2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK350

The 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK350 is a popular luxury coupe/convertible known for its elegant styling and comfortable ride. The CLK350 features a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options for the 2006 CLK include a 3.2-liter V6 (CLK320) and a 5.0-liter V8 (CLK500). The CLK350 typically comes with a 7-speed automatic transmission. People generally appreciate the CLK350’s luxurious interior, smooth handling, and distinctive design. Common dislikes include some reliability concerns and potentially high maintenance costs.

Engine

3.5L M272 V6

• Balance Shaft Sprocket Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: A worn balance shaft sprocket can cause the engine to run rough, trigger the check engine light, and store codes related to camshaft timing or correlation. A chirping noise can be heard as the problem worsens.
  • Solution: Replacement of the balance shaft sprocket. This often involves removing the engine or performing extensive work in the engine bay.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid (Cam Magnet) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, rough idling, decreased fuel economy, and potential engine stalling. Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to camshaft position may be present.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty camshaft adjuster solenoid (cam magnet).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intake Manifold Runner Flap Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, loss of power, poor fuel economy, and possible rough idling. Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to intake manifold runner control may be stored.
  • Solution: Replacement of the intake manifold runner flap actuator or, in some cases, the entire intake manifold.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7G-Tronic 722.9 7-Speed Automatic

• Conductor Plate Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, harsh shifting, getting stuck in a gear, or complete loss of drive. The transmission may go into limp mode. Diagnostic trouble codes related to the transmission control module (TCM) or solenoids are often present.
  • Solution: Replacement of the conductor plate located inside the transmission. This often involves removing the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Slipping between gears, delayed engagement, harsh shifting, or failure to shift at all.
  • Solution: Replacement or rebuild of the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering, especially at low speeds, unusual noises (whining, rattling), poor fuel economy, transmission overheating.
  • Solution: Replacement of the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Lower Control Arm Bushing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise from the front suspension, especially when going over bumps. Poor handling and uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replacement of the front lower control arm bushings or the entire control arm assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per side
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• EIS (Electronic Ignition Switch) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting the car, key not recognized, steering wheel not unlocking, and complete failure to start.
  • Solution: Replacement of the EIS module, which often requires programming by a Mercedes-Benz dealer or specialist.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Malfunctions with rear lights (brake lights, turn signals), issues with the rear window defroster, and other electrical problems in the rear of the vehicle.
  • Solution: Replacement of the rear SAM unit and reprogramming.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The car battery repeatedly draining, requiring frequent jump starts or battery replacement. Can be caused by faulty modules not shutting down properly or parasitic draws from various electrical components.
  • Solution: Diagnosing the source of the battery drain and repairing or replacing the faulty component. This often involves a process of elimination using an ammeter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ (depending on the cause)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust (Specific Areas)
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust forming around wheel wells, door edges, and underbody components.
  • Solution: Rust repair, including sanding, patching, and repainting affected areas.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2,000+ (depending on severity)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Convertible Top Issues (If Applicable)
  • Description/Symptoms: Failure of the convertible top to open or close properly, hydraulic leaks, and malfunctioning sensors.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of hydraulic components, sensors, or the entire convertible top mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+ (depending on the issue)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues (If Applicable)
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, getting stuck, or making unusual noises.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of sunroof motor, tracks, or cables.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Center Console/Dashboard Delamination
  • Description/Symptoms: The finish on the center console or dashboard peeling or separating.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the affected trim pieces.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK350 can be a rewarding vehicle to own, but potential buyers should be aware of some common issues. Engine problems, particularly those related to the M272 V6 (balance shaft, cam adjusters), can be costly to repair. Transmission issues with the 7G-Tronic transmission are also prevalent. Electrical problems and suspension wear are other areas to watch out for. While some repairs may be relatively inexpensive, others can be quite costly, so a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is highly recommended.