Questions about CLK63 AMG Cabriolet
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 28
Likes: 1
From: Auburn, NH
New owner of 2007 SL55 AMG
Questions about CLK63 AMG Cabriolet
I am new to MBWorld, and I am interested in buying a CLK63 AMG cabriolet. I have been doing as much research on them as I can. I am now aware of the potential headbolt issue (which I wasn't initially), but are there any other issues to be aware of or look for? I just searched this forum for "maintenance" to see if I could find anything else out for routine maintenance. As far as maintenance for the M156, are there timing chains to replace, etc? Does anyone know if the headbolts can be replaced one at a time with the motor still in the car, or does the motor have to come out due to space constraints? I am not an automotive mechanic, but very handy and not afraid to work on a car. (I just did a full clutch replacement in my current '04 Audi S4 two seasons ago). My biggest concern is that I live in NH and there are none of these cars "local". I will ultimately have to ship something to me which is a little unnerving not being able to look in person (although possible with a flight). Thank you in advance, Erik.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,311
Likes: 11
From: Manchester, CT
Yes, all the M156s prior to 2010 (a certain engine # is the cut off)are subject to the failing headbolts....whether or not this actually happens is another story. The number of true failures is very low as I understand it.
I too was worried reading about it prior to my purchase...but after 4 years with my 63 Cab there really isn't anything to lose sleep over. And if there is a failure then I'll get it fixed thru my indy. No big deal tho it'll be a few thousand $$s.
I've heard the bolts can be replaced one at a time. Pretty sure the motor doesn't need to come out, just the heads come off.
The up-dated bolts from MB/AMG are not too expensive but the Weistec stuff is prolly even better.
Routine maint. is easy (IMO) I had an RS6 which was a bear to maintain so this car is a joy for me. Timing chains might stretch over (a long) time but its the rails that prolly need more attention. How many miles on the one you are looking at?
I too was worried reading about it prior to my purchase...but after 4 years with my 63 Cab there really isn't anything to lose sleep over. And if there is a failure then I'll get it fixed thru my indy. No big deal tho it'll be a few thousand $$s.
I've heard the bolts can be replaced one at a time. Pretty sure the motor doesn't need to come out, just the heads come off.
The up-dated bolts from MB/AMG are not too expensive but the Weistec stuff is prolly even better.
Routine maint. is easy (IMO) I had an RS6 which was a bear to maintain so this car is a joy for me. Timing chains might stretch over (a long) time but its the rails that prolly need more attention. How many miles on the one you are looking at?
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 503
Likes: 38
From: South Africa
2004 CLK55 AMG W209
I have read a few maybe hand full have done the head bolts one a time and after few months had to redo everything i.e. the head gasket and bolts again with the lube. If I were you, replace the gaskets one time as well as the bolts. Make sure you buy the CD manuals and everything should be there in the WIS. You could also follow the guides someone posted in the C63 W204 forum as one member had indeed documented it. CLKs dont give much krap at all and as the member above mentioned, they aint hard to work on yourself.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 28
Likes: 1
From: Auburn, NH
New owner of 2007 SL55 AMG
I appreciate your thoughts. I don't have a specific used one in mind. On Autotrader there are currently only 18 across the country for sale. Not exactly a huge pool of choice, but due to the small number actually imported, not surprising. A good amount of those are black which is my last color choice, mileage varies from about 29k - 100k. Glad to hear that routine maintenance is fairly straight forward. I don't mind grabbing a wrench here and there to keep things up. I just don't want a problem vehicle any more than anyone else.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,185
Likes: 42
'15 T&C & '14 SL63
Personally, I found the transmission in the CLK63 to be... confused at times. Slow to shift.
But that is characteristic to the year and model.
I think it was magnified somewhat by the high revving nature of the M156 engine. The car loved to rev, and so does the driver, so getting the revs up quick is important.
The SL63 I replaced it with both shifts faster and more intelligently, and also makes much more torque than rev. But it gives up the magic NA V8 howl through the RPMS, and that ultimately was what made the CLK a special car to drive.
I'm happy in the SL, but sometimes wonder if I should have kept the clk63 on ice ;-)
Once you find the right CLK63 car, get it. You'll love it.
But that is characteristic to the year and model.
I think it was magnified somewhat by the high revving nature of the M156 engine. The car loved to rev, and so does the driver, so getting the revs up quick is important.
The SL63 I replaced it with both shifts faster and more intelligently, and also makes much more torque than rev. But it gives up the magic NA V8 howl through the RPMS, and that ultimately was what made the CLK a special car to drive.
I'm happy in the SL, but sometimes wonder if I should have kept the clk63 on ice ;-)
Once you find the right CLK63 car, get it. You'll love it.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 355
Likes: 2
2013 ML 550, CLK63 AMG, 2012 E350 4MATIC
Buy mine!
I am new to MBWorld, and I am interested in buying a CLK63 AMG cabriolet. I have been doing as much research on them as I can. I am now aware of the potential headbolt issue (which I wasn't initially), but are there any other issues to be aware of or look for? I just searched this forum for "maintenance" to see if I could find anything else out for routine maintenance. As far as maintenance for the M156, are there timing chains to replace, etc? Does anyone know if the headbolts can be replaced one at a time with the motor still in the car, or does the motor have to come out due to space constraints? I am not an automotive mechanic, but very handy and not afraid to work on a car. (I just did a full clutch replacement in my current '04 Audi S4 two seasons ago). My biggest concern is that I live in NH and there are none of these cars "local". I will ultimately have to ship something to me which is a little unnerving not being able to look in person (although possible with a flight). Thank you in advance, Erik.
I have one for sale in MA(cape cod) if you're interested. well, it's not for sale yet but I'm listing in the next couple of days.
07 clk63, black opal(blue) paint...excellent condition...we should talk!
This is a GREAT car...I brought it from CA four years ago and have since then put about 7kmi on it(89k mi now). That is the only reason I'm selling it, I never drive it. I've never driven it with the top up! I never drive in the rain, in the snow etc, it is my sunny summer day car. I don't need to sell it, it's making me a little sick to post these pics! but I need the space for a car for my daughter and she's NOT driving this thing!
She was under MB factory warranty when I bought her, since then I've been taking her to an AMG specialist here, I will be happy to put you in touch with him. Fresh oil and fresh Pirelli tires last july.
