2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK 55 AMG Full Tour & Review

TestDrive gets behind the wheel of one final classic German luxury car before the winter sets in for 2018. Our Spotlight is on the 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK 55 AMG.
This episode of TestDrive is brought to you by Prevent A Lemon, your premier national used car inspection service. Each inspection offers a 170+ checkpoint assessment, including test driving the vehicle, scanning the subsystems and a personal consultation if you choose to attend. Find out more visit: www.preventale...
We had the pleasure of meeting up with a local viewer and car enthusiast to film their well-kept and original 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK 55 AMG, the E-Class coupé based on the W203 C-Class chassis. Given a technical code of C209, many still refer to this as a W209 CLK-Class. We go in-depth with our full tour of this classic Mercedes coupé to talk about how it's held up over the past 15 years, and what you should look for if you're in the market for a car like this.
We talk about the exterior design and features of this car, including the front end that takes styling cues from both the W203 C-Class and W211 E-Class, both of which we've featured before on TestDrive. This $99,450.00 CAD base-model CLK55 AMG has little in terms of features compared to today's AMG models, but has Bi-Xenon headlights, headlight washers, fog lamps, and auto dimming mirrors. Options like Parktronic and COMAND® Navigation could have been optioned.
On the inside we find genuine Nappa leather seating, heated front seats, rear power sunshade, and the Mercedes-Benz radio. The interior of this CLK-Class is a lot like the C-Class than it is an E-Class Coupé, but still has enough to keep most happy if their main focus is the driving experience. We also show the automatic seatbelt delivery system, as well as the unique way the front seats move out of the way to allow easier access to the rear.
We take this 2003 Mercedes CLK55 AMG on a road test, including a large burn out performed by the owner, as well as some 0-60 kph / 0-100 km/h testing of this 5.4L naturally aspirated V8 AMG engine. We speak to some of the driving dynamics and performance of buying a classic vehicle such as this, and how it feels by today's modern standards.
We wrap up our episode on this CLK 55 AMG with a rundown of some of the things to look out for if you're in the market for a C209 AMG.
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[@atos.nympha3451]

So if I give you my SL600 would you burn the tires better than what you did on this one?

[@PRNTestDrive]

Haha! To be fair this was the owner driving during the burnout, he asked if I could film it for him, and I wasn’t going to pass up an opportunity for a nice clip 😁

[@atos.nympha3451]

@@PRNTestDrive I will let do burn out with my car in worries..it better be good tho..hahah

[@Moist_Handshakes]

Prolly burn a gallon of gas in 10 seconds of burnout (I hate the gas mileage of my S600.)

[@PRNTestDrive]

We'll need to make sure we stick a GoPro facing the gas gauge just to watch it move!

[@atos.nympha3451]

@@PRNTestDrive I doubt it will move that much.i know if I idle it for long it drinks gas like Humvee

[@Leonardo555ZZZ]

Great cars ,,the most affordable ,most reliable , easiest to service ,, AMG V8 ever built.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Based on our research it's about as reliable as you could ever hope from an AMG. I'm surprised these haven't become more sought after because of it, they're still relatively forgotten.

[@trinityprudholme5650]

@@PRNTestDrive hey 👋 I have a question for you would you recommend buying a amg CLk Mercedes only issue car will only go 55 mph is it still Worth buying the vehicle?

[@vtecboi18]

@@PRNTestDrive how would this stack up vs the w204 c63 amg?

[@ryans-d7d]

@@trinityprudholme5650 no don’t buy that car

[@s.platted]

​@@ryans-d7d more details as to why not?

[@alimirza7907]

Woohoo another Mercedes video, as a Mercedes fan here, I find your other videos very interesting even if it's a normal compact car. you deserve a billion subscribers. This W209 bought me nostalgic memories in NFS Most Wanted & Carbon as CLK500 (5.0 litre 302 hp for non facelifted W209) in 2005 & 2006, what a car. The only video game to feature this beast the only 7 Speed 7G TRONIC. Truly an iconic design by Mercedes. The W209 AMG had a 5.5 litre 354hp where as the facelifted W209 CLK500 (CLK550 in USA & Japan) had a non AMG 5.5 litre 382hp with 7G TRONIC and the top ranging W209 had a 6.2 litre 507hp V8 with 7G TRONIC as the CLK63 Black Series. The non facelifted CLK DTM AMG street version, what a rare car with that DTM wide body and that 582hp and 5G TRONIC!

[@PRNTestDrive]

The CLK DTM is a thing of dreams, same with the CLK GTR. We had a real blast making this episode, and hoping we get the chance to do many more like it in 2019!

[@Munakas-wq3gp]

@@PRNTestDrive I wouldn't dream of the GTR models, totally impractical and uncomfortable to drive as a daily driver. As a garage queen? Why not.

