Hey All!

New to this forum...May be getting into the CLK550 in the next couple of days. Test drove it and loved but wondering if anyone has had any difficulties. I've heard complaints about the convertible tops sticking, although i think i'll be getting the hard top...Any other issues people have encountered?? Any advice greatly appreciated! It's a gorgeous ride and i just want to know what i'm getting myself into!

Thank you!

 

I've been drooling over the CLK 550 at the MB Dealer where my wife works every day when I pick her up from work on the way home... You'd be getting yourself into a very nice ride, that's for sure... I decided to sell my Z06 Corvette and buy an '04 CLK 500 AMG until I can afford to plunk down some $$ on the CLK 550... I did alot of research including owner reviews and for the most part, these cars seem to be relatively trouble free compared to others, and the vast majority of the owners say they'd recommend this model and enjoy the cars alot... The most often read negative comment I've seen is related to gas mileage being a tad low but mine is currently getting 16 city and as much as 32 highway... YMMV...

 

i have had my clk 550 conv. for 2 months now, love it, no problems at all

 

I traded in my 2005 CLK320 for a 2007 CLK550. I love it like crazy. I was going to modify the CLK320 like crazy or get a 2005 CLK55 coupe (live in Northest, don't want a cab). When the 550's came out, I ordered that instead with exactly the cofiguration that I wanted. I had to wait almost 3 months but it was worth it. I got the P3 option package and the Sports suspension option which really helps the handling. On the 5xx models, this is just stiffer springs and shocks and a minor drop. The handling is great. The 550 engine is a real torque monster. 382HP is a lot for a stock car this size. The 7 speed transmission is very smooth and the paddle shifters are a nice improvement.

As to mileage - there is a lot of misunderstanding there. The MB factory rep told me that the car really is designed to run most efficiently at 80 or more. He was right. If you have a lead foot, you can enjoy 15mpg. But I did a 1600 mile trip from NYC-Atlanta and back. Averaging a steady 85-95 MPH I got close to 28mpg. Keeping the speed steady and above 75 makes a big difference. In seventh gear the engine is turning 2K RPM..

Zero problems with the car except for some broken plastic on the switch **** of the P3 power seat. I'll get it fixed under warranty with the dealer when I have the time. I have 5,000 miles on it already - which is a lot considering that I live in NYC and only drive to work a couple of times a week.

The difference in power between the 500 and the 550 is worth the money. The extra 80hp gives you a huge jump in power. The engine is a big improvement as are the paddle shifters which help driving: aggressive or casual - just as they were meant to.

Honestly, I probably would have gotten an AMG 63, but without a couple model for the US model I couldn't. I've had a cab before. Loved it for the first few years. A couple of independent mechanics remarked that the CLK5xx models are a real bargain for what you get for the dollar.