Great vid! Things gone wrong with mine: Front coil springs Tie rod and lower arm Gearbox plug leak All covered by your vid, spot on :) What I take away from this is you might as well buy an AMG 55 (😁) as you'll pretty much get all the same problems with any CLK (which are not that scary tbh)
Haha well there you go. Yea a clk 55 uses mostly same components and is a great AMG to run on a budget as like you say there are very similar in price to maintain. In fact you can pick them up for next to nothing. We shall cover your engine issues when you come in for service 😉
I’ve been using snap on air hammer with a socket attachment to work them loose last couple of times. Worked a treat, destroyed a couple of threads but bolts came out in one peice so only required a helicoil 😉
Had an 03 clk 55 convertible for 7 years, drove to Spain 3 times with a pop up tent , only thing changed wher oil, pads, tyres and a auxiliary belt runner in all time of ownership, excellent car with a distinctive sound
I absolutely love this show! No drama, no loud unpleasant music and just fantastic M-B content. You are doing a terrific job for M-B , cutting through the BS and mystique that seems to pervade M-B.
I was looking for an SL350 a few years back. Figured it would be a more economic choice as it didn't have the hydraulic suspension, but I now see that would only have saved me about £1,000!
Thanks for doing this video. Really informative. I own a Amg Clk 55. The car has done 75000 miles. Wear and tear with suspension, brakes and the engine. I have kept up with changing relevant parts as and when the car is checked annually.
In 2000 I bought the first "new" Mercedes I had bought in three decades. Welllllll...by "new" I meant ALMOST new. Mine is a 2004 (Yes! 2004!) CLK 320. The reason I say "new" is that it was owned first by an elderly lady in New York who put 608 miles on it the first five years she owned it. Then apparently she gave it to her early middle aged daughter who was at a college in Alabama where the car lived for the next eleven years. Carfax showed the car to have been serviced at least annually at authorized Mercedes Benz repair shops (dealers). The many photos on the on line listing showed the underside and that was what made me buy the car: it has never had a northern New England winter and looked show-room new. It had 17,600 miles on it when it rolled off the transporter in my driveway to become my daily driver. Today the car has 69,000 miles on it and has been outstanding as a daily driver in all weather here in Maine. In winter it wears winter tires on steel wheels that I bought on line from a tuning shop in Germany and in summer of course the original Mercedes wheels. I do not maintain the car myself but take it to a independant service center which is the ONLY service center that has the Mercedes "STAR" system in the shop outside of the two authorized dealers here in Maine. Next week the car will go to the shop for a "B" service and I am very much interested in seeing how well it has faired. Todate I have had NO failures, although I did have to have the valve cover gaskets replaced. I live in a rural place and am ten miles from the nearest grocery store so the car almost never drives a short distance and then shuts down. I am 45 miles from the nearest motorway and here in rural Maine a lot of roads are fairly narrow two lane affairs which have less than ideal surfaces do the extremes of weather. The car is perfect for my purposes and the 3.2 litre V6 is proving itself to be both reliable and capable of enough speed to get me into trouble with the law if I "let it all out" on the open roads and it's easy enough to do. A V8 CLK was very tempting as when I was looking, there were many available but the V8 really does nothing for me now, except to burn more fuel. I found that once the car had accumulated 50,000 miles it seemed to be performing better almost as though it's entire performance envelope just move up one notch. It really doesn't make a lot of sense, but the I watch the computer for fuel mileage continually and it seemed that all of a sudden my fuel mileage improved ten to fifteen per cent once the car neared 60,000 miles. In addition the engine seemed to be friskier, even though I keep the transmission in "comfort" mode and am far from "lead footed" on the gas pedal. I paid the princely sum of twenty-percent of original the original fifty thousand dollar price of this car. Watching your videos is proving of great value to me as my intention is to keep this car perhaps for as long as I can drive.
Good advice ..thanks , I would add you should check the third brake light for damage/failure , and also the rear window lift mechanisms can also fail due to a broken plastic gear/guide. Overall they are a great car , and you have to expect to replace some plastic/rubber items after 20 years, same as on any car.
I had a C220 cdi 2003 manual heating and had the same flaps issue. It was quite frustrating because I couldn't get the air to flow down to the feet. Hope you can come up with a w209 200 kompressor after 2004.. I know I would love it to be a 320 K but that was a good deal my son got for a cabrio in Europe. I know the bloody squick at the back.. had it on the w203.. so good to know what that is now 🙃.. it was really pissing me off back then.. Many thanks for the videos again ✌
Enjoyed watching your informative video. I own a 2001 CLK 55 AMG and love her! 218,000kms, 342hp V8, the last of her type before the 2002 CLKs came in. Beautiful cars, all of them. Thanks, Tony in Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia 🇦🇺.
