Mercedes-Benz CLK500 Owner Review

Mercedes-Benz CLK500 Owner Review - Initial Impressions
The CLK500 coupe and cabriolet get a 5.0-liter V8 that produces 302 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 339 pound-feet of torque from 2700 to 4250 rpm. The engine is coupled to a five or seven-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with driver-adaptive shift points and TouchShift, now with steering-wheel-mounted gearshift buttons.
The CLK500 is a refined German muscle car, delivering thrilling acceleration performance with barely any deterioration in handling in spite of its greater weight. The CLK500 cabriolet can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.6 seconds, according to Mercedes. The automatic transmission is very responsive. The engine exhaust makes a pleasant sound.
The coupe, with its smooth aerodynamics and quiet manners is an excellent car for all seasons, but the convertible may be your preference if you enjoy top-down driving.

[@nevermind2534]

Value for $ for a underrated car. Got mine early 23 for 7k NZD, about 3k USD at 140,000 kays. 05 previously owned by merc tech. 7g is good and car can be pushed pretty hard with confidence in manual mode, surprisingly good on fuel for 5ltr. Comfortable, fast and well built reliable german muscle car.

[@llarose]

@@nevermind2534 good synopsis - agree

[@TyBankslive]

In 2022 I have a 06’ CLK 500 it’s my favorite car ever.

[@llarose]

It's a great car, before the days of unreliability with their newer models.

[@discwatcher6320]

How cool. In 2011 I purchased a 2002 CLK430 with less than 50,000 miles, and still have it! While not a hard top like this one, it's arguably one of the most attractive coupes, with classic grille, oval headlamps and freestanding hood ornament. My previous car was a 2007 Mustang. A difficult comparison, but I loved that car all the same.

[@llarose]

Cool, these are very reliable too. Yes, there will be small problems but not ‘break the bank’ problems if maintained

[@discwatcher6320]

@@llarose True. Had few problems with this cream puff.

[@richardelson3261]

Im in the UK I have the 3 litre v6 convertible sport with factory AMG kit and it’s a pleasure to own as well as surprisingly 1:26 practical. Tax is high on it of course here and there’s not often on UK roads I can stretch it out but I do like using the gear change paddles to hold on to gears and get the revs up. Sounds great and shifts well. On a day out I usually get about 29 MPG. Not great but not a disaster either. It’s a GT not a sports car but it grips and handles well.

[@llarose]

Agree, it's a fine GT car. Comfy and smooth. I have a fairly open stretch of highway nearby, and it goes from 110 km/hr to 180 km without breaking a sweat - along with that brilliant rumble of the V8.

[@revinot]

CLK 55(facelift) owner and im quite happy with mine, fuel consumption can be a pain in the neck but for what it is, its not as bad for what it is(its a heavy car, with a big engine).

[@llarose]

Yes, indeed. Agree. I’d like to pick up a supercharged CL55 (post 2003) but very hard to find. As for my CLK500, I just recently did some work on it. I’ll be updating that soon here on the channel. I think you’ll be happy. The 5.0 is very durable. How about yours - reliable?

[@revinot]

@@llarose yes its been reliable, only issues are related to age, had to replace the radiator, some heating and cooling pipes valve cover gaskets too, next up are the oilfilter housing and oil cooler seals, but thats just related to age and the car has been running great through it all.

[@llarose]

@@revinot for a German AMG product I’d say that’s pretty good. I’ve had a few high performance BMWs and they’ve been money pits. As for the CLK500, I’m mostly experiencing cosmetic failures. Glove compartment door won’t close, cup holder crumbling, window switches falling off. Thank you Chrysler? Lol.

[@pupetm]

What is a good price for 2004 clk 500 convert with 144k miles? They are asking $9500. Carfax history is pretty solid. It also has the amg style package and keyless go

[@llarose]

Sounds about right. Decent deal if it has no hidden oil leaks etc.

[@pupetm]

@@llarose cool. How has maintenance been?

[@llarose]

@@pupetm Chasing sensor readings and fixing them has been the most frustrating recurring issue. Otherwise, mechanically, very strong

[@pupetm]

@@llarose right on. Thanks for the help man.

[@bleachstain9785]

@@pupetm I have an 03 E500, can confirm chasing electrical gremlins has been the biggest headache by far. When in doubt on these cars: NEW Bosch Alternator(or Voltage regulator if the alternator tests good), New Mercedes Battery, and a new Mercedes auxiliary battery. This will give you a good electrical baseline to go off of as all luxury cars of this era are prone to electrical gremlins rooted in under voltage. Don’t throw your “bad” modules if you have any. Keep them, they may very well be repairable.

[@MikeTTL_]

Should I buy one with 160k miles on it ?

[@llarose]

Try and get as much history and damage reports along with repairs done to the car before deciding. Of course, this engine, transmission etc should easily get 300,000 miles if maintained correctly. There's a reason you see a lot more older Benz's on the road compared to Audi's and BMW's.

[@miamibeachsunnydays8274]

When driving your CLKI have a 2004 model 500. Do you keep yourESP BUTTON ON OR OFF?

[@llarose]

I keep it on most of the time. You?

[@miamibeachsunnydays8274]

@@llarose Cool good to know thank you where is the reset button

[@miamibeachsunnydays8274]

Thank you for getting back to me larry, So when you start your engine, you have to press the ESP button. Is that correct​@@llarose

[@ThusoMokhele]

How's the fuel consumption?

[@llarose]

Bad, unless driving along at 60mph on a non-mountainous highway. It's a smooth operator though, perhaps one of Mercedes best all around motors.

[@monoton9597]

I have 06 CLK500 and this car giving me continuous shits about transmission. Guys, buy 03-04. 05-06 has 7G-Tronic early, that is much weaker than 5G-tronic that is in 03-04, and 7G requires SCN coding.

[@llarose]

True, the 5 speed is exceptionally durable compared to the 7 speed - good point. Thank you.

[@monoton9597]

@@llarose Thanks. My car has only 70K mi and I recently repaired speed sensors in TCM.

[@llarose]

@@monoton9597 interesting. The car in the video has 118k (miles) - and there are times when I step on it, then it goes to what BMW calls limp home mode. Doesn’t happen often but it needs to be addressed. Could it be related to your statement?

[@monoton9597]

@@llarose it can. Best way is buying $150 scanner, icarsoft MBII. I had issue with conductor plate. Since the car on the video has 5G, it will be easy fix.

[@TyBankslive]

In 2022 I have a 06’ CLK 500 it’s my favorite car ever.

[@rickyhogan2749]

I also have a 06' CLK 500, 56K miles, I am very pleased with this Mercedes.