Glyn: I did not take your advice in buying the 2008 CLK350 with 60K miles but went for the 2012 C350 with 20K miles instead. I had an 06 CLK previously and just wanted the slightly upgraded technology on the 2012.

I'm very pleased. It came with sports package/suspension and it handles very smoothly with upgraded 18" AMG wheels and a "tower bar" under the engine. Do you recommend adding a racing stabiizer bar to the rear subframe area? And another bar underneath?

Remember I am a woman and frankly I fell in love with this sedan. My AMG GLA45 2019 with only 7900 miles is sitting untouched and unsold as I speak because it was too much of a "boy car" for me, but the difference in handling between this and the 204 were the reasons I started upgrading the 2012. Thanks again for all your help over the years and if you want me to post this in the regular forum or you want to do it, let me know. I'm writing because I feel guilty about not getting the 08 CLK as you suggested.

Glyn,

Read your post regarding the transmission fluid change over (thank you for an expert's input versus the tribal knowledge & BS, so prevalent on the internet)! You stated that hte old & new spec fluids are miscible. I ask because I inadvertently added a liter of the new, blue fluid to a fresh fill of the old spec. I'm flied with Fuchs / Pentosin ATF 134 fluid, needed an additional liter & undenounced to me, received the newer spec fluid. Pentosin labels it ATF 134 FE (blue). Didn't notice until I had added the majority of the liter bottle.

In your opinion, would it be advisable to drain & refill with the old (or new) spec to remove the mixture? From your post, mixing them should pose no issues.

Thanks for giving actual engineering based advice over many years. As a petrochemical / mechanical engineer (rotating equipment & a bit of lube specification) I certainly appreciate a true "expert opinion".

Regards,

Chris Hoffa
1998 SL 500

Barry Eslick.
Your my 2005/6 C200 ignition key should have the IR interface in the tip of the key. If not the car has been modified.

jayabramson Top up your Power Steering Fluid

Hi Glyn, I am from Somerset West. I have been on the Benzworld forum for a while (about 8 years). I was looking for info on my 2005/6 C200 ignition key(s) and I came across a post on this forum and you seem to be very knowledgable about the W203.
My previous Merc was a 2002 C240, which I lost to a hijack in Joburg in 2015. My "new" Merc does not have IR in the keys and I was wondering if this is a MB mod or whether the keys have been replaced. I do like the option of being able to close a window from outside the car.
Kind regards, stay safe,
Barry Eslick

Mr Ruck,
I drive a 2015 Mercedes E400 Coupe, and it makes a whining sound when I turn the steering wheel. Maybe it is low on power steering fluid, so I want to top that off.
1. What is the approved power steering fluid for this car? I can't find anything in the manual, and each website has a different answer. Dealership sells MB's own, but it's $48. I've seen Pentosin CHF 11S, but don't want to put something in my car that will mess it up.
2. I can't confirm which is the Power Steering reservoir as it's not labeled. There are two potentials. First is a large black notched cap on a clear container, but this one is a challenge as the cap has a weird notch in it and I can't screw it off. Second is a slightly smaller black notched cap on a black reservoir. I was able to screw off that cap, but didn't see any indicators for fill level. Alot of posts indicated there is a dip stick attached to cap, but there isn't.

Your assistance is greatly appreciated.

Maybe you can refer me to someone I can talk to to get an answer.

Help with decode of engine number pleaseI am looking at a 2008 clk with an unusual engine number:

272960 20 303477

Most CLKs I have seen have the middle 2 engine numbers as "30" not "20".

Can anyone help me determine what the 20 signifies?

If the number had a 30 in the middle it would be in the range of the problem 2006 and 2007 numbers, but, this is a 2008. I thought all 2008s had the improved motors.

Hello, I have referred to your post, do you mean that MB 325.3 coolant can be use in M112 C32 AMG?

JTW204 ~ Your engine has to come out to change the balance shaft & sprocket.

Hey! Hello
I allow myself to write you because I saw that you know everything on mercedes I have got a C classe W204 with the M272 V6 and I have got the problem with the balance shaft...
Do you know if I need a specific informatic procedure to the timing chain at the end or no? The computer of my car don't need it? I just have to change the bad pieces, check correctly the timing and that's all?

Thanks a lot