[@kalaga2k]

You convince me, moday I'm going to check and test a 2oo3 CLK AMG 55 Coupe 43663Miles... I was skeptic about reliability, but after spending the past week going through Reviews/problems, it seems it's a reliable car. Thank you Sir.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Glad to hear it! I was impressed by how few problems there really are with this car, it's one to definitely consider if you're in the market for a classic AMG and want to keep it on the road.

[@Leonardo555ZZZ]

Nice video ,,,,just one point ,,There is no camshaft adjuster solenoid on the M113 engine. They do not have variable cam timing ,,one less thing to go wrong. Normal maintenance after 12 years or so should include replacing the Crank Position Sensor and valve cover gaskets.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Good to know!

[@JomesZ]

You convinced me to buy this project car.👍🏼💯

[@PRNTestDrive]

Good choice! We don't see many of these out there, glad to hear someone's interested in it!

[@aminebouharaoui4358]

Why such a low amount of subscribers??

[@PRNTestDrive]

That's a question we often get, and one we hope we won't have to answer as much. Our channel has been growing slowly over the past 3 years since we started the TestDrive show.

[@aminebouharaoui4358]

I wish you the best, keep up the good work . Good things take time.

[@MikeTR02]

I just subscribed! 3rd video I've watched! Great job!

[@PRNTestDrive]

Glad to have you on board! We've got some great cars lined up for winter!

[@bobdabuilder4075]

i subscribed because he done a burnout before testing the car . was getting ready to comment that he should of done a burnout .............. was not disappointed

[@samv.6690]

Solid car even though 05-06's look nicer because of the upgraded interior, quad exhaust, etc. IMO the rear end is way better than W203's Great review! The quality of the content and video is awesome!

[@PRNTestDrive]

Thanks! We've been working hard to make sure these classics look as good in video as they do in person.

[@encinobalboa]

05 got C55 suspension including faster steering rack. CLK55 got two piece front rotors which are super expensive.

[@yaaddayz1343]

Would have been cool to see the clk55 w208 instead of the w209 you reviewed, still a good video👍🏽

[@PRNTestDrive]

Yeah because finding these are so easy, I wasted my time with this one, clearly.

[@taj7608]

I own a 2003 clk 5.5 amg I luv this car there's nothn like it.... I have a 1999 z28 Camaro an its powerful but nothn like my clk 💖💖💖

[@PRNTestDrive]

Very nice! This episode has been a bit of a slow burn for us, but we really enjoyed this car.

[@kegomoditswemolemane3577]

Hey man I just wanna ask if can that car be turn into a manual transmission not on mode but on replacement replacing the automatic transmission with a manual transmission.

[@PRNTestDrive]

It might be possible, but I don't know how complicated the process would be. If Mercedes-Benz offered a manual transmission for this engine somewhere, then theoretically it would be possible, but if you got crafty there's probably a way.

[@kegomoditswemolemane3577]

Nah I get you man.

[@robertstewart302]

He had no idea it has paddles hidden on the underside of the steering wheel, notice the silver plus and minus markers on the face of the steering wheel, then you can appreciate the power

[@PRNTestDrive]

Yes i did, I wasn’t going to race around a high-traffic industrial area in a car that isn’t mine, there was no reason to use the flappy paddles during this drive.

[@alre9829]

What do you do think about 550 it has 20 more ho than the 55

[@PRNTestDrive]

The E 550? It’s a bigger/heavier car compared to this, so the extra weight ends up taking away from the extra power.

[@Aldo-Music-Channel]

Fabulous review and video production very entertaining to watch, that is one awesome car😎

[@PRNTestDrive]

Glad you liked it, thanks! We love getting the chance to feature the classics, wanted to make it special for the end of the season!

[@1988MrSam]

This video deserves more Views! Great car.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Thanks! We had kinda hoped it would have taken off a lot better than it has so far, we've had a lot of requests for older German performance cars like this.

[@1988MrSam]

I have one. It's a very underrated car and great value by for the money!

[@nicebergslim]

the 63 black series is one of my favorites, i love the round roofline design of cars from this period

[@PRNTestDrive]

I'd love to find one of those to feature!

[@chrispapa1587]

I love my A209 CLK55 AMG, getting the secondary cats removed, hopefully adds a little deeper note. Can’t believe how was the car handles, like on rails 👌🏼 The pull off the line, or the insane torque when drop back gears is insane 😍

[@PRNTestDrive]

Glad to hear it! I was thoroughly impressed with this one.

[@yusufjoosub6934]

I have the coupe. have you raced and e92 M3?

[@chrispapa1587]

@@yusufjoosub6934 no I haven’t, yourself?

