I am in the market for a 209 55 and have been checking on the known issues. I see a lot of people in the "list your problems" thread replacing head gaskets. Is this a big issue. I had a 208 430 and the thing was a tank. Almost no problems.

I found a 03 55 with 59k on it for a good price and am going to look at it this weekend. I know to look for the radiator but I think it has been around to long to not already be effected by now.

Valve cover gaskets, haven't heard to many head gasket failures.

That's good to know. Valve cover gaskets are no big deal. The hardest part is cleaning the breathers.

I've seen only one with head gasket replacement, it was at a dealer, in fact, it was this one listed below. The car had everything including design, and Nav... This car has been for sale for about 3 years at the same dealer... They have subsequently removed the free carfax report, but it had a laundry list of abnormal repairs for a CLK55 showing a long history of abuse, seemly heavy abuse. Other than that, I've only seen intake manifold gasket replacement, pretty rare, and valve cover gasket replacement, fairly common for any car. The other repairs gasket wise would be rear differential and oil cooler gasket, both pretty cheap.... These cars are bullet proof, unless they are extremely abused. http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...67885086&Log=0

Probably meant valve cover gaskets

That's good. The one I just bought has new valve cover gaskets installed although I don't think they were properly torqued

valve cover gaskets and breather cover are an issue for all w209s. A big issue with 03 w209's were the radiator contamination issues with valeo radiators

A big issue with 03 w209's were the radiator contamination issues with valeo radiators.

Yeah I will have a look at this one soon but, the fact that it is now 12 years old makes me think if it was going to fail it would have already. The car shifts awesome I test drove it for an hour and then had to make the hour trip back from San Antonio. the only faults I can find are the passenger heated seat and the right turn signal does not stay up.

the passanger heated seat failure is very common. its usuall just a ripped or broken wire under the seat. due to these seats going up and down on entry and exit into the rear, it pulls on the harness for the heater. whne I got mine it didn't work. a quick look under the seat and I found the broken wire. I soldered it back together and it has worked ever since.
the turn signal lever unfortunately needs to be replaced. mine does the same thing. it is also a common issue. I had the same issue with my 03 C32 aswell

Double checked my maintenance files. I think I originally said head gasket. Actually had both valve cover gaskets replaced, and the rear main seal. From what I've learned talking with my indie shop both are common issues with the w209. The shop owner has a w209 with a leaky rear main seal. He indicated it was not a crisis, just keep a watch on oil levels and top off when required. I'm obsessive-compulsive when it comes to maintenance so I had it repaired. The Crankshaft Position Sensor also died on me. $65 part DIY - someone said $400 to have the dealer replace it. Only other major expense was replacing all four brake rotors. Other than that she's been flawless. A couple of marker lamps burnt out, and I replaced the battery just because it was still on the original at eight years.

Exact same thing happened to mine. It wasn't the easiest to find, but very easy to fix. I lengthened the wire so it wouldn't happen again. I haven't had any other problems except a power steering hose leak all the fluid out while coming back from holiday but that could happen to any car.