I'm considering buying a 2005 CLK 500 with 100,000 miles on it. I was wondering what the expected repairs/costs might be? Know problems? Also what would an oil change range in costs and which kind of oil does it take? The last Mercedes I had was a 96 E300 so any advice would be great!
2005 CLK350 Advice for First Buyer
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CURRENT: 2011 SL550 FORMER: C300, ML350, CLK550 Cabriolet, C240, ML320, 300TD
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You don't say if you are relying on the dealer, an indy shop, or DIY. A dealer oil change only will ruin around $250. An indy is a bit less. DIY you can do it for under $100 ($16 for filter, $60 for 9 quarts of Mobil 1 0w40). Given that it has an early 722.9 transmission, you need to make sure it's had a fluid and filter change at least once at 39K miles. I highly recommend changing it EVERY 29K miles.
It"s being sold by local Mercedes dealer and I'm going to check it out tomorrow. I currently drive an 04 Jaguar XJ8 and pay about $60 for a change but it uses regular oil.
I second Mobil 1 has never given me a problem...
The Gearbox id strongly suggest you get into the habit or periodic maintenance 30,000 to 35000 kms does it have log books ?
check carefully around your valve covers they have mad tendency to leak ...
sit in the car and test the A/C
known problems: Valve covers (cheap to fix only use genuine or youll waste money fixing them. / Gearbox can leak coolant usually a radiator fault from memory mine already came changed.
SRS Light - 9/10 this is because of poor impedence around the door sils very easy to fix / next big issue is the child sensor on the passenger seat (genuine very expensive/seat emulator cheap fix but need code cleared before it will go away)
and a problem ive had is my car came with COMMAND i changed to a/m, radio and now cannot adjust the analogue clock yet to work out a fix .
The Gearbox id strongly suggest you get into the habit or periodic maintenance 30,000 to 35000 kms does it have log books ?
check carefully around your valve covers they have mad tendency to leak ...
sit in the car and test the A/C
known problems: Valve covers (cheap to fix only use genuine or youll waste money fixing them. / Gearbox can leak coolant usually a radiator fault from memory mine already came changed.
SRS Light - 9/10 this is because of poor impedence around the door sils very easy to fix / next big issue is the child sensor on the passenger seat (genuine very expensive/seat emulator cheap fix but need code cleared before it will go away)
and a problem ive had is my car came with COMMAND i changed to a/m, radio and now cannot adjust the analogue clock yet to work out a fix .
I test drove the car today. It drive very nice with very good tires and brakes on it. There were no warning lights on and everything seemed to be in working order. My only issue was the headlights were really yellow. Also even though it had the Harmon sound system it did not have SAT radio and AUX input. The dealership very much wanted to sell this car and threw every offer they could at me. While I did like the car I'm not sure it's really me.
2001 ML320 2004 ML500 2011 E350 2015 ML350 2002 CL55 AMG
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Yellow headlights, if it is due to UV exposure, is an easy fix. Can be brought back to almost new in terms of clarity....I personally like this car but if it is "not really you" then I guess you follow your feelings on that side of it.
Since you have not determined this car is really you, some things that could tip your decision in favor. You have nothing to lose, shoot for the moon, the worst that could happen is they say no (No great loss, the car was not really you anyway), the best that could happen they give you everything you request (What the dealer would really be giving you is peace of mind, any major items would be under warranty):
How badly does the dealership want to sell this car?
Is this car being sold as a "Mercedes Benz Certified Vehicle"? If so, all systems service should have been performed. Request copies of all service conducted by the dealer. This should include restoring the headlight lens and tires with at least 75% thread.
Request the dealer provide you a recent CarFax report to ensure the car has not been salvaged or in a major accident.
Request the dealer provide you a 4 year 80,000 mile warranty.
Just my $.02 , You have nothing to loose right? =)
I'm trying to hold the dealer out now while I look at an 02 CL 500. The more I think about the more I like it I just wish it had some of the features I was looking for. Also a convertible top instead of a coupe would have been a big plus.
Things you might consider:
If the car is to be used everyday, remember you live in Ohio.
Check with your insurance company regarding insurance on a convertible, often it is significantly higher. Insurance companies will often not cover a replacement top more than once every 5 years if vandalized.
Will the car always be garaged? Winters can be rough with a convertible. You should get estimates for the convertible top replacement. You may be shocked and that expense of replacing the top and that expense will be incurred every 3-5 years depending on the weather it is subjected to and the care you give the top.
I like convertibles but would only consider the SL with the convertible hardtop.
You did not ask just my $.02
If the car is to be used everyday, remember you live in Ohio.
Check with your insurance company regarding insurance on a convertible, often it is significantly higher. Insurance companies will often not cover a replacement top more than once every 5 years if vandalized.
Will the car always be garaged? Winters can be rough with a convertible. You should get estimates for the convertible top replacement. You may be shocked and that expense of replacing the top and that expense will be incurred every 3-5 years depending on the weather it is subjected to and the care you give the top.
I like convertibles but would only consider the SL with the convertible hardtop.
