CLK convertible

I have a 2005 350 AMG W209 Cabrio and yes suspension squeaks a bit and its no race car but it is FANTASTIC to cruise around in and as someone else said, it looks far more expensive than it really is!

I don't know whether this applies to the W209 models, but the W208 can produce dreadful road noise.
It is particularly noticeable in the 320 model, because the V6 petrol engine is so quiet.
You would not expect a Mercedes to have a higher db noise reading in the cabin, than a Vauxhall Cavalier. True though.

After many years of putting up with this, I finally discovered the simple solution.
Michelin Primacy 4 tyres. Wonderfully quiet.

I also have experience of Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tyres, but although they have exactly the same 68db rating (an external measurement), they were noticeably noisier inside the CLK than with the Primacy tyres.

Coincidentally my W208 CLK 320 had Pirelli P6000 tyres as the original factory fit. Often needed Paracetamol after a long drive . Dreadful.
I did not know then that the road noise was entirely tyre related and I was also a bit frugal in those days, so misguidedly waited for the tyres to wear out. Ironically they lasted 40,000 miles, perhaps tough rubber was the problem.

Hopefully the W209 model is quieter anyway. I don't know, but would convertibles always be noisier than coupes (with roof up) ?
Have had my car for 20 years, it is now aged 23 and going as well now as it did 20 years ago. Wheel arch rust has required attention twice now though. Check your front wheel arch liners (front, lower outer corner). You might find a cut out portion. I only realised after dealing with a hole in each front wing, but mud gets through that cut out, sticks to the inner wing, retains moisture and rusts through the wing from the inside. Funnily enough Hammerite Silver metal paint, is an exact match for Mercedes-Benz Brilliant Silver.

Although still performing perfectly, next year it will probably be upstaged by a new luxury 'computer on wheels'. Otherwise I might eventually find, that I have pushed the reliability luck too far. Our cars remain looking fairly up to date though, because the CLK model line was not continued.

Enjoy your CLK, Ray.

Nice colour!

Makes a huge difference.

Well I've hardly used the car over winter, enjoying it now.
New condenser A/C working as it should
New front brakes, stopping as it should.



New rear springs cause one was broken.
Cleared drains and reproofed hood with renevo, I may try Fabsil gold this Autumn. A few drips found there way in on the drivers side during some of the torrential winter storms.
2 new struts for the boot devider (£18 from Amazon) holds it in place properly and prevents hood malfunction.
Tidied up the rear wheel arches

What do I think?
Love the smooth V6 and 7g trans, smooth powerful enough although not quick. Most of the time I leave it in comfort.

Good size, not too big or fugly, love the colour, interior trimmed in Ash with black leather. And immaculate.

Drives and steers nicely, quiet enough on the motorway roof up or down, rides well albeit a little firm for my taste, never harsh or rattly though.
I've increased the tyre pressures from 30 to 33 psi, the steering felt numb around the dead ahead position, better now.

Dogs like it and plenty of space, littleun gets excited the other one curls up under the wind delector and snoozes. Hammock keeps the back tidy.



Wife likes back seat too, although not an elegant entrance/exit with roof on!

Just had an MOT and a poke underneath. All good with some shiny new bits fitted prior to my tenure, one advisory for a worn rear ARB ball joint so all good.

Dislikes, high RFL bracket (although I knew this) and not as wafty as it could be, never harsh but a little firm so doesnt deliver much sense of occasion. Considering the underpinnings hardly a surprise. For what it owes me I can live with these shortfalls, overall very happy for it to occupy the drive.

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Yes Avantgarde, standard suspension with 17"s and Pirelli tyres.