bbeckmann

So, right before the forums went down, I was trying to decide what it was I wanted. The day after they went down, I got a 2002 CLK 55. Starmarked, only 7500 miles, COMAND, V60, etc. etc. all for a great price.

Coming from the 911 world, I'm already poking around trying to figure out what I want to change first. Suspension... brakes...

I've read in other forums that people have had thier ECUs reset so that the tranny will learn the new drivers habits. Is this necessary? What exactly will this give me?

Anyway, I look forward to a few good years with this car!

ClickAMG

Welcome to the world of low RPM-high torque. I'm also new to AMG after many years of Porsches. As far as the ECU learning your driving habits I gather it is constantly updating its data base so sometime soon it will be as you like it.

Homer in NH

bbeckmann

Hey Click, are you going to drive your car in the winter? What tires are you going to be using?

I'm done with "winter cars" or "commuter cars". I spend so much damn time in there, I'm doing it in the clk.

woodie

As I understand it the ECU is always being updated so it will set itself to your driving habits shortly.

Chappy

It takes about 300-400 miles to "learn" your driving habits

ClickAMG

Hey Click, are you going to drive your car in the winter? What tires are you going to be using?

I'm done with "winter cars" or "commuter cars". I spend so much damn time in there, I'm doing it in the clk.

I bought the AMG planning to drive it four seasons per year. Didn't get around to getting wheels and A/S tires nor selling my AWD winter fun car so I'll put the AMG away for this winter. Next winter I'll keep it on the road.
What tires are you putting on your baby to keep it mostly on the road during the snow and ice. With all the torque of the 5.5 engine I bet it's going to be some fun even with the W/S switched to W.

5439cc

bbeckmann

You and I have much incommon, I also came out a 996 for over ten years, into my 02 CLK55 ///AMG and I also use the beast during winter driving - I have done this with all Porsches and the past, so why not another beast - I use the stock 18" AMG monoblock and mount Dunlop M2 Winter Sports - No problema - I live in Northern New Jersey on Mt Fern, Winter here is long and snowy - The AMG never lets me down, I'm going on my second winter and no worries - My only advise will be to confirm the height of the snow line - if it's above 8" I use my wife's Land Cruiser - In regards to the Resetting of the ECU, I also have done this twice (simply disconnect the battery for a couple of hours and there you go) the system will begin to learn your driving style. You made a great choice, the AMG is a great car - And don't be afraid to beat the hell out of it - trust me they can take it - Lastly, Coming from a 996 Platform, handling is the CLK55 biggest challenge, So I order some H&R Spring and progressive coil overs from Evo-sports - the total cost is $1000 plus installation -(it will be my Xmas gift to me)
So, Good luck and enjoy... 5439cc OUT !

P.S. You picked the same color as me - Now I'm Scraed

UtilityGuy

What did you pay for it? I am looking for the same car w/ less than 10K miles and haven't been able to get much of a feel for what I should expect to pay.

ndabunka

Utility guy - If your interested in one with 28K miles, mine can be had for a song. Hate to see it go, but I NEED four doors....

sf49ers79

post pic once you git ok

bbeckmann

I paid $50K. They wanted around 54K, but they came down pretty easily. I tried getting it for 49, but no go. The dealer still got a good deal, as 2002 are starting to drop in price at the auctions.

If you buy a 2002 from a dealer with timeport, get them to give you the V60 phone instead. Then with 400 bucks in parts, you can have the latest phone in your car.

If you need help haggling, I'm happy to provide the latest auction results so you can explain to them what the car is worth, and why your deal is better than auction.

I'd post a pic, but it's easier if you take chappy's car, and put a New England background behind it. I thought he stole mine for a minute!

bbeckmann

A 2001 CLK 55 with 31K miles just sold for $36,500 at the end of october. Unless you've come down to 40K, I still think you'll have a hard time moving it. And with the leases starting to end on the 2001's, the prices are only going to drop.

What is your dealer offering for the trade in?

Chappy

New England background? How's this??

ima55r2

You can also do some 5 to 10 short bursts of hard accelerations that engage downshifting to get out of "granny mode" and get some peppier performance.

The adaptive transmission might be fine for some other MBs but not for an AMG. Too many times have I cursed this over-engineered gas saving or comfort driving feature.

I inquired about disabling it but the SA said no. If it would take a new ECU, I would do it.

ndabunka

BBeck - I have been watching eBay like a hawk for the past few months. Haven't seen anything go for anything under $40K. I've seen a lot of bids on these cars ranging up to the low $40's but almost none making reserve under $40K. The only CLK55 that went for $36K was a SALVAGE title car. Value's still appear to be in the low $40's as of now. Dealer offers are all over the table (depending on what I'm trading for)...

UtilityGuy

I am kicking myself for not jumping on the 2002 black Clk55 with 3800 miles that sold for $42K on Ebay. It was flawless, but I thought I didn't want black at the time. The more I shop, the more I realize what a good deal it was.

ajayz

About the ECU, I think you can disconnect the battery for a couple of hours (probably overnight) and it'll be like a brand new car and adapt to your driving skills the first moment you drive it again.

5439cc

I'm doing that right now - but afterw3ards the dam windows keep going down, when I exit the Beast the drivers side windows goes down 4" and locks - what gives ?

woodie

Try this: Lower the window all the way and then raise the window holding the window button up and continue to hold the button up for an additional 5 seconds after the window is closed.

5439cc

I give it a try

5439cc

Thanks Amigo - What a Pain in the a$$ - now the beast is fully functional again - thanks again