9:51 directional tyre wrong way round, tho they hardly look directional. How do you change the "rose bush" without damaging the rubber, cant figure them out. I chuck the oil down the oil filter hole then put the oil filter on - is that a bad idea?
Always nice to see a black w211! (In background lol) Had a silver 54 reg e320cdi for 2 n half years and very luckily survived the SBC pump from completely failing (brake service light was on) and survived the oil cooler seal leaking! Sold it for £1k after paying £2.4k initially so very happy motoring!
Great channel, love watching professional at work, you must have worked for Mercedes at some point? I use a Mercedes specialist in Darlington Co Durham they are the same very passionate about the three pronged star👍
It’s a lovely car ! My Aussie delivery 2002 55 AMG is now at 210, 000 km. I change oil religiously every 6 months and use the Mobil type MB specific. It still pulls like a train. I got it at 160 K Over 4 years : new fuel pumps. (2) Angle sensor, plugs and coils, Auto rebuild But it’s the best car I have ever had. I would rather drop controlled money into it than flip it for the plastic junk of today. Ps I got it for 22,000AUD. (11k GBP) while new in Australia it was over 150 k !
The HVAC flaps are a probelm on the facelift model too, I am a facelift 55 owner and mine clicks, I just live it. Other than everything you pointed out these are pretty solid and reliable cars. One thing to note are the brakes on the facelift AMG models when looking at buying one, make sure there is still alot of life left on the discs/rotors as they are probably the most expensive parts for these cars.
@@sprautos yeah apparently so, I believe the materials and suspension was improved(I stand to be corrected). Also what drives me nuts sometimes is that MB facelifted the 55 AMG twice, a version for 2005 and then even another upgraded facelift for 2006 model years(2006 55's had a different front bumper and had the CLK 63 tailights). Both '05 and '06 models are pretty rare.
That’s a great video. I’m slowly working my way through your videos, and enjoying each one. You’re a great presenter, and explain stuff really well, so thanks for that!
Great video 👍 Found you after watching JJ take his CLK to you. Bought my CLK 240 in May last year (after watching JJ!) and so far I've been very pleased with it. Not the quickest car out there but a very nice thing to pootle about in. The M112 has got a little noisy over the last few months but I'm told these engines are pretty much bombproof so hopefully nothing serious.
Hi. I am thoroughly enjoying working my way through your videos. It is a pleasure to watch someone who is at the top of their game. I really wish you would work on the Mercedes based Jeeps. Getting someone competent to work on them is not easy. I actually had someone put Dex vi in my 722.6 tranny. Latest blunder was a coolant change on my OM642. I had to supply the G48 and garage gave it me back air locked.
Great buyers guide, used to have a CLK W209, needed a lot of work as with age and mileage but a joy to drive. Any chance a video of a CLS W219 can be done? Next time I’m servicing a with you guys you can use it for a video
wonderful video, thnx a lot! i used tio have a 2003 clk 270cdi w 60 KMI which modell/year had problems with leaking oil cooler (mixed w the eng coolant). the day i sold the car in the middle of the finnish winter, the high pressure diesel pump broke and cost me like 1000 euros. but i loved the car, had it for a couple of years.
Great video , very well explained. I have always liked the CLK and am looking to buy one. Personally I hate the crappy new cars they are churning out now . Currently driving an old Lexus IS 300 which has been a great car and has never let me down once in the last 15 yrs , but now has some rust issues and some other items need attention.
Great info as always thanks for sharing. On the point you make about all the changes made in a production run, it would be good if you could mention the best years and engines etc. Eg pre-and post facelift major benefits and issues. Keep them coming very much appreciated 👍
The wheel issue is common with all manufacturers who use wide wheels with the inside unsuspended, low profile tyres exaggerate this issue. Never had a fail on my CLK but did on my Vauxhall and Volvo. Springs fail on all cars but plenty available from after market manufacturers. My 2006 CLK is fabulous, but remember cheap to buy now but you are servicing a car which new cost over £40K. I’ve been offered £10K for mine but it’s not for sale.
Miss my face-lift CLK 350 Sport, great looking cars (still) like you say and an excellent mile muncher. Only bit that holds me back from getting another is aged stereo and telematics.
I used to have a Vizeeo box which was fine most of the time for that, imat the time i had mines the android HU's wouldn't work with HK speakers/amp. @sprautos
Great vlog as ever. Very informative. Would be nice if you get the opportunity to to buyers/service guide on the W201 190E 16v Cosworth. Great channel 👌
Excellent video. I love my C63, but am now slightly worried about the engine, great noise, but the reliability compared to the 500, or 540 does worry me now 😂
Very good vidio ta,ive just bought a 2009 CLK 1,8 petrol,hope I dont run into too many probs,it does make a few knocks over bumps,Ill have to investigate.Thanks again.
