2003 Mercedes W209 CLK55 AMG daily driver
Discussion
New car update following on from my old D2 S8 featured here
- https://www.pistonheads.com/news/ph-germancars/aud...
and my 456 featured here
- https://www.pistonheads.com/news/general-pistonhea...
The previous cars being bought through different online auction platforms, I went a different way and purchased from a dealer in Fareham at the higher end of the market but it does come with warranty - I fancied a lower maintenance option this time.
So, why this car? Well, the budget was circa £10k and having had a period of 6 months without a second car, I felt I could get away with a 2 seater for the commute and occasional kids club run. After looking at 3 x R230 SL500’s I gave up on second hand Mercs. Some stories included fake stamped service books that didn’t tally with online MOT checks and Mercedes themselves. Cars that smelt of damp. Receipts for 2 x complete gearbox rebuilds in 40k miles and other cars that hadn’t been serviced in 5 years. But my favourite was probably the car with ABC leaks at every corner <sigh>.
Then my search took me to C5 RS6’s after watching Layer Cake (same story of how I bought the S8 after watching Ronin..). Again, horrible cars on the market with sales pitches of the coilover suspension ‘upgrades’ that looked a bit VW scene.
After going back to the trains for work and having to change 3 times due to a brake down and getting into the office 2 hours late, I went back to the classifieds. Still fancying a Merc but without complicated folding metal hardtops and ABC hydraulic suspension, I ended up checking out a 2003 CLK55 AMG. Full service history, gearbox service, 78k miles and generally spotless, I went for it!
Now this part I got wrong but I’m happy not be back to the drawing board - I didn’t really test drive the car but I did knock £1k off the price and it came with warranty.
First drive back from Fareham at ‘Safari Automotive Fareham’ (correct name appears with a Google) was very scary. Serious wheel judder and worse on braking. Took the car to Guildford Tyres who showed me this:
I’m amazed that tyres over 7 years old that look like this can get through an MOT. It was like riding an elephant on the motorway over 60 (speeds I hadn’t tested before buying).
In addition the balance was at 60g on the fronts. Next steps are 4 x Hankook’s being fitted and then a full Hunter alignment. The car possibly needs bushes doing first.
The handbrake pedal needs to be manually lifted to disengage (maybe just a spring) and there are no ticks against spark plugs being changed in the service book.
The roof needs a bit of love mechanically and makes some knocking noises at the front latches above the windscreen, hoping this fix works - https://youtu.be/771aoW_LHOo
A 20 year old AMG Merc isn’t going to be perfect but I had hoped for better. Anyway, I’m in now so watch this space for an interesting daily driver.
But, I am generally happy every time I put my foot down and hear that iconic M113 thundering sound. The sound you imagine would be used for raising Frankenstein. Wonderful. If you didn’t know, the M113 E55 engine is in the £200k W209 CLK DTM albeit with a supercharger.
More nerdy stuff - it was 55 years of Mercedes AMG last year.
Cost in week 1 - £11,250 + £500 on tyres and balancing + alignment tbc.
- https://www.pistonheads.com/news/ph-germancars/aud...
and my 456 featured here
- https://www.pistonheads.com/news/general-pistonhea...
The previous cars being bought through different online auction platforms, I went a different way and purchased from a dealer in Fareham at the higher end of the market but it does come with warranty - I fancied a lower maintenance option this time.
So, why this car? Well, the budget was circa £10k and having had a period of 6 months without a second car, I felt I could get away with a 2 seater for the commute and occasional kids club run. After looking at 3 x R230 SL500’s I gave up on second hand Mercs. Some stories included fake stamped service books that didn’t tally with online MOT checks and Mercedes themselves. Cars that smelt of damp. Receipts for 2 x complete gearbox rebuilds in 40k miles and other cars that hadn’t been serviced in 5 years. But my favourite was probably the car with ABC leaks at every corner <sigh>.
Then my search took me to C5 RS6’s after watching Layer Cake (same story of how I bought the S8 after watching Ronin..). Again, horrible cars on the market with sales pitches of the coilover suspension ‘upgrades’ that looked a bit VW scene.
After going back to the trains for work and having to change 3 times due to a brake down and getting into the office 2 hours late, I went back to the classifieds. Still fancying a Merc but without complicated folding metal hardtops and ABC hydraulic suspension, I ended up checking out a 2003 CLK55 AMG. Full service history, gearbox service, 78k miles and generally spotless, I went for it!
Now this part I got wrong but I’m happy not be back to the drawing board - I didn’t really test drive the car but I did knock £1k off the price and it came with warranty.
First drive back from Fareham at ‘Safari Automotive Fareham’ (correct name appears with a Google) was very scary. Serious wheel judder and worse on braking. Took the car to Guildford Tyres who showed me this:
I’m amazed that tyres over 7 years old that look like this can get through an MOT. It was like riding an elephant on the motorway over 60 (speeds I hadn’t tested before buying).
