2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK 55 AMG 5.4 M113

Summary:

Quick, fun car, but requires maintenance

Faults:

-Transmission conductor plate, electrical connector o-ring, filter & fluid. This was performed as preventative maintenance. The 722.6 transmission was designed to be sealed for life, but it did not turn out that way. Fluid was trashed at 95k miles.

- Front lower control arm bushings.

- Steering damper.

- Valve cover gaskets, breather hoses.

- Oil level sensor leak (requires dropping lower sump to replace).

- MAF sensor.

- Throttle sensor.

- Crank position sensor.

- Blower motor resistor.

- Trunk light switch.

- Motor mounts.

- Front seat is not aging well. I have black seats with gray inlays.

- All new front suspension & steering components, lowered with Bilstein/H&R springs.

- Complete tune-up (still had original plugs).

- New air filters.

- New serpentine belt, pulleys and tensioner.

- Refinished cloudy headlight lenses. Easy and cheap with 3M restoration kit from auto parts store.

General Comments:

I know it looks like a lot has gone wrong with the car, but I bought it relatively cheap from someone who neglected maintenance, yet kept it garaged. I am also a seasoned mechanic and car enthusiast, so I did not mind fixing the car.

Back seat is useless, but I don't mind since I'm the only one that rides in the car.

Although there's a switch for the ESP (traction control), it does not completely disable it. This car (in my eyes anyway) was a Mercedes hotrod. This car lights up the rear tires with ease, but not for long before the ESP kicks in.

The one thing I enjoy about this car is that it's pretty quick for what it is, has outstanding brakes and handles well for being 20 years old. It won't keep up with an M113K or 6.3 AMG, but for $4K it has served me well. It also pulls great from 70-120 mph.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th December, 2020

2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK 320 3.2L

Summary:

A timeless design with looks, performance and reliability to match!

Faults:

Brake lamp switch went out. Wouldn't be a big deal really, as the part is only $45, but when this part fails, it shuts off all your brake lights, your ABS, ESP, BAS, and your cruise control. Talk about unbelievably stupid... it boggles the mind! But after 4-hours in the shop and $350 worth of parts and labor, this thing runs and drives like a brand new car.

This is now my 13th Mercedes-Benz, but my very first C-class chassis vehicle. I've almost exclusively driven S-class models with only a few exceptions: a couple of W123 turbo diesels and two W124 E-class sedans; one E320 and one E420.

General Comments:

Feels just like an E430 from behind the wheel, but has a sport-minded cabin with a tighter fit.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th December, 2017

25th Dec 2017, 22:02

Ugh — a dog’s breakfast!

This was from the absolute worst era for Mercedes in both styling and build quality. Lexus had them in a panic, trying to push downmarket.

28th Dec 2017, 00:32

Well, it’s the reviewer’s opinion and experience on the car - not a strategical critique of Mercedes corporate.

2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK 55 AMG 5.4 V8

Summary:

An elegant monster waiting to pounce

Faults:

The only problem I have had with the car is the throttle sensor went bad. When the sensor goes bad, the gas pedal refuses to respond. Once that happens, the car will not accelerate. If the sensor is going out, the throttle response will be low.

General Comments:

As an AMG, the car is a torque monster.

Very stylish exterior, yet discrete.

The interior is that of an old Mercedes; a bit outdated, but nonetheless, looks great.

Having the extra 3 grand seat option, the car looks good with it, as does it feel comfortable.

Handling is exceptional, though with a V8 upfront, it is nose heavy.

Brakes are fantastic. Over constant hard braking, the wear is very limited.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th October, 2012

2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK 430

Summary:

Exotic car speed for under $20k

Faults:

Cat converter issue; covered by warranty.

Temp display LED dissolved; not covered any longer and too expensive to replace ($900 for the unit).

General Comments:

Passes everything on the road except a gas station; bring lots of money.

Crazy acceleration from 70-110.

Quiet and comfortable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th November, 2008

18th Sep 2010, 13:42

I have a 2000 CLK and love it!!! I've had it since 2004, and haven't had any problems except for a faulty MAF and crank shaft position sensor! Best car I've ever owned.

2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK 430 4.3L

Summary:

Great car for a serious driver

Faults:

Gas guage started to flicker. Ended up being a sending unit in the gas tank. Car still under warranty so it didn't cost a dime.

General Comments:

Good acceleration off the line, but scary fast acceleration on the highway.

A real head-turner in bright red.

Interior is as good looking as the exterior.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th November, 2004

25th Feb 2006, 08:30

Mercedes 430 clk 2001 brilliant car fast comfortable head turning 30k reliable what a dream to drive, maria. ( if youve got it flaunt it)

11th Aug 2006, 05:29

Accelerates quickly and really fun to drive. Make sure your tires are inflated correctly for best performance.

5th May 2007, 14:42

I just brought my clk 430 I love it. it rides like a dream and I feel proud in it.

ZP.