To be honest mate these service and running costs are a lot better than I expected considering it's an AMG model, presumably it's the fuel that drains ya wallet haha. I was interested in a CLK 500 as a weekend leisure car since I currently daily a Focus 1.6 and a C270 CDI, I didn't really consider the CLK 55. I appreciate the video!
That would put me right off buying one ,my 2007 , W209 has done 250,000 miles with none of those problems no Oil leaks. Air con could to with a top up but its pillarless so with all windows down on hot days I dont need A/ C
Hi I have the CLK 320 convertible, Iv'e done the rocker cover gaskets a couple of years back. Never done the oil cooler gaskets would you recommend doing them for preventative maintenance. The car is a summer car so its not used regular in the winter months
CLK 55 AMG with clanking or clunking sound when hitting throttle hard from a stop. Sounds like coming from under the console. Hoping transmission isn't going out. :( Any thought or common things that cause this?
Good video, thanks. Given that you say the front coil springs can't be bought , would you buy one now and do the 280 with the 3000 V6 engine have the same issue please or is it just the extra weight of the V8? I'm in Australia and the V8 are very hard to find and v expensive. Keith
Sam gearbox question, I’ve seen on lots of your videos the way you send air into the gearbox system to purge out all the fluid that doesn’t come out with the initial drain. For us weekend warriors who like to maintain ours cars as best we can at home is there a way to do this without air? Would a hand pump work or take forever? Cheers
Hi, my clk55 has the dreaded dashboard clicking. Could you give me an approximate cost for the labour involved? I may need to book in and leave the car up with you as most garages I’ve asked are simply not interested in looking at it! It could do with a service and the common oil leaks looking at too. Really enjoying working through your videos keep it up
I don't understand why "Luxury" cars break down so often? If a mechanical part is very expensive then it should indicate built quality right? Or only expensive because of the Badge of the car? I was going to buy a CLK280 with 6-speed Manual, but after finding this, I bought a Nissan Altima 3.5 6-Speed Manual; reliability is luxurious to me. Japanese reliability for the win!
Howdy! I saw this video pop up in my feed and thought I'd check out this buyers guide. I also wanted to ask a question concerning Mercedes. I have a W16303ML500 w/the M113 and I put in 6 hours of polishing today. It's 20 years old and the black paint looked horrid. It's looks much better but still has some scratches and rock chips that need touching up. This is the first MB I've owned so I'm a bit green but I worked as an auto tech during my college years. I've heard that after 75k miles or 121k kilometers we should change from 0w-40 to 5w-40 motor oil. What do you think about this change?
I think they have found there place in the market and would be a good investment, I think they will go up in time. But most importantly aside from an investment it will put a smile 😃 on your face so that’s the biggest win.
Great video. I am looking at a 2003 ClK 500 so very helpful. One thing you said a few times you used to replaced these parts in the past. Are the replacement parts better quality or don’t fail or you don’t service as many ClK now.
Thanks Allan What I was meaning was there won’t be many around running on original components and many parts will of been replaced and Maybe even on there second. As I showed in the video an arm I replaced 6-7 years ago is on its way out. There are only some aftermarket parts we will use and try and keep like for like brands same as Mercedes which also saves on cost for you guys. Lemforda is a favourite. We still see plenty of CLKs but not as many as daily like we used to back in the day.
Hi SPR, a question: some people prefill the oilfilter housing with oil when they are changing the engine oil, is this a smart thing to do? thanks a lot and best of all
Thank you so much for this amazing walkthrough! I'm from the US but have nearly an identical car to yours! However, mine is a 2005 that had some weird options when I decoded the VIN... Is there a Registry for these CLK 55's? The W209's need one especially.
You are correct! Fins on the rear AMG differential housing too which is cool, Bi-Xenon Headlamps, huge 6-Piston Calipers up front. Some interesting options on here. VIN: WDBTJ76H85F137271 @@sprautos
@@sprautos Whoa I didn't see you commented back my bad! Yep yep :) Also had a "Heavy Duty Rear Axle" which idk what that is. Also, yea I found out about those disks after buying the car and soon realized how I got it for $5700 XD. He just didn't want to touch those rotors, so yea it's going to need replacing soon but they have enough life left to get through another round of pads the dealer said but then will need replacing. Also, it was running rough and causing some random shifting issues which I replaced the MAF Sensor, seals, and tube. Fixed the problem and I don't even have a Check Engine light on anymore! Those brakes work so dang good though! Just going to have to bite the bullet! Although, I went on FCP Euro and I guess these are just rebranded Brembos. So Brembo makes cheaper disks, have you had any luck with their stuff? Thanks for the reply back too you made my day fr so cool! :D
It depends who is doing it and what parts they are actually changing as some places just do seals and gaskets only. We charge £1200 plus vat. All seals and gaskets plus the oil cooler it’s self and and intake manifold motor. Labour takes 8-10 hours.
