Disappointed
#1
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Disappointed
I bought a 2003 CLK55 Saturday and it has already developed a problem. At idle the car stumbles and the lights in the dash and the headlights dim. This started Sunday night and is getting worse rapidly it seems. I have been reading up on the MAF and such but my code reader will not be here till tomorrow (I hope) It has been cold here but the problem doesn't seem to happen until the car warms up. Any ideas at things I can look at now?
Last edited by insame1; 02-24-2015 at 11:27 AM.
#3
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I think you may be right.
Update: Got in the car today and the seat warmers on both sides didn't work. Got home and turned on the dash voltage read out. 12.5 before start then turned it on and it went back and forth between 14.0 and 14.2. When I put the car in drive it dropped to 13.8 13.9. Dash lights flickered and the car stumbled. I am thinking voltage regulator. Possibly battery. Anyone agree? Other ideas?
Update: Got in the car today and the seat warmers on both sides didn't work. Got home and turned on the dash voltage read out. 12.5 before start then turned it on and it went back and forth between 14.0 and 14.2. When I put the car in drive it dropped to 13.8 13.9. Dash lights flickered and the car stumbled. I am thinking voltage regulator. Possibly battery. Anyone agree? Other ideas?
#4
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2005 E55 AMG, 1991 MR2
Sorry I can't be much help but I also think you are on the right track with either alternator, battery or voltage regulator. Voltage usually drops when you go into drive as the revs drop from idle I would think. I can't remember where but there was a thread in the w211 forum which had some helpful advice about how to tell the difference between them other than replacing parts of course. The seats and other luxury features on the E55 turn off when there is a voltage problem. Perhaps the same for the CLK...
#5
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you have a bad voltage regulator in the alternator. unfortunately you cant just replace the regulator, a new alternator must be purchased.
I am a Mercedes Benz technician.
I am a Mercedes Benz technician.
#6
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unfortunately you cant just replace the regulator, a new alternator must be purchased.
I am a Mercedes Benz technician.
I am a Mercedes Benz technician.
https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...ernator-3.html
#7
Super Member
I know this is for an e55 but tons of people in this thread are talking about changing just the VR. Are you sure I need the entire unit? Also does anyone know why all the genuine MB parts site don list the 03 clk55?
https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...ernator-3.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...ernator-3.html
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#9
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Could be the regulator. Slowly rev up the car in neutral and see if the interior lights flickering is related to what rev the car is at. I had that issue and the interior lights pulsated, not really flickered, with higher revs. The voltage shot up to 14.8 at one point. Replaced the regulator (20 min job) and it idles smoother and the lights don't act weird anymore.
However your symptoms seem more severe. Replace the regulator anyway though and see what happens.
However your symptoms seem more severe. Replace the regulator anyway though and see what happens.
#10
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I haven't checked the inside lights but I did have the battery tested at lunch and it is good. The car is scheduled to get checked out at MB Austin Monday. I don't have an indi here I trust so it time to pay the $$$$$. At least they are giving me a loaner in the interim for free. I hope it is the VR then maybe it will be covered with the recall I posted above.
I wish. At my house in CA I would have already ordered the part and be planing to do it this weekend. Unfortunately on top of it being 32-34 degrees here for the last 3 days I don't have many of my tools and I live in an apartment so it a mute point anyway.
Replaced the regulator (20 min job) and it idles smoother and the lights don't act weird anymore.
#11
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Yeah the recall should cover it. If not, it's like a 30-40$ part. Oh and you only need like 2 sockets and a screw driver to get it done. The only issue is you have to be under the car so you need ramps or a jack.
#12
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Yeah the recall should cover it. If not, it's like a 30-40$ part. Oh and you only need like 2 sockets and a screw driver to get it done. The only issue is you have to be under the car so you need ramps or a jack.
#13
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2005 C55 black on black aka DVS C55, 2007 C230 sport silver on black for the boss
Changed Voltage Regulator from the top
Below is a write up I did when my VR went out. I bought an alternator,($2xx) swapped the VR as described to get it home then ordered just a VR ($2x+) When I swapped the VRs so that I could return the (rental ) alternator I was actually able to do it alternator in and bolted up. A Mirror, various ratchets and bits, and with some skill and it can be done with little effort in short time... just don't forget to unhook the battery.
https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c...regulator.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c...regulator.html
#14
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Got a call from the dealer today and they said i need plugs and wires. Their quote was $1600 . I ordered Denso iridiums and bosh leads for just under $250 shipped with tax. I did have them do the BG fuel injection treatment. I will install the plugs when they arrive and report back.
#16
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Yeah i did the job on my 208 430 so. Now i just have to find a place to do it. I might have to do in the parking lot at my work
Anyone in Austin TX have a driveway I could use. Ill bring beer
Anyone in Austin TX have a driveway I could use. Ill bring beer
#18
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Went to TX DIY and it is a great place and a even better idea.
Replaced all spark plugs with new NGK iridiums, all wires with new Bosh set and replaced the voltage regulator. Same issue persists. I did however find a coil pack that one of the wires fell off of and the contact was corroded and looked very slightly melted. I think this may be my issue now. Going to order a new one. When I get it installed I will report back.
On another note I had a look at my motor mounts and they looked OK. Does anyone have a pic of a known good mount that is installed with the protective sleeve installed?
Replaced all spark plugs with new NGK iridiums, all wires with new Bosh set and replaced the voltage regulator. Same issue persists. I did however find a coil pack that one of the wires fell off of and the contact was corroded and looked very slightly melted. I think this may be my issue now. Going to order a new one. When I get it installed I will report back.
On another note I had a look at my motor mounts and they looked OK. Does anyone have a pic of a known good mount that is installed with the protective sleeve installed?
#19
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Well.... now I am really disappointed. Got in a car accident today. I believe the car is totaled and it wiped out one of my renntech monlites for good.
#20
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2002 CLK 55 AMG cabriolet Eurocharged
Thats sad, The 03 was the first W209.
These cars seem to total faster than they age. Aggressive nature and tango with blind xover drivers do not help, hope your health is intact.
Now it is time to plan for something with a 6.3L
All the Best, Gator
These cars seem to total faster than they age. Aggressive nature and tango with blind xover drivers do not help, hope your health is intact.
Now it is time to plan for something with a 6.3L
All the Best, Gator
#21
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Thanks, yeah I am fine. Might have to get out of the MB world for a while. I just made my first payment on that car today so I don't think I will be getting very much insurance money out of it.