. Thats not to say the car you're looking at has had its odometer tampered with. A CLK55 is a rather specialized Mercedes-Benz. The owner may have parked it every winter and only driven it on summer weekends when the weather was good.

Here are a few things to look at on a used W208. These are some things a dealer will look at. Lastly, here are a few basic buying tips.
The CLK55 is a beautiful car. Nice examples are out there. I hope you find one.

Richard75

+1 You should definitely get a CLK55 W208 instead of a 430, I have just bought mine (coupé) a couple of months and it is very good ride and the fact that there are not so many around make it even more special ! (Not so many were made compared to the W209. If I'm not mistaken, around 3381 were built in total (I'd like to get the exact number for confirmation if someones has it ?!)

It took me some time to find mine in good condition and with only 33 000 miles on it... When I looked at it, inspected it and took it for a ride, I knew that it was going to be mine ! I bought it in Germany and the car had spent 10 years in Japan since new. I think it is why it was kept in good condition...

Go for it as you will not regret it

Cabrio. are even more difficult to find I guess as built only in 2002 if again I'm not mistaken ?!

Good Luck and keep us posted

mytymaus007

Sounds like you found a nice low mile car. What did you end up paying for it? Where you a little weiry about a 10 year old car only having 33000 miles on it. Any pics sounds Awsome.

Richard75

I paid $18k for it, At first I was a little weiry about the mileage but not anymore after inspecting the car and going through the documents...

mytymaus007

Nice find!! Congrats Thats what im looking for but a cabrio GOOD LUCK!