Not for it’s service but for its warranty yes, unless you’ve signed any paperwork to say you have to take it to them for service to keep your warranty? They can be crafty always read the paperwork.
Super videos! Great clarity in all you do. I have a small query re the M271 Kompressor 1.8 engine also in the CLK. It idles perfectly when in neutral or park with no noticeable vibration. But when out in gear, either drive or reverse, the RPMs drop and engine vibrates a little - it can be felt by the driver. Is this usual? Or should RPMs remain constant at idle regardless of whether car is in gear or not. Thanks ua-cam.com/users/shortsOCN9lCLLQIk
I carnt believe that Mercedes are such poor quality. Over the years it was understood that Mercedes were top notch quality. Shocked what iam seeing. Very stylish designs, but intensely Over engineered, to the absolute detriment of the vehicle. Seems like if your determined to buy a Mercedes. Make sure you have 5 to £10 Grand in the bank, to bail yourself out, when it goes faulty. I say when it goes wrong?
How many times did I say the word common 😂
Appreciate everyone’s support. Please like and subscribe.
Happy new year to everyone, wish you all well.
You only said it Back in the day!
I’m not that old honest 😂
@@sprautos yeah right!
You are the most informative Repair shop on UA-cam. Awesome videos as always.
Great vid! Things gone wrong with mine:
Front coil springs
Tie rod and lower arm
Gearbox plug leak
All covered by your vid, spot on :)
What I take away from this is you might as well buy an AMG 55 (😁) as you'll pretty much get all the same problems with any CLK (which are not that scary tbh)
Haha well there you go.
Yea a clk 55 uses mostly same components and is a great AMG to run on a budget as like you say there are very similar in price to maintain. In fact you can pick them up for next to nothing.
We shall cover your engine issues when you come in for service 😉
These CLK 55's are going to go up in value!@@sprautos
Great buyers guide, covered all the common issues I’d say 👍. I still dread the anti roll bar bolts when changing suspension arms..
I’ve been using snap on air hammer with a socket attachment to work them loose last couple of times. Worked a treat, destroyed a couple of threads but bolts came out in one peice so only required a helicoil 😉
Came across your videos from watching High Peak Autos. Great content, look forward to seeing a buyers guide on the w212/s212, I have a '15 e220 s212.
Awesome thank you! W212 are a great car, especially compared to its older brother 211.
I have a 212e63 I’m sure we will get more vids on 212 models
I think my CLK 270 was the best all round car I've ever owned. Amazing workhorse
That was a work horse of an engine
@@sprautos It went like a train, and was amazing on fuel. 56 on a run easily.
This is a great channel btw
Had an 03 clk 55 convertible for 7 years, drove to Spain 3 times with a pop up tent , only thing changed wher oil, pads, tyres and a auxiliary belt runner in all time of ownership, excellent car with a distinctive sound
I absolutely love this show! No drama, no loud unpleasant music and just fantastic M-B content.
You are doing a terrific job for M-B , cutting through the BS and mystique that seems to pervade M-B.
oh yes, the alarm siren, if you didn't go onto forums you'd never guess.
Rear SAMs and mysterious rear lights, days of head scratching bulb changing
I was looking for an SL350 a few years back. Figured it would be a more economic choice as it didn't have the hydraulic suspension, but I now see that would only have saved me about £1,000!
😂😂 very true
Thanks for doing this video. Really informative. I own a Amg Clk 55. The car has done 75000 miles. Wear and tear with suspension, brakes and the engine. I have kept up with changing relevant parts as and when the car is checked annually.
I’ve not owned a Merc (yet), but these videos are fascinating. Keep up the great work.
Glad you like them!
Loving the videos from Australia. Came to this Chanel from High Peak. Buyers guide on a C/A207 in the future...
