Took 5 years to talk the prior owner out of it. Its fast, handles like its on rails, its an AMG, bullet proof running gear, while the peripherals fall of it and cost a small fortune. Dont care, its mine. Put the roof down turn up the “stereo” and smile at my wife of 30 years. Life is good
It’s beautiful but a real pain to deal with. The CLK500 has been one of my favorite cars that I have owned, even having other more dependable Mercedes. I wanted a CLK since the original came out in the late 90’s and they only got better looking with the second generation. I finally got around to buying the V8 convertible I had longed for and it’s been a rollercoaster relationship since the very beginning. Repairs are costly and many used CLK’s have devalued to a point where buying one could be the same as repairing the a/c unit (which will go out, guaranteed.) As much trouble as the car has given me, from inoperable convertible top to faulty fiber optics in the entertainment components, the engine and transmission have never had a single fault. The V8 is a solid performer needing little more than regular oil changes and fluids topped off. It will eat through gas like it will eat your money if you replaced everything when it broke or failed. After years of defending my love for the car after all of its troubles I can say that it is not the car for everyone, rather for those who simply love the feel of how a naturally aspirated V8 Mercedes convertible drives and at a price that make that enjoyment obtainable to nearly anyone.
2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class CLK500 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
Review
Some little niggly things are problematic, like a center console that doesn't open easily, one cup holder only, sunroof that pauses on closing,and rear side windeow activator issues. But mechanically the car has been perfect through 170K Drives as new. Beautiful, and subtle...and understated beast in the 500 trim.
Thought I had a transmission problem so I bought a transmission-it wasn't a transmission problem so I have a extra transmission to go with the car It was a simple reset of something. But it does need some Struts. We still drive it & Love it but now we have 4 Granddaughters & we can't all go & no one eats to be left out. They all want to go