Used car buying guide: Mercedes-Benz CLK 55 AMG

That impression continues inside, where two-tone leather, chrome-ringed white dials and AMG-embossed aluminium sill plates remind you you’re in something rather special. Being a Mercedes, and one costing more than a Porsche 911 when new, expect the one you’re interested in to have at least a few options fitted. One worth looking for is the carbon and alloy fascia pack. 

A full Merc history is nice to see but there are excellent specialists well versed in the ways of older AMGs. In any case, often it’s the electronics that can let a 55 down, and for those you only need the right diagnostics kit plus a good head for fault tracing. 

The 55 is a terrific car but doesn’t quite have the cachet of the equivalent M3. Fortunately, most prices reflect this. Find a good one, pay sensible money for it and you and Rosario could be friends for life.

An owner’s view

Mark Anthony, Mercedes CLK 55 owner: “I’ve got a 2006/06 cabrio with 49,000 miles. It’s rock-solid with no scuttle shake. I wanted a supercar with more class than an M3, and it needed to be fun. The CLK ticked all the boxes. Don’t ask about economy – you buy a car like this to have fun. Mechanically, I can’t fault it but the electrics have let me down. First an ECU (£400), then a sensor that prevented it starting. When buying, check the gearbox and adaptive suspension are okay – I’ve had a few arms and bushes go. You won’t know about electronic faults until they happen.”

Buyer beware

Engines: Have someone rev the engine while you check how much it moves on its mountings (too much and the ECU will reduce power). Check for rocker cover oil leaks and the condition of the front pulley. Check service receipts to see when the spark plugs were changed – there are 16 and they’re not cheap. 

Gearbox: Cycle the gearbox through the gears from cold, feeling for shunting and knocks. The selector can stick in first but it’s a relatively cheap fix. On early cars with the Valeo radiator, check coolant isn’t leaking into the gearbox.

Brakes, suspension and wheels: Feel for heavy lipping on the edges of the discs (OE discs are expensive) and check pad thickness. Front suspension arms are a routine replacement item. The suspension is firm so don’t mistake regular noises for anything serious. The front tyres can take a hammering from the sheer weight of the engine.

Electrics: There are ECUs everywhere, including the boot, so check they’re not exposed to dampness by lifting carpets. The windscreen scuttle gets blocked, diverting water to the cabin.

Body: Look for rust on rear wheel arches and sills, and also behind the bodykit and undertrays. 

Interior: Generally tough, but for the best prices avoid anything scratched, torn and knocked about. Check everything works and that all warning lights illuminate first, before then going out. 

Also worth knowing

The secret to running a CLK 55 is budgeting. A warranty will cover unexpected bills but for routine servicing a good garage should be able to set you up with a monthly service plan. Mercedes’ costs around £60 per month and ensures you have a nice row of official stamps in the book. 

How much to spend

£4500-£5999: Early cars with 100k-150k miles, most described as being in good condition and with ‘full’ service histories. 

£6000-£8499: Same as above but general standard a touch higher and fewer gaps/more Mercedes stamps in the book. 

£8500-£10,999: Includes a very tidy 2004/54 cabrio with 62k miles for £10,995. 

£11,000-£14,999: A more limited number of lowermileage cars in excellent condition. Includes a 2006/06 cabrio with 50k miles and full Merc history for £11,500. 

£15,000 and above: Not much better than the above but with a questionable price premium. 

One we found