In 2000 I bought the first "new" Mercedes I had bought in three decades. Welllllll...by "new" I meant ALMOST new. Mine is a 2004 (Yes! 2004!) CLK 320. The reason I say "new" is that it was owned first by an elderly lady in New York who put 608 miles on it the first five years she owned it. Then apparently she gave it to her early middle aged daughter who was at a college in Alabama where the car lived for the next eleven years. Carfax showed the car to have been serviced at least annually at authorized Mercedes Benz repair shops (dealers). The many photos on the on line listing showed the underside and that was what made me buy the car: it has never had a northern New England winter and looked show-room new. It had 17,600 miles on it when it rolled off the transporter in my driveway to become my daily driver. Today the car has 69,000 miles on it and has been outstanding as a daily driver in all weather here in Maine. In winter it wears winter tires on steel wheels that I bought on line from a tuning shop in Germany and in summer of course the original Mercedes wheels. I do not maintain the car myself but take it to a independant service center which is the ONLY service center that has the Mercedes "STAR" system in the shop outside of the two authorized dealers here in Maine. Next week the car will go to the shop for a "B" service and I am very much interested in seeing how well it has faired. Todate I have had NO failures, although I did have to have the valve cover gaskets replaced. I live in a rural place and am ten miles from the nearest grocery store so the car almost never drives a short distance and then shuts down. I am 45 miles from the nearest motorway and here in rural Maine a lot of roads are fairly narrow two lane affairs which have less than ideal surfaces do the extremes of weather. The car is perfect for my purposes and the 3.2 litre V6 is proving itself to be both reliable and capable of enough speed to get me into trouble with the law if I "let it all out" on the open roads and it's easy enough to do. A V8 CLK was very tempting as when I was looking, there were many available but the V8 really does nothing for me now, except to burn more fuel. I found that once the car had accumulated 50,000 miles it seemed to be performing better almost as though it's entire performance envelope just move up one notch. It really doesn't make a lot of sense, but the I watch the computer for fuel mileage continually and it seemed that all of a sudden my fuel mileage improved ten to fifteen per cent once the car neared 60,000 miles. In addition the engine seemed to be friskier, even though I keep the transmission in "comfort" mode and am far from "lead footed" on the gas pedal. I paid the princely sum of twenty-percent of original the original fifty thousand dollar price of this car. Watching your videos is proving of great value to me as my intention is to keep this car perhaps for as long as I can drive.
Good thing you giving prices for the work great car
Thanks 🙏 I think it’s good for people to know what to expect price wise.
Good advice ..thanks ,
I would add you should check the third brake light for damage/failure , and also the rear window lift mechanisms can also fail due to a broken plastic gear/guide.
Overall they are a great car , and you have to expect to replace some plastic/rubber items after 20 years, same as on any car.
Great video. I have a 2005 CLK500, which I love. Was looking at a CL, but wanted to avoid ABC. Mine has the M113, so no balance shaft issues.
Good choice!
I had a C220 cdi 2003 manual heating and had the same flaps issue. It was quite frustrating because I couldn't get the air to flow down to the feet. Hope you can come up with a w209 200 kompressor after 2004.. I know I would love it to be a 320 K but that was a good deal my son got for a cabrio in Europe. I know the bloody squick at the back.. had it on the w203.. so good to know what that is now 🙃.. it was really pissing me off back then.. Many thanks for the videos again ✌
With any old car it's lucky dip. On the plus side there's no depreciation, nick proof and in the case of the clk jaw droppingly beautiful.
Enjoyed watching your informative video. I own a 2001 CLK 55 AMG and love her! 218,000kms, 342hp V8, the last of her type before the 2002 CLKs came in. Beautiful cars, all of them. Thanks, Tony in Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia 🇦🇺.
9:51 directional tyre wrong way round, tho they hardly look directional. How do you change the "rose bush" without damaging the rubber, cant figure them out. I chuck the oil down the oil filter hole then put the oil filter on - is that a bad idea?
Great spot!
Must of been when I had the wheel welded.
Always nice to see a black w211! (In background lol) Had a silver 54 reg e320cdi for 2 n half years and very luckily survived the SBC pump from completely failing (brake service light was on) and survived the oil cooler seal leaking! Sold it for £1k after paying £2.4k initially so very happy motoring!
*55 reg not 54
That’s not bad going atall. Thank god they got rid of SBC it was a terrible system.
Yes caused so much anxiety for us 🇬🇧 owners however 🇺🇸 owners had them replaced free of charge! I did like the auto hold feature..@@sprautos
Yea I’m sure there SBC warranty is still going now over there now! They get looked after long term warranty wise far better than us
Great channel, love watching professional at work, you must have worked for Mercedes at some point? I use a Mercedes specialist in Darlington Co Durham they are the same very passionate about the three pronged star👍
I have never worked at a dealer believe it or not, always at MB specialist. I may tell my story one day.
Nice work watched most of your vids. Keep it coming my man 😊
Glad you like them! Thanks for supporting
It’s a lovely car ! My Aussie delivery 2002 55 AMG is now at 210, 000 km.
I change oil religiously every 6 months and use the Mobil type MB specific.
It still pulls like a train.
I got it at 160 K
Over 4 years : new fuel pumps. (2)
Angle sensor, plugs and coils,
Auto rebuild
But it’s the best car I have ever had.
I would rather drop controlled money into it than flip it for the plastic junk of today.
Ps I got it for 22,000AUD. (11k GBP) while new in Australia it was over 150 k !
The HVAC flaps are a probelm on the facelift model too, I am a facelift 55 owner and mine clicks, I just live it. Other than everything you pointed out these are pretty solid and reliable cars. One thing to note are the brakes on the facelift AMG models when looking at buying one, make sure there is still alot of life left on the discs/rotors as they are probably the most expensive parts for these cars.
