CLK 55 Convertible
Discussion
Good evening,
I am toying with the idea of a CLK 55 convertible as a daily driver and weekend car with the family.
I have seen a nice one advertised that has had the gearbox issue addressed (antifreeze leaking into gearbox oil) and a reconditioned torque converter, new hood fitted along with discs, pads, suspension arms etc
The only issue, if you can call it that, is is is a 2003 car so the pre facelift interior. I have always thought the post facelift with the square buttons was more attractive but I have not seen a pre facelift in the flesh.
Does anybody have any thoughts on either interior or the car as a whole?
The link to the car is below:
http://www2.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
The flip side of the coin, if I stayed with the Mercedes theme, is this CLK 500. Less powerful but updated interior:
http://www.drivencc.co.uk/used-cars/mercedes-benz-...
I am toying with the idea of a CLK 55 convertible as a daily driver and weekend car with the family.
I have seen a nice one advertised that has had the gearbox issue addressed (antifreeze leaking into gearbox oil) and a reconditioned torque converter, new hood fitted along with discs, pads, suspension arms etc
The only issue, if you can call it that, is is is a 2003 car so the pre facelift interior. I have always thought the post facelift with the square buttons was more attractive but I have not seen a pre facelift in the flesh.
Does anybody have any thoughts on either interior or the car as a whole?
The link to the car is below:
http://www2.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
The flip side of the coin, if I stayed with the Mercedes theme, is this CLK 500. Less powerful but updated interior:
http://www.drivencc.co.uk/used-cars/mercedes-benz-...
Edited by junglie on Thursday 13th April 19:44
Edited by junglie on Thursday 13th April 19:55
I have been running a facelift one for a few years now as a daily.
Not all of them suffered with the Valeo radiator issue. There is a VIN check you can do if you google it.
The face-lift ones are more desirable as the electronics are updated (although still show their age) and they are more likely to be galvanised.
Other than the centre console I cant see any difference between the first one and mine.
Great underappreciated car. The 55 EVO engine is addictive.
As a daily the car makes a lot of sense. The engine and gearbox are about as reliable as it gets. It's a lot of performance and isn't too high maintenance.
Feel free to message me if you want any more info
Not all of them suffered with the Valeo radiator issue. There is a VIN check you can do if you google it.
The face-lift ones are more desirable as the electronics are updated (although still show their age) and they are more likely to be galvanised.
Other than the centre console I cant see any difference between the first one and mine.
Great underappreciated car. The 55 EVO engine is addictive.
As a daily the car makes a lot of sense. The engine and gearbox are about as reliable as it gets. It's a lot of performance and isn't too high maintenance.
Feel free to message me if you want any more info
Edited by msduk on Friday 14th April 14:29
For me it would have to be the 55 over the 500 I know what you mean about the interior & I do prefer my CLK63 interior to my 55 but driving wise the 55 is every bit as good as my 63 handling wise obviously the power deficit can't be overcome but I use my 55 as a daily & it's that bit better than the 500 everywhere.
They don't suffer rust unless they've not been looked after, they can rust at the front of the rear arch this will be due to stones coming off the tyres this can be treated if caught early for less than £200 so no real cause for concern, the only preventative work I'd recommend is a Gearbox filter & fluid change & of course the 55 will be due it's spark plug change (all 16 of them) also when you first start the car listen out for a clicking noise from behind the dash.
I'd take one of these over the 330i every time.
They don't suffer rust unless they've not been looked after, they can rust at the front of the rear arch this will be due to stones coming off the tyres this can be treated if caught early for less than £200 so no real cause for concern, the only preventative work I'd recommend is a Gearbox filter & fluid change & of course the 55 will be due it's spark plug change (all 16 of them) also when you first start the car listen out for a clicking noise from behind the dash.
I'd take one of these over the 330i every time.
tty stick. I had a post facelift 55 & stupidly sold it but I really have no problems with the pre facelift model the main thing I have done is change the command unit & put in a Clarion DX505e unit in as it has all the essentials Nav/DAB/Bluetooth Streaming etc & then there's the engine which is a peach & no matter which way you cut it the 500 (unless it's a 5.5 500) although good isn't as good in comparison to the 55.
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