I am in line for a SLK 55, and would like to ask the current CLK 55 owners what they think of the 362 hp V8 in the car.

Any/all cons & pros would be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

be prepared for gas a lot of filling up to do

 

Just got mine a couple of months ago.....
Love the power, and serves as a 4 seater in a pinch, will hold a carry bag of golf clubs in the trunk, back seats fold down, if you really need the cargo space, have only seen one other CLK 55(W208, not 209).

I really like that it is a very good crossover b/w a 2 seat car and four door sedan.

 

hi dinko,

i had an 02 S55 with the same engine. imho it is the best engine that MB manufactures. hand built normally aspirated and trouble free. true power without any supercharger chirp or whine. the power of the new AMG motors is fantastic but if i could purchase this motor in a larger MB i would buy it in a second!

 

I have the 208 CLK55. I am getting better fuel economy than my friends with C32s.....go figure

You will absolutely love the power, especially coming from your current ride. The engine is smooth and extremely powerful...with 376 lb./ft. torque on tap, you have INSTANT power in any gear at any speed. This motor, shoehorned into the new SLK platform is going to be a screamer...

Your biggest issue will be traction

 

I will drive that car with that much power the way it is meant to be driven (sometimes )

What are some of the + & -'s with the traction? BTW, doesn't the SLK 55 have improved traction compared to the CLK 55 and other models?

 

Love the power. I am usually afraid to press the pedal all the way down. Even when I want to show off to others...I still only press the accelerator about 3\4 down, and hold on!
As far as negatives about the car/engine......I guess just the things that have been stated already. She eats gas like water (that doesn't sound right). Also if you don't like people staring and pointing at your car then you better not get an AMG.
Just the other day I was at the grocery store with my CLK55. As I was leaving, the pimply faced 16 y/o pushing the carriages back to the store stopped in front of my car and said "that car is awesome", then proceeded to pull out his cell phone and take a pic of my car. I was like, what?? Thanks dude. I think he probably had to change his underwear after.
Another story......Filling her up at the gas station (like usual) and I go into the store to get milk. I see the clerk staring at my CLK55 out by the pump. Now I'm thinking "here comes the question"...he says.."what do you do for a living?" All because of the car I was driving.
Hey what can I say...I love it!!


Don't worry about the negatives....the positives are too great!!!

 

I agree about wonderful V8 and all the other positives already expressed, BUT...
don't get caught in the Hell of Mercedes Parts department.
My '04 CLK55 has been in the Dealer Service Dept (Simonson in Santa Monica) for 21 days waiting for a part, and they STILL DON'T HAVE A CLUE WHERE THE PART IS. It's been lost, found, lost again.
Totally unbelievable incompetence on the part of MBZ. Dealer continues to be very apologetic, but bottom line, this is apparently not uncommon.
(I needed an "engine control module", because mine "shorted" out after only 5000 miles)
My theory: MBZ lost quality control when they flooded the market with cheaper C class entry level model, and service departments are now overloaded because more cars overall and more problems with those cars.
Caveat emptor to future MBZ buyers.

 

Nice color Amil!

 

My '04 CLK55 has been in the Dealer Service Dept (Simonson in Santa Monica) for 21 days waiting for a part.

That's scary. Have they given you a MB loaner? I'd be calling my lawyer, demanding my money back, etc. After having the same situation with an 03 E55, the next time I go to war.

I have an 04 CLK 55 cab, which I love. It doesn't have all the funky electronics that the E class has and it's a better car in my opinion. But I use it to travel alot. If this happened a long way from home. I don't know what I would do.

 

umm is your car under a year old? you can file for a lemon already i think its 20 days in teh shop

 

Sweet! Thanks for the responses guys! Now remember, I will be getting a SLK 55 and not a CLK

More input is welcome!

 

I'll let you know tomorrow. Our '04 CLK 55 Cab. arrived in Albuquerque today and we'll be picking it up in the morning. We ordered it June 14th last year. 11 months to the day and it's finally here! Can't wait to drive it.
Good luck with your 05 SLK 55.

 

<< ...you can file for a lemon already i think its 20 days in the shop... >>

Amil - thanks for your suggestion -- the Lemon Law hadn't even occured to me, and it is a good thing to have in mind, especially when dealing with the Service Dept.
I checked it out and it is 30 days (not 20), but they can be cumulative, and my wife is quite certain that this car will be in the shop again. I'm afraid she had more confidence in my M3 and depite it's harsher ride, was sorry to see me get rid of it.

 

Picked up our '04 CLK55 Cab yesterday. Absolutely amazing. The roar out the tailpipes and the power behind it is unbeleivable!

 

Congrats!

 

Congrats and welcome!

 

Welcome to the club!!!!