Facelift 55 super rare! And yes as you say they have the floating rotors on. Im guessing yours has twin pipes also? Lovely car enjoy.
@@sprautos Yes indeed, Silver with the quad pipes from factory
Nice, would love a facelift one, it was just finished off that little bit better.
@@sprautos yeah apparently so, I believe the materials and suspension was improved(I stand to be corrected). Also what drives me nuts sometimes is that MB facelifted the 55 AMG twice, a version for 2005 and then even another upgraded facelift for 2006 model years(2006 55's had a different front bumper and had the CLK 63 tailights). Both '05 and '06 models are pretty rare.
Yea I’ve put 63 rear lights and front grill in mine. I think it looks better
That’s a great video. I’m slowly working my way through your videos, and enjoying each one. You’re a great presenter, and explain stuff really well, so thanks for that!
Awesome! Thank you!
Great video 👍 Found you after watching JJ take his CLK to you.
Bought my CLK 240 in May last year (after watching JJ!) and so far I've been very pleased with it. Not the quickest car out there but a very nice thing to pootle about in. The M112 has got a little noisy over the last few months but I'm told these engines are pretty much bombproof so hopefully nothing serious.
Welcome aboard!
Hi. I am thoroughly enjoying working my way through your videos. It is a pleasure to watch someone who is at the top of their game.
I really wish you would work on the Mercedes based Jeeps. Getting someone competent to work on them is not easy. I actually had someone put Dex vi in my 722.6 tranny. Latest blunder was a coolant change on my OM642. I had to supply the G48 and garage gave it me back air locked.
Thanks Nick that’s really kind of you and glad your enjoying. Plenty more to come fingers crossed 🤞🏻
Great video. My CLK55 will be with you early Feb. I think the 5th to the 10th. Cheers Phil.
Something I'd like to see is a buyers guide on the 1st generation CLS, preferably a diesel 👍
Great buyers guide, used to have a CLK W209, needed a lot of work as with age and mileage but a joy to drive. Any chance a video of a CLS W219 can be done? Next time I’m servicing a with you guys you can use it for a video
wonderful video, thnx a lot! i used tio have a 2003 clk 270cdi w 60 KMI which modell/year had problems with leaking oil cooler (mixed w the eng coolant). the day i sold the car in the middle of the finnish winter, the high pressure diesel pump broke and cost me like 1000 euros. but i loved the car, had it for a couple of years.
I had high pressure diesel pump go, and then you have all the O rings to replace, the O rings cost pence but hours of labour.
Great video , very well explained. I have always liked the CLK and am looking to buy one. Personally I hate the crappy new cars they are churning out now . Currently driving an old Lexus IS 300 which has been a great car and has never let me down once in the last 15 yrs , but now has some rust issues and some other items need attention.
Can get some real bargains with the clk great looking car, lovey to drive in the summer with the windows down
Hey great buyers guide 😊
Great video mate..
W204 c63 buyers guild would be appreciated..
Crank sensor. Definitely!
Love the content of this channel, very nice job on this buyer’s guide 👏
Much appreciated!
Great info as always thanks for sharing. On the point you make about all the changes made in a production run, it would be good if you could mention the best years and engines etc. Eg pre-and post facelift major benefits and issues. Keep them coming very much appreciated 👍
The best engines was the ones in this video. Hopefully do a facelift one and do the same
The wheel issue is common with all manufacturers who use wide wheels with the inside unsuspended, low profile tyres exaggerate this issue. Never had a fail on my CLK but did on my Vauxhall and Volvo. Springs fail on all cars but plenty available from after market manufacturers. My 2006 CLK is fabulous, but remember cheap to buy now but you are servicing a car which new cost over £40K. I’ve been offered £10K for mine but it’s not for sale.
Miss my face-lift CLK 350 Sport, great looking cars (still) like you say and an excellent mile muncher.
Only bit that holds me back from getting another is aged stereo and telematics.
I see a few apple car play retro fits knocking about. Or a good Bt adaptor and good phone holder for google maps if you want to keep it original.
I used to have a Vizeeo box which was fine most of the time for that, imat the time i had mines the android HU's wouldn't work with HK speakers/amp. @sprautos
Ahh yes there a pain to work with the HK or bose system arnt they.
Great vlog as ever. Very informative. Would be nice if you get the opportunity to to buyers/service guide on the W201 190E 16v Cosworth. Great channel 👌
That would certainly be a nice video. Not many of those knocking about but I’m sure we will do some 190e stuff in the future.
@@sprautos hopefully, oldskool mercs just oooze class. Keep your vlogs coming, brilliant channel 👌
Hi how do you modificate the hour in the watch??
