Greetings All! Welcome to the BenzWorld W209 CLK Forum.
It's past time (2011) that this forum had a general tech index / pre-purchase inspection checklist. So I've volunteered to establish one. The CLK is a great car and we're making this a great forum for it.
It's past time (2011) that this forum had a general tech index / pre-purchase inspection checklist. So I've volunteered to establish one. The CLK is a great car and we're making this a great forum for it.
As late-model Mercedes go the W209 CLK models--both coupes (C209) and convertibles (A209)--are relatively bulletproof, partly because they don't have extremely complex systems such as the 'Active Body Control' electro-hydraulic suspension or 'Airmatic' air suspension as on the costlier models. In addition to their durability, moreover, the CLK models may be said to hit a 'sweet spot' in the Luxury-Sports continuum that few other cars can match.
But I'm not an expert on these cars, so I need to rely upon the knowledge of you regulars here. Eric, Keyhole, Rudeney and many others have provided tremendous assistance over the years and I hope everyone will help out when they can.
To start off, we're collecting threads and posts which pertain to the most significant repair issues on these cars, such as convertible hydraulics, balance-shaft cams, etc. Then I think we should probably congregate all of the maintenance stickies into a general thread which indexes them (here) as the main forum page was beginning to get sticky-heavy.
So please either PM me with links to the information you have found most useful or simply post them in this thread. I'll take care of organization and clean-up. Feel free also to make suggestions of any kind. We're all here to help one another.
Much of this information should also be useful to those looking to purchase CLKs too. NOTE that the balance-shaft issues are scary but still fairly rare, so mostly a concern for those considering purchases at this point.
PLEASE NOTE: If you want help with an issue, supply your particulars i.e. year, model, mileage, location etc. You can put this information in your profile by hitting the 'User CP' link at the top and left side of every page on BenzWorld. Then 'Edit Your Details' and you're good to go. Or just click on the links I just inserted (The foregoing advice is now in boldface as of 30 Nov 2015 because people are still choosing to ignore it. There's no way that specific, meaningful advice can be supplied for your query when we don't know what car year/model you're driving. Your location is also useful because different markets involve different model/equipment variants.)
If you have searched the forum and this list and don't see any solutions to your issue, feel free to start a new thread but PLEASE give it a descriptive title; e.g. "Navigation Malfunction" and "Mass Airflow Sensor Question" are a lot more useful for future search queries than "Need help!!" or "Mercedes CLK" ... Also, either of the preceding is better than appending your issue to this post, because far fewer people will see it here.
And please don't forget the age-old advice in every auto forum on the internet: RTFM!
Meanwhile! So far we have:
How to Check Your VIN
Balance-Shaft Issues:
- Scan codes and engine problems.... 2005 CLK 350
- Balance-Shaft / Timing Gear issues ...VIN Decode
- 2006 CLK 350...Problem ? ? ?
- Mercedes balance shaft update on V6 & V8 engines
Cabriolet Roof Issues:
- Soft Top circuit diagram - with limit switch details
- Soft top limit switch testing information
- Benzbits: W209 Soft Top Info collection courtesy BW member Rudeney
- Emergency Manual Close Procedure (video)
- Convertible top leaking hydraulic fluid
- Roof problem - will not finish closing correctly
- Soft top problem / Window Regulators
- Soft Top Quit Working! Locations/Instructions for Cylinder Removal
- Convertible top operation speed too slow?
- Soft Top Hydraulic pump - 40A fuse
- Bleeding soft top hydraulics
- Roof leaks when it rains
- TopHydraulics Rebuild/Upgrade Components (offsite sponsor link)
Brake System Maintenance:
- CLK320 Brake Rotor/Pads Replacement DIY
- Brakes -- Pads, Rotors, Brake Lines (AMG)
- CLK500/W209 General Brake DIY (Includes Sensors & WIS Diagram)
- Brake Bleed Kit Suggestions
- Brake Fluid Notes / Additional Bleeding Info
- Parking Brake Adjustment
DIY oil change with photos:
Successful DIY oil change
Oil Coiler Seal Replacement
https://www.benzworld.org/threads/oil-cooler-seals-replacement-m113-or-m112.3099747
Camshaft Solenoids AKA Cam Magnets:
Cam Magnets Replace DIY (M271 engine)
Camshaft Solenoids AKA Cam Magnets
Crankshaft Position Sensor (CPS) replacement (M113):
CPS replacement on 2005 CLK500 M113 W209 Crankshaft...
