2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK500

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK500 is a luxury coupe/convertible known for its elegant styling and comfortable ride. The CLK500 is equipped with a 5.5L V8 engine producing 382 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. Some owners appreciate the car’s smooth ride, powerful engine, and luxurious interior, while others dislike its relatively high maintenance costs and occasional electrical gremlins. Other engine options available included a 3.5L V6 in the CLK350.

Engine

5.5L V8 (M273)

• Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid (Cam Magnet) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, rough idling, poor performance, oil leaks around the solenoids.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty camshaft adjuster solenoid (cam magnet).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Cover Gasket Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks visible on the engine, burning oil smell, low oil level.
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Cooler Seal Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks around the oil cooler, often dripping onto other components.
  • Solution: Replace the oil cooler seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7-Speed Automatic (722.9)

• Conductor Plate Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, transmission stuck in gear, limp mode, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the conductor plate (also known as the valve body) in the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during gear changes, stalling, transmission slipping.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $2500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Compressor Failure (if equipped with Airmatic)
  • Description/Symptoms: The vehicle sags or sits unevenly, error messages on the dashboard regarding the suspension, the compressor runs constantly or not at all.
  • Solution: Replace the air suspension compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Air Spring Leaks (if equipped with Airmatic)
  • Description/Symptoms: The vehicle sags or sits unevenly, hissing sound from the suspension, worsening ride quality.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking air spring.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+ per air spring
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• EIS (Electronic Ignition Switch) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Key not recognized, unable to start the car, steering wheel lock malfunction.
  • Solution: Replace the EIS module and potentially reprogram the keys.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Malfunctions in various electrical systems, such as lights, wipers, or door locks.
  • Solution: Diagnose the specific SAM module and replace if necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Fuel Pump Relay Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle won’t start, stalls, or has poor performance.
  • Solution: Replace the fuel pump relay.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Convertible Top Hydraulic Pump Failure (Convertible models only)
  • Description/Symptoms: The convertible top operates slowly or not at all, hydraulic fluid leaks.
  • Solution: Replace the hydraulic pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Climate Control Stepper Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: One side of the car blows hot or cold air while the other side blows the opposite temperature. Clicking sounds can be heard from behind the dash.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty stepper motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Seat Heater Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat heater doesn’t get warm or only gets warm in certain spots.
  • Solution: Replace the seat heater element.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK500, while a luxurious and stylish vehicle, can be prone to a number of issues. Engine issues such as camshaft adjuster solenoid and valve cover gasket leaks, along with transmission problems such as conductor plate failure, are common and can be costly to repair. Suspension and electrical gremlins can further increase ownership costs. Overall, owners should be prepared for potentially higher maintenance expenses associated with this model. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to major mechanical failures, with repair costs ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.