A repetitive clicking noise from behind the center area of the dash panel is usually caused by a broken stepper motor actuating arm. The actuating arm controls the direction of air flow in the climate control system. Disassembly of the center console will be required to access and change the broken arm with the updated, reinforced part.
Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your Mercedes-Benz CLK500
Mercedes-Benz CLK500 Models:
Mercedes-Benz CLK500 Problems
Computer Control Modules (Seats, Doors, CD Changer, Brake Lamp Switch) May Fail
Electrical & Lights --
Verified
Computer control modules for the seats and doors, the CD changer, and the brake lamp switch tend to fail.
"Crank no Start" Due to Failed Crankshaft Position Sensor
Engine --
Verified
The crankshaft position sensor may fail. Symptoms of this are: The engine will crank—but not start—especially when the engine is warm. The car may start again if it is left to cool off, but it may run roughly or have poor performance. Communicating these specific symptoms to your technician can save diagnostic time.
Transmission May Leak Fluid and Damage Control Module
Drive Train --
Verified
The electrical connector at the automatic transmission may leak fluid into the wiring harness. If not repaired, the oil will migrate through the wiring harness and damage the transmission control module. At that point, a new harness and control module may be necessary to correct this problem.
Convertible Models may Deploy the Roll Bar When Driving Over Large Bumps
Miscellaneous --
Verified
Going over large bumps in convertible models may cause the roll bar to deploy, rendering the roof inoperative. Special tools are generally required to return the roll bar to its stowed position.
Mercedes-Benz CLK500 Recalls (Recent)
One or More Seat Belts May Not Lock as Designed
Body, Interior & Misc., December 22, 2003
RepairPal Expert Overview:
Some seat belt buckles may have a burr on a metal component of the locking mechanism. This could prevent the seat belt from locking under certain conditions. In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of injury. Dealers will replace the affected seat belts. This recall is expected to begin on December 22, 2003. The Mercedes-Benz recall number is 2003 120006.
Incorrect Software Calibration May Cause Fuel Pump to Remain Powered in a Collision
Electrical & Lights, August 1, 2008
RepairPal Expert Overview:
There is a faulty software calibration that affects several areas including shutting off the fuel supply in a collision. This could cause a fire hazard during an accident. Dealers will reprogram this software. The Mercedes-Benz recall number is 2008 070001. This recall began during August, 2008.
Mercedes-Benz CLK500 Questions and Answers
Barryc, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK500, Northbrook, IL
I mistakenly put 89 octane gas in. Now the engine occasionally misses and sometimes stalls. I have refilled the tank with 93 octane gas. Will this correct the problem,or is there more I should do?
nettlesbyu, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK500, Tacoma, WA
How do you replace the wiper motor on this car. I either have a fuse to replace or the motor. Can you give me instruction on how to do this. I am a novice and have only replaced light bulbs and ...
robsra, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK500, Modesto, CA
My check engine light is on & a small bit of oil/fluid on a hose running on the drivers side that has a mesh cover on it. The fluid is where the hose connects to a small box close to the fan an...
Stacykp, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK500, Cape Coral, FL
I have fallen in love with a 2003 CLK 500, but it has 112K miles on it and I am afraid! It has been serviced and maintained by the dealership and has had only one owner who must have LOVED this ca...
dwdriver, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK500, Kalispell, MT
The control panel on the driver side door (seat, window, trunk) has stopped working. Checked the fuses but all appear good. Is there a relay or something at fault that I can replace myself?
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Mercedes-Benz CLK500 Reviews
great car to drive, very quick to respond with the 5.0 liter, drives excellent. i had to replace the air conditioning control unit in the interior of the car. also, the lifters make noise in the recent past.mechanic said 500 liter have had some issues with lifters. car has only 39k, and i am a bit disapointed especially that it is a mercedes, but over all, the car is a pleasure to own & drive. never looks like it is getting older. great lines. handsome with cadet blue exterior, stone interior that sports a black rag top. great summer fun car .
I have own the coupe for 5+ years w/106k miles.
Under factory warranty repair, Key fob transmitter replaced, Passenger side seat control unit replace, Valve cover gasket replaced, 3rd brake light fell off from slamming the trunk to hard, (16) Spark plug and wire due to vehicle shakiness (did not solve it), Exhaust manifolds replace due to vehicle shakiness (did not solve it)
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Not under factory warranty repair.
A/C Flap Actuator (stepper motor), Transmission front seal, Bump stop, Serpentine belt, Pulley replace (forgot witch one), 3rd brake (stop working), Crankshaft sensor was replace at 50k miles, Upper and lower control arm, Drive shaft flex plate
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Brake maintenance
Front brakes replace every 2 years, Rear brakes Never changed them
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I did the transmission fluid with new filter/gasket at 95k miles.
