2004 CLK55 slushy around town

DaimlerDude · 04-20-2008, 09:03 PM

I sold my '02 CLK55 to upgrade to an 04...what a difference in handling. I have noticed around town that I really need to keep it in manual mode or a 3gear as it's very slushy and hesitates before accelerating....any ideas? I am new to this car, so maybe this is normal or I am not doing something correctly...appreciate any input! Thanks.

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4ociousE55 · 04-21-2008, 08:31 PM

I recently purchased an 04 and noticed that it too seemed sluggish compared to another 04 that I recently drove. Because I believe in K&N filters I ordered a pair (the CLK55 requires two). When they arrived I removed the engine covers (very easy) and discovered that both OEM air filters were almost completely clogged with leaves, dirt and other debris. In other words, the OEM filters had not been replaced since new over four years ago and the engine was not getting any air! With the K&N's installed, several fill-ups with 93 octane gas and two doses of fuel injector cleaner the car began to come to life. I also think the computer adjusted the engine to run lean because of the poor air/fuel combination which also contributed to my problem. Anyway, the car now acts like an AMG and my sluggishness has completely disappeared. My solution may not fix your problem but it's worth a shot and not very expensive. BTW, after this fix my gas milage improved, go figure. Good luck.

DaimlerDude · 04-22-2008, 11:33 AM

THanks...Ill try that. It certainly seems like its not getting enough air. Where did buy your K&N's?

4ociousE55 · 04-22-2008, 12:33 PM

I use AutoAnything.com which from past and present experience seems to have the best prices and free shipping. I believe the CLK's use 2 K&N 2381's but check with them to be sure. Total is about $80-85 if I recall. You'll need a torx head to remove the air filter housings. Also try a bottle of fuel injector cleaner ($6-7) with your next fill-up. You can buy it at any parts store. your local MB dealer also sells some good cleaner. My only recommendation is stay away from the off brands. Also ask the parts guy/s which brand they recommend.

cindyclk · 04-22-2008, 04:08 PM

...and don't over oil the filters or you'll be investing in a new MAF

Chappy · 04-22-2008, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaimlerDude

I sold my '02 CLK55 to upgrade to an 04...what a difference in handling. I have noticed around town that I really need to keep it in manual mode or a 3gear as it's very slushy and hesitates before accelerating....any ideas? I am new to this car, so maybe this is normal or I am not doing something correctly...appreciate any input! Thanks.

"what a difference in handling"

Would you mind elaborating a little more? You're one of the few on here who was had both the W208/55 and W209/55.

What did you like? Dislike?

MARTYMAR · 04-27-2008, 09:02 PM

I just bought my 04 CLK 55 AMG and experienced the same thing with the sluggish, hesitant acceleration issue. I'm sure the stock filters haven't been changed since 2004 and I am so eagered to replace them with 2 K&N air filters. However, I can't take off the top engine cover. The engine covers consist of 2 pieces, the front easily snaps up and out with no problem. The second piece is a different story and appears to be bolted down with 2 screws for each filter. (I guess these are the Torx screws) Here's a picture of the engine. Could someone please give some feedback on how you were able to remove this cover? What kind of tools did you use and is it really as easy as some say it is?

02 CLK 55 AMG air filter

4ociousE55 · 04-27-2008, 09:46 PM

Funny, my front cover snaps on/off and my rear does also. Both filters are contained in the rear cover. Now my 05 E55 (very early production) has four torx bolts on either side which are a pain but, all you have to do is loosen them, you don't have to take them out of their socket (if I recall). I used a standard socket wrench with an extension and the right size torx bit. It took few minutes more but the result was the same. My CLK55 is a very late year production and MB may have made some changes in the covers by then.

MARTYMAR · 04-27-2008, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4ociousE55

Funny, my front cover snaps on/off and my rear does also. Both filters are contained in the rear cover. Now my 05 E55 (very early production) has four torx bolts on either side which are a pain but, all you have to do is loosen them, you don't have to take them out of their socket (if I recall). I used a standard socket wrench with an extension and the right size torx bit. It took few minutes more but the result was the same. My CLK55 is a very late year production and MB may have made some changes in the covers by then.

Excellent! That answers my question precisely. So I will need a socket wrench with an extension. Thanks a bunch 4ociousE55!

Addicted2Speed · 04-27-2008, 10:51 PM

Forged about the filters, they will not make a significant difference. What you need is a sprintbooster, it makes the throttle much more responsive.

