iconautoleasing

Hey all
i just bought an 02 clk 55 cab and was hoping someone can give some advice on what services to get done.
the car has 66k miles, drives perfect and was a one owner vehicle. the car fax showed he has done services every year. i know i bought a quality item but i really don't intend to drive it much. only in the summers so i want to make sure I'm taking care of her to the fullest.
also the time and temp is almost out, any advice on how to get that fixed?
on a side note, i read somewhere in the forum that in 03 benz produced the w208 55 cab, is that really true? I've never seen one,

shadenfroh

Looks mighty fine! That's how a 208 should look, congratulations.

Replace fluids for a start. Check valve covers and breather covers for leaks. It's just about time for spark plugs according to manual, but I changed mine at same mileage and saw absolutely 0 improvement.

Your displays don't work, because VDO are cheap tw*ts, it bears repeating. The instrument cluster is easy to remove if you remove the foot well cover, reach up and push it out. Pops open just like that. The cable for the middle display you can disconnect. The other two are soldered on. Peel them off, clean thoroughly with rubbing alcohol. Solder the new cables on.
While you're in there - don't install chrome gauge rings, they cover parts of the lights and look out of place in a slightly tacky way.

As a side note - I have a set of chrome gauge rings for sale

iconautoleasing

Thanks for the response. i will have my mechanic look into that and yes it was definitely so good looking that i could not turn it down. ive been scouting the web for a clean car for some time and this was the cleanest example and i paid 10k for a car w no prev paintwork or any issues at all. i think i did well. i do new cars for a living so i know values and quality. in my opinion w208 55 cabs are rare cars and i firmly believe should be a good asset due to its rarity.
i can figure out how to remove the cluster w ease but im def not the do it yourselfer type that would be able to do the rest. any recommendations on a service or company i can send my cluster to?

shadenfroh

I paid more for my 320 To be fair, it's in Europe...

As for the instrument cluster - it's really quite an easy job. Please feel free to send me a private message if you decide to tackle this job and I'll guide you through.

It's exactly jobs like these that you best do yourself (breather covers fall in that category too). You must know that mechanics earn more money on parts than they do on labour, so naturally they prefer bigger, more involved jobs. Repairs like this they have to do very quickly and they'll never pay the amount of attention that you'd expect.

AMG_55_cruiser

the w208 CLK55 Cab was only produced in 02 in very limited quantities. under 1200 were sent to states. Most had the optional nav system which was only real factory option on car. The next CLK55 cab manufactured after 2002 was the w209 skipping a couple years

As far as maintaining keep an eue on top hydraulic fluid reservoir as when it gets low you will blow the seals on the valve block and it is a replaceable unit which runs over $1000 new. Havent found anyone that rebuild but I got rid of mine years ago. Great car...maintain it and it will continue to be a blast. BTW - if you want it to handle better get the euro springs which are lower in height and equally as good as aftermarket springs. They run about $200-300 if you can still find in Germany. stay with 17's as the car doesn;t handle as well when pushed hard in canyons (IMHO).

GatorMB

The W208 Cab was offered in 2003.

The W209 was introduced in 2003 but Hard top only.

Cheers

AMG_55_cruiser

OP asked if the 55 Cab was available in 2003 and it was NOT. The 320 and 430 was available in 03 but not an AMG 55 cab. Euro intro may have been slightly different on outgoing/intro between 208/209 but no 55 Cab was available.

iconautoleasing

ive scoured the web for a w208 55 cab for 03 and i cant find any proof of that. it makes me wonder. i love the fact the w208 clk 55 cab was built for one year only.

Chappy

Nice find - congrats!

GatorMB

I did not know that as well. A quick search only revealed 2003 CLK 430, 320.

One special detail I noted was your wheels. I have the same but one is bent, so looking for a replacement on craigslist etc. finding the aftermarket clone without the bolted trim ring or bead retainer only.

I believe the CLK 430 was retrofitted with an AMG trim package that included the AMG wheel but not true two piece Benz.

I have been restoring my trim and nuisance problems since ownership and recently modifying hard but it can be restored quick as I have no intention of butchering a car like this for track only.
It is a true street machine champ.

Enjoy, Gator

Chappy

In the U.S., the W208 CLK430 (coupe and cabrio) came with "thin spoke" AMG wheels. Two versions of the 5-spoke wheels were mounted.

The W208 CLK55 AMG received the Monoblock II wheels and the cabrio received the gorgeous 2-piece AMG wheels (made by BBS I believe).

GatorMB

No wonder I cannot find them used, Rats that makes them rarer.

I had a special Volvo wheel repaired by Turbax Winter Garden Fl. I will consult with them.

Cheers.

Chappy

There is a whole set right now on ebay for less than $800.

PKSlice

Gator, there is a guy on Pelican Parts forum wanting to sell a set of wheels and tires for $600. It's in Canada so with exchange rate it would be about $450 USD which is a steal. The only thing is I think he messed up the tire profiles (ie front and rear are the same aspect ratio so they may not be quite the same diameter). Cannot remember if they are 2-piece rims - you are right they are gorgeous and are part of the reason I bought my 2002 CLK 55 AMG cab.

GatorMB

I used to frequent the pelican parts forum when I was in a special W124 but some just like to play know it all.
Kind of snobby but I will have to get to a gasser forum to find real team oriented enthusiasts.
I am a buyer of Pelican parts as well.
I found a set of AMG rims local polished cheking on status soon.
Repair is around 100.00 per wheel well see.
Thanks for the heads up.

Gator

iconautoleasing

hey do you have recommendations for the springs to use??

cindyclk

I've used these people before...quick turnaround and never a problem since
http://www.bba-reman.com/gb/index.aspx

PKSlice

The pixel lcd's are fine, it's the paper-thin ribbon cables that are glued to the instrument cluster circuit board start to come loose. I bought a complete set of all three from China from eBay for $40 and used a clothing iron to affix them. Had to wait 10 weeks for them to arrive though, but they work perfect! Anyone wants tips on this let me know (for example, peel off old ribbon and clean circuit board leads with a Q-tip and acetone until they are shiny gold again, before heat gluing ribbons on).


Check your engine mounts: put the car into gear with your foot on the brake (with the hood up) and step on the gas. If the engine lifts upwards the left mount is toast. Then put it into reverse and test again. If it lifts up then the right mount is toast. Might as well replace all. MB Canada wants $500 for L&R & tranny mounts, but I found the complete OEM Lemforder set on Amazon for $140 and will take it to an indy shop to install.


I might do a 1.5" front end drop and a Flowmaster muffler for rumble but do not intend to make this car look like a rice rocket. Just something tastefully meaner...