Just got new coil overs and a bunch of other stuff for it as well!
Any High Mileage CLK55 AMG's Out There?
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 260
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh, PA
W208 CLK55 AMG, W203 C32 AMG, W163 M Class Sport
Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 165
Likes: 2
From: Tonawanda, NY
2000 ML430 / 2001 CLK55 AMG / 2007 R320 CDI / 2005 S55 AMG / 2001 ML55 AMG / 2006 C55 AMG
My 2001 CLK55 AMG has 187K miles on it. Runs perfect. Original engine and transmission. No major work done. Trans flush every 60K, Oil Changes always on time with Mobile 1. OOnly issueI have is my trunk button stopped working, the cd changer stopped working, and the bulb it out for my outdoor temp. All due more to age and use than miles.
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: St. Louis MO
2005 CLK55 AMG
My CLK 55 AMG: 83k and runs like new (2005)
My only major expenses are the front brake discs ($2500 brake job at dealer)!! ...a fuel system vacuum leak requiring a "smoke test" and a hard to replace part (another $2000 but mostly covered by extended warranty) ...and an expensive failure of the heated drivers seat, foprtunately also covered by my extended warranty. I got my $5k worth out of that warranty. But only broke even.
Now that warranty is gone, I won't be going to MB dealer for service anymore. Anyone know of a good MB mechanic in St. Louis?
Oh ya, the power steering pump! And the little motor thingie that operates the power steering wheel. Another $2000. I *did* make money on the warranty!!
Now that warranty is gone, I won't be going to MB dealer for service anymore. Anyone know of a good MB mechanic in St. Louis?
Oh ya, the power steering pump! And the little motor thingie that operates the power steering wheel. Another $2000. I *did* make money on the warranty!!
Last edited by gasmanstl; Apr 8, 2014 at 08:12 PM. Reason: omission
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 48
Likes: 2
From: California
2001 CLK 55 AMG, 2008 Yamaha R1 RM
The only problem I have right now is a bad seal in the oil cooler housing. I'm going to change it this weekend. Otherwise the car is running great still. 207k now.
Last edited by YamiR46; May 19, 2014 at 02:53 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 440
Likes: 2
2001 CLK55 AMG
CLK55's are very reliable cars. I would out them up against any honda or toyota any day. When I tore down my 01 CLK55 with 100k miles on it, and i mean down to the last bolt in the engine and body, I was really surprised. EVERYTHING was in good condition. The inside of the engine looked like it had 20k miles on it. All parts were functioning in an amazing manner. All the screws and such came out smoothly. I took my CLK on a 5000 mile trip. Not one single problem. Ended up with an average MPG of 28.7. Problems experienced: TPS, MAF, Stop Switch, Lower Steering Strut. Cost was about $200.I out over 30k miles on it before i sold it. I regret that day....
Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 165
Likes: 2
From: Tonawanda, NY
2000 ML430 / 2001 CLK55 AMG / 2007 R320 CDI / 2005 S55 AMG / 2001 ML55 AMG / 2006 C55 AMG
189K miles on my 2001 CLK55 AMG. No real issues. My rear control arm bushings are starting to squeak. In the past year I have had to change a blower motor resistor, a throttle position sensor, and a crank sensor. Nothing major and has never left me stranded.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 445
Likes: 11
From: Washington, DC Metro Area
Currently: 2019 E450 AWD, Previous: 2002 CLK55 Cab
Bought mine with 59k miles on the clock and she just turned over 80k. All good things just straight pm and it is great to drive as is. If I get to feeling frisky I might do something with strut and sway bars but she is my all season DD and I couldn't be happier.
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Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: nyc
clk55 2001
The only two things that I had to change was the motor mount. I think twice already other then that it's a great car. I got it when it first came out
I had it for 14 years already. I was surprise because
NY roads are really bad
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 48
Likes: 2
From: California
2001 CLK 55 AMG, 2008 Yamaha R1 RM
About to hit 210k and still running strong..really no major issues at all yet. I can't believe how amazing it runs with that many miles on it. Serviced regularly and all that..I only get on it once in a while. :p
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Bogotá
'94 E320
Im watching a 2003 clk55, but my concerns are with the gearbox... havent read any problems with it in the thread, but can anyone tell me if these run smooth still with 150k+?
The car has about 38k, great shape but in here (colombia) it costs around 32k USD... anyway is taxes and all, not to mention is the 2nd clk55 ive seen here.
The car has about 38k, great shape but in here (colombia) it costs around 32k USD... anyway is taxes and all, not to mention is the 2nd clk55 ive seen here.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 335
Likes: 3
From: Lodi, CA
2001 CLK55 AMG
Switch out the Valeo radiator, you should be great. These cars are fantastic. I put 60k on my 430, never had an issue, not even once. Few months ago I bought a 55AMG, 2001 and it too is PERFECT! I don't see any issues coming anytime soon. The powertrain is perfect, just change the trans fluid every 60k and you'll have to do engine mounts every 40k if you drive it hard. This is I powerful vehicle and will stress the mounts, so there are wear items, but nothing any other car won't need, and nothing that will leave you stranded. Honestly it's been the cheapest car to own, and the most reliable including the 3 years I owned my 430... I drive spiritedly too.
