CLK55/C55 reliability

[AL1982]

Im looking at both the CLK and the C in 55 spec as i mile muncher as i travel maybe 100-120 miles per day and was wondering if this was a good idea or a time bomb waiting to happen.

Cheers Alex

[slk 32]

I've got the same engine in my slk55.it's pretty much bulletproof.

I'd just check that the all important transmission fluid has been changed at 40k

[rgv250ads]

Fuel bill might be telephone numbers large.....

Cam covers leak, main seal on crank (gearbox off job) can go on high milers, oil drip on floor just gets faster and bigger

chassis parts and running gear shared accross alot of the C class platform, surprisingly cheap to get parts, even oem parts.

engine is sublime, like slk32 ive got an SLK55, 2005 model. Engine dominates the driving experience.

[slk 32]

Good point from RGV re cam covers. There is no gasket per se but just some silicon sealant, my merc specialist said this degrades over time (expect about 8 years). Mine cost £130 to clean and reseal. Just make sure you leave it to cure for long enough

[ZX10R NIN]

They're bulletproof I've had a few CLK 55's & they just run also worth a look are (if you can find one) the late CLK500 with the 388bhp 5.5 V8 as others have said make sure the Gearbox fluid has been changed.

[Jaroon]

My C55 has been very reliable over nearly two years. One bill out of the blue, £800 secondary air pump iirc. but not a single other issue. I'm sure is will soak up the miles but it'll certainly soak up the fuel. really great car imo.

[AL1982]

cheers everyone just put the deposit down on a very clean clk 55.

I'm not bothered about the fuel as i live in Dubai my old Maserati gran sport cost me 17 quid to brim from empty.

Well its a jap import car so had it checked out first but i'm going to get the engine and definitely gearbox serviced now so thanks.

[edc]

I've had my C55 for coming up a year now. Chose the C55 rather than any 2 door variant as I wanted the practicality as I have another car that fulfills the 2 seat no roof option. It's been a great car. I've had the ATF changed, new front pads and discs which cost (relatively) very little, an oil change. It needs the cam cover seal doing as its gone on the nearside bank at the front. A pair of Mann air filters from ECP are pretty cheap. Spark plugs are a plenty but cheap enough to buy. It will do high 20s or even low 30s on a motorway run if you really want it to but even at and below the limit it will comfortably do 25+mpg. Low speed but moving urban traffic and it's at 19-23mpg.

I've got a pair of the retrofit flappy paddles to go on but to be honest I so rarely drive it in manual mode that I haven't bothered to fit them as yet. Overall it's a great ownership experience. It's old enough to be cheap to buy, a rare sight, and one of the best facets for me, under-stated looks largely go under the radar. Sadly mines for sale soon as I need a car the Mrs can learn in. The obvious answer is buy another car but 3 cars 3 bikes and a moped for 2 people who don't drive to work is a bit unnecessary!