[@revinot]

Bought a '05 CLK 55 three weeks back; very nice car I love driving it, and gets looks of appreciation everywhere I go. Plus the '05+ 55's has the quad exhausts so it makes the car look just that much more aggressive. Nice video review.

[@PRNTestDrive]

It seems like Mercedes made small improvements each year with the CLK, we usually recommend looking at the latest model years in a generation for those reasons. Quad exhaust would definitely look good on this, a C 55 AMG with the same setup looks amazing!

[@RossEnzo]

Revino Theron Owned a C55 since ‘04 and a CLK550 coupe since ‘07. The ‘05 CLK 55 was always something I thought about trading the C55 for, the W209 is such, such a gorgeous design especially the ‘05 model with the four exhausts.

[@RossEnzo]

Perpetual Radio Networks The ‘05 CLK 55 is such a gorgeous car.

[@revinot]

Ross Enzo I believe the c55 had the headlights, hood, front bumper and fenders from the CLK 55. So from the front they look very similar just the grilles and hood emblems were different.

[@IceMan-il7dx]

I've a humble, but utterly superb, CLK280. I really want this performance level but I can't afford an equally beautiful example as my car. Frustrating. Of all the 00-on shapes (till today!) the CLK C209 series is very cheap as I type. Techy but not overly so. And so pretty vs the E coupe that followed from 2009/10!! Excellent review. You've got my tummy and you also fit in!!😁

[@PRNTestDrive]

Glad to hear you enjoy your CLK! We had a lot of fun making this episode, it's a car we very rarely see on the road, as an AMG or in general.

[@xolanisibanyoni5532]

It's 2020, & i'm about to get myself this. Been a dream of mine for years now lol.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Very nice, enjoy it!

[@Munakas-wq3gp]

I would take the 07 and forward CLK500 instead. It's as fast or faster and the parts don't have the AMG extra in price...

[@bbhoustontx]

Dude you have a beautiful soothing clear voice. I think you could have plenty work in Hollywood if you wanted it.

[@jimmskullz]

The 2005 clk55 is low production number car for the US , like under 200 coupes I believe, 05 coupes also have the Larger brakes and dual exhaust. I have one and love it 👍🏼

[@PRNTestDrive]

Glad to hear you have one, hold onto it if you can!

[@Sc0rpy]

great episode this merc sounds really good a classic v8 sound

[@PRNTestDrive]

Glad you liked it, thanks! We love the sound of a naturally aspirated AMG V8!

[@RossEnzo]

Funny you reviewed the mix between two of my personal Mercedes! My W203 C55 AMG and my W209 CLK550, fun fact my CLK550 Coupe is a little faster than the CLK55 W209 & my C55 according to capital raceway drag strip time! Finally glad you’ve reviewed a W209 though. Let me know if you’re ever for some reason in the D.C area, would love to have you review one of my Mercedes & or classic BMWs! Always enjoy your context, thank you for it!

[@PRNTestDrive]

Will do! We're hoping we get the chance to do a US tour this summer, if we do we'll definitely let you know! Would be really fun to see the CLK 55 AMG and a C 55 AMG go up against each other on the drag strip, one day we're going to have to buy them and make it happen.

[@girl600podcast]

Budd’s Creek

[@windblower5]

Wow nice! Dual tip exhaust? The clk55 amg I test drove had quad exhaust. Weird. And the inside that I test drive was like a tangerine orange color. Car was a blast. I didn't buy it because after I test drove, i see smokes from the engine. Independent dealer salesman said it's the aftermath if changing valve cover gasket. But I see leaks still.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Seems like the quad exhaust was added in 2004/2005 as per some of the other comments. Tangerine orange would definitely stick out! Hopefully it was a wrap and not paint :P

[@windblower5]

@@PRNTestDrive oh the interior is like a tangerine orange. The leather seats, leather door, and e.t.c are orange. It was nice. Car drive nice, but the smoke from the engine threw me off and oil smells. I do reccomend you try and test drive cl55 amg with supercharger. Awesome car! I test drove one and almost bought it, but car was in terrible conditions. I am taking my time to find the good ones.

[@PRNTestDrive]

I was seriously considering a junky CL 55 AMG when we moved out here to Quebec, but the show doesn't quite budget even for a crappy example. I want to drive one again, I had the chance to drive a CL 600 back when it was new, would love to experience that again!

[@wizardindustriesusa]

@@windblower5 just leaky valve covers. Easy fix. Negotiate a good deal bc that car has lots of desirable options!

[@thedirtbag7]

I have the 04 version of this in black. It is a great road trip choice. Be careful, it will reach the end of the speedometer if you're not careful!