Im watching a 2003 clk55, but my concerns are with the gearbox... havent read any problems with it in the thread, but can anyone tell me if these run smooth still with 150k+?
The car has about 38k, great shape but in here (colombia) it costs around 32k USD... anyway is taxes and all, not to mention is the 2nd clk55 ive seen here.
The car has about 38k, great shape but in here (colombia) it costs around 32k USD... anyway is taxes and all, not to mention is the 2nd clk55 ive seen here.
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Bogotá
'94 E320
thanks scott ill start negotiating this car! only two things it needs: bixenons (must) and double exhaust (maybe). About the gearbox i asked that because my w124 still has issues. 150kms on it and still needs another repair although a minor one.
Switch out the Valeo radiator, you should be great. These cars are fantastic. I put 60k on my 430, never had an issue, not even once. Few months ago I bought a 55AMG, 2001 and it too is PERFECT! I don't see any issues coming anytime soon. The powertrain is perfect, just change the trans fluid every 60k and you'll have to do engine mounts every 40k if you drive it hard. This is I powerful vehicle and will stress the mounts, so there are wear items, but nothing any other car won't need, and nothing that will leave you stranded. Honestly it's been the cheapest car to own, and the most reliable including the 3 years I owned my 430... I drive spiritedly too.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,458
Likes: 3
From: Royal Oak, Michigan
Moped
Guys.. I need your opinion.
I am about to buy a w209 2003 CLK55 with 138,xxx miles in Michigan. Asking price is 10K.
1 owner vehicle, Female doctor driven and dealer maintained. Never driven in winter.
I am in the process of retrieving maintenance records from the dealership she used.
For now all I now is it has brand new tires, brakes and rotors.
I test drove her yesterday and she drives like a dream.
Issues I found were all cosmetic but seller offered to detail vehicle before sale. Another would be the rear sunshade is stuck in the open position. This does not bother me a lot as I can manually close it or even DIY fix it.
Want the forums opinion on what I should look out for next.
I have searched the entire internet for maintenance schedules for these cars and always end up with an owners manual..
Thanks in advance.
I am about to buy a w209 2003 CLK55 with 138,xxx miles in Michigan. Asking price is 10K.
1 owner vehicle, Female doctor driven and dealer maintained. Never driven in winter.
I am in the process of retrieving maintenance records from the dealership she used.
For now all I now is it has brand new tires, brakes and rotors.
I test drove her yesterday and she drives like a dream.
Issues I found were all cosmetic but seller offered to detail vehicle before sale. Another would be the rear sunshade is stuck in the open position. This does not bother me a lot as I can manually close it or even DIY fix it.
Want the forums opinion on what I should look out for next.
I have searched the entire internet for maintenance schedules for these cars and always end up with an owners manual..
Thanks in advance.
Last edited by skittles; Jun 24, 2015 at 09:12 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 503
Likes: 38
From: South Africa
2004 CLK55 AMG W209
Proud owner of my very first Benz. Wanted a Scooby but figured from what I heard regarding maintenance might as well get me something I always admired. So couldn't obtain a C55 but found a CLK55 2004 model W209.
Car has 235000km on her now and the issues I have are:
-Driver head rest not working
-PDC front not working
-Heated seats not working
-My rear windshield visor got stuck in the open position last time I used it but helped it manually to close.
-Distronic becomes inactive or unavailable after driving for some time on the freeway and tells me to check owners manual. All it says is clean it. It however does become available afterwards and when the car is switched off and on
-Hearing a noise from the passenger side by the shifter. Think it can be my front flex plate. There is a slight vibration between 20 and 40km/h and the sound is only heard after I drive the car hard.
Other than that don't have issues with her and a B service is now due.
Car has 235000km on her now and the issues I have are:
-Driver head rest not working
-PDC front not working
-Heated seats not working
-My rear windshield visor got stuck in the open position last time I used it but helped it manually to close.
-Distronic becomes inactive or unavailable after driving for some time on the freeway and tells me to check owners manual. All it says is clean it. It however does become available afterwards and when the car is switched off and on
-Hearing a noise from the passenger side by the shifter. Think it can be my front flex plate. There is a slight vibration between 20 and 40km/h and the sound is only heard after I drive the car hard.
Other than that don't have issues with her and a B service is now due.
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
2002 CLK55 Cabrio
Bought my bl/bl/bl CLK55 Cabrio in August, 2013 for $9500. Had about 118K miles on it. I am now at 130K. Did have to have it towed home not too long after I bought it. Was on the freeway and jumped on it at 80mph to hit up to about 120mph. Idler pulley has a steel bearing for the center, wrapped by a plastic pulley.....it came apart in pieces. PITA to change out because the bolt that holds it is so long that I had to loosen the radiator to get the bolt out. Only $20 and an afternoon.
