2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK550

The 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK550 is a luxurious and sporty coupe featuring a powerful 5.5-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine producing 382 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options available for the 2007 CLK-Class include a 3.5-liter V6 (CLK350). All engines are paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the car’s stylish design, comfortable ride, and strong performance. Common complaints often revolve around higher maintenance costs associated with German luxury vehicles and some electrical issues.

Engine

5.5L M273 V8

• Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, rough idling, decreased performance, and unusual engine noise. Fault codes P0012 and P0022 may be present.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty camshaft adjuster solenoid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Cover Gasket Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks visible around the valve covers, burning oil smell, and low oil level.
  • Solution: Replacing the valve cover gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intake Manifold Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, poor performance, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacing the intake manifold.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7G-Tronic (722.9)

• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh shifting, delayed engagement, slipping between gears, and getting stuck in a gear.
  • Solution: Replacing or rebuilding the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, unusual noises, and poor fuel economy.
  • Solution: Replacing the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $2500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Conductor Plate Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission stuck in limp mode, inability to shift, fault codes related to speed sensors.
  • Solution: Replacing the conductor plate.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Lower Control Arm Bushing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the front suspension, uneven tire wear, and wandering steering.
  • Solution: Replacing the front lower control arms.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found
• Ball Joint Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Squeaking, popping, or clicking sounds when steering, loose steering feel, and uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replacing the ball joints.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• EIS (Electronic Ignition Switch) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting the car, key not recognized, and dashboard lights flickering.
  • Solution: Replacing the EIS and reprogramming the keys.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500
  • Recalls: None Found
• SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Malfunctioning lights, wipers, and other electrical components; error messages on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty SAM unit and reprogramming.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1200
  • Recalls: None Found
• Instrument Cluster Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Display fading, pixel loss, complete failure
  • Solution: Replacement of the instrument cluster
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,500
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Door not locking or unlocking properly, unusual noises when locking or unlocking.
  • Solution: Replacing the door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Side Mirror Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Mirror will not adjust in one or more directions, unusual grinding sounds.
  • Solution: Replacing the side mirror motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300-$700
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, getting stuck, or making unusual noises.
  • Solution: Repairing or replacing the sunroof motor or mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Seat Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat will not adjust in one or more directions.
  • Solution: Replacing the seat motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300-$800
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK550 is a desirable vehicle with a powerful engine and luxurious features, but potential buyers should be aware of some common issues. The engine and transmission can experience costly problems, particularly the camshaft adjuster solenoids, valve body, and torque converter. Electrical issues, such as EIS and SAM failures, can also be expensive to repair. Suspension components like control arm bushings and ball joints may require replacement. Addressing these issues can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, highlighting the importance of a thorough inspection before purchase.