DBLNICKL · 04-27-2008, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Addicted2Speed

Forged about the filters, they will not make a significant difference. What you need is a sprintbooster, it makes the throttle much more responsive.

do u lose significant gas mileage, if any at all after the sprint booster? naturally seems like more responsive to gas pedal mashing = less gas mileage...just curious...thx

oh yeah, i recently had some green filters put on the car...definitely seems like it runs cooler and a lil smoother thru shifts/acceleration thus making it easier to "drive spiritedly" ha...dont know the diff. in K&N's and greens, but these seem to be workin out fine...

MARTYMAR · 04-27-2008, 11:24 PM

Dam man i still can't seem to get to these screws to remove the cover...i'm gone end up breaking this ish in a minute. Any suggestions anyone? DBL how were you able to remove the covers off the engine to replace your filters? Or did you just take it to a Benz shop?

DBLNICKL · 04-27-2008, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MARTYMAR

Dam man i still can't seem to get to these screws to remove the cover...i'm gone end up breaking this ish in a minute. Any suggestions anyone? DBL how were you able to remove the covers off the engine to replace your filters? Or did you just take it to a Benz shop?

i dont touch anything when it comes to this car bro, lol...my fam. has been using the same mechanic for over 20 years...i take it to him, although i think my cover is one piece...i'll give him a call in the morning and inquire about how to get it off etc...

MARTYMAR · 04-27-2008, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DBLNICKL

i dont touch anything when it comes to this car bro, lol...my fam. has been using the same mechanic for over 20 years...i take it to him, although i think my cover is one piece...i'll give him a call in the morning and inquire about how to get it off etc...

Aww man I'd really appreciate that. I know what you mean about being reluctantly to touch the engine etc. Usually I'm the same way but now as I'm getting more into cars I realize that the little things like filters, oil changes etc could save me a lot of unecessary spending if I learn to do the job on my on. On the other hand, I could screw myself if I get to cocky

MARTYMAR · 04-27-2008, 11:52 PM

I finally found out how to get to those pesty air filters. Below is a link that demonstrates step by step instructions!! Please thank M-benz for this awesome link. Thank you to everyone that responded to the new kid on the block.

http://euroteckmotorsports.com/index...5928&pageid=84

DaimlerDude · 04-28-2008, 12:42 PM

Sure. The '04 is might tigher and responsive when steering. There is less oversteer on my '04. Now, the ride seems a bit harsher on the '04, too....But, for example, I can take a tight freeway onramp going 80 or more in the '04 without any problems....couldnt do that in in W208!

Are you considering getting a W209?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chappy

"what a difference in handling"

Would you mind elaborating a little more? You're one of the few on here who was had both the W208/55 and W209/55.

What did you like? Dislike?

DaimlerDude · 05-02-2008, 11:19 PM

OK, got some bad news today and the reason why the car is so "slushy" and unresponsive. The verdict: Damage cat converter!! Now, for the worst news: Cost for an AMG Cat: $3,000!! I almost fell over...now I dont know what to do. Any you dudes know where I can a good aftermarket one or a good deal on an factory original? Thanks much!

MARTYMAR · 05-03-2008, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaimlerDude

OK, got some bad news today and the reason why the car is so "slushy" and unresponsive. The verdict: Damage cat converter!! Now, for the worst news: Cost for an AMG Cat: $3,000!! I almost fell over...now I dont know what to do. Any you dudes know where I can a good aftermarket one or a good deal on an factory original? Thanks much!

Are you serious? Please say it ain't so.

ProjectC55 · 05-03-2008, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaimlerDude

OK, got some bad news today and the reason why the car is so "slushy" and unresponsive. The verdict: Damage cat converter!! Now, for the worst news: Cost for an AMG Cat: $3,000!! I almost fell over...now I dont know what to do. Any you dudes know where I can a good aftermarket one or a good deal on an factory original? Thanks much!

Don't you still have you're warranty? Or is'nt this something MB is obligated to replace for such a young car?
If not I can tell you about some excellent replacements.

SoCalCLK · 05-03-2008, 03:22 PM

OEM Cats carry a warranty up to 70,000 miles. I know this because when 1 of my cats failed on my '02 CLK430 with 66,000 miles, the dealer replaced it for free under the warranty.

It's the only part that exceeds the standard 4-year 50,000 mile warranty. At least, this is what they told me.

DaimlerDude · 05-04-2008, 02:04 AM

yeah, the cats are under warranty until 80K, but the dealer said since mine were scratched up, they wouldnt cover em. Even though the cats are WAY UP almost inside the engine compartment..what kinda crap is that??

DaimlerDude · 05-04-2008, 02:06 AM

Project C, did you say you knew of some good cat replacements?

