pir91726

I have a 2002 CLK55 AMG Cabriolet. I need assistance in gathering material to apply for collector vehicle status at the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJ MVC). They require that applicants submit evidence from either the manufacturer, a recognized car club (on letterhead) or collector organization that the vehicle was issued in a limited edition quantity or that a limited quantity of the original production run remains. Does anyone know how I may obtain such information?

A very limited quantity of the W208 CLK55 AMG Cabriolets was manufactured. The estimated production numbers for the entire W208 series is 1340. The CLK55 AMG Cabriolet was launched in 2002, the last model year of the W208 body style.

I’m also under the impression that the 2002 CLK55 AMG cabriolet was only sold in North America for the 2002 model year. That some were produced in very limited, single digit quantities, by AMG for select European customers.

The Chassis Code is W208.474, Engine Code is 113.984, and Model Code is WDBLK74.

Here a list of things I have already done
1) I posted this request on mercedes-amg.com. That also know as the AMG Private Lounge.
2) I made an inquiry into Mercedes Benz Club of America yesterday and will post my findings once I hear back from them. They are at mbca.org

Thank you for your assistance.

GatorMB

Does the collector vehicle status provide any tag benefit similar to antique tag in FL? I am one of the lucky ones with the 474 as well.

If one can get Mekum Auctions to recognize the rarity of these cars it may be worthwhile venture.
Cheers, Gator

pir91726

I see the relevant benefit of Florida’s Antique plates is the exemption from the regular state inspection process. The restrictions are the vehicle must be 30 years old and ONLY used in exhibitions, parades or public displays. Note that it’s the owner’s responsibility that the vehicle continues to meet the inspection standards.

The main benefit of NJ collector status is the exemption from the normal state inspection process. The main differences are the restrictions. The vehicle must be LESS than 25 years old, and driving is limited to 3,000 miles per year. The owner needs to go to the state every two years to get the odometer checked and a new collector car sticker. It’s still the owner’s responsibility that the vehicle continues to meet the inspection standards.

An inspection for a collector car can be a big problem in the North East when it’s due in the winter. This is especially true when it has a battery disconnect and needs to complete a drive cycle to pass the emissions-readiness test. It can take quite a bit of driving in harmful and dangerous roads conditions to do so. That’s anathema to a collector car. Going once every two years to get the odometer checked is much less burdensome on the owner and way less taxing on the vehicle.

Note that I do not recommend using a long-term battery disconnect in cars such as my Mercedes, but a battery can get disconnected for repairs which creates the same problem. I use a battery disconnect on my other collector car and prefer it over a battery maintainer which can cause a battery to produce explosive and corrosive gas. That’s not good for a collector car that sits covered for extended times in a closed garage.

I find the New Jersey Collector Status to be something nice and helpful. I love my W208 2002 CLK55 AMG Cabriolet. It has a classic style and is gorgeous and rare. Enjoy yours!

BigJimmyLarge

i have seen a 2002 208 cab for sale in the uk and there is currently on on ebay as we speak, not sure of its background but i have seen a few 2002 clk cabs for sale here in the uk.

pir91726

Thanks for the information. Interesting that the seller notes it's LHD *never being done RHD*. Is your W208 CLK55 LHD or RHD? Do you recall if the other 2002 CLK55 Cabs you saw for sale in the UK were LHD or RHD?

East Coast Euro

CLK 55 AMG Cabriolet

2002 1340
2004 782
2005 662
2006 180

BigJimmyLarge

mine is RHD,
Your right it may be a import?
but also germany drives LHD so who knows?

derekwh

Is there a breakdown of cabriolets by color / year?

ericngo1

hello...i'm one of those lucky few that own the 02 clk55 amg cabriole. its good to know all that info how rare these babies are. I'm current having issues with the radio at the moment. the radio turn on but no sound. could anyone help me and point me where is the location of the TELE AID? PLEASE HELP....THANKS...

blackbenzz

Check the amplifier

ericngo1

Thanks for the reply. you said to check the amplifier, what do I need to check for? I did check the fuse and it look ok. there is only one big connection on the back of the amp but beside that, there is nothing else.