Proper guide thanks!
Excellent video. I love my C63, but am now slightly worried about the engine, great noise, but the reliability compared to the 500, or 540 does worry me now 😂
I drive a 63 my self. It’s a great engine and sounding, but no we’re near as reliable as the old m113. But the 63 definitely puts a smile on our faces
Very good vidio ta,ive just bought a 2009 CLK 1,8 petrol,hope I dont run into too many probs,it does make a few knocks over bumps,Ill have to investigate.Thanks again.
check out @jjoncars latest youtube video, he has plenty on the clk 1.8
@@sprautos Thanks very much for that.Eoin.
My daily is a 1998 C208. Great car.
A 208 was my first Mercedes I owned 😎
To be honest mate these service and running costs are a lot better than I expected considering it's an AMG model, presumably it's the fuel that drains ya wallet haha. I was interested in a CLK 500 as a weekend leisure car since I currently daily a Focus 1.6 and a C270 CDI, I didn't really consider the CLK 55. I appreciate the video!
That would put me right off buying one ,my 2007 , W209 has done 250,000 miles with none of those problems no Oil leaks.
Air con could to with a top up but its pillarless so with all windows down on hot days I dont need A/ C
Good to see plenty of miles on and still
Going strong 💪🏻
Great stuff Sam.
I'll be bringing my SL55 AMG to you for some TLC (38K miles).
No one round here in North Wales seems to want to touch it. ⚠️
Please do!
Sorry I'm a newbie merc owner and a lapsed diy mechanic so remind me where the cc sensor is?
Hi I have the CLK 320 convertible, Iv'e done the rocker cover gaskets a couple of years back. Never done the oil cooler gaskets would you recommend doing them for preventative maintenance. The car is a summer car so its not used regular in the winter months
You could do but if it’s not causing an issue and it’s only a summer car dont worry to much
Loved my CLK Coupe.
Great info as always mate 👍
CLK 55 AMG with clanking or clunking sound when hitting throttle hard from a stop. Sounds like coming from under the console. Hoping transmission isn't going out. :( Any thought or common things that cause this?
Good video, thanks. Given that you say the front coil springs can't be bought , would you buy one now and do the 280 with the 3000 V6 engine have the same issue please or is it just the extra weight of the V8? I'm in Australia and the V8 are very hard to find and v expensive. Keith
Yea I would still buy one. Springs are Available for the nine AMG models.
Awesome content!
Yes!! I'm looking to get a black Series Kit if I can find one. Advise on what to do with widening the track?
That isn’t my area of expertise I’m afraid. I’ve seen them before with massive wheel spacers on but not sure that’s the way to go.
@@sprautos thanks for getting back to me.
Min 8:20 How big (£) of a job is that (oil leak breather box, filter housing , rocker cover...) fix?
Roughly around £400-£500 should do it
Sam gearbox question, I’ve seen on lots of your videos the way you send air into the gearbox system to purge out all the fluid that doesn’t come out with the initial drain. For us weekend warriors who like to maintain ours cars as best we can at home is there a way to do this without air? Would a hand pump work or take forever? Cheers
If you can just let it drain over night and let gravity work for you. You will be surprised how much more comes out.
@@sprautos cheers Sam, top man
Great Vid as always. 👍👍👍
Any issues with the cooling system or fans?
Hi, my clk55 has the dreaded dashboard clicking. Could you give me an approximate cost for the labour involved? I may need to book in and leave the car up with you as most garages I’ve asked are simply not interested in looking at it! It could do with a service and the common oil leaks looking at too. Really enjoying working through your videos keep it up
You can send us an email with your details and we can get an estimate together for you
To give you an idea the dash job is about 2k on its own.
Try putting it onto the air recirculation mode all the time ...that stopped mine from clicking.
I don't understand why "Luxury" cars break down so often? If a mechanical part is very expensive then it should indicate built quality right? Or only expensive because of the Badge of the car?
I was going to buy a CLK280 with 6-speed Manual, but after finding this, I bought a Nissan Altima 3.5 6-Speed Manual; reliability is luxurious to me.
Japanese reliability for the win!
Howdy! I saw this video pop up in my feed and thought I'd check out this buyers guide. I also wanted to ask a question concerning Mercedes. I have a W16303ML500 w/the M113 and I put in 6 hours of polishing today. It's 20 years old and the black paint looked horrid. It's looks much better but still has some scratches and rock chips that need touching up. This is the first MB I've owned so I'm a bit green but I worked as an auto tech during my college years.
I've heard that after 75k miles or 121k kilometers we should change from 0w-40 to 5w-40 motor oil. What do you think about this change?
5w 40 229.5 spec is a good option for this engine
Is CLK 55 2003 a good investment, or prices will decrease?