In addition the balance was at 60g on the fronts. Next steps are 4 x Hankook’s being fitted and then a full Hunter alignment. The car possibly needs bushes doing first.
The handbrake pedal needs to be manually lifted to disengage (maybe just a spring) and there are no ticks against spark plugs being changed in the service book.
The roof needs a bit of love mechanically and makes some knocking noises at the front latches above the windscreen, hoping this fix works - https://youtu.be/771aoW_LHOo
A 20 year old AMG Merc isn’t going to be perfect but I had hoped for better. Anyway, I’m in now so watch this space for an interesting daily driver.
But, I am generally happy every time I put my foot down and hear that iconic M113 thundering sound. The sound you imagine would be used for raising Frankenstein. Wonderful. If you didn’t know, the M113 E55 engine is in the £200k W209 CLK DTM albeit with a supercharger.
More nerdy stuff - it was 55 years of Mercedes AMG last year.
Cost in week 1 - £11,250 + £500 on tyres and balancing + alignment tbc.
Edited by fastgerman on Wednesday 8th March 14:24
This is a good point re-inspecting suspension. I’ve seen some recommendations for servicing at Guildford Mercedes on Pistonheads. 40% off labour for older cars is coming in at Specialist prices. They can have my car for its next service and will ask them to check everything.
I will however be doing some home spannering on the roof clamps and handbrake (mentioned above) as I have quite the tool box from my 2 years of 90’s Ferrari ownership haha.
I will however be doing some home spannering on the roof clamps and handbrake (mentioned above) as I have quite the tool box from my 2 years of 90’s Ferrari ownership haha.
I agree on the sound, the SL55 being my favourite. It was also this old Fifth Gear video that got my looking at the CLK55 - https://youtu.be/su4gOhDGt9E
Nice, the 2005 model has the later nav unit and bigger brakes. Good to hear it’s been reliable.
You have reminded me of another reason I left the R230 - 2 x batteries and the one in the boot needs to be kept well charged otherwise the electrics play games.
Couple more pics:
You have reminded me of another reason I left the R230 - 2 x batteries and the one in the boot needs to be kept well charged otherwise the electrics play games.
Couple more pics:
Edited by fastgerman on Thursday 9th March 09:45
Ah I didn’t know that - pretty cool! Clearly I need to have a read of the user manual. There are a lot of very cool Mercedes features as you open the door, climb in and start the car:
Door glass drops, steering wheel lowers (it raises so you can move your knees and get out), the seatbelt is handed to you by the seatbelt butler.
I like the seat adjustment controls on the sides also, reminds me a bit of this:
Door glass drops, steering wheel lowers (it raises so you can move your knees and get out), the seatbelt is handed to you by the seatbelt butler.
I like the seat adjustment controls on the sides also, reminds me a bit of this:
Edited by fastgerman on Thursday 9th March 11:04
MHolt - Very cool that you went to see this in person, I have some Mercedes and Porsche visits on my Instagram here - https://instagram.com/fast_german?igshid=YmMyMTA2M...
Trevalvole and CLK55 - keep the info coming as this is very interesting!
At Guildford Tyres now getting all 4 tyres changed. Looking forward to a less lumpy ride. Will go from there on suspension/bushes etc. Traction control kicks in on quarter throttle at the moment so guessing this is down to the tyres getting a bit ‘plasticky’.
Also just seen that they made a CLK DTM Cabriolet
Trevalvole and CLK55 - keep the info coming as this is very interesting!
At Guildford Tyres now getting all 4 tyres changed. Looking forward to a less lumpy ride. Will go from there on suspension/bushes etc. Traction control kicks in on quarter throttle at the moment so guessing this is down to the tyres getting a bit ‘plasticky’.
Also just seen that they made a CLK DTM Cabriolet
Completely different car now thanks to Guildford Tyres.
Alignment also done (for free) + a small cost to change the toe in at the front. Very happy with the outcome.
Apparently the bushes and suspension all look good and no play in anything.
The best bit - traction control doesn’t come on even at full throttle. Feels like a proper muscle car now.
Alignment also done (for free) + a small cost to change the toe in at the front. Very happy with the outcome.
Apparently the bushes and suspension all look good and no play in anything.
The best bit - traction control doesn’t come on even at full throttle. Feels like a proper muscle car now.
CLK55 - great tip, works for me cheers! Have started looking at by far the thickest user manual ever. So much tech on a 20 year old car. I also have AMG ground illuminations when the doors are opened.
MHolt - that looks like the C5 RS6’s I viewed haha. The Mercedes Museum is huge isn’t it. Worth visiting the Porsche Museum for the old Le Mans cars.