[@thedirtbag7]

0 to 60 on my page if you're interested

[@PRNTestDrive]

I believe it! Great car to own, I’m glad I had the chance to feature this classic when I did. Enjoy yours!

[@Kybay]

This is Perfect ' Grand Tourer ' Car 😍😍, i love this so much..

[@robertstewart302]

my C63 is a heap of shit , should have kept my CLK 55 it was a far better car all round

[@PRNTestDrive]

Can't go wrong with a naturally aspirated AMG engine it seems, any of them that we've featured have all been the reliable choice over the supercharged variants.

[@djlouis2150]

Yeah, I have one 2004 same colors inside and out my is a v6

[@PRNTestDrive]

Very nice, enjoy it!

[@husseinadib7666]

I remember when the CLK 63 black came out. Basically it's a car trying to kill you!😂

[@PRNTestDrive]

I'd love to find one of them today to feature! Would be really interesting to compare it to this one.

[@kiasax2]

Much as I like this car, I'll keep my 2003 CL 55 AMG. The supercharged 5.4l is still very, very fast.

[@PRNTestDrive]

You can’t beat the CL-Class, that’s a car we’ve had on our radar to feature forever. I was lucky to drive the CL 600 years and years ago back when it was new. I’d love to make it happen again.

[@robertyee4331]

love 'Classic'...pre supercharged AMG!! Wonder if there's any for sale in Ontario??... good job Sir!!..

[@PRNTestDrive]

I'm sure there are! I'm always checking AutoTrader for these older Mercedes models, though I usually have my eyes on the CL and S-Classes.

[@efrenmagana]

Love the car. But a c55 is a different experience. Reason why it's because in a clk55 or othe amgs similar to it. The c55 is a sedan, looks like a regular car but it's not.

[@PRNTestDrive]

It's hard to hate the C 55 AMG, it's a vehicle I'd still love to feature. While I'd personally buy a C 32 AMG, the V8 is incredible. I can't remember the last time I saw one on the road.

[@efrenmagana]

@@PRNTestDrive can't agree more. If one day you're in Sacramento, CA let me know I'll let you review my c55. Only thing that it has some mods.

[@Lianpe98]

You're voice is so similar to the guy from Lazy Game Reviews... nice.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Clint is a fantastic presenter, we're honoured that you'd include us in the same sentence as LGR!

[@Lianpe98]

@@PRNTestDrive hahahaha ok, you're welcome

[@YUSKHAN]

When this car was new in the UK it was value for money 💷 it had better seats then the C55

[@PRNTestDrive]

Makes sense, since in M-B's portfolio this was supposed to be in-line with the E-Class.

[@droge192]

Would love an AMG CLK55, but actually any (almost - not the 200K) CLK in good running order is a great daily driver. I have an old 2004 CLK 270 CDi manual (diesel CLKs more populous than petrol here in Europe) and it's a cracking daily drive with good torque for normal driving and usage.

[@PRNTestDrive]

The CLK is definitely a solid daily driver, in any form. I'd have considered one as my daily if I could get away with a 2 door, but I've been pretty happy with my W204 C-Class.

[@831lance]

I own a 2007 Mercedes CLK550 and I love it. Gonna be selling it pretty soon for a new car though. Have had it for just over 2 years now.

[@PRNTestDrive]

We'd definitely want to keep one of those too if we could!

[@girl600podcast]

How was it mechanically? I had the first gen and want another one.

[@trinityprudholme5650]

I have a question 👋 would you recommend buying a CLK amg Mercedes Benz the only issue is car can only go 55 mph?? Would you recommend buying this still?

[@PRNTestDrive]

Why can it only go that speed? Is the transmission wrecked? It's hard to say, if that's the *only* thing that's wrong with it, you might be able to repair it easy enough and then it could be a great little car.

[@tonidib9015]

What is faster and better and reliable c32amg or this clk55

[@PRNTestDrive]

The CLK 55 will be faster. Likely more reliable also, as the supercharged 3.2L engine was really only made for 2 cars, whereas the 5.4L V8 ended up in a lot more vehicles and is considered one of the most reliable AMG engines.

[@kizzmiaz]

Owned both the 55 is a better car except for mpg. However no AMG is cheap to run annual services on both cars were always 2k plus and that wasn't at a main stealer either I had a small independent I knew who did a better job imo. You could probably reduce that if you did the work yourself but parts aren't cheap. Oh and the AMG bodywork parts are always being stolen.

[@19daniboy91]

Great review! Appreciate your work man! How does this compare to the W210 AMG in terms of comfort and power?

[@PRNTestDrive]

Thank you! For us the W210 would be our pick, technically speaking this should be better since it's a generation newer, but it's also based on the C-Class instead of the E, so space and comfort should be better on the older W210 E 55.