ProjectC55 · 05-04-2008, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaimlerDude

yeah, the cats are under warranty until 80K, but the dealer said since mine were scratched up, they wouldnt cover em. Even though the cats are WAY UP almost inside the engine compartment..what kinda crap is that??

That's some bull! I would go to another dealer.

By the way you could eliminate those cats and move the O2 sensors like many have. Just keep the secondary cats. You will pass emissions and should not pull a CEL. I would speak to VRP.

I figured you needed to replace the secondary cats. I know about getting replacements for those.

DaimlerDude · 05-05-2008, 01:15 PM

Thanks alot. So, you are saying I can eliminate the cats up near the engine or the ones under the car?

04-21-2008, 08:31 PM	#2
4ociousE55 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Manassas, VA Posts: 420 Drives: 08 CLK63 BS, 07 SL55 with 030 and 06 C280 4Matic	I recently purchased an 04 and noticed that it too seemed sluggish compared to another 04 that I recently drove. Because I believe in K&N filters I ordered a pair (the CLK55 requires two). When they arrived I removed the engine covers (very easy) and discovered that both OEM air filters were almost completely clogged with leaves, dirt and other debris. In other words, the OEM filters had not been replaced since new over four years ago and the engine was not getting any air! With the K&N's installed, several fill-ups with 93 octane gas and two doses of fuel injector cleaner the car began to come to life. I also think the computer adjusted the engine to run lean because of the poor air/fuel combination which also contributed to my problem. Anyway, the car now acts like an AMG and my sluggishness has completely disappeared. My solution may not fix your problem but it's worth a shot and not very expensive. BTW, after this fix my gas milage improved, go figure. Good luck. __________________ 2008 CLK63 AMG Black Series/Iridium Silver/Charcoal/iPod/K&N's 2007 SL55 AMG Iridium Silver/Charcoal/030 Perf Pkg/All Options/K&N's 2006 C280 4Matic/White/Tan/Daily Driver 2006 BMW X3 3.0i, Bluewater/Tan Leather/NAV/Sirius/K&N/Wife's Sold 2006 SL55 AMG Black/Black/030 Pkg/All Options (Totaled) 2005 E55 AMG 2004 CLK55 AMG 2006 C280 4Matic 1997 BMW 850Ci 2003 BMW 530iA Sport 2003 BMW M5 2002 BMW M3 Conv. Last edited by 4ociousE55; 04-21-2008 at 08:40 PM.

04-22-2008, 12:33 PM	#4
4ociousE55 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Manassas, VA Posts: 420 Drives: 08 CLK63 BS, 07 SL55 with 030 and 06 C280 4Matic	I use AutoAnything.com which from past and present experience seems to have the best prices and free shipping. I believe the CLK's use 2 K&N 2381's but check with them to be sure. Total is about $80-85 if I recall. You'll need a torx head to remove the air filter housings. Also try a bottle of fuel injector cleaner ($6-7) with your next fill-up. You can buy it at any parts store. your local MB dealer also sells some good cleaner. My only recommendation is stay away from the off brands. Also ask the parts guy/s which brand they recommend. __________________ 2008 CLK63 AMG Black Series/Iridium Silver/Charcoal/iPod/K&N's 2007 SL55 AMG Iridium Silver/Charcoal/030 Perf Pkg/All Options/K&N's 2006 C280 4Matic/White/Tan/Daily Driver 2006 BMW X3 3.0i, Bluewater/Tan Leather/NAV/Sirius/K&N/Wife's Sold 2006 SL55 AMG Black/Black/030 Pkg/All Options (Totaled) 2005 E55 AMG 2004 CLK55 AMG 2006 C280 4Matic 1997 BMW 850Ci 2003 BMW 530iA Sport 2003 BMW M5 2002 BMW M3 Conv.

04-22-2008, 04:08 PM	#5
cindyclk Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 172	...and don't over oil the filters or you'll be investing in a new MAF __________________ 2002 black CLK 55,Lorinser roof spoiler, illuminated AMG door sills, Eurocommand by Steve,black burl shift knob/door handles/arm rest, quad exhaust

04-27-2008, 09:02 PM	#7
MARTYMAR Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 386 Drives: CLK 55 AMG, IS 350	Sluggish Ride, Help me out!!! I just bought my 04 CLK 55 AMG and experienced the same thing with the sluggish, hesitant acceleration issue. I'm sure the stock filters haven't been changed since 2004 and I am so eagered to replace them with 2 K&N air filters. However, I can't take off the top engine cover. The engine covers consist of 2 pieces, the front easily snaps up and out with no problem. The second piece is a different story and appears to be bolted down with 2 screws for each filter. (I guess these are the Torx screws) Here's a picture of the engine. Could someone please give some feedback on how you were able to remove this cover? What kind of tools did you use and is it really as easy as some say it is? 02 CLK 55 AMG air filter

