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!