[@jimmybattiston4192]

Still own and love my 2003 clk55 amg. Smooth fast luxury and looks like you spent 100 g. Tell me what car review comes close.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Can't beat these older AMGs!

[@uzzle21]

im subscribed bro 💯 love yo channel im looking to add another benz to the collection keep it up my guy

[@PRNTestDrive]

I really appreciate that, thank you! We’re always looking to do more classic Benz’ like this.

[@scotchgod8478]

Very nice car! I have no idea why I kind of overlooked it so far and it appears more attractive to me the longer i view it. Since the C215 is a bit too big and flamboyant for my liking , this might be an option. I guess CLk 320 would suffice for me (totally different driving performance , I know) but probably way cheaper to purchase and to maintain.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Should be cheaper to maintain, but overall AMG's naturally aspirated V8s seem to be pretty solid. We really enjoyed driving this one, we just hoped more people would have been interested in watching it!

[@scotchgod8478]

PRN_TestDrive Definetly so , I always enjoy watching your reviews and I think you deserve way more subscribers

[@PRNTestDrive]

Thank you, I really appreciate that! We’ve been growing steadily over the past year, hoping to get to 100k before 2021.

[@sonyhk3824]

NO WAY (this is the car of the cars) Mr Livesey very interesting and enjoyable, well done. Your videos become more Exciting. Thanks n cheers

[@PRNTestDrive]

Glad you liked this one! We had a blast filming it, and knew it was going to be worth the wait as we started editing everything together. Really looking forward to having the chance to feature more classics like this one!

[@sonyhk3824]

Mr LIVESEY I like all your videos. You doing very well have a good luck 🍀. Appreciate

[@kegomoditswemolemane3577]

14:03 Cold start and 14:08 man feel that powerful sound.

[@JustinsSupercars]

My problem is that these cars are really freaking slow compared to a new Golf R or Audi S3 for example. 370HP sounds decent but a modern 250hp car will eat the CLK55 alive. And im a huge Mercedes fan and driver myself.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Tell me about it! We'd love to do a little comparison with something like this CLK 55 and a 'regular' new car to show how much performance has increased over the years (and decades). We're going to try and include something like this for our next classic car episode!

[@JustinsSupercars]

PRN_TestDrive Id love to see such a comparison! I’m definitely tuning in.

[@PRNTestDrive]

We'll see what we can do!

[@ohyeahbabyitson]

I doubt seriously if they would eat the CLK 55 alive. Have you ever drove one of these. They are scary fast off the line.

[@JustinsSupercars]

James Napier I drove pretty much every AMG or Mercedes car you can think of. But like I said compared to today’s cars these old things have no chance. A normal GTI will eat this car up easily. It’s too heavy, it has a really slow gearbox so yeah...

[@jorgechiubomberos]

My daily driver is a CLK 350 avantgard special edition. its a very fun car, has a good kick, specially after a tune up. I love these car and the 350 is quite good in fuel consumtion. Makes a great car to comute to your job and if rush hour permits, you can have fun as well.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Hold onto it if you can! We rarely see any CLK-Classes on the road out here.

[@jorgechiubomberos]

@@PRNTestDrive thanks. i have it on my channel, but its in spanish. not a good video, but you can see my car and if you have any comments. thank you

[@chrisenright7003]

No mention of the paint mis-match between the passenger door and quarter panel?

[@PRNTestDrive]

Do you have a timestamp where you see that? Chances are its the lighting and camera, as I don't see what you're seeing as I scrub through some of the clips.

[@charleshua8657]

I thought this was E class platform with C class face.

[@PRNTestDrive]

I suppose it's more of the C-Class front end on it, less so with the succeeding generation. But either way this generation was based on the C's platform but marketed as the E-Class coupe/convertible.

[@revinot]

Its what you get when a C-Class and a E-class have a baby :-)

[@michaelcapinig6536]

Great review. Is there Bluetooth connectivity for phone calls/music?

[@PRNTestDrive]

I believe you needed to get the Comand Nav unit in order to get Bluetooth.

[@michaelcapinig6536]

@@PRNTestDrive Cheers guys

[@IceMan-il7dx]

Most C209 facelifts got bluetooth I believe.

[@XclusiveAaron]

11:15 also man because BMW use a flat plane crank V8 and Mercedes-AMG use a cross plane, way better sound👌 I'm sure some would disagree but even old for old the cross plane sounds the best!

[@valentinwagner6070]

Who the fuck is disliking this

[@PRNTestDrive]

I'd love to know too 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@leodagne1517]

Does the Mercedes CLK55 AMG comes with a limited slip differential ?