Love this car! It is such a kick to drive!
Doing front brakes now. Pads, rotors, and sensor for $712 cash at dealer. Does everybody know that Club members get a discount? While in there doing brakes, found that my coil spring is cracked at the bottom. I have seen this on a lot of Benzes from the era, never on any other car. New ones are cheap, but I'm going with "Euro" MB 208 CLK55 springs to lower it a little. These are the springs that were meant for the car. MB had to put taller springs in the ones sent to the US for our Federal regs.
Time for tires...sticking with Michelin PSs....they have awesome grip!
Oh, and now the hydraulic shocks for the top are leaking. Will fix it myself for a few hundred bucks. Have the pixel problem so common on these cars.
Engine and tranny are rock solid.
Have had issues, but it is a gorgeous car and an absolute blast to drive!!!
Love this car! It is such a kick to drive!
Doing front brakes now. Pads, rotors, and sensor for $712 cash at dealer. Does everybody know that Club members get a discount? While in there doing brakes, found that my coil spring is cracked at the bottom. I have seen this on a lot of Benzes from the era, never on any other car. New ones are cheap, but I'm going with "Euro" MB 208 CLK55 springs to lower it a little. These are the springs that were meant for the car. MB had to put taller springs in the ones sent to the US for our Federal regs.
Time for tires...sticking with Michelin PSs....they have awesome grip!
Oh, and now the hydraulic shocks for the top are leaking. Will fix it myself for a few hundred bucks. Have the pixel problem so common on these cars.
Engine and tranny are rock solid.
Have had issues, but it is a gorgeous car and an absolute blast to drive!!!
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
01 CLK 55
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 512
Likes: 1
2001 CLK 55 AMG.......... 2001 Corvette Z06.........
I have an 01 clk 55 that currently has 173k on it. Mechanically it is beyond my expectation but your biggest headache will be from the accessories/electrical system.
I will paste something similar I posted a while ago. eventually I might populate a list for u.
oh my, I don't have the motivation to list them all. Mechanically, it is definitely an achievement regarding the power train, braking and suspension design.
If this car was built 10 years before it was then it would be a classic. The looks, the feel and it all is very well tuned however it is all overshadowed by the engineering failure of all the secondary systems.
electrically, it will make you truly understand why the word "gremlin" is of german origin.
It is like they totally toasted the budget on the primary systems and everything else was an afterthought. Dare I say it but the electrical system in this car is as bad as an american car from the 80's or most british cars.
Said systems do not tolerate deviation well at all. At any point your operating voltages are not nominal you are rolling the dice with random electrical failures.
The best 2 pieces of advice I can give are the following:
upon purchasing the car....
1. get rid of the stereo system completely and replace with an aftermarket system. Best case you will be chasing gremlins in the fiber optics; worst case the stock amp will fail thus completely draining your battery resulting in the before mentioned operating voltage deviation.
2. set your seats where you like them and unplug the seat modules or at the very least unplug the part for the memory at some point they also will fail resulting in a power drain albeit a slower one than the amp.
I will paste something similar I posted a while ago. eventually I might populate a list for u.
oh my, I don't have the motivation to list them all. Mechanically, it is definitely an achievement regarding the power train, braking and suspension design.
If this car was built 10 years before it was then it would be a classic. The looks, the feel and it all is very well tuned however it is all overshadowed by the engineering failure of all the secondary systems.
electrically, it will make you truly understand why the word "gremlin" is of german origin.
It is like they totally toasted the budget on the primary systems and everything else was an afterthought. Dare I say it but the electrical system in this car is as bad as an american car from the 80's or most british cars.
Said systems do not tolerate deviation well at all. At any point your operating voltages are not nominal you are rolling the dice with random electrical failures.
The best 2 pieces of advice I can give are the following:
upon purchasing the car....
1. get rid of the stereo system completely and replace with an aftermarket system. Best case you will be chasing gremlins in the fiber optics; worst case the stock amp will fail thus completely draining your battery resulting in the before mentioned operating voltage deviation.
2. set your seats where you like them and unplug the seat modules or at the very least unplug the part for the memory at some point they also will fail resulting in a power drain albeit a slower one than the amp.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 21
Likes: 3
2001 CLK55 AMG
The best 2 pieces of advice I can give are the following:
upon purchasing the car....
1. get rid of the stereo system completely and replace with an aftermarket system. Best case you will be chasing gremlins in the fiber optics; worst case the stock amp will fail thus completely draining your battery resulting in the before mentioned operating voltage deviation.
2. set your seats where you like them and unplug the seat modules or at the very least unplug the part for the memory at some point they also will fail resulting in a power drain albeit a slower one than the amp.