Gave the roof mechanism and seals some love with these products. Bojo tool for straightening out slightly warped trim. Gummi Pflege to stop squeaking sounds between rubber, glass and metal. Silicone spray instead of WD40 as that dries out rubber and plastics. I now have a quieter cabin
MHolt - that looks like the C5 RS6’s I viewed haha. The Mercedes Museum is huge isn’t it. Worth visiting the Porsche Museum for the old Le Mans cars.
Gave the roof mechanism and seals some love with these products. Bojo tool for straightening out slightly warped trim. Gummi Pflege to stop squeaking sounds between rubber, glass and metal. Silicone spray instead of WD40 as that dries out rubber and plastics. I now have a quieter cabin
Edited by fastgerman on Sunday 12th March 11:53
ND-19 - that’s a shame on your experience. Imagine how much worse it could have been adding hydraulic suspension, a metal folding roof and potentially a supercharger. What was the other 5 of 7k spent on?
BolideMichael - thanks for the tip, I’ve always had good experience with the Purple branded Nextzett Gummi Pflege but happy to try the Mercedes stuff when next needed. The link you pasted above referred to a red bottle gummi pflege from eBay, which looked very different and left a white chalky residue.
Had a quote from Guildford Mercedes at £900 for a B Service + spark plugs + brake fluid. Seems high but the specialists in the area that have listed prices on their websites are coming out at similar amounts. Have heard good things about Mercedes Guildford so booked in.
My 2 car garage at the mo:
BolideMichael - thanks for the tip, I’ve always had good experience with the Purple branded Nextzett Gummi Pflege but happy to try the Mercedes stuff when next needed. The link you pasted above referred to a red bottle gummi pflege from eBay, which looked very different and left a white chalky residue.
Had a quote from Guildford Mercedes at £900 for a B Service + spark plugs + brake fluid. Seems high but the specialists in the area that have listed prices on their websites are coming out at similar amounts. Have heard good things about Mercedes Guildford so booked in.
My 2 car garage at the mo:
Thanks for the garage recommendation and I may need a specialist if my roof ‘water bag’ deteriorates further around the rear screen. I have to help the canvas seat correctly under the rear window seals, which sounds as simple as some elastic having perished. Good resource here if anyone has similar:
https://benzbits.com/w209/soft_top/ReplaceCanvas.p...
And
https://benzbits.com/w209/soft_top/RepairWaterPock...
I have no leaks at present, my main annoyance is the clonking noise above the windscreen where the roof latches. A great excuse to put the roof down and pick the kids up - the journey is also much more peaceful than in the family wagon.
https://benzbits.com/w209/soft_top/ReplaceCanvas.p...
And
https://benzbits.com/w209/soft_top/RepairWaterPock...
I have no leaks at present, my main annoyance is the clonking noise above the windscreen where the roof latches. A great excuse to put the roof down and pick the kids up - the journey is also much more peaceful than in the family wagon.
Just dropped the car back to Magari Automotive in Fareham due to several issues. I’m told the majority will be covered under goodwill and warranty, if so, I’ll be happy.
Issues:
- handbrake doesn’t disengage fully and you need to lift the foot brake.
- roof makes loud knocking noises above the windscreen and doesn’t open and close without some assistance along with perished water bags (material between canvas and rear screen).
- even after new tyres and an alignment, there is a steering wheel wobble at 70 mph, which is not present at 60 or 80 mph. Possibly steering rack related.
- B service needed with spark plugs and brake fluid.
- Loud clicking noise under the glove box for about a minute on start up. I think this is a broken lever relating to the climate control.
What a list huh..
Issues:
- handbrake doesn’t disengage fully and you need to lift the foot brake.
- roof makes loud knocking noises above the windscreen and doesn’t open and close without some assistance along with perished water bags (material between canvas and rear screen).
- even after new tyres and an alignment, there is a steering wheel wobble at 70 mph, which is not present at 60 or 80 mph. Possibly steering rack related.
- B service needed with spark plugs and brake fluid.
- Loud clicking noise under the glove box for about a minute on start up. I think this is a broken lever relating to the climate control.
What a list huh..
Picked the CLK55 up today and Magari did everything requested, very happy with the service. My third train journey to Fareham in a month but she drives like I imagine it did 20 years ago, with no rattles or clonks.
Mpg is drastically improved following a full service and spark plug change, starts better also.
Icing on the cake was entry for the 75 years of the car at Goodwood Sunday Breakfast. Should break up the sea of 911’s.
Mpg is drastically improved following a full service and spark plug change, starts better also.
Icing on the cake was entry for the 75 years of the car at Goodwood Sunday Breakfast. Should break up the sea of 911’s.
