Mercedes-Benz CLK Common Problems and Solutions
Steering Misalignment
Problem:
The car pulls to one side when you're driving in a straight line. This is accompanied by excessive tyre wear. You may also notice a clunk or a thud when you turn or brake hard.
Solution:
Your torque thrust bushings in the front suspension have cracked. That means they are leaking oil, which is causing all the problems. Bushings are tricky to install, but most people are more than capable of doing it. You can order your bushings from us quickly and easily.
Difficulty level
Poor Fuel Economy
Problem:
You are using increasing amounts of fuel. The check engine light could be on.
Solution:
One of the more common issues with the CLK is the failure of the mass airflow (MAF) sensor. Luckily, this is a quick and inexpensive fix, and we always carry MAF sensors in stock for delivery.
Difficulty level
Air Flow Mass Sensor
Knocking Noise
Problem:
You can hear a loud knocking sound when you drive over a bump.
Solution:
This will be your sway bar end link joint, which will have worn out. If your links are loose or worn, then you can fit new ones quite easily, and they're simple to find on our parts list.
Difficulty level
Vibration Through Vehicle Floor
Problem:
You can feel a strong vibration through the centre floor of the CLK.
Solution:
Your driveshaft flex discs have probably cracked and shredded, causing excessive movement in your driveshaft. If you don't address this promptly, you risk damaging your driveshaft centre support bearing, transmission, and differential. Flex discs are simpler to fit than you might think, and you can have replacements delivered when you order from Breakeryard.
Difficulty level
Differential Whining
Problem:
The differential makes a whining or grinding noise when the engine is running.
Solution:
This is more common in older cars with high mileage; it will be a leak from your differential seals. You can use sealant, but it's wise to fully reseal the differential unit at the same time.
Difficulty level
Rattling From Engine
Problem:
You can hear a rattling noise from the engine when it's running. This sometimes only lasts a few seconds and is more common when the engine is cold. You might also have difficulty starting the engine, but the check engine light is not on.
Solution:
The timing chain of the CLK is expected to last the lifetime of the engine, but it can occasionally suffer from stretching. You will need to replace both the chain and the tensioner, but you will find that both are readily available at the BreakerYard store.
Difficulty level
Timing Chain
Harsh Gear Changes
Problem:
Your gear changes feel harsh and rough, and you might hear a droning sound when accelerating.
Solution:
Some early CLK models were fitted with faulty radiators that are damaging your engine. This is caused by a faulty seal, and you have several options to address the issue. You might be able to perform a transmission flush and then refill the transmission fluid if the problem is caught early enough. If not, you'll need to order a new transmission from our parts list and install it yourself.
Difficulty level
Intermittent Stalling
Problem:
The car has started to stall occasionally. You might find it difficult to start the engine, and the check engine light may illuminate.
Solution:
This is probably a faulty crankshaft position sensor, which is surprisingly common on the CLK. Enter your registration number on our homepage and order a new sensor for your Mercedes. It's an easy fix that anyone can do themselves.
Difficulty level
Crankshaft Sensor
Windscreen Wiper Stops Working
Problem:
The single-arm wiper is no longer functioning.
Solution:
Many drivers are unaware that the wiper mechanism requires lubrication, which isn't included in a standard Mercedes service. This oversight makes the wipers more likely to fail. If you want Mercedes to fix it, they will charge around £800. It's much more budget-friendly to buy a new wiper arm and motor from our parts list and do the repair yourself.
Difficulty level
Wiper Arm
Bumpy Driving
Problem:
When you're driving over an uneven surface, you can feel every bump in the road.
Solution:
Suspension problems affect about a third of all CLKs. You need to inspect every part of the suspension system to find the worn or corroded component and order what you require from BreakerYard.
Difficulty level
Sluggish Acceleration
Problem:
The acceleration feels sluggish, and dark smoke is coming from the exhaust. You might also notice a rotten egg odour emanating from it.
Solution:
These are all signs that your catalytic converter has failed. You'll have little choice but to replace it, but you can easily find a new one on our parts page.
Difficulty level
Catalytic Converter
Headlamp washer failure
Problem:
The headlamp washers are prone to failure on the CLK. This issue can be caused by a failing pump or debris from the road blocking the system. The headlamp washers should activate simultaneously with the windscreen washers. If they do not, one of the issues mentioned above is likely the cause. The video below illustrates how this system should operate.
Solution:
Once you have identified whether the fault lies with the pump or with a blockage in the system, you will need to either fit a replacement pump or unblock the affected area.
Difficulty level
Seat belt buzzer/warning light
Problem:
There may be a fault with the wiring inside some of the seat belt buckles. If this is the case with your vehicle, the seat belt warning light will appear on the dashboard and you may hear the seat belt warning buzzer intermittently while driving.
Solution:
You will need to replace the seat belt buckle to resolve this issue.
Difficulty level
Glove box lid problem
Problem:
The glove box lid on the CLK is known for premature wear. If you find that the glove box lid is not opening or closing properly, this is a common fault with this part.
Solution:
The glove box lid cannot be purchased separately, so you'll need to buy the entire unit. We can help you find a replacement glove box at a very reasonable price.
Difficulty level
Soft top warning light
Problem:
For any soft top version of the CLK, the soft top warning light is known to illuminate on the dashboard. This is caused by a faulty sensor on the near side windscreen-mounted latch. This creates an electrical fault which can result in the boot not opening, as the ECU believes the hood is down when it is not.
Solution:
You will need to replace the sensor to resolve the issue.
Difficulty level