CLK 63 cab known issues/reliability
 

Hey all,

I've had a W203 C-Class and currently drive a W204 C-Class but i've always wanted an AMG with the M156 motor. As it will be an "extra" vehicle, my fiance and I have been seriously considering a CLK 63 cabriolet (I'm in the US).

I went through the search function and read some older threads about issues related to the W209 CLK 63. I'm aware of the headbolt issue and read a post about possible transmission issues but those threads were 5 years old.

edit: I also saw mention of the windscreen and to look for it.

As the W209 has aged, is there any glaring issues that I should know about as I look for one of these cars?

Thank you!

Hi mate,

This video will tell you everything you need to know and put you off in 20 mins


Personally the m113 cars are so much cheaper to run and maintain and are 10 fold more reliable.

I really appreciate the link!

I didn’t know about the lifter and camshaft issue.

That said, a I a masochist for still wanting a car with this motor? It sounds so good!

I’ve owned mine since 2009 and it’s been rock solid. Put over 30K miles on it and never needed anything other than routine basic maintenance. I’ve read the same claimed issues and while some may have had problems, I believe it’s more internet hype than reality.

And yes, they sound good and eill even better once I upgrade the exhaust a bit! ��

I have 3 CLK's. None a CLK63. However, in general the W209 is a solid car. Of course the soft tops are a real pain in the a$$ and took me some time to sort it out on my cab.

30k in 10 years is really not even using the car, I would believe it all to be internet hype if my local info dident have not 1 but 2 6.3 engined cars both with destroyed engines a sl63 and a C63 ? ! It's getting to that time as well where most are going wrong as a lot of them are getting to be 10+ years old.

we got 2 dead 156 cars at this time! Ive personally fixed 2, and have seen about a dozen ruined ones. it totals out the car. I could also mention that the transmission also always fails on ANY early 722.9 just like all these early 156's around 2010 MB fixed them(plastic valve cover version) and theres no issue, but theres no w209 avail with them and they arent cross compatible. I work at mercedes

Also, quite a few cars will have camshaft/tappet wear even if they appear to be running fine.