A stylish vehicle that's a thrill to drive
Sway bar links, front control arms, left rear window regulator went out.
The performance of the 500 is excellent. The 320 isn't bad either. Love the style of the car also. It's aging well I think. I have owned a total of 5 CLKs. 2 W208s and 3 W209s. I have loved all of them.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 27th December, 2016
FAST, sporty, stylish, and good build quality!
Voltage regulator and brushes.
Alternator rear bearing is starting to make a chirping noise at times.
The 55 AMG is THE car to have. I was looking at the BMW M3, but settled on the AMG for the torquey V8 and the sound that comes from the AMG exhaust.
This car is fast. It's stylish too. I have 18" AMG wheels on it with 225/40's in the front and 265/40's in the rear. If I turn off the skid control, I can get the back end out and the car going sideways with no problem. And that's with the bigger, wider tires!
Mustang, Trans-Am, Porsche, Lexus, Corvette, RX-7, 1000cc superbikes; I've driven or ridden them either on the street or at the race track.
I haven't taken this AMG to the track and I don't think I will, but I know it's pretty darn quick.
The maintenance is easy so far. I've done spark plugs (Iridium), engine oil, trans fluid, engine air filters, cabin air filters, & alternator VR repair.
The CLK55 comes with high performance AMG suspension, exhaust, hand-built motor (with the builder's nameplate attached) and brakes.
My car rides a little harsh because of the larger wheels and lower profile tires.
The seat feel like they wrap around you. Very sporty and comfortable at the same time.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 13th June, 2013
Piece of CRAP
Transmission failure a few times, a couple a months after purchase, and now in 2010.
All electrical equipment is malfunctioning.
This model was recalled for these problems (only 404 of them, the rest of the 2003 CLK 500s on the road are left to suffer as they are). Mercedes pulled a Toyota jam on this one. They washed their hands with it.
They covered themselves by fixing a required amount, and leaving certain CLK with specific VIN numbers on the road.
They already got their money, so I am sure to say that Mercedes Benz reputation is less reliable than a FORD PINTO.
Piece of crap for the money! A LOT OF MONEY.
NEVER WILL BUY AGAIN.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 18th September, 2010
CLK is great, read this review, nice car
Mass air flow sensor brakes, lights, 60000 mile service.
Looking like I spent a lot and I bought it used for 16k, new rims, so it looks like 08, no real problems...
This car is very expensive if you go to the dealer, a rip off. I used to work for Mercedes-Benz dealers and can tell you it's just a car. I would change the brakes, sensors and service the car myself. The cars are built great and are advanced, but you can do the service yourself.
I went for 60k service and they told me 1800 bucks. I bought all the parts needed and did in the driveway for under 400. Parts are expensive but last twice that of a normal car, and I always use factory parts.
Love the car and will buy another used Mercedes. You get what you pay for, so if you want sporty, get a CLK for under 20k or get the E-class for under 20k. Anything under 50,000 miles will do, and get a Carfax and take the car to the dealer for inspection.
Great cars, last car was an Avalon and this is just as nice but sexy, fast, and fun. A five year old benz is nicer than a lot of cars and worth it.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 12th August, 2008
22nd Mar 2011, 15:14
I have been thinking of buying an 03 CLK 320 from a Chrysler dealer here, and I totally am in love with the car. I test drove it, and it performed perfectly, but... after reading all the sites and contributed authors and the problems, it is totally scary for sure. This author made a terrific lot of sense, and I am sure that he is a very capable mechanic, as a person does not reach that stature by being a bad one. Cheers to him and his advice.
Hell, if I do buy it and have a lot of trouble, I know a person who owns a Mazda specialty shop that will yank the motor out and put in a GM V6, and do the computer hookup/change over and tranny adaptation. I think that would work. I will check. But I thank this guy for his contribution.
Tony.