You did not ask just my $.02
CURRENT: 2011 SL550 FORMER: C300, ML350, CLK550 Cabriolet, C240, ML320, 300TD
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Yeah, that may not be as much to drive a convertible where you can only lower the top a few months out of the year. Here, I rarely go more than a few weeks without at least one day of topless driving. All I need is sun and at least 50F degrees!
Well, the insurance on my CLK550 cabriolet is lower than my wife's Jeep Grand Cherokee and not much more than the C240. Our ful coverage on all three cars is about $1200 per year. And I;ve never had any vandalism problems. If I did, I think I'd move!
These modern tops are much more resilient. About the only major issue is the seam that runs across the canvas, above the rear glass. Mine (at almost 9 years old now) has separated but I was able to fix it with contact cement. Other than that, my canvas is in great condition. A new canvas is less than $800. I am sure labor would be very involved.
That will be my next car. I'm looking now and will trade once I find the right one with the right deal. But, the SL is MUCH more complex than the CLK. It's Active Body Control system can be a nightmare.
I would love a SL too but all the ones I found are too much! Does the CLK have air suspension?
Rudeney,
I understand the SL is like a street driven Forumula1 automobile, as far as electronics and technology. Everything is monitored and everything is electronic.
Yes, have read the Active Body Control system can be a nightmare and expensive.
If anybody is up to the task, you are! It's only money and you will have tons of fun driving an SL =)
I understand the SL is like a street driven Forumula1 automobile, as far as electronics and technology. Everything is monitored and everything is electronic.
Yes, have read the Active Body Control system can be a nightmare and expensive.
If anybody is up to the task, you are! It's only money and you will have tons of fun driving an SL =)
No all of the "C" class has conventional suspension (struts, springs and shocks). The CLK is at the top of the "C" class but it is built on a "C" class chassis.
The "E" class has the air suspension system. It has some really nice features height adjust and adjustable ride quality. Even the air suspension can be problematic and expensive.
CURRENT: 2011 SL550 FORMER: C300, ML350, CLK550 Cabriolet, C240, ML320, 300TD
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I understand that a major problem was the power steering pump (which also runs ABS), and that it was revised sometime around MY2006/2007. And regular changes of PS fluid help. Of course I have no labor costs, but parts can still be expensive. My plan is to find a MY2012 just out of warranty (the sweet point when the price drops). That was the last year for the R230 and traditionally, the last MY for any MBZ is the best!
Is there a way to have AUX and Satellite Radio installed on the car if it does not come with it? I know it had the Harmon Kardon sound system and I believe Bluetooth.
The car is a 2005 where would I tell on the stereo if it had the AUX input and already built in Sirius?
I'm in talks now with the dealer on this trying to get a good price.
The dealer is low balling me on trade in. So I'm not sure if the CLK will work out.
Sell your car yourself!
Most dealers are going to low ball you on your trade-in (The dealer does not have your best interest at heart. Remember an emotionally involved person makes poor decisions. Buying cars is an emotional purchase.) The dealer makes money on both ends of the sale of a car when you have a trade-in. They decrease the cost of their car by a few thousand then offer you half as much for your trade-in, in the end you will figure out the dealer gave you little to nothing for your car.
One strategy in purchasing a car is to tell the salesman that you have no trade-in. That way you know exactly what the price is for their car. If you are so inclined, tell the salesman you have a trade later in the negotiations. Just be prepared for a whole lot of double talk about why they offer you less than half Blue Book value. The less money they pay for your trade-in = more money in their pocket.
Ask the dealer how much they paid for their car. If they are honest they will tell you and show you how much they paid. Ask their profit goals, again they will tell you if they are honest. You will be in a better position to negotiate a package price, your trade-in and their car. Selling your car out right is still the best way for you to keep more money in your pocket.
Negotiate the price of their car and sell your car yourself and make 50% (or more). Go to Car Max get a quote from them, then decide how you want to proceed. Sell your car out right or trade it in, you do have choices.
Most dealers are going to low ball you on your trade-in (The dealer does not have your best interest at heart. Remember an emotionally involved person makes poor decisions. Buying cars is an emotional purchase.) The dealer makes money on both ends of the sale of a car when you have a trade-in. They decrease the cost of their car by a few thousand then offer you half as much for your trade-in, in the end you will figure out the dealer gave you little to nothing for your car.
One strategy in purchasing a car is to tell the salesman that you have no trade-in. That way you know exactly what the price is for their car. If you are so inclined, tell the salesman you have a trade later in the negotiations. Just be prepared for a whole lot of double talk about why they offer you less than half Blue Book value. The less money they pay for your trade-in = more money in their pocket.
Ask the dealer how much they paid for their car. If they are honest they will tell you and show you how much they paid. Ask their profit goals, again they will tell you if they are honest. You will be in a better position to negotiate a package price, your trade-in and their car. Selling your car out right is still the best way for you to keep more money in your pocket.
Negotiate the price of their car and sell your car yourself and make 50% (or more). Go to Car Max get a quote from them, then decide how you want to proceed. Sell your car out right or trade it in, you do have choices.
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