Hello about to pull the trigger on a CLK 55 02 AMG OR CLK 430

[anar23]

How about the reliability quality of the cars, can you guys list the issues or problems, since i will be buying the car without warranty

[clk55cabby]

These are great cars if u buy a good one as I've owned both the 430 and 55. Search the forums for clk reliabilty and look for posts by MarcusF, one of the most experienced owners.

[oreif]

clk has a more balanced opinion than I have access to.
either way, you can't go wrong. the engine is 'bullet proof' but there are some minor issues; brake light switch, + other electrical issues.
bottom line; get a VMI or maintenance record of both/either if you can. a well treated car will treat you very well.
haven't ever driven a 430 but a 55 is a beast! hung with a cls63 last pm for 29 miles and loved it. either way the only difference is that 'AMG' thing lol. you want it or you don't.

[gregs210]

If you are not a DIYer or don't have a large bank account, pass on both.

But if you can afford either, get the AMG. There is no replacement for displacement. And it includes other nice features as well as suspension improvements.

If it's over 90K and never had the trans serviced, pass, get a steep discount, or be ready to shell out for a trans sooner than you should have to.

[F1Bobby]

Good luck!

[oreif]

Originally Posted by gregs210

If you are not a DIYer or don't have a large bank account, pass on both.

But if you can afford either, get the AMG....it includes other nice features as well as suspension improvements.

well said greg. the std AMG seat switches make me overlook the stupid and over-engineered cup holder. just did the o-change on her today with the indy. 99 + a park lamp bulb. needs front ball joints soon & my wife busted her lip with a really good parking job with wheels chalked to the curb stop if you are not a DIY guy, stay here on benzworld, + get a darned good indy in your area.

[el pres]

Originally Posted by anar23

How about the reliability quality of the cars, can you guys list the issues or problems, since i will be buying the car without warranty

Any Mercedes-Benz likes to be driven, and maintained well.

Are you buying the car strictly for appearance or do you want more power? At the current market price levels, the CLK55 is a serious bargain.

Try doing a search on "issues" and you'll get all kinds of replies and information. Personally, I'd say the largest possible expense would be having to pay for an instrument cluster, but these can now be repaired as opposed to a replacement. Mine was taken care of under warranty several years ago.

Taken care of, transmissions and engines will last a long time. Brakes on the AMG can cost significantly higher than a CLK430, but they last quite a long time (for performance brakes). My first set was replaced at 40,000+ miles and I still had some pad and rotor left. They may have lasted another 5-10K miles.

Batteries need replacement (on average) every four years. I'm on my 2nd battery.

Front lower control arm bushings are weak (mine were shot at 30K miles). Fortunately, I located some aftermarket polyurethane bushings that have worked well on the car.

The 208 was notorious for having interior rattles - most original owners had these fixed under warranty. My hat shelf needed attention and the headliner just rear of the sunroof was also looked at on mine.

I've owned mine since new, and have just turned 44,000 miles on it. It's still very tight and very fast and doesn't have one scratch or ding on it. The leather looks and smells new and I often get asked if there is a turbo or blower on the car, since it's seriously quick.

Having to replace tires often is seemingly the only "issue" I have with mine...