CLK63 worth getting?
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Joined: Jun 2013
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05 clk500
CLK63 worth getting?
Hey everyone I'm currently getting the itch for a new car. I currently drive a w209 clk500 cab and love it. After 112k miles shes been very reliable for me and I'm hoping to get the same result from my next car. I came a cross a CLK63 in my area and love the car but I'm worried due to the kind of car it is and how rare it is that if anything goes wrong with it, I'll be screwed. So as my title says is it worth getting?
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Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Palatine, IL
Speedriven
Should be fine if it's a cab. Most of the parts will be common to either the E63 or C63, and they're in relatively reasonable supply. Keep in mind, though, that standard maintenance stuff will be more- brake pads, oil changes, etc. You'll also be dealing with a car that, let's face it, wasn't bought by a little old lady to get to church on Sundays. It probably needs some small things to make it 100% as it is.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 503
Likes: 38
From: South Africa
2004 CLK55 AMG W209
As mentioned by speed driven, engine and tranny are shared by the C63. Body parts only the front bumper and fogs will be an issue for you but it shouldn't be too hard to source if a problem comes up. As for the rest of the car same as a W209 55. Only the cluster and steering are unique to this CLK.
They are lovely cars either way. Good luck on your decision
They are lovely cars either way. Good luck on your decision
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 724
Likes: 31
Car free at the moment
Are you aware of the various issues with the m156 engine? Google up "m156 head bolt problem" and do some reading. Make sure you are comfortable with the risk of a failure and related cost to repair. As well, price out brake rotors and pads for the 63. AMG cars use pricey two piece front rotors, so a front brake job is frequently a $2.5k undertaking.
Member
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 79
Likes: 3
From: Wellington, FL
2019 Stage 3 E85 Audi RS3
I may be biased here, but I absolutely think it's worth getting. Reason I got mine is because I drove my father's CLK550 and loved it, as did my kids like the occasionally weekend drive with top down.
It is a big difference from even the 550. Things to look out for, major thing is head bolts, as this is a huge issue and about 3-5k repair.
Another thing to look at is the front rotors. This is around 2k as they are 2 piece rotors, you could put on the C63 single piece rotors for around 500 I would assume but not sure.
Otherwise, I love the car, only thing I wished it had was dual exit exhaust.
Have had no real issues with mine.
Hope this helps and happy to answer any questions as well.
It is a big difference from even the 550. Things to look out for, major thing is head bolts, as this is a huge issue and about 3-5k repair.
Another thing to look at is the front rotors. This is around 2k as they are 2 piece rotors, you could put on the C63 single piece rotors for around 500 I would assume but not sure.
Otherwise, I love the car, only thing I wished it had was dual exit exhaust.
Have had no real issues with mine.
Hope this helps and happy to answer any questions as well.
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Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 10
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05 clk500
I may be biased here, but I absolutely think it's worth getting. Reason I got mine is because I drove my father's CLK550 and loved it, as did my kids like the occasionally weekend drive with top down.
It is a big difference from even the 550. Things to look out for, major thing is head bolts, as this is a huge issue and about 3-5k repair.
Another thing to look at is the front rotors. This is around 2k as they are 2 piece rotors, you could put on the C63 single piece rotors for around 500 I would assume but not sure.
Otherwise, I love the car, only thing I wished it had was dual exit exhaust.
Have had no real issues with mine.
Hope this helps and happy to answer any questions as well.
It is a big difference from even the 550. Things to look out for, major thing is head bolts, as this is a huge issue and about 3-5k repair.
Another thing to look at is the front rotors. This is around 2k as they are 2 piece rotors, you could put on the C63 single piece rotors for around 500 I would assume but not sure.
Otherwise, I love the car, only thing I wished it had was dual exit exhaust.
Have had no real issues with mine.
Hope this helps and happy to answer any questions as well.
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Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
05 clk500
Are you aware of the various issues with the m156 engine? Google up "m156 head bolt problem" and do some reading. Make sure you are comfortable with the risk of a failure and related cost to repair. As well, price out brake rotors and pads for the 63. AMG cars use pricey two piece front rotors, so a front brake job is frequently a $2.5k undertaking.
Member
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 79
Likes: 3
From: Wellington, FL
2019 Stage 3 E85 Audi RS3
I have considered it, however the car is fast enough from factory. The only cheap go fast mod I did was remove carbon filters and add afe pro dry filters but gain is minimal. I did this before car was delivered to me(changed first night of ownership). Some say it's good for 10whp. I don't know but maybe sounds a little better intake wise and have a good permanent dry filter.
You could remove cats at least secondary and resonator to free up the exhaust a bit, I immediately removed resonator only and don't think it probably affected horsepower. Secondary cats are after o2 sensor so should be fine many c63 owners do that.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 503
Likes: 38
From: South Africa
2004 CLK55 AMG W209
As he mentioned, filters and ECU tune with 300 cel primary cats and the secondaries removed. If money isn't an issue then a TCU as well and you will definitely be surprised with the new power from the car. But get it and drive it for a while before modifying the car straight off the top.
As for that head bolt issue, head over to the W204 C63 forum and read all about it. Nobody knows when the car is affected until you are informed to top up the coolant by the ECU. Some say at around 80 000km its safe to replace the bolts and some mention at 120 000km or more as failure is prone to around that mileage if memory serves me well. There are shops that are repairing these engines bolts on the head but ensure the gaskets are replaced as well whilst you at it. These guys that everyone sends their ECU to, Eurocharge I think keep the bolts for this.
As for that head bolt issue, head over to the W204 C63 forum and read all about it. Nobody knows when the car is affected until you are informed to top up the coolant by the ECU. Some say at around 80 000km its safe to replace the bolts and some mention at 120 000km or more as failure is prone to around that mileage if memory serves me well. There are shops that are repairing these engines bolts on the head but ensure the gaskets are replaced as well whilst you at it. These guys that everyone sends their ECU to, Eurocharge I think keep the bolts for this.
