warbern

I have a budget of $20k and there are a bunch of CLK55s that seem pretty nice in my price range out here in Socal. I don't know a lot about these cars except that I have always lusted after one. Before I line up my test drives, I wanted to get some feedback from this amazing forum. Are there years that are considered better than others or less prone to problems? Is the 209 more reliable than a 208? Finally, would a high mileage but well maintained CLK63 be preferable in any way to a lower mileage, older CLK55? Sorry for all the questions. I have owned four Mercedes over the past 10 years but they have all been leased new. This will be my first used Benz and I want to make sure that I make the right choice. In 1981, my father purchased a beautiful pre-owned 1979 6.9 Sedan that unfortunately spent way too much time in the shop dealing with the troublesome pneumatic suspension system. I am hoping not to repeat that mistake. Any input would be much appreciated!

Amir_AMG

With that price range you can afford any clk, besides a black series. Yes you would be in the 90k miles+ for a 63, but it would be a nice motor! If you want to spend the full 20 i would say go for the 63, pretty rare, and a lot faster. If not, spend about 14k for a clean 2005 2006 55 with about the same mileage or less and spend about a grand on maintenance. Best way to do it is to buy from forums or someone who maintained their service records. As this is your first used purchase maybe take an experienced friend or get a pre purchase inspection. 2003 and early 04s have some of the more common issues with radiator. There are plenty all over so cal as I searched for a few long months before I found mine. Good luck

warbern

Thanks for the info Amir. Not many 05s and 06s around at the moment. What about a really clean 2002? Other than body style/aesthetics and slightly less power, is there a downside to this year in your opinion? Any issues to look out for? Thanks again.

warbern

Thanks for the info Amir. Not many 05s and 06s around at the moment. What about a really clean 2002? Other than body style/aesthetics and slightly less power, is there a downside to this year in your opinion? Any issues to look out for? Thanks again.

GatorMB

The 2002 CLK55 W208 I believe was the best of the best AMG delivered besides the CLK GT in 02. The Cabriolet was carried on into 2003 as a W208 although the W209 was introduced.
The 2002 introduced the most up to date electronics tech for any vehicle of the era.

Some look at the car as barbie but the overall performance and reliability makes up for it. The large round bug eyed headlights are favored by many, Women never stop looking and the Porsche folks will give you the nod.

Many changes happened when the W209 appeared like rack and pinion steering. It makes header options much easier. Upgraded the cluster to include LCD display instead of the failing LED pixel problem the W208 gets. most problems are resolved and affordable in most cases.
There are a few things that can happen to the convertible top but are well supported here again at a reasonable cost.

The more maintenance you are able to perform on your own should dictate how old of a car you want to buy. I am retired ASE master and EE. So many tasks are easy for me when I am up to it.

Hopes this helps a bit, PM me if you need more, Search Marcus in the forums as he has spent many hours writing about them.

Cheers, Gator

Amir_AMG

If you were interested in a w208, I second everything Gator said. My first benz was a w208 (although it wasnt an amg) 1998 clk 320, and I enjoyed it. I can imagine how much more fun the 55 would have been!

warbern

Thanks Gator. Lots of great info. Didn't realize the 2003 Cab was still considered a 208. There are a couple of 2002 cars that are local. One has 82k miles asking $12.9k and the other has only 45k miles but the seller is asking $18k. Both cars are in excellent condition cosmetically but prices seem high based on market value and what other buyers on the Forum have paid. What do you guys feel is a fair offer for either car and do you think the one with 45k miles is worth considerably more?

sick430

I w208 is a lot better as a platform when compared to the W209 (better build quality). If you go W208 try and get the 02/03 if you go W209 get the 05/06 if you go 63 make sure its a newer one 2009+ otherwise there is an issue with the head bolts. The 04-05 have the same electronics as the W208. The W208 has a better suspension with a wishbone over the MacPherson strut of the W209, but the 209 is a lot cheaper to get suspension mods for. there are also a lot more body mods for the W209. It will also have paddle shifters. Try and hold out as long as you can for the right car.

warbern

Thanks Sick430. I am really smitten with the 2002 model year. I love the style of it. It also harkens back to the old-school Mercedes build quality and felt more solid to me behind the wheel. Much less rattling. One of the things that bugged me was the convertible top and its manual latching system. At the same time, maybe the fact that it's manual would make it less prone to problems? The other issue for me was the lack of Xenon headlights. I recall reading that the US 2002 Cabrio came with all options included except for Navigation. Maybe I am wrong. In any case, were Xenons offered on this model year? If not, how big a deal is it to have them installed? Thanks again everyone for all the great info.

sick430

Not hard at all, you can find a lot of nice aftermarket options for headlights. Most of these cars have ugly faded headlights by now.

superstar

You can't go wrong with W208 .

kb24forlife24

2006 just because it's the last year of the 55 convertible.

GatorMB

The W208 was charmed with Engineering from the W124 family which christened Mercedes sales Reliability and Workmanship over all manufacturers of the Era.

Anyone who has owned or drives a W124 knows what I am talking about. The W208 stands with its heritage.

When the W124 was Engineered all were ordered to give it the best.
When the W208 was constructed the Engineers did what they wanted anyway.

You can WIKI them to study.

Cheers

floridawriter

Get an 05 or an 06. You won't be disappointed!

warbern

Any downside to the 04? Seems like parts (especially brakes) are less expensive for this year compared to an 05 or 02. I know the 03 had the radiator issues so I am skipping that year for now. Any other issues to consider with the 04?

warbern

Couple of questions for you guys. My search continues. I am looking at a 2002 CLK55 Convertible on Monday. It belongs to the uncle of a friend who bought it as a dealer demo and has apparently pampered it. The car has around 70k miles. If I buy it, is there a checklist of preventative maintenance that should be done at this mileage? Also, what is the current favorite upgraded stereo with Bluetooth to install in this car and how difficult is it to install a prior microphone in the convertible for hands free calling?

GatorMB

The 70k is not as much a problem as age and vehicles that sit as bench racers and trailer queens.

@ 70k I would start with transmission service and or flush.
Plugs and wires.
B service done properly including re-torque steering box bolts.
Brake inspection.

I have navigation head with an auxiliary port in the glove compartment. There are many options for Bluetooth with this setup. I use droid with MPOW and it provides hands free conversation with the on board mic. streams I heart Auto as well.

If your car still has the analog phone and fiber interface intact your in luck it can still work if wished.
Many are up-grading to latest stereo heads with steering wheel compatibility though, It is cheaper in the long run.