[@PRNTestDrive]

No LSD on this one, not sure if European-spec cars had it but definitely not on North American ones.

[@MadAsterix]

My brother has this car, I think he bought it 2006. Very nice car to drive, the only minus is the gas tank, too small!

[@PRNTestDrive]

He should hold onto it if he can! 14 years of ownership is awesome for one of these, and they're getting harder to find.

[@MadAsterix]

PRN_TestDrive u r right :) but he will ship it to me to Sweden where I live when he doesn’t want the car anymore :)

[@kostaschicagobulls]

This car is really growing on me, to the point where I'm thinking of getting one. But I just can't get over that tray in the middle of the back seats. It looks sloppy and pointless! It could use a nice cover to make it look more put together

[@PRNTestDrive]

I’m always surprised by how little luxury ends up going into these C-Class AMGs, even the W204 we featured was pretty much all plastic on the inside.

[@kostaschicagobulls]

@@PRNTestDrive You are right. What makes it worse in my opinion is that they were marketing the car as an E class equivalent, even though it's obvious the same amount of thought hasn't gone into it. Still a lovely car though, I just wish it wasn't half-assed by MBZ

[@PRNTestDrive]

Only recently have the entry level AMG/BMW M cars gotten better on the inside. I think strong consumer demand for more luxury will help to push this. The CLK was definitely a fun car to drive, but I’d go for an E 55 over this.

[@mateos3607]

nice video....what would you recommend bying....a c32amg a c55 w203 amg or a clk 55....cause you test drive it all of them...asking in performance terms...thanks

[@PRNTestDrive]

Haven't had a chance to drive the W203 C 55 AMG unfortunately, but I imagine it should perform very much like this CLK. Personally I'd take the C 32, but it's not from a performance perspective, it's always been a car I wanted to own and so few AMGs wore the 32 displacement badge that most people don't know what it is. From what I can see online the C 55 AMG is lighter than the CLK by 200kg which could make a difference!

[@mateos3607]

@@PRNTestDrive thanks man for the quick answer.,...

[@subzerrro]

mateos3607 mata I have a c55 and it is an awesome car. Haven’t driven a clk55 or c32 so I can’t really compare but I can say, the c55 is a killer! V8 + 4 doors is best combo

[@greddy3949]

Gavin Bober yup.. love my C55! Black on black w ‘08 C63 gunmetal wheels

[@travis0174]

Would the 2006 model of this car be daily drive able?

[@PRNTestDrive]

A 2006 CLK 55 AMG, absolutely, the engine is the same as this, just tiny updates to the trim/options over this. The CLK 63 though, that might be a bit less reliable on a daily basis as the engine is a lot more complexe.

[@leemurphy5253]

Very nice car would take a e55 tho

[@PRNTestDrive]

Same here! 4 doors is a lot more practical for our use, but the CLK was definitely a car we wanted to check out!

[@ANIME2020X]

I'd like your impressions on a W221, possibly a S600 or S63 (or if the gods were feeling generous that day, a S65)

[@PRNTestDrive]

It’s a car we’d love to feature! We’re going to see if we can line anything up this summer and do some filming of classics back in the Toronto area, it’s always proved to be a good area for us.

[@ANIME2020X]

@@PRNTestDrive That's it, Subscribed.

[@PRNTestDrive]

We’re glad to hear that, thanks!

[@GreenRanger886]

What do you think about W208/C208 CLK55 AMG?

[@PRNTestDrive]

I was serious about buying one of them years ago, before getting my 7 Series. The only major flaw with those is rust, but overall as long as you like the older looking styling they're solid cars!

[@randomkdm]

I rode in one of these today and it scared the crap out of me

[@PRNTestDrive]

Nice!

[@Pennyxo]

Good reviews, i have the 2003 clk500 it is nice car

[@PRNTestDrive]

Glad to hear it!

[@gabrielsanchez1644]

I saw a smoke show and ran over here as fast as I could

[@PRNTestDrive]

Hopefully it worth checking out our video! We were surprised the owner wanted to do a burnout, and we were happy to film it and include it in this episode.

[@gabrielsanchez1644]

PRN_TestDrive I enjoy these reviews. Honest and thorough!

[@PRNTestDrive]

I really appreciate that, thanks! We’re hoping for big things in 2019 with the show.

[@rileys8741]

Secondary catalytic converter and resonator removal makes these cars sound fantastic. Check the video on my profile of my C55.

[@robertcomella3587]

I prefer the look of the w208 clk55 much better...looks more timeless

[@PRNTestDrive]

We've been on the hunt for one to feature on the show for a little while now!

[@robertcomella3587]

@@PRNTestDrive i have one...clk55 cabrio with 30k on her...im in markham..car will be back out of storage in spring

[@dronespace]

Great car. Great channel

[@PRNTestDrive]

We're glad you think so, thanks!