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I still have to do the following maintenance.
(16) Spark plugs, wires, coil pack (I have the parts)
Power steering fluid, Coolant fluid, Brake fluid, Bushing due to squeaking suspension......
The vehicle shakes a little while idling. I'm changing all (8) coil packs and hope it will solve it. Wiper blades you have to go thru Mercedes.
I purchased this Clk-500 with 25,000 miles on it. NOTHING BUT TROUBLE
Electrical all kinds. Crank shaft sensor, tail light sensor, oil level sensor, coolant level sensor, The ignition will not turn on sometimes, radio will not turn on sometimes,
Body trouble, Both front inner fender liners have come out more than once, top leaks, seats won't adjust, head rest won't adjust,
Motor trouble noisy lifters at low rpm
I have had this car in the shop several times. Its never a warranty issue. This is my second and last benz, never again.
Very disappointed in the quality of the interior.
No major problems got this car as used and little bit here and there to fix. happy with the car. just want to share something that I have done. driver side head rest has been stop moving up and down. got it fix by MB dealership cost around 380-400. heated mirror on the passenger side has be not working also has been fix by the dealership. cost me around 300-400 dollar. climate control stepper motor need to be replace as they start to have noise. parts is around 200 but the labor is a lot so i decided to delay the repair till it stop working. I have had few German vehicles already. First I love them even though they bring me some issues here and there. but I enjoy every dollar i spend on them.
IMPORTANT ADVISE
Always keep the Floor carpet dry and clean GET THE right Fit all SEASONS mats. Often check the floor even though you have the right mats, sometime the water still leak from the side( all electronic wires runs below your foot.) cleaner the Floor you kept better the condition and longer the life of all your electronic censers and devices.
Always keep up the oil changes, because that will keep you away from engine and transmission failure. Only use manufacture recommended oils grade and brand. On the engine oil (me every 7-8k km), Gear box oil (me every 35K km) and rear diff oil( if you do have one, me50K km) there is no such a oil that last you lifetime.
before you shut off your engine always turn all your audio and climatic control off. Never crank your ac or heat to the max once you just start the engine. yes your climatic control is meant to be use but not abuse. longer the abuse you give shorter the life it is.
Keep the engine bay clean and Air filter clean. MAF will last you longer that way.
Avoid the bumpy road and pud hole so that your control arms and suspension linkage will last you longer. Keep in mind those suspension linkage no matter how well you drive eventually it will need to be replace, due to the long hours of wear and tear from the road condition.
I did purchased the CLK used, so therefore i will eventually run in to some small problems here and there. But as i know the owner and the full history of the car. i do have full confident in it. Suspension i used on it is PSS9 coilover, H&R sways front and back and i used KMS camber kits front and back to correct the alignment. full exhaust except header( do not custom install your exhaust, due to if O2 censer position is too close and too far the engine light will go on) My CLK500 also was chipped and have crank pulley upgraded. modifying your car is good only if you know what you are doing.
Every mods have its own consequence behind it.
Suspension will kills your linkage bushing faster( due to the original design of the bushing is not meant to have turn or twist at the level of your car sits. unless you want/prepare to changes all your linkage bushings and bearings. Sometime you can not even find the right stuff, due to the reason other company does not make them due to the marketing purpose.
I want to stop here for now but i have a lot of good and bad experience from modifying the cars. So i pretty much know most of mods purpose. ask me question, if i know i would like to help you!!
BY THE WAY I AM FROM TORONTO, CANADA
When I purchased my car it was 2 year old and had 24,000 miles. I did not know anything about cars and this is my first benz. I runs great but has had many other problems with the electrical, suspension and heating. But even though I have 93,000 miles on it now; Mercedes stepped up and repaired the suspension as a warranty issue. I had not gotten a carfax when I purchased the car. My suggestion is to get a carfax and puchase a dealer certified vehical. It will save a lot of time, money and problems. To a degree I am happy with my car, I love the way it drives and Mercedes Benz Company has been very good to me. The customer service at my dealership has been great. I have found that good communication with you service person is very, very important. Get to know the service manager and your service representative. After the repair of my suspension problems the heater started working better and the engine runs quite. Although my windsheild wipers have stopped working; I believe this is a wiper motor problem or a fuse. Amazing the joys of car ownership. I do hope that my next Benz has made improvements. Thanks to Mercedes Benz for helping me understand and care for the car I love.
Mercedes-Benz CLK500 Model Years
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