[imdgonz]

First, Thanks to everyone who posts repair details on here! :bowdown:

1. So I bought a CLK 430 cab (2000 w/50k mi, one owner) and it had loss of power / bad performance issues - Typical of the MAF failure.

2. I took it to a trusted friend at his indy shop (Handles mostly Italians and Germans: classics, racers, and daily drivers) and he agreed with the MAF issue.

3. He installed a new one (Bosch) and problems remained. So he went and pulled codes from a pal's MBZ reader and it was 4 pages of FAILS! There was work done on the car by last owner and they never cleared the codes. ***See end note***

4. So we got all clear, but CEL started coming on and he had a rough start from cold each morning. Then similar performance issues.

5. Tried a new fuel filter as well, but kept getting codes typical of MAF...

6. Finally went with the "bad new part" theory that many here have encountered, and SUCCESS! New MAF from different supplier solves all.

7. Click is now running like a bull. I may get in trouble...will be putting the integrated radar detector to the test.

8. Installing new (used) set of rims as I type, courtesy of another forum member (props to BBearden), alignment and done! Trip to northern CA tomorrow morning...:thumbsup:

End Note: I bought this car sight unseen from a used car stealer and did not inspect it - OK, yes, I am an idiot, but I had good photos and data on the car (I thought). Point is, AUTOCHECK and CARFAX are 100%, yes 100% WORTHLESS for finding accident and repair damage. Their marketing is hugely deceptive, and they should only be used as additional information to supplement your INSPECTION.

End of the tale is that I got lucky, now have a great car at low mileage and a bargain price that I am learning a ton about from the forums. I'll be reporting back with any issues. -Peace

PS - Let me know if anyone has a good source for the Tow Cover strip, AKA Separator, for the AMG front Bumper. Looks like many people need this.

 

[BENSIN]

Cool man. Good looks on the information, should help some one out if they ever find themselves in a similar situation. ...and welcome.

There is a wealth of information on here, as you know, and it's a great community. Congrats on the new cab. :thumbsup:

 

[slickview]

what shop?

i was just wondering what shop did u go cause i live in santa rosa which is in northern cali. Planning to repair my front bumper on the driver side. Wife hit a curve and when she pulled back she did a 6 to 7 inch crack on the AMG bumper on my 01 clk430 convert.thanks

 

[Check Codes]

Glad you got it squared away, but for all of the engine-related DTCs, they will clear all by themselves once the problem is fixed as enough drive cycles are completed. The place that gets confusing is that a single bad part can trigger lots of other codes and then people sometimes have a tendency to shotgun instead of diagnose. Thus they still haven't replaced the bad part and still have codes.

A MAF is a great example of that. It can trigger not only the classic FT codes, but also misfire codes and O2 codes. So unless you properly diagnose it, you might end up changing O2 sensors, spark plugs, wires, coils and all kinds of stuff.

My guess is that your first supplier sold you a chinese knock-off MAF (regardless of packaging). Genuine Bosch is the only way to go, but lots of folks think cheaper is the same and end up with more problems than they began with.

Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg

 

[nmilsaps]

Just ordered a TOW HOOK COVER last week or so, still need to get it painted...

2088850022-22 - $118.76 - at www dot ko performance dot com
cheapest I could find...

 

[imdgonz]

I am down near Santa barbara- my guy's shop is in Ventura. 'bout 8 hours from you.

 

[morss]

Had similar probs with my CLK430
was running fine to you put your foot down and then it feels as though its holding back, massive power loss.
After reading much on different forums look like I needed a new MAF, however I end up taking it to a merc repair centre and they changed the MAF, problem still there.
Turns out there was nothing wrong with the MAF, problem was sticky butterfly in the throttle housing , they cleaned it out with carb/brake cleaner and is fine now - goes like stink, better than its ever been and was a cheap repair.
Just thought I'd put this bit of info on here for anyone thinking of MAF failure cause its an expensive waste if thats not the item at fault.
My car is a 2000 with 100K miles and the mechanic said he seen this before with this kind mileage, just needs a good clean

 

[Check Codes]

Had similar probs with my CLK430
was running fine to you put your foot down and then it feels as though its holding back, massive power loss.
After reading much on different forums look like I needed a new MAF, however I end up taking it to a merc repair centre and they changed the MAF, problem still there.
Turns out there was nothing wrong with the MAF, problem was sticky butterfly in the throttle housing , they cleaned it out with carb/brake cleaner and is fine now - goes like stink, better than its ever been and was a cheap repair.
Just thought I'd put this bit of info on here for anyone thinking of MAF failure cause its an expensive waste if thats not the item at fault.
My car is a 2000 with 100K miles and the mechanic said he seen this before with this kind mileage, just needs a good clean

Hey, morss, welcome to the forum.

Please take a minute to click the User CP link and complete your BW profile re: location and vehicle as that can be useful information.

I'd add to your post that changing the MAF when you don't have a MAF code is just throwing money at the problem. Diagnostics are still important and I'm glad you have such a mechanic.

FWIW if you're at 100K it's time for plugs and O2 sensors...are you going to DIY or take it to your mechanic?

Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg