looking at an '01 CLK430 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

matthias08 · #1 11-03-2009, 10:57 AM

thats a theft recovery vehicle...

I can't tell if it was well taken care of, or if the entire interior has been replaced...

the wheels aren't "perfect" esp for ///AMG wheels...
which makes me think it was a quick recovery

its got 52k on the clock....

clicky clicky

any thoughts?

G-Benz · #2 11-03-2009, 02:20 PM

Have an '01 CLK430 cabrio...about the same mileage too.

The ragtop operation is sometimes problematic, and since the one you are looking at is a hardtop, no issues there.

Interior condition is nearly mint on ours, and probably should be as well on the one you are reviewing...especially with only 52K miles.

Only issue that really plagued these cars (and other models in that era) is the ribbon cable controlling the LED display for the temp gauge and the clock/shift position indicator. The conductive strips deteriorate over time, and the display will drop pixels randomly to unreadable at times...seems to worsen as the weather cools.

The COMAND system clock settings used software that determined DST prior to the change (I think in '04). So your clock will be late going forward in the spring and early going backwards in the fall.

The low-clearance front air dam seems to enjoy encounters with parking lot barriers...I see a lot of these models with the front clips destroyed...had to repair ours. Inspect yours for damage and avoid parking berms at all costs.

Little issues comparitively speaking. Otherwise, a fine vehicle!

matthias08 · #3 11-03-2009, 06:36 PM

thanks for the feed back!

you nailed it on the head....

temp & clock are both on their way out (or the wiring attached)

front end is SPOTLESS (talked to the PO today and she never had it repaired either, true garage queen)

the interior/wheels/head unit were stripped when the car was stolen in april, it was missing for a total of 4.5 hours before recovered.
(brand new!)

she also has all service records, and the additional keys if i were to buy it, and appreciates me tracking her down...

she drives a new CLK550 cab as of right now

I put a deposit down this afternoon, and we're awaiting the results of the PPI, the turn signal/wiper/washer/headlamp washer is non-op.

everything else seems to be in proper order (other than a slow sunroof)

and this car doesn't have the COMMAND system... so I think i'm in the clear, just w/o a clock that I can see...

Dee8go · #4 11-04-2009, 09:48 AM

So, Matthew, what did you end up paying for it? I'd love to have one of those. That body style is by far my favorite of the CLKs.

I believe I met you at Chad's house at his Fall GTG, didn't I?

matthias08 · #5 11-04-2009, 10:07 AM

you did.

I had my '87 300D parked on the right side of the driveway...

keep in mind... she's a theft recovery...

they were asking $12,995

I walked out with $10,890 + tax/title etc...

with, new interior, wheels, stereo & associated

i need a little maint. but she'll be good for less than asking.

Dee8go · #6 11-04-2009, 11:18 AM

Good luck with that. It's a terrific-looking car.

Zeus · #7 11-04-2009, 09:33 PM

Great car, I love my E430 - the engine has plenty of power yet still gets great highway mileage (for a V8 anyway).

Try and find out what oil it has been getting, MB spec 229.3 is the minimum it should have had. With an '01, this shouldn't be an issue, but that is around when dealers started wising up on the correct oil. Non-spec oils combined with the extended FSS intervals can gunk up some engines (as me how I know).

Transmission service won't be a huge issue yet at that mileage, but if you purchase it, I would have the transmission fluid and filter changed every 50,000 KM.

Check the service records and see if the front spring perches have been inspected. There was a campaign in Canada to do so, to check the mastic sealant for condition and any rusting (which causes the perches to fail, google it). Not sure if USA had a formal campaign, but I would have them inspected at an MB dealer for peace of mind. Also - if the dealer finds anything, they may be more likely to get assistance from MB re: repair. If this car isn't driven in the winter/snow, this issue is less of a concern.

Good luck!

matthias08 · #8 11-04-2009, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zeus

Great car, I love my E430 - the engine has plenty of power yet still gets great highway mileage (for a V8 anyway).

Try and find out what oil it has been getting, MB spec 229.3 is the minimum it should have had. With an '01, this shouldn't be an issue, but that is around when dealers started wising up on the correct oil. Non-spec oils combined with the extended FSS intervals can gunk up some engines (as me how I know).

Transmission service won't be a huge issue yet at that mileage, but if you purchase it, I would have the transmission fluid and filter changed every 50,000 KM.

Check the service records and see if the front spring perches have been inspected. There was a campaign in Canada to do so, to check the mastic sealant for condition and any rusting (which causes the perches to fail, google it). Not sure if USA had a formal campaign, but I would have them inspected at an MB dealer for peace of mind. Also - if the dealer finds anything, they may be more likely to get assistance from MB re: repair. If this car isn't driven in the winter/snow, this issue is less of a concern.

Good luck!

Thanks!
she has never seen snow, as her first (and only) owner is a lawyer in center chicago && it was always in her garage, or parking garage (where it was stolen from)

PO. is sending me the additional keys, and service records (always right on schedule, by MB dealer) as they removed all of that when it was taken away by the insurance company.

the PPI showed no odd wear of the wiring harness or spring perch...

looks to me like I ended up with a darn near spotless car.

she's sitting at my moms farm in IL until the spring (as I don't have any place to keep her right now, and she'd be taken off the road & insurance for the winter anyway)

rotors & pads as well as the turn signal problem are being done this week... it sucks that I won't drive her until march or april... but it'll be a wait very worth while.

Zeus · #9 11-04-2009, 11:29 PM

Sweet! Congrats, it's a beautiful car, I'm sure you will enjoy it.