I think they have found there place in the market and would be a good investment, I think they will go up in time. But most importantly aside from an investment it will put a smile 😃 on your face so that’s the biggest win.
@@sprautos Thank you
Right I bopugh one xD I hope I wont get any problems with heater flaps hahah
Great video. I am looking at a 2003 ClK 500 so very helpful. One thing you said a few times you used to replaced these parts in the past. Are the replacement parts better quality or don’t fail or you don’t service as many ClK now.
Thanks Allan
What I was meaning was there won’t be many around running on original components and many parts will of been replaced and Maybe even on there second. As I showed in the video an arm I replaced 6-7 years ago is on its way out. There are only some aftermarket parts we will use and try and keep like for like brands same as Mercedes which also saves on cost for you guys. Lemforda is a favourite.
We still see plenty of CLKs but not as many as daily like we used to back in the day.
Hi SPR, a question: some people prefill the oilfilter housing with oil when they are changing the engine oil, is this a smart thing to do? thanks a lot and best of all
yea its never a bad thing to do, won't do it any harm. all the best to you also.
Thats a great buyers guide for the CLK. Is there any chance of one for the SLK R171?😊
Hi thinking of getting a Clk 500 from 2003, does that have many of the faults as well?
same rules apply
Great video, was that the one you lent me.....amazing car just abit hard for me......
I forgot about that! but yes a good possibility mate, hope you are all well.
Thank you so much for this amazing walkthrough! I'm from the US but have nearly an identical car to yours! However, mine is a 2005 that had some weird options when I decoded the VIN... Is there a Registry for these CLK 55's? The W209's need one especially.
You're very welcome!
I’m guessing your has the facelift dash and quad exhaust ? 👌👌
You are correct! Fins on the rear AMG differential housing too which is cool, Bi-Xenon Headlamps, huge 6-Piston Calipers up front. Some interesting options on here. VIN: WDBTJ76H85F137271 @@sprautos
I would love a 2005 to get those options, just finished it off that much better. Apart from the expensive front discs 😂
@@sprautos Whoa I didn't see you commented back my bad! Yep yep :) Also had a "Heavy Duty Rear Axle" which idk what that is. Also, yea I found out about those disks after buying the car and soon realized how I got it for $5700 XD. He just didn't want to touch those rotors, so yea it's going to need replacing soon but they have enough life left to get through another round of pads the dealer said but then will need replacing. Also, it was running rough and causing some random shifting issues which I replaced the MAF Sensor, seals, and tube. Fixed the problem and I don't even have a Check Engine light on anymore! Those brakes work so dang good though! Just going to have to bite the bullet! Although, I went on FCP Euro and I guess these are just rebranded Brembos. So Brembo makes cheaper disks, have you had any luck with their stuff? Thanks for the reply back too you made my day fr so cool! :D
Is the oil cooler prone to leaking on the 3.2 CDI ?
642 320 cdi engine, yes it certainly is and it a big job. Hopefully cover that job in the future
@@sprautos how much and how long does it take ?
It depends who is doing it and what parts they are actually changing as some places just do seals and gaskets only.
We charge £1200 plus vat. All seals and gaskets plus the oil cooler it’s self and and intake manifold motor. Labour takes 8-10 hours.
Thanks for sharing 👏
Great stuff.
If a pre owned car is under warranty, does it have to go to the main M-B dealer for its service?
Not for it’s service but for its warranty yes, unless you’ve signed any paperwork to say you have to take it to them for service to keep your warranty? They can be crafty always read the paperwork.
@@sprautos thanks for the advice. Much appreciated.
7:58 2 oil drain bolts…
How many km's on this clk? Great and informative video👍
99,000 miles
i was going to sell my1999 BMW E38 but i think ill just keep it now ,
🎉
Mercedes stopped making good cars ,now its only money making no cars.
These where all good cars.
Tell them its a 10pence rubber seal German OEM,only😂
Super videos! Great clarity in all you do. I have a small query re the M271 Kompressor 1.8 engine also in the CLK. It idles perfectly when in neutral or park with no noticeable vibration. But when out in gear, either drive or reverse, the RPMs drop and engine vibrates a little - it can be felt by the driver. Is this usual? Or should RPMs remain constant at idle regardless of whether car is in gear or not. Thanks
ua-cam.com/users/shortsOCN9lCLLQIk
rpm will be less in gear than when in P or N
vibration, could be engine gearbox mounts could be a possibility
Clark Shirley Walker Patricia Johnson Karen
I carnt believe that Mercedes are such poor quality. Over the years it was understood that Mercedes were top notch quality. Shocked what iam seeing. Very stylish designs, but intensely Over engineered, to the absolute detriment of the vehicle. Seems like if your determined to buy a Mercedes. Make sure you have 5 to £10 Grand in the bank, to bail yourself out, when it goes faulty. I say when it goes wrong?