Known Problems to Look For In A 2005 CLK500 Cabriolet?

Hi Mike,
I recently bought a same model year CLK500 cabriolet. I test & drove it before dealing with the owner and I realized engine sometimes fires and somethimes not so I got icarsoft scanner and it gives me camshaft position sensor error so that's easy to fix (I got Bosch branded from ebay for $35). Hovewer as far as I learn on this forum, usally crankshaft and camshaft position sensor will be a problem for regular cycle on this vehicle. ( I guess every 50k miles you have to change it).

Soft top condition is really important on this vehicle. I was lucikly mine had serviced and all parts (soft top, some cylinders and hydrolic pump changed by previous owner.) I am considering to change only trunk petitioner struts which is really cheap ( $20 for both). My recommendation, please try to open / close soft top 3-4 times and also visually check hydrolic resarviour level that is all the way back left side inside of the trunk.

Last thing, that's a common issue for this vehicle, there should be thciking/clicking noise when you start or stop the car from the dash/command area. That is related with stepper motor or arm. Mine has this problem but I don't want to remove all dash so I am trying to live with this

I hope this info will be helpful for your new purchase. It's really amazing car and hope you enjoy it.