04-27-2008, 09:46 PM	#8
4ociousE55 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Manassas, VA Posts: 420 Drives: 08 CLK63 BS, 07 SL55 with 030 and 06 C280 4Matic	Funny, my front cover snaps on/off and my rear does also. Both filters are contained in the rear cover. Now my 05 E55 (very early production) has four torx bolts on either side which are a pain but, all you have to do is loosen them, you don't have to take them out of their socket (if I recall). I used a standard socket wrench with an extension and the right size torx bit. It took few minutes more but the result was the same. My CLK55 is a very late year production and MB may have made some changes in the covers by then. __________________ 2008 CLK63 AMG Black Series/Iridium Silver/Charcoal/iPod/K&N's 2007 SL55 AMG Iridium Silver/Charcoal/030 Perf Pkg/All Options/K&N's 2006 C280 4Matic/White/Tan/Daily Driver 2006 BMW X3 3.0i, Bluewater/Tan Leather/NAV/Sirius/K&N/Wife's Sold 2006 SL55 AMG Black/Black/030 Pkg/All Options (Totaled) 2005 E55 AMG 2004 CLK55 AMG 2006 C280 4Matic 1997 BMW 850Ci 2003 BMW 530iA Sport 2003 BMW M5 2002 BMW M3 Conv.

04-22-2008, 11:33 AM	#3
DaimlerDude Newbie Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 7 Drives: 2004 CLK55 AMG	THanks...Ill try that. It certainly seems like its not getting enough air. Where did buy your K&N's?

04-27-2008, 10:51 PM	#10
Addicted2Speed MBWorld Fanatic! Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 1,027 Drives: Lotus Elise SLK55	Forged about the filters, they will not make a significant difference. What you need is a sprintbooster, it makes the throttle much more responsive.

04-27-2008, 11:24 PM	#12
MARTYMAR Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 386 Drives: CLK 55 AMG, IS 350	Dam man i still can't seem to get to these screws to remove the cover...i'm gone end up breaking this ish in a minute. Any suggestions anyone? DBL how were you able to remove the covers off the engine to replace your filters? Or did you just take it to a Benz shop?

04-27-2008, 11:52 PM	#15
MARTYMAR Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 386 Drives: CLK 55 AMG, IS 350	HERE'S HOW TO GET TO THE AIR FILTERS!!!!! I finally found out how to get to those pesty air filters. Below is a link that demonstrates step by step instructions!! Please thank M-benz for this awesome link. Thank you to everyone that responded to the new kid on the block. http://euroteckmotorsports.com/index...5928&pageid=84

05-02-2008, 11:19 PM	#17
DaimlerDude Newbie Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 7 Drives: 2004 CLK55 AMG	$3,000 cat converter! OK, got some bad news today and the reason why the car is so "slushy" and unresponsive. The verdict: Damage cat converter!! Now, for the worst news: Cost for an AMG Cat: $3,000!! I almost fell over...now I dont know what to do. Any you dudes know where I can a good aftermarket one or a good deal on an factory original? Thanks much!

05-03-2008, 03:22 PM	#20
SoCalCLK MBWorld Fanatic! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Southern California Posts: 2,628 Drives: 2004 CLK55 AMG	OEM Cats carry a warranty up to 70,000 miles. I know this because when 1 of my cats failed on my '02 CLK430 with 66,000 miles, the dealer replaced it for free under the warranty. It's the only part that exceeds the standard 4-year 50,000 mile warranty. At least, this is what they told me. __________________ W209 CLK55 AMG \| 19" BRABUS Mono VI 2-piece \| BRABUS Suspension \| BRABUS Door pins Sig thanks to Shake!

05-04-2008, 02:04 AM	#21
DaimlerDude Newbie Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 7 Drives: 2004 CLK55 AMG	yeah, the cats are under warranty until 80K, but the dealer said since mine were scratched up, they wouldnt cover em. Even though the cats are WAY UP almost inside the engine compartment..what kinda crap is that??

05-04-2008, 02:06 AM	#22
DaimlerDude Newbie Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 7 Drives: 2004 CLK55 AMG	Project C, did you say you knew of some good cat replacements?

05-05-2008, 01:15 PM	#24
DaimlerDude Newbie Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 7 Drives: 2004 CLK55 AMG	Thanks alot. So, you are saying I can eliminate the cats up near the engine or the ones under the car?

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