Not such a fun update this time and wondering which route I should take:
1) formal complaint with request for fix / refund
2) just bite the bullet and take it to a good garage
I’ve had the car for 4 months now and have noticed it’s dripping oil from the back of the engine, there is an issue with the parking brake (I think) making a loud grinding noise, the annoying dash board clicking is back, vibration when reversing.
Now if I had the time, tools and skills it’s potentially just parking brake service, rear gearbox mount and an engine seal probably circa £250 in parts.
Dealer has already said it’s past its 3 month warranty period but I think there is a 6 months statutory rights in my favour now?
Letter template tool here - https://www.which.co.uk/tool/car-problem
Thoughts appreciated.
Thanks
1) formal complaint with request for fix / refund
2) just bite the bullet and take it to a good garage
I’ve had the car for 4 months now and have noticed it’s dripping oil from the back of the engine, there is an issue with the parking brake (I think) making a loud grinding noise, the annoying dash board clicking is back, vibration when reversing.
Now if I had the time, tools and skills it’s potentially just parking brake service, rear gearbox mount and an engine seal probably circa £250 in parts.
Dealer has already said it’s past its 3 month warranty period but I think there is a 6 months statutory rights in my favour now?
Letter template tool here - https://www.which.co.uk/tool/car-problem
Thoughts appreciated.
Thanks
trevalvole said:
I think the cover on the left of the third photo is the breather cover which sits on top of the cam cover. I suspect there may be a leak from the rhs (in the photo) edge of the breather cover to where you show the evidence of the leak in the fourth photo.
You might find the following informative of another PHer dealing with a leak from his SL320's breather covers, whose M112 V6 is essentially an M113 V8 with two cylinders sawn off https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Thanks and that does seem similar, I think I’m going to pass it onto a specialist (SE Autoworks in Guildford). Hopefully it’s only a couple of hours labour for them and will make sure the gaskets are Mercedes.You might find the following informative of another PHer dealing with a leak from his SL320's breather covers, whose M112 V6 is essentially an M113 V8 with two cylinders sawn off https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Edited by trevalvole on Thursday 6th July 15:44
Ps isn’t this wonderful:
Edited by fastgerman on Saturday 8th July 10:39
The joy keeps coming, attached for resolving just the parking brake.
Dashboard clicking has 2 x broken motors and the dash needs removing.
Oil leak not reviewed yet.
I have lodged a complaint with the automotive ombudsman, bbc watchdog and then we’ll see what happens as Magari are not giving me any way forward since my email complaint 3rd July.
I’m sure it is a good car once fixed but if I get everything done, this car has cost me £3.5k in fixes in 4 months and under 1,000 miles…
Dashboard clicking has 2 x broken motors and the dash needs removing.
Oil leak not reviewed yet.
I have lodged a complaint with the automotive ombudsman, bbc watchdog and then we’ll see what happens as Magari are not giving me any way forward since my email complaint 3rd July.
I’m sure it is a good car once fixed but if I get everything done, this car has cost me £3.5k in fixes in 4 months and under 1,000 miles…
She is back!
Well done to Magari for fixing everything out of warranty, list included:
- Cam seal has resolved oil leak
- Air mass meter replaced
- Rear axle reassembly for parking brakes and refurb
- Heat shield re-fitted - making contact while reversing under load
- Climate control motors/levers banging - rectified
- Windows / roof aligned
I have missed the sound and the looks :-)
Bill came to £440 to me, majority under good will. Hoping for a few weeks trouble free motoring
Well done to Magari for fixing everything out of warranty, list included:
- Cam seal has resolved oil leak
- Air mass meter replaced
- Rear axle reassembly for parking brakes and refurb
- Heat shield re-fitted - making contact while reversing under load
- Climate control motors/levers banging - rectified
- Windows / roof aligned
I have missed the sound and the looks :-)
Bill came to £440 to me, majority under good will. Hoping for a few weeks trouble free motoring
Quick update - just passed into the 80k mile zone, 2,000 miles have cost me about £2,000...
Well I have new tyres, big service incl. spark plugs and lots of parts that are rebuilt or refurbished.
I am still enjoying the car overall, a great sound track, good acceleration and cruising ability makes up for the niggles.
I feel that the next thing is going to be the roof, although fairly minor. I need to help the rear cover into place by pulling it towards the boot and slotting it behind the rear headrests. It looks like a spring has broken.
Any recommendations for soft top mechanisms near Guildford?
Well I have new tyres, big service incl. spark plugs and lots of parts that are rebuilt or refurbished.
I am still enjoying the car overall, a great sound track, good acceleration and cruising ability makes up for the niggles.
I feel that the next thing is going to be the roof, although fairly minor. I need to help the rear cover into place by pulling it towards the boot and slotting it behind the rear headrests. It looks like a spring has broken.
Any recommendations for soft top mechanisms near Guildford?
Edited by fastgerman on Wednesday 25th October 19:42
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff