Mercedes-Benz CLK W209 — Reliability

W209 2002–2006 1 engine

Reliability Summary

Engine M113 — 89/100 BEST
Known Issues 7

Engine in this model

BEST 89

M113

4.3-5.5L V8 NA

The V8 workshops call indestructible. Valve-cover gaskets weep and the crank sensor dies when hot; o...

View details →

Known Issues Across All Engines

Issue Engine Severity Onset
Harmonic balancer (crank pulley) rubber delaminates M113 high —
Oil leaks — valve-cover gaskets, front crank seal (V6), rear main seal (V8) M113 moderate —
Air suspension / Airmatic failure (S/ML models) M113 moderate 100,000 km – 180,000 km
Oil sludge from conventional oil on long FSS intervals (MY1998-2001) M113 minor —
Crankshaft position sensor fails when hot — stall or hot no-start M113 minor —
Coolant system: water pump, thermostat, expansion tank M113 minor 100,000 km – 180,000 km
Spark plugs + ignition coils (V6/V8) M113 minor 80,000 km – 150,000 km