Faults:

Sway bar bushing failed.

Replaced radiator (preventative as early models leaked coolant into transmission) - $950 excluding labour.

Had previously had the sunroof repaired as it did not open.

General Comments:

Wonderful looks and a smooth ride.

The car has a presence about it, even being 15+ years old, and has aged well.

Performance is decent for a 3.2 and being a heavy car, although not brilliant compared to more recent models - smooth sound under harsh acceleration.

Fuel economy is fair on the open road, returning 11.2 km per L. City driving throws economy out of the window.

Handling is typical of MB and comfortable - it can be thrown around the corners well, although driving this car does not command this driving style - it can still boogie and swing the rear with the TC off.

Recent servicing including replacement of the factory radiator for preventative measures, as these early models were known to leak coolant into the transmission resulting in $$$ repairs - all servicing and replacement parts are expensive for an old car ($2100), although dealer support is amazing for what they call "Historical" models and their knowledge/advice is great.

Overall it is a lot of car for the market value these days, and you won't be disappointed if you find a well looked after model - spend more upfront and get a well looked after example.

Faults:

Coolant pipes leaked into the gearbox and practically destroyed it.

Multiple ECU faults, which MB dealers appeared unable to fix.

Seat belt presenters failed, because of cheap wiring.

Airbag light on due to failed occupancy sensors in the front seats.

Motors for A/C failed behind dash. Cheap parts that necessitated the dash being removed to fix.

Irish MB dealers to not appear to employ trained or interested mechanics. Service and knowledge in dealers is appalling.

General Comments:

I loved how this car looked, felt and drove... WHEN it worked properly.

Decent power, smooth ride, svelte pillarless coupe styling.

Faults:

All things I consider 'normal' repairs:

Motor mounts and tranny mount.

Rear diff seal.

Shocks.

Tranny seal leak.

Brakes.

Tires.

Flex disc (front).

And of course on these cars, regular fluid changes wherever there are fluids.

General Comments:

This is a heck of a car that has waaaaay too much motor. The braking is amazing, the power is borderline obnoxious, and the overall ride is great.

The car is by far, hands down, the most expensive car to maintain if you wish for it to be a daily driver. Mercedes didn't screw around when they released this car onto the road. My wife owned a CLK 320 and that was a great car and much more civilized when driving it. It had plenty of power and suited its purpose well. This CLK 55 is just a beast. It drinks gas like it was going out of style.

Would I swap this car for another one? Heck no. Once I had the maintenance done to keep it going for a while, I had no intentions of letting it go. This is a blast to drive, and it puts a smile on my face, whether going cross country or to the store.

Faults:

There is some unexpected corrosion on the alloy wheels.

The paint chips far too easily.

There is more wear on the leather seats than I was expecting from a Mercedes.

Otherwise faultless. Not even a squeak from the leather.

General Comments:

The car seems to hesitate for a fraction on the accelerator and this is very disconcerting, especially when reversing.

I'm very impressed with the quietness, and performance - the CLK manages to be far more 'sporting' to drive than my BMW 740 was yet without losing too much refinement. Seating position is excellent and flexible.

Hardly any oddments space becomes a pain so buy one with a built-in 'phone.

Lots of programmable options so take time to read the 500 page owners manual.

Gorgeous lines are enhanced in summer when you can drop all windows - because doors are frame-less it feels like a convertible. This feature is why I bought the car as I once had a 500 SEC to which it compares well.

I'm proud to own the car, it's good looking and works out to be pretty good value as it's been cheap to run and although expensive to buy it has held its value well. I'd have lost more by buying a coupe for half the price.

Faults:

Nothing yet.

General Comments:

Practical family car, as well as fun, with reasonably roomy cabin, and good sized boot.

I expect to keep this car for a number of years, hence the importance of a Merc badge to me as I've owned good high mileage ones in the past.

A "classy" looking car.

Sports suspension and firm seats sometimes unconfortable on 3-4 hour trips.

Over the shoulder visibility is poor with roof closed.

Faults:

The sunroof when closed squeaks and the rear headrest also squeaks when going over firm bumps.

General Comments:

The car is fast and strong. The instrumentation is functional and straight forward. The steering wheel does not tilt and therefore does not afford the most comfortable driving position. Interior is clean, but lacks some of the finer touches such as leather on side doors or in the center console.