w208 clk55 amg advice
w208 clk55 amg advice
Author
Discussion

iacabu

Original Poster:

1,393 posts

173 months

Monday 5th September 2016
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I've wanted a v8 for a long time and I'm thinking now might be the time to scratch the itch. I did fancy an e39 540i but they seem to have a few common issues and cost a lot to run, although receive a lot of praise. From what I can gather, the clk seems to be a fairly reliable option with the main issue being rust.

Most of the threads and info I can find online is a few years old now so I thought it wise to ask for myself. I'm also currently waiting to be approved on mbclub.co.uk

I have seen a car local enough to go and check out, hopefully tomorrow evening. Other than the bodywork I'll be checking the last time the plugs and discs/pads were done as these seem the big cost consumable items. Also that all electrics work. Is there really anything else specifically that should worry me as a potential for big bills? I'll have a bit of cash for a rainy day but don't want it to be ridiculous.

If I can achieve 20mpg with mostly town driving then that'll do.

The car in question... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2000-MERCEDES-CLK55-AMG-...

Any info would be appreciated.

sim16v

2,177 posts

225 months

Tuesday 6th September 2016
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The plugs themselves aren't expensive as they are just normal plugs, but there are 16 of them!

Discs and pads are expensive if you go to Mercedes, but you can get German made OE spec parts "relatively" cheaply.

Main thing, as you've mentioned, is to check for rust.

They really are a bit rubbish from that era.

The electrics can throw up random faults as well, MAF sensors, brake/ABS switches etc, so make sure all the warning lights indicate as they should.

74merc

602 posts

216 months

Tuesday 6th September 2016
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Check that the auto box changes up and down smoothly too. They were meant to be sealed for life but now it is recommended that the fluid is changed every 37K miles.

Smokey32

359 posts

117 months

Tuesday 6th September 2016
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Bit of a worry he calls a CLK a super saloon.

rlw

3,558 posts

261 months

Wednesday 7th September 2016
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Its nice that there's some paperwork but,as has been said, rust is likely to be the biggest isse. Crawl all over it and under it, check the wheel arches especially, check under the bonnet, check the bottom of the doors and everything else. If there's very little, it can be sorted but if there's a lot, don't bother.

chief1

104 posts

218 months

Thursday 8th September 2016
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Check out Brightwells Classic Cars auction site.....modern classics.....23rd June 2016 and yo'll see the car in question.

iacabu

Original Poster:

1,393 posts

173 months

Saturday 10th September 2016
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Thanks for the replies thumbup

However I ended up buying a jetski so my v8 itch will have to remain a little longer