CLK55AMG advice
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 76
Likes: 16
From: Santa Barbara, Ca
GLE350, C300, CLK55AMG
CLK55AMG advice
Hi, Thanks for a great site, looking for some advice on a possible CLK55AMG purchase - i.e. what to look out for, maintenance issues, etc. A local body shop owner who's working on some touchups on my 1966 230S has a 2001 gathering dust at the back of his shop he's considering selling. Needs some kind of fuel injection repair according to him but that's not a deterrent to me. I haven't inspected it closely but body seems OK, some curb rash on the mono blocks, probably needs tires, silver, black interior, seems pretty stock. 51k, California car, I think he's the second owner, just doesn't seem that interested in the car. Thanks for any advice.
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Joined: Jun 2014
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From: Portland, Oregon
2019 Jeep Trackhawk, 2002 CLK55, 2014 911 Carrera
The W208 chassis is sooo easy to work on. There is almost nothing short of flood or collision damage that would turn me away from one. If it's only got 51k miles on it, the engine and transmission are almost certainly in good condition. I would see if there are records of oil changes, or at least pull the oil filler cap and check for sludge or blowby.
The front lower control arm bushings and motor/transmission mounts are common failure points, but neither are hard to fix yourself if you work on cars. The fuel pump and filter are external and easy to change. The fuel injectors are easy to remove and replace. One thing to look out for is the vacuum hose that comes off the front of the intake manifold. If that is broken at the manifold, it's not really easy to repair and you may have to buy a whole new manifold.
If you can get it for a good deal, go for it! You will love the car. They are so much fun to drive!
The front lower control arm bushings and motor/transmission mounts are common failure points, but neither are hard to fix yourself if you work on cars. The fuel pump and filter are external and easy to change. The fuel injectors are easy to remove and replace. One thing to look out for is the vacuum hose that comes off the front of the intake manifold. If that is broken at the manifold, it's not really easy to repair and you may have to buy a whole new manifold.
If you can get it for a good deal, go for it! You will love the car. They are so much fun to drive!
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 76
Likes: 16
From: Santa Barbara, Ca
GLE350, C300, CLK55AMG
2001 W208 advice
Hi Joe, Thanks for the advice. Could be awhile as my instincts are that he wants to get it repaired and drive it for a bit and then realize it's not for him. I've been doing quite a bit of internet research of this car, only 600 were imported to the US apparently for the 2001 year. Like the under the radar aspect and, it was the 2001 Formula 1 pace car although no doubt somewhat modified.
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Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Bahrain
R129 SL55 AMG & W208 CLK55 AMG
Hi Joe, Thanks for the advice. Could be awhile as my instincts are that he wants to get it repaired and drive it for a bit and then realize it's not for him. I've been doing quite a bit of internet research of this car, only 600 were imported to the US apparently for the 2001 year. Like the under the radar aspect and, it was the 2001 Formula 1 pace car although no doubt somewhat modified.
It was then replaced with the big coupe CL55 AMG in 1999
This car existed way before it was offered to the public
Last edited by Ahmed; Sep 28, 2021 at 04:08 AM.
