The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Mercedes-Benz CLK (most common issues and fixes!)

This video is for people who are thinking about buying a 209 series Mercedes CLK. I go through the most common problems and things that break, and also give you tips on how to fix them.
Tools and parts used in the video (These are affiliate links, if you make a purchase through them I may get a small percentage at no extra cost to you. Thank you!)
Bear in mind the parts links will take you to parts compatible with a CLK350, double check compatibility if you have a different engine.
Foxwell NT530 Bi-directional OBD Scanner
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Torx Socket Set (a comprehensive collection of sizes you'll need)
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Mass Airflow Sensor:
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Mass Airflow Sensor Cleaner:
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Serpentine Belt:
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Ignition Coil Set:
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Spark Plugs (Denso iridium)
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[@THELORAX971]

I have 2004 clk 500 230,000 miles I’ve changed just about everything you said control arms was my biggest pain warped rotors also 😂😂my top leaks but I’ve seen a couple hard top water proofer and headlights are close to $100 basically you can do your own work I love it

[@adamdezsi]

It's the favorite project I've ever had. Never stops but it's always manageable. I wish you happy driving! 💪

[@ghaffar23]

M113 with the 722.5 transmission was the last of the most reliable drivetrains Merc has ever made -- anything from the late 90s to early 00s that had a 320, 430, 500, or 55 AMG all used the M112/M113 engine. I still drive my 2001 E430 4Matic daily for the past 20 years. Just finished a coolant flush, water pump, serpentine belt, idler and tensioner pulleys, thermostat, and fan clutch. Did the EGR valve, brakes and rotors, as well as evaporator canister. AC compressor, drier, and expansion valve are next. 266k miles or 428k km.

[@megnyelvellek]

agreed - you're definitely DO have a Merc problem! :D quality vid as always!

[@triciabath7274]

Great video

[@amritpal32]

Great Video Adam, thanks for the education. Amrit

[@adamdezsi]

Thanks for watching, hope it helps!

[@rogermwoodbury4966]

I'm going to offer here that the single most important thing to do when buying a used Mercedes...ANY used Mercedes...is to make every effort to learn exactly how the car was serviced over its life time. The first step is to order a Carfax report which is the beginning and the second step is to speak with the service department at a Mercedes Benz dealership. Many of these cars are owned by two or three people over their lifetimes and often at least the first two owners have had their cars serviced by authorized Mercedes dealers and especially so the first owner. That is a car to begin the search for. Hard to find? Yes and no. The car will probably not be in your town, city or even state, but good used Mercedes that have been serviced well throughout it's lifetime ARE out there and not awfully expensive.

[@triciabath7274]

Question im about to buy a CLK that intermittently doesnt start first attempt. Possibly an immobilizer issue. Any one got an idea as to what it might be ?

[@adamdezsi]

Thanks! Have you read your codes? Ultimately it comes down to fuel, air or spark so it could be a million things, best to get a scanner. A shot in the dark though, mine had a few weeks long fit where she would crank but not start every now and then, also would brake on its own and throw an esp/cruise control code. Turns out my crankshaft position sensor wasn't connected properly. If you do have codes, get back to me and I'll try to help :)

[@johnnyswft]

I have a 2009 Mercedes CLK 350 convertible. The driver's side door electricity goes off and on. I never know when it will happen. Is it most likely a pinched main wire? Or can it be a larger issue? I also have a bouncing electric lock, but I have stuffed two small plastic tightening strips around the bouncing lock at the top of the door and the lock stopped bouncing. Sometimes I turn my ignition key over and nothing happens but all lights some on. I quickly reset the key to the beginning start position and turn the key, it starts right up. Is this an electrical issue?

[@adamdezsi]

It sounds like a super random issue, but if it is localized to the driver door I'd suspect the door control module. Normally random stuff like this I'd go with the battery but I say look at the door control. Let me know what it ends up being cause this sounds like a fun diagnosis! 💪

[@keptinkaos6384]

If your still reading this one guys suggested it's a battery issue and the battery must be kept in top condition

[@wallidan392]

Great & informative! I found the Foxwell NT530 but you recommend foxwell N530 elite. Same product?

[@adamdezsi]

Thanks for watching! :) I may have been hallucinating the elite keyword as I was going through all my previous scanners in my head. The nt530 should work perfectly, just make sure you buy the mercedes-spec one. You can add support for other makes later with one time license purchases but these should come with Benz-specific software. Lmk if you need any help. Good luck! 💪

[@wallidan392]

@@adamdezsi superb and much appreciation for your time. Ordering one tomorrow.

