Thinking of buying but struggling for info?

[slider]

Hi guys

I'm new here, thinking of defecting from BMW

I've been hankering after a 2000 CLK55 AMG for some time and the other day I went out in one and was totally gobsmacked....what a great car.

I do have some questions though before i take the plunge so here's hoping you guys can help.

- Is there anything other than rust that i need to look out for on one of these, most cars have an achilles heel (its the VANOS unit on my M3) ?

- How much do these things cost to service and is there a decent specailist in Surrey who knows about AMGs? - I have searched to no avail...

- Where is the best place to get parts from?

- Do MB dealers totally rip you off like BMW dealers do??

- Any good AMG links/websites i should look at for the CLK55??

Thanks guys...great forum

:bannana:

 

[Spinal]

Welcome! I don't know much about the CLK, but I can give some general advice... (very general, and very superficial) but I'm sure someone else will help..

I'm new here, thinking of defecting from BMW
> The dark side is strong... (I've semi-defected from a beemer too)

- How much do these things cost to service and is there a decent specailist in Surrey who knows about AMGs? - I have searched to no avail...
> from what my car has costed, (W202) I've been paying around £200/£300 per service (non major - I think they were B services, but I may be mistaken)

- Where is the best place to get parts from?
> some parts from stealerships (yes, its strange but some parts are actually cheaper there) otherwise mercman has some great second hand parts (hes around now and then, I believe he has his dedicated thread somwhere); eBay is always an interesting place, but always double check prices, many sellers overcharge (shiny pedals anyone?); finally, the forum is a good place (classifieds section) for some parts, I've gotten rid of a boot lid and some wheels on here)

- Do MB dealers totally rip you off like BMW dealers do??
> Yes

- Any good AMG links/websites i should look at for the CLK55??
> Here and probably merc's/AMG's official sites.

 

[slider]

thanks for that.......anyone else?

 

[slider]

cant anyone else help ??????

 

[grober]

Expensive Chariot

Great cars and I would define AMG models as" hand finished "models rather than "hand built". They do have some unique parts ( expensive) and the v8 servicing wont come cheap at the dealers! Insurance depending on your age/NCB etc will be expensive also. They are pretty bullet proof mechanically if looked after. For that reason I would not consider one without a cast iron service history if you dont want to lose your shirt. There are plenty AMG owners on the forum who should be able to give you good info, but a good idea to do a bit of research yourself first so you can ask some specific questions.

 

[slider]

I have researched.....

information as i said does seem to be in short supply.

 

[grober]

Sorry I cant say more but not really familiar with this model myself. They are pretty rare so not that many good ones for sale. I wasn't really implying that you hadnt done your research . Rather that you are more likely to get a reply to specific questions. see this site for part nos. http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb1.asp?TP=1&F=208374&VIN= and this forum http://forums.mbworld.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=45 Everybody's back to work tomorrow so maybe you will get some more feedback then. Good luck.

 

[blassberg]

contact
machasm http://mbclub.co.uk/forums/member.php?u=5910
c240sport97 http://mbclub.co.uk/forums/member.php?u=2029

 

[doceuan]

I cannot comment on your specific model query, but I came to Merc from Jaguar and have felt that servicing costs have been entirely reasonable. Owner satisfaction is high. The only thing missing is the very individual attention which I had from my Jaguar dealer.
I have had BM's, but am much more pleased with the Merc.

 

[996jimbo]

I have an older AMG but as general advice I would say that the 55 AMG engine is a pretty well know quantity as it has been around for some time and used across the range. The fact that there are no horror stories would at least suggest that there are no real problems with it.

Servicing wise there are plenty of specialists around though if you are looking at a newish car (same as with any make) you may be better off keeping up a main dealer service history just for resale value. And for maintaining any warranty.

Costs wise I think you'll find the AMG's need servicing slightly more regularly than non AMG though intervals should still be around 12,000 miles so not particularly bad. Servicing cost issues I would imagine are similar to your M3 with many parts being 'standard' but some 'specials' associated with brakes / suspension and exhaust.

There is an American site that is good for AMG's, but I can't think of it at the mo - sorry!

 

[C43AMG]

I use TM Motors West Molesey, talk to Tony Tel No 020 8941 4340. I have used Tony for a number of years,very knowledgeable.

 

[w124 man]

Try www.amgpower.com
This is the best one I have found. Only AMG owners, lots of em and lots of pooled knowledge. There is a great page about general faults with the models too. Definitely take a look before going any further!!
Good luck!!

 

[mergli]

Hi Slider.

I've only had the CLK for a short time and am not aware of any issues (apart from rusty arches). I would highly recommend getting one with parktronic (front and rear parking sensors) as rear parking visibility is v.poor.

Cheers,
Adam.