CLK 430 Reputations
 

My significant other is considering exchanging her 99 E430 for a CLK 430. She finds them very attractive cars. She also hears that there may be some problems with them.

What's the story on these cars? Anybody know?

Thanks.

As far as I know, the car seems to be trouble free for most part..... Fuel Gauge sensor is a very common problem on W208(CLK)/W210(E-Class)..... Also, I would recommend go for late model CLK430(2001+)..... But IMHO, E-Class seems to be better put together than CLK430.... Also, CLK430 steering wheel doesn't tilt, only telescope.....

Well, about the fuel sensor, I think I just got this problem today which is why I'm searching for threads.

However great the E-Class is....and in my opinion if I could only have one car that would be it, E55! The sportiness of the CLK is not matched by the E. Also, until recently the only MB that came in Quartz Blue is the CLK, and that color on the coupe is one of the sweetest looking cars on the road.

jmo, Ed

Re: CLK 430 Reputations
 

What year CLK?

Good question. Generally, I think she would be looking for an example no more than a few years old, perhaps something just off lease return.

If there are differences due to model year, I'd like to know about them.

Thanks.

No real differences in the 208, that's why I didn't ask. The 209 looks different though, hasn't grown on me yet!

The 430 first came out in 99, so I'm not one to buy the first model year of any car. As you can see in my signature, the Cab is MY2000. The only reason I wouldn't buy a 2000, and save some money, is if you care about the phone system. MB really screwed up on the phone systems in all their models, maybe a EU vs. US thing, but what it means to you and me is real compatibility problems.

They get better in 2001 and are state-of-the-art in US phone technology in 2002. Apart from that, just find yourself a clean one and enjoy! btw, I recommend the V8, more fun out of the box and easier to tweak!

Rgds, Ed

Yep. '99 was the first year for the CLK430. But, there were small changes from the 99's to the later MY CLK430's.

Steering Wheel. The wheel in the '99 is is similar in style to the SLK steering wheel. I know '01 and '02 CLK's had buttons on the steering wheel for radio controls and the trip computer, etc. Not sure about '00.

In MY 2000, MB started offering 'free' maintenance included in the price of the car. Not life shattering when purchasing pre-owned, but if you find something that is still in warranty, this may help.

Turn indicators. In '99 they were also installed on the front fenders, prior to moving them to the outside mirrors in subsequent model years.

There my also be some minor trim option differences as well between '99-'02.

I believe that the CLK430 received the black trim (instead of chrome) treatment starting in '00.

As for reliability, the 430 is a very stout motor. If the CLK has any "gremlins", it would be for some minor things like the auto-up windows....sometimes they go up, then come back down a few inches. Not devastating, just annoying....fix it under warranty The dashboard in some CLKs were prone to splitting near the passenger-side airbag. These were mostly on CLKs that were parked outside daily in the sun. The CD changer sometimes could not be recognized by the audio system (also in other models, I believe). Other minor complaints included little squeaks and rattles, etc.

Personally, I have not experienced any of these symptoms, but I have only had my '02 CLK55 for just over a year and it has only covered about 5,000 miles.

Bottom line. The W208 is a great package. Advise her to find a good example that has been well maintained and low miles (extended warranty a plus). Do a carfax, PPI and it also wouldn't hurt to have the VMI run and do a search for any recalls by model year.

Funny, I was perusing the latest issue of The Star and came across a section about nagging complaints for various MB models. Lots for the C-class, some for the ML, the CL, the S and the E.....nothing for the CLK!

The Pres.

You're right, the differences were cosmetic and therefore a matter of personal taste when making the purchasing decision.

I see some real problems with the phone system, I have the K2a option so I know and thought that should be passed on. As far as the windows, that is not a bug but intended for the Cab since the roof line seal is better when the small rear quarter window is up. If the rear window is up then you will never see this "feature"

I think you will agree that if they don't plan on carrying adults or even older children in the back, they will be very happy with the CLK. I love mine but will probably never buy a black car again, I'm too much of a perfectionist and there's a science to proper black car paint care...;)

I agree 100% :)

My CE is black (040), that is why I bought a silver CLK ;)