Looking for another Mercedes... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Tassie · #1 02-07-2023, 12:01 AM

My existing 1999 C230K is running well but is showing its age with a few rust blooms and 266,000 km (165,000 miles). It has been a reliable car and very easy to maintain. On the other hand - its winter defrost and foot well heating is poor, and it does not have heated seats.

So I'm looking for a replacement vehicle. I looked at broad range of vehicles including Lexus and Toyota but believe that I would be happier in a MB. I'm also an old school type of person and I like analog gauges, wood grain trim, leather seating, the MB driving characteristics, and most of the Mercedes' designs. I only drive about 6000 km/year (about 3500 miles) because I have access to a company vehicle. I am not seeking to win any races but prefer a vehicle that has strong performance yet provides a stable and quiet ride.

After looking through what appears to meet my objectives - I am favouring the following, in order of preference:

2001-02 CLK 320/430
2012-14 E Class (not sure which engine)
1998-99 W140/C140 S/CL 500
maybe the 2012-14 GLK 350

This list seems to avoid the problematic models (wiring harnesses, tendency to rust, unreliable electrical components, first year models, overall reputation). Yea, I know the W/C140 may hit all the "wrong" buttons but it appears that a well maintained later year model may be relatively reliable. I have the resources to do a lot of the work myself as I have with my C230K with the help from this site and elsewhere. I will only consider those models that have been properly maintained, have the records, have relatively low mileage, and I'm willing to pay the premium that such a car may demand (unless absurdly high).

Any comments from your experiences? Am I missing anything in this list? Am I being too optimistic?

I sure look forward to your comments and thanks in advance!

engatwork · #2 02-07-2023, 05:48 PM

Id go with GLK if I wanted an SUV, the E class if a sedan will suffice.

Tassie · #3 02-10-2023, 12:29 AM

Thanks, Jim. Appreciate the response. I like the looks of the GLK but we already have an SUV so I am still on the fence for getting another. The W212 E class looks sharp and the used models seem to be well optioned.

paul roberts · #4 02-10-2023, 11:38 AM

We've been working on all of the cars on your list for years. I know that the clk that you mentioned isn't much of an upgrade from your c class in terms of years, but you can't go wrong with the m112 engine. We don't get too many of those in any more, but for about the last 20 years or so we haven't seen much go wrong with them. IMO, one of the best gas engines that MBZ ever built.

nulu · #5 02-10-2023, 09:44 PM

Go with the e class with the 276 engine, and gets good mpg 34 ive got

engatwork · #6 02-11-2023, 08:28 AM

Quote:

but you can't go wrong with the m112 engine. We don't get too many of those in any more, but for about the last 20 years or so we haven't seen much go wrong with them

This is my experience too.

TimFreeh · #7 02-12-2023, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by engatwork

This is my experience too.

Me too. The M112/113 engines are in my opinion the perfect compromise between older and newer Mercedes technology.

New enough to get the technology advancements of very precise fuel metering and and timing for combustion control with Coil-on-Plug ignition systems but not new enough to have variable displacement oil pumps, coolant pumps and hydraulically controlled variable valve timing, high pressure GDI injection and turbochargers.

All of the newer technologies work and will enhances the performance, fuel economy and emissions.... at the cost greater complexities.

The M112/M113 sidesteps the later systems issues but still has 90% of the benefits of computer control with half the complexities.

I've owned 3 of the 4 possibilities of the original poster - all are great choices but I'd be partial to a 01-02 CLK430 if a two door car fit the bill.

Tassie · #8 02-14-2023, 02:23 AM

Thanks for the responses. They help confirm my thoughts.

My automotive priority is to find a 2001/02 CLK430 coupe. Unfortunately, the ones that I have seen have dubious maintenance history.

The game changer might be a finding a great deal on a 2012-14 E350 with 4matic although I am suspicious of the M276 engine with the complex items mentioned by Tim. However, it is probably far more likely to find one in excellent condition.

Thanks again!

TimFreeh · #9 02-15-2023, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tassie

......The game changer might be a finding a great deal on a 2012-14 E350 with 4matic although I am suspicious of the M276 engine with the complex items mentioned by Tim. However, it is probably far more likely to find one in excellent condition.

Thanks again!

All excellent points. Another factor that isn't insignificant is the age difference between the W202 CLK and a W212 E-class. While the CLK might be an inherently simpler and more reliable specimen its going to be 12-13 years older than the W212. The difference in age could easily eat-up any potential cost advantages in simplicity vs longer term maintenance. This is especially true when, as you mentioned, your candidate CLK class cars don't typically come with full service histories.

Over the years I've come to the conclusion that its usually cheaper to get a well maintained example of the car your looking for and pay a little more if needed. Its almost always more expensive to take a sub-par car with an unknown history and get it into acceptable mechanical/cosmetic condition.