CLK55 (w208): How expensive to maintain and repair?

[GarciaE55]

Hey guys, I am considering getting an 01-02 CLK55 as a secondary car to my E55. How reliable are these NA cars? Are repair costs similar to the supercharged E55? I have read many times that you do not want to purchase a used AMG car (especially supercharged, S and CL class) without an extended warranty or expect to pay large repair bills due to the complexity of these cars. Is the same true with the CLK55? Also, how do you think the CLK compares to the BMW M3? Thanks

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[will_w204]

I think the M3 is a far more athletic car, but if you're like me, you like brute force and a mean presence, which the CLK55 has. I have not owned one, but certainly you want service records and maintenance schedules that hopefully show an attentive owner, 5000 mile oil changes instead of 10000, etc. Knowing V8 Mercedes in general, anything over 5 years old that has average miles and which has been maintained well, expect $3-$4k a year to keep it in good shape.

[150shot]

The CLK should be cheaper to maintain than a E55 due to the N/A engine. Less points of failure with a N A engine.

In regards to other maintenance, CLK 55 is not much different than the 430. Brakes would be more on the 55, and a few more things but nothing major.

[Chappy]

Originally Posted by 150shot

The CLK should be cheaper to maintain than a E55 due to the N/A engine. Less points of failure with a N A engine.

+1

The CLK also has a conventional suspension and braking system. Less long-term repair costs.

[rsr911]

Originally Posted by Chappy

+1

The CLK also has a conventional suspension and braking system. Less long-term repair costs.

+2

[neilbo75]

I've had mine for 2 and 1/2 years and have only had an alternator (when still under warranty) and a seat latch problem crop up. The engines are bulletproof. Very rare that anyone complains about real engine trouble on the boards. Nagging problems like dead pixels in the dash and phony ABS warnings are the order of the day.

AMG specific parts are expensive. And, like any V8 mercedes, you will pay through the nose for the routine maintenance - but doing so keeps the resale value up. A shrewd buyer will ask the owner to prove that the correct stamps are in the maintenance book.

[GarciaE55]

Thanks guys for the feedback.

I am very cautious with my next purchase since my supercharged E55 has been beating me up with repair costs recently and I would like the secondary car to be relatively reliable and modest to maintain.

Am I delusional to expect the CLK55 to be cheap to maintain?

I am also considering a G35 Coupe 6-speed, which I know is not in the same class as the CLK, but is a nice car. I am guessing the G35 should be reliable as far as Nissan go. The M3 is also a possibility as I previously mentioned, but maintenance cost is a concern on the BMW too.

[AMGOODNESS]

the M3 engine is at its limit from the get go. whereas the 55 AMG V-8 is very comfortable and pulls effortlessly. i love the looks of the M3 so i seriously debated this for months. i went with the CLK 55 because it has more power, more room, and balls out torque. plus nothing sounds like a german V-8.

[GarciaE55]

I know that I am all over the place, but it is hard to choose a second car. I definitely would like to get another Mercedes, but just don't want two cars beating me up with repairs.

Do you guys think a w210 E55 would be too repetitive since I already have a w211? Does the CLK handle a lot better than the E55 (w210) since it is a 2 door coupe? I have been told the older E55's handle better because they are much lighter and more conventional suspensions. True?

Thanks again!

[Jons95c36amg]

My friend used to have a 04 M3 with only 35k miles and kept on breaking down(fuel pump). He got rid of it. Also its a slug off the line compare to the Clk55s. The Clk55 is a trq monster!

[GarciaE55]

Is there much performance (handling and acceleration) difference between the w208 and w209 CLK55's?

Personally, I like the look of the w208 better and definitely the price.

[GiZzO]

Originally Posted by GarciaE55

Is there much performance (handling and acceleration) difference between the w208 and w209 CLK55's?

Personally, I like the look of the w208 better and definitely the price.

supposedly handling and acceleration is better on the 208 vs the 209 but your talking such small numbers difference.
The 208 has a softer steering feel as the 209 has a rack and pinion. But suspension is double wishbone on 208 (i think better?) and 3-link on 209 in front.
Please correct me im unsure of this im still new to this car
In the 209 did they go to air shocks, like in the E's?

[neilbo75]

No air shocks on any CLK - one of the big reasons the're relatively cheap to maintain.

[Jons95c36amg]

Air shocks what a waste!

[j-mo]

I've had my 02 CLK55 for exactly 1 month and absolutely love it. I bought with 54K miles on it and bought a 3 year extended warranty. I found a great seller and I'm the 3rd owner. Car was well maintained (checked records at dealer) and I had it inspected. I figure 3 years on the warranty will get me pretty far with major issues.
Regarding maintenance / reliability. I read a lot before buying the car and went back and forth. At times I thought I'd be buying something that would blow up from some the stuff I read (crazy to think that now). Fact is almost any car these days will be very pricey to fix if something major goes, like a transmission. There will always be folks with trouble free CLK's and others will have a ton of problems - like any car out there. Consumer Reports gives the 02 CLK a pretty solid rating FYI. Just decide, do your homework and wait for the right one to come to you.

[CPTGRP]

I was also worried about the reliability of the CLK55 W208 when I purchased my TORQUE MUNSTAH, and from my research only some minor items are reoccurring. But with any vehicle over 5-years you can't be too picky.

I think the main reason we purchase the CLK55 is for the brute German engine and handsome classic exterior. Engine and transmission being the most important, all reports indicate ours are bulletproof and I have over 105k on the clock as proof. Watch out for sunroof, power seat controls and MAS problems. Good thing I have my trusty Toyota 4runner as backup

For the money, I think a used CLK55 W208 can't be touched in the $15k-$25k market range. Speed, power and even gas efficiency (averaging 20mpg) for a 5.5L V8 is amazing. Since you are looking for a 2nd car, I think you've found the perfect match.

Respect the badge, AMG not CHP.