[@usmanabubakarmahmud7408]

Can someone please enlighten me about the difference of CLK 55 amg 2003 With 160mph and the one with 200mph because am about to buy one with 160mph but I don’t know wether the have thesame horse power and all.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Are you talking about the physical speedometer? Not sure what you're getting at unfortunately.

[@aroy8094]

Definitely a c class front nothing e class about it

[@bobdabuilder4075]

If enough people ask can we get a strip tease

[@PRNTestDrive]

If this post gets 1,000 thumbs up I'll do it.

[@eoinmurphy210]

noticed the steering wheel is off centre,why.

[@PRNTestDrive]

A few other vehicles have an off-centre steering wheel, like the Cadillac Escalade. I believe even my 2001 BMW 7 Series is off centre.

[@93455Driver]

Great video, very informative.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Glad you think so, thanks!

[@JOtupp]

really nice video, i am always thinking of getting one these "older" cars but the maintenance and possible high repair costs scare me.

[@uzernaim1648]

This one and the C55 are relatively cheap, no supercharger, no stupid air ride suspension.

[@Moist_Handshakes]

Stupid simple and stupid cheap car.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Agreed! If you want classic Mercedes/AMG without the problems normally associated with them, this is likely your most reliable bet. We found very little to worry us during our research into it's overall reliability and common problems.

[@atos.nympha3451]

Learn how to fix things yourself and find a local Mercedes guru guy.part are cheap compare to the dealer. DIY is a priority on these cars.

[@atos.nympha3451]

@@uzernaim1648 every c class is simple and less problems

[@Erenhk]

Looking at one tomorrow so excited, 2004 black 😆

[@PRNTestDrive]

Very nice!

[@Erenhk]

@@PRNTestDrive ended up getting the car, loving it has such smooth power !

[@PRNTestDrive]

Congrats on the purchase, hope you enjoy it!

[@endaf]

If your in the UK you can use my CL55

[@PRNTestDrive]

We'll let you know if we ever make a trip over!

[@DouEditz]

C55 weighs less incredibly

[@PRNTestDrive]

That doesn't surprise me!

[@skinny6710]

So would a clk550 give you the same feeling since its reportedly “better”?

[@PRNTestDrive]

Better how?

[@Jasshands1]

c55 amg? You can review mine if you want. Its mint.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Where abouts are you located? Might be able to make something happen if you aren't too far away.

[@Jasshands1]

@@PRNTestDrive I'm in central alberta.

[@PRNTestDrive]

If we plan a cross-country road trip we'll definitely reach out!

[@dougantelman2369]

They must not have sold many of these, not many for sale

[@PRNTestDrive]

It's funny but the C Class AMG sedan seems to have sold a lot better. On the other side of the performance world BMW only made the M3 as a coupe for this era. Not sure why Mercedes couldn't sell these as well.

[@dougantelman2369]

PRN_TestDrive the CLK was primarily marketed as a convertible. The W203 C class was not available as a coupe, only the 2 door hatchback. I think the CLK served as the coupe for the C class. The only other coupe you could buy was the CL, and they sold far fewer CL than S class. I think the demand for 2 door coupes is lower than 4 door

[@revinot]

@@PRNTestDrive My guess is price and practicality, oh and also the e46 M3 was the king of the streets at the time, and also much cheaper than a CLK 55. This car was very expensive brand new for what you got, and also the C55 was cheaper and more practical due to it being a sedan over a coupe.

[@luci9413]

What about fuel economy?

[@PRNTestDrive]

Unfortunately not something we can test during a 2 hour film shoot like this.

[@kegomoditswemolemane3577]

Amen bro!

[@serz1885]

w126 560sec PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEASE

[@PRNTestDrive]

It's on our list!

[@Moist_Handshakes]

I need something like that.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Don't we all! Even though I absolutely love the W203 and W211s, I'd need to get the CL-Class over this. As a daily driver I need a bit more interior space.

[@robertstewart302]

DID NOT MENTION THEY ARE HAND BUILT

[@MrRedcelica]

lol they were at least 220000 aus $$$

[@PRNTestDrive]

Jeez that’s insane! Even at the MSRP for this I feel it was high for what you ultimately got.

[@IceMan-il7dx]

Stupid luxury car tax kicks in about 65k aud. Little toyotas are dead cheap....🙄

[@kegomoditswemolemane3577]

Wow dude that thing took 6 seconds to reach 100 MPH WOW! I am damn impressed.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Kilometres. We live in Canada, we use metric.

