CLK55 AMG or B6 S4
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Joined: Aug 2012
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'10 WRX
CLK55 AMG or B6 S4
I currently have a 2010 WRX hatchback, I am looking in to trading it in for a 2003 CLK55 AMG or a 2005 S4. I am not sure if I want to keep trade/which one? My main concern is maintance cost on a higher end car like the AMG or S4. What is the normal issues/bills for an AMG? Thoughts on my "issue" 
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Blown 208 55 amg, 211 55 amg
AMG
the 4.2 s4 are a maintenance headache and a massive money pit! I've got plenty of pics to prove it the timing kit is $4200+ in just parts!!!! JHM Motorsports if you don't believe me...I have plenty of pics to prove it matter of fact ive got the engine and transmission out of a 2005 with 63K miles on it right now at the shop.... because cyl 2 had no compression havn't got it torn all the way down yet but they are never ending nightmares! what motor loses compression 100% in just one cylinder at 63k miles LOL and no its not a stuck ring...
I love audi its tatooed on me but damn are they $$$$$$ to fix and ALWAYS have problems ALWAYS
the 4.2 s4 are a maintenance headache and a massive money pit! I've got plenty of pics to prove it the timing kit is $4200+ in just parts!!!! JHM Motorsports if you don't believe me...I have plenty of pics to prove it matter of fact ive got the engine and transmission out of a 2005 with 63K miles on it right now at the shop.... because cyl 2 had no compression havn't got it torn all the way down yet but they are never ending nightmares! what motor loses compression 100% in just one cylinder at 63k miles LOL and no its not a stuck ring...
I love audi its tatooed on me but damn are they $$$$$$ to fix and ALWAYS have problems ALWAYS
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W209 CLK55 AMG
I'm selling my 2003 clk55 AMG black on black with 99k miles for $11,500 obo! Car is running strong as mentioned above about these cars, they are solid. All brake components are in good shape. Never been in an accident and has a clean carfax. Located in Indianapolis. Please PM me if interested.
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Joined: Mar 2005
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From: SF CA
surprised no one has voted for Audi on this MB forum, but like others have said, these hand made AMG engines are pretty solid. My CLK55 has been trouble free except for a faulty fuel pump that was replaced under warranty at 60k miles.
Last edited by tc1728; Aug 29, 2012 at 02:54 AM.
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From: Chicago
2015.5 Volvo V60 Polestar
I vote for CLK55 as well. This is my second one. Overall very reliable. AMG is definitely the faster of the two.
Be prepared to miss the aftermarket that your WRX had.
With all that said, I would still love to pick up a 2004-2005 S4 Advant as a daily.
Be prepared to miss the aftermarket that your WRX had.
With all that said, I would still love to pick up a 2004-2005 S4 Advant as a daily.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 330
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From: Long Island, NY
2012 C63 AMG edition 1
I own a B7 and they are most definitely a maintenance headache. The 4.2 has carbon build up issues and if not properly maintained, low compression is an issue too. I would own one, but make sure it has a warranty. I feel you would be safer out of warranty with the CLK. The CLK55 isnt supercharged so you dont have to worry about the issues E55 guys have regarding the supercharger.
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Joined: Jun 2012
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From: Olympia, Wa
2004 CLK500
I was looking into buying a V8 S4 also in the past, but hearing the maintenance nightmares on those things scared me away (and Im coming from a Porsche Boxster S....aka fragile lol) 5k+ timing chains at 100k miles, coils going out and destroying motors, etc.....modern Mercedes V8's have proven to be exceptionally reliable.
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Joined: Sep 2013
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From: Pittsburgh, PA
W208 CLK55 AMG, W203 C32 AMG, W163 M Class Sport
I also looked into the B6 and B7 S4's. Its amazing how many cheap S4's there are selling around the time the timing chain guides are wearing out. It requires full engine removal since the timing chain guide's on the back of the engine. You can Google the mess of chains on the back of the engine.
I prefer the look of an elegant coupe over a bloated sedan. The S4 is significantly heavier than the CLK55, is slower and gets worse gas mileage. In the Audi's defense it has a nicer interior and all wheel drive capabilities for driving in poor weather conditions. It is also available in a manual if that's something you prefer. I will probably not ever own an Audi because of intensive maintenance and its really just a fancy VW.
I prefer the look of an elegant coupe over a bloated sedan. The S4 is significantly heavier than the CLK55, is slower and gets worse gas mileage. In the Audi's defense it has a nicer interior and all wheel drive capabilities for driving in poor weather conditions. It is also available in a manual if that's something you prefer. I will probably not ever own an Audi because of intensive maintenance and its really just a fancy VW.
