Considering CLK 55 Purchase

[rj96mb]

I currently own a 1996 C280 Sport. I have had it for 7 years and love the car. However, I am considering updating to a CLK 55 AMG. I am interested in 2000 to 2002 but know little about the cars. I am interested in knowing what to look out for. I know a complete service record is important but is there an expensive service interval to look out for at a certain mileage? Is there signs to look for to see if the car has been abused or run hard? I am new to the site so I appreciate any comments you experts might have. If there is any members that have a car for sale, please let me know. I am located in the Kansas City area but will consider any location for a purchase of the right car. Thanks in advance for your help!

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[MarcusF]

Here's the FSS schedule for a 2001/2002.

I highly recommend you have whatever you buy inspected at a dealer. They'll be able to tell you what needs work. For example, you'll be very happy if you know it needs front rotors BEFORE you buy the car.



The normal wear items to watch for at this stage will include:

• Both motor mounts
• Trans mount
• Brake light switch
• Possibly the differential side seals
• Flex dics
• Possibly the catalytic converters

The cats can be the most expensive item. They need to be replaced when the ceramic cores separate from the metal shells. You can tell they're bad when they rattle just off idle.

The spark plugs should have been changed by now. If not, I’d deduct that from the sales price. The transmission fluid should be changed as well (about $300 at my local dealer).

Not so normal, but common wear items are the power seat motors. If you’re handy, each motor will take about an hour and cost about $130 at the dealer. If you’re not handy the dealer will probably bill a couple of hours labor on top of the part.

Lastly, you may want to consider joining the Mercedes Benz Club of America. The parts and service discounts are more than enough to cover the yearly membership.

[Chappy]

Originally Posted by rj96mb

Is there signs to look for to see if the car has been abused or run hard?

It's an AMG.....I imagine most owners will step on the 'go' pedal once in a while.

The CLKs are generally stout. As Marcus has outlined, a thorough PPI is going to be your best investment.

Also, try a search on this board. There are dozens and dozens and dozens and dozens and dozens of threads just like this one.

Happy hunting!

[JamE55]

Originally Posted by Chappy

It's an AMG.....I imagine most owners will step on the 'go' pedal once in a while.

The CLKs are generally stout. As Marcus has outlined, a thorough PPI is going to be your best investment.

Also, try a search on this board. There are dozens and dozens and dozens and dozens and dozens of threads just like this one.

Happy hunting!

The W208 CLK AMG God has spoken. End of thread.

[rsr911]

And now from the Crown Prince of W208s heir the the thrown! - Yes, awesome, great car, buy it!!!
My first AMG but not my last. Shopping for my second one right now!!

[rj96mb]

Thank you all for your comments, they were quite helpful. I do have one question and remember I am new at this site but what is a PPI?

I assume it is an inspection of some sort but is it offered by the dealership or by a mechanic? What does it cost?

Thanks again for your help.

[MarcusF]

A pre-purchase inspection. The PPI helps prevent the new owner from uttering those three words that typically sours any used car purchase. Those three words being – ‘IT NEEDS WHAT?!?!?!?!’ And if the new owner’s spouse repeats those same words after they’re informed of the imminent megadollar repair, well, both the purchase and the month long "I-just-got-an-AMG" celebratory sex have officially been ruined. The “PRE-purchase” (before the money exchanges hands) is just as important as the inspection, which should be performed by a properly trained technician. Now, it is possible that some guy at the corner gas station is a Honda/Toyota/Chevy/John Deere specialist who happens to also know plumbing, open-heart surgery, and Mercedes-Benz automobiles – but I doubt it.

Well, I see the red light is on and my time is up. Please don’t forget to tip your waitress. They may dress like hookers, but I assure you, this is their sole source of income.

[Stiggs]

Originally Posted by MarcusF

well, both the purchase and the month long "I-just-got-an-AMG" celebratory sex have officially been ruined.

Its suppose to last a whole month? Oh man I got ripped.

[GiZzO]

W208 AMG is a fun ass car. When i see them on the street usually in stock form sooo sexy curves!
I used to own a C280 kinda see in the backround of my sig, rarely drove it when my CLK55 came into my life. So both my C280 and 190e were sold recently, not cause i needed the money, cause they were a bore to drive .