[@kegomoditswemolemane3577]

Oh okay man Cool I will use KM/H then how's that? ;-D

[@vladsaghin7644]

Oh my... when you think about it, it's crazy how much more 100k gives you nowadays. Even a base 18k 2019 Kia Forte has so much tech and features in comparaison

[@PRNTestDrive]

The industry has caught up so fast in the last few years, and there's now a divide between the consumer and luxury segment in price only. A lot of really great consumer cars have more luxury-oriented options and trim than the luxury cars of last decade.

[@joshuaburke5339]

Drive the c55!!

[@PRNTestDrive]

It's still on my list!

[@robertstewart302]

YOU FORGOT THE HIDDEN PADDLES

[@erikisbaum]

Great review! Keep it up!!

[@PRNTestDrive]

Glad you liked it, thanks!

[@aimedshadez101]

Poor tires

[@PRNTestDrive]

Lucky for us the owner wanted to do this, and did the burnout! We'd never do this with someone's car. The owner also said the tires were being replaced for spring so he wanted to have a bit of fun with them before getting a new set.

[@syahfinoakbar2227]

14:08 🎶🎶🎶🎶😍😍

[@PRNTestDrive]

Wanted to get everything we could captured for this episode!

[@pauljordan7465]

Great vid

[@PRNTestDrive]

Glad you liked it, thanks!

[@joshuaburke5339]

Drive the C55!!!!

[@PRNTestDrive]

We're hoping to find one to feature!

[@joshuaburke5339]

@@PRNTestDrive it'll be very interesting to see how it stacks up against the C32

[@paylesstruckers6138]

5.5 liter

[@jaimevillalobos5021]

My 2003 Clk55 has phish start

[@PRNTestDrive]

Interesting! That was likely a very rare option, Mercedes' only included it on cars like the S 600/ S 65 and required everyone else to add it on as an option.

[@markwillis5472]

So I guess 2 grand for one of these in decent shape ain't bad???

[@PRNTestDrive]

What's 'decent' shape? For that price here in Canada, at least in Quebec, the car would be a wreck. But if you get it checked out by a trusted mechanic and it seems to be in good mechanical shape then it could be a good buy!

[@bekabeka71]

22 litres per 100km?

[@signoresantinoburnett1169]

lol. leave it parked

[@fgeiger41]

CL's and CLK'S are timeless but quality control killed them

[@PRNTestDrive]

Mercedes was certainly going through that in the early 2000s.

[@rileys8741]

W209*

[@PRNTestDrive]

According to Mercedes chassis codes, a W is reserved for their sedans. The C is used for coupes, which this one is. Many people just use the W code to denote any car as it’s more common, however your correction would be technically wrong.

[@rileys8741]

@@PRNTestDrive mbworld.org/forums/clk55-amg-clk63-amg-w208-w209-45/

[@rileys8741]

@@PRNTestDrive okay just checked the Wikipedia page and it has 3 different denotations for the chassis: a/c/w. So who knows... Not sure why they can't just stick with one.

[@rileys8741]

Also, the SL is known as an R chassis... So I don't believe the "c" theory you shared.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Because the SL-Class isn't a coupe, it's a roadster. Check out literally any Mercedes enthusiast group and ask them about it, you'll find out that people often refer to any chassis as a W, but in reality they are all different and they'll tell you the exact same thing below. W: Sedans S: Wagons/Estates V: Limousines A: Convertibles C: Coupes R: Roadsters

[@mallymadeit]

How do these do over 100k miles? Looking to purchase a 2005 with 120k on it.

[@PRNTestDrive]

I believe this one had 162k on it, and the S 55 AMG we did earlier this year was over 200k if I recall. As long as you're doing the maintenance regularly something like this naturally aspirated, non-air suspension, no retractile hard top AMG is one of the most reliable you can find. Less to go wrong, but still that raw AMG power you want.

[@BeesonsCars]

Old comment, but the M113 V8 is extremely reliable. This model also has no adaptive suspension, complicated transmission, or tons of electronics to go wrong. The CLK55 and C55 are probably some of the most reliable AMGs you can buy. I wouldn't be surprised to see them with well over 200k miles. There's an E55 with over 400k miles thats still on the original motor and had the trans replaced around 300k.

[@PRNTestDrive]

I’d agree with that 100%! These are definitely some of the least-complicated AMGs out there, the only other one I’d really consider would be the W202 C 43 & the W210 E 55 based on the comments we’ve had from those episodes.

[@BeesonsCars]

PRN_TestDrive the W210 and 202 are both very reliable in AMG guise as well. That M113 V8 and 5G Tronic combo is a great match for reliability.

[@thalo9237]

@@BeesonsCars 👍🏼 Definitely I have a 99 C43 162K miles and she is still rolling strong! And I pull away quick from most cars at the light. Total sleeper.