2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK550

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK550 is a stylish and powerful coupe/convertible that offers a blend of luxury and performance. Equipped with a 5.5L V8 engine producing 382 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, it delivers strong acceleration and a refined driving experience. The CLK550 was only available with the 7G-Tronic 7-speed automatic transmission. People often praise the car for its elegant design, comfortable interior, and robust engine. However, some common complaints include higher maintenance costs, some electrical quirks, and potential issues with certain components due to age.

Engine

5.5L V8 (M273)

• Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine may experience rough idling, misfires, and a check engine light. Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to camshaft position may be present.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty camshaft adjuster solenoid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intake Manifold Flap Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, reduced engine performance, and potential for poor fuel economy. Fault codes relating to the intake manifold or swirl flaps may be stored.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold flap motor, or in some cases, the entire intake manifold assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks (Valve Cover Gaskets, Oil Filter Housing, Oil Cooler Lines)
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks on the engine, burning oil smell, and potential for low oil level.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking gaskets or lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ depending on the location and severity of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7G-Tronic (722.9)

• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during low-speed acceleration, harsh shifting, and potential for transmission slippage.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter or rebuild the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $4000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Body Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, delayed engagement, and potential for the transmission to get stuck in a gear.
  • Solution: Replace or rebuild the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Conductor Plate Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission stuck in limp mode, unable to shift, check engine light. Diagnostic codes relating to the conductor plate and speed sensors may be present.
  • Solution: Replace the conductor plate and potentially the connector sleeve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Failure (If Equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sitting low on one or more corners, suspension warning light, and potential for a rough ride.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty air struts, air compressor, or air lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+ per strut, $500-$1500+ for compressor.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Control Arm Bushing Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the suspension, especially over bumps, and potential for poor handling.
  • Solution: Replace the worn control arm bushings or the entire control arm assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per control arm.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• EIS (Electronic Ignition Switch) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Key not recognized, inability to start the vehicle, and potential for intermittent electrical issues.
  • Solution: Replace the EIS and potentially reprogram the keys.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Malfunctions with various electrical components, such as lights, wipers, or power windows.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty SAM unit and reprogram it.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, especially after the car has been sitting for a short period.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the parasitic drain. Common causes include faulty modules or aftermarket accessories.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$500+ depending on the complexity of the issue.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Convertible Top Malfunctions (Convertible Models Only)
  • Description/Symptoms: Top fails to open or close properly, gets stuck mid-cycle, or exhibits leaks.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the hydraulic system, including the pump, cylinders, and hoses. May also involve replacing sensors or switches.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3000+ depending on the complexity of the issue.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• No Issues Found

Summary

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK550, while a desirable vehicle, can present owners with some notable issues. Engine-related problems such as camshaft adjuster solenoid and intake manifold issues, as well as transmission problems with the 7G-Tronic transmission, are common. Electrical problems with the EIS and SAM modules can also occur. Suspension issues, particularly with the air suspension (if equipped), can be costly to repair. The severity of these issues ranges from minor annoyances to major repairs, and the cost to fix can vary widely depending on the specific problem and the repair shop. Potential buyers should have a pre-purchase inspection done to identify any existing or potential problems.