Crankshaft Position Sensor (CPS) replacement (M112):
Crankshaft Position Sensor M112
V6 Air Filter Replacement DIY:
DIY Changing/Cleaning Air Filter on V6
Trunk Partitioner / Strut Replacement DIY:
Trunk partitioner will not lock into place (up or down)...
DIY Changing HID Headlight bulbs CLK500
DIY Changing HID Headlight bulbs 04 CLK 500
Quad Xenon Headlight Upgrade
Quad Xenons
Cracked 3rd brake light [CHMSL] Replacement DIY:
Third brake light replacement DIY
Taillight Issues:
Replaced rear light assy - now mismatched brightness.
tail light removal on 08 CLK350 coupe.
tail light weak
Replacing Side Marker Light socket:
DIY Replacing Side marker bulb socket 04 CLK 500
Suspension spring failures:
Suspension spring failures
Control Arms -- Replacement:
CONTROL ARMS...
Front Stabiliser Link (Torsion arm connecting rod) replacement:
Front Stabiliser Link replacement.
Battery Replacement:
Battery changing time
All fuse/relay box details for W209:
All fuse/relay box details for W209
Check operation of your Alternator and Voltage Regulator:
How to check operation of your Alternator and Voltage...
DIY remove/install starter for all W209 engines
DIY remove/install starter for all W209 engines
A/C Blower Motor / Regulator:
A/C Now Not Working At All
Install procedure for A/C compressor
Install procedure for AC compressor (w209) 2005 clk320?
W209 CAN Bus Communication System:
W209 CAN bus communication system - info
SRS Warning Light Fix / Issues:
W209 SRS LIGHT FIX/ASSISTANCE
How to change the ignition key battery:
How to change the ignition key battery
Engine oil level check via MFD - Photo DIY:
How to read the engine oil level at the cluster - with pics
7-speed auto gearbox ATF change:
7-speed auto transmission ATF change
CLK500 Transmission Issue
CLK500 Transmission Issue
Driveability Issues: 'Electronic Transmission Control Unit' ETC (EGS) & Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor:
Mass Air Flow Sensor Replacement
W209 Shift Lock override DIY
W209 Shift Lock override DIY
SmartTop (a.k.a. IntelliTop) Aftermarket Option:
SmartTop (a.k.a. IntelliTop) Install
Power Seat Motors - Remove/Install DIY
W209 Remove/install the front seat adjustment motors DIY.
Power window/motor circuit DIY:
Power window/motor circuit DIY
Rear power window/motor DIY:
Rear power window/motor DIY
Ipod Interface Installation:
https://www.benzworld.org/forums/w209-clk-class/1266895-ipod-interface-clk-w209.html
Removing interior covers/panels from cockpit area DIY:
https://www.benzworld.org/forums/w2...ving-internal-covers-panels-cockpit-area.html
Tire Recommendations:
https://www.benzworld.org/forums/w209-clk-class/1653109-clk-tire-recommendations.html
Flex Discs - What are they?
https://www.benzworld.org/forums/w209-clk-class/1633779-flex-discs-what-they.html
Rear Main Seal:
https://www.benzworld.org/forums/c209-a209-clk-class/2718601-rear-main-seal.html
Wiper Blade Replacement Discussion:
https://www.benzworld.org/forums/c209-a209-clk-class/1881498-f-my-life.html#post7483625
FSS Service Indicator Reset:
Service Indicator Reset Guide (PDF)
https://www.benzworld.org/forums/w209-clk-class/1349213-ot-my-dealer-continue-refused-reset.html
Automatic Climate Control System Actuator Motors
https://www.benzworld.org/forums/c2...0-w209-diy-remove-install-actuator-motor.html
Door Panel Removal/Installation with Seat Control Replacement
https://www.benzworld.org/forums/c209-a209-clk-class/3009822-refitting-front-door-inside-liners.html
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Looking at a used CLK -- What to avoid?
Before posting a new thread: USE THE SEARCH FEATURE
(Note that the Forum Search feature now permits Google Search as an integrated function, and it often works better than the 'VB Search' option.)
Please continue contributing threads/posts which you feel are particularly informative and/or useful. PM me or post here in the thread and I'll take care of organization & cleanup. Thanks to all!
PS: And for God's sake, people, when someone goes out of his way to help you with a problem, have the decency to thank him and/or hit the 'Like' button. Way too many people vanish after their problem was solved without even saying thanks.
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Mercedes-Benz Original Factory Parts suppliers:
http://www.mbpartsworld.com/
www.mboemparts.com (or your local dealer of course)
BenzWorld Member-Recommended Independent Repair Shops