[@martinivanov1319]

im gonna buy a 2006 clk 200 manual. how much is the average cost to own per year for this model? does it need repairs often? any expensive repairs? what should i look and ask for when buying it? its my first car

[@adamdezsi]

It all really depends on how handy you are with cars, what your budget is and what you plan on using the car for. These are near 20 years old, there's always going to be something but for the most part all 4 of my clks were very sound and reliable, easy to work on and pretty cheap to run. Make sure you buy one that has been maintained well or be prepared to go through a few repair items yourself. Once they're up to date on all the things that tend to break with age the CLK in my opinion one of the most solid cars you can buy, it's cheap, lots of fun and still beautiful. Let me know if you have any questions and please send me a picture of it once you bought it :) happy driving!

[@richthomas6234]

Nice points. Ive just bought a clk 220 and the air con is semding out that dusty moykd smell you get in a wet damp room in a house that house mould. Any tips on getting rid of this. Giben you a follow 😊

[@adamdezsi]

Appreciate it :) I just happen to have a video on the ac issue, check it out. And enjoy your new car 💪

[@richthomas6234]

@@adamdezsi I will look through in the morning bro when I get up. Thank you for the reply 😁

[@pillayw126]

I would add that if you are considering a CLK350 with the m272 engine, that you check the engine number against the list of engines that could have balance shaft issues.

[@adamdezsi]

I'm actually making a whole video on that issue, thanks for the heads up! :)

[@WybremGaming]

I am wondering if I should get a 20 year old car for hobby, for about 3000miles a year,. I love this car, the look etc and was lookign for a clk 240 or 320, don't need more power. But I wonder what the maintenance will cost if you don't know or cant do it yourself. I mean I really don't want to spend 2-3k a year for such low usage.

[@adamdezsi]

I was in the same boat in the beginning. We were new to the States, kinda broke and my wife found a 2003 clk for a grand. I wasn't sure but we went ahead as we didn't have other options. Fast forward 6 years, we're on our 4th clk and we both love it. On top of my 10yo S class and a 2005 SL, I learned that these cars are very easy and fun to work on, and I'm planning on releasing videos on every single issue I've addressed in this one. The most expensive repair I ever had to do was a new intake manifold, that was $400. As long as you keep up with your maintenance and not taking her to the dealership for every single minor thing, these cars are very cheap to own.

[@WybremGaming]

@@adamdezsisounds good, i live in the Netherlands, EU, and here it's hard to find low mileage versions atm. Or they ask crazy prices, the whole 2nd hand car market as whole is scuffed here due to taxes. EG a new Volkwagen Golf costs 38k eur here but 28k in Germany. So for 1K I will not get anything, minimum will be closer to 6-10k with 120k miles on it. I don't really want to spend more as again, they're very old and it's just for hobby. But idk if a 120k miles 20year old car is reliable even as a sunday driver. Like it's not for work, just for fun drives. I've owned aE46 about decade ago as a hobby car and the thing was a money pit with just 60k miles. I will check your new vids :D

[@audiophilesland969]

is it a good idea to buy one with low milage 30-40k max?

[@adamdezsi]

Having worked on so many of these the only thing that's mileage related would be the engine and tranny, maybe the cats. As long as there's good maintenance records I'd be OK with a higher mileage one, the stuff that mostly goes wrong is age related (plastics, rubber, suspension parts, trim pieces). Mine is at 250k miles and it's still a great car, granted I spend a lot of time and some money on it every year.

[@dparham]

I need test my keyless Go system,.. I have start button on shifter but it says doesnt recognize key and the doors dont unlock with handle or when I approach car but key works normally and I can unlock with key fob and open trunk with key fob.. just none of the fun stuff lol 05 CLK320 Sport convertible A209 version

[@adamdezsi]

Unfortunately I'm not familiar with the keyless system but that sounds like an absolute pain of a problem to have. If you ever figure out what it was let me know! But try a fresh battery on the fob first 😂 good luck!

[@dparham]

@@adamdezsi Its on my next project on this lol I just finished rear window reg and replced case cover lift hydraulics and replaced the front display peeling on audio 20 radio , tightened up the loose latch for glve box located under the CD changer lol

[@mohammedrazak3786]

After watching this im little scared to buy one

[@adamdezsi]

I'm sure a Hyundai with the same age will have fewer problems... Oh wait

[@bigwu100]

I have one and first of all mine runs like a bat outa hell.and yes these cars need up keep just like anything else..but no more than anything else. If you don't want to work on it perhaps a used car isn't your cup of tea. Go buy a new one.and you will have warrantee.