CLK convertible

Author
Discussion

PositronicRay

Original Poster:

27,158 posts

185 months

Sunday 20th August 2023
quotequote all
I really like another SL, but with 2 dogs, one small and one spaniel sized, need a back seat.

What's the CLK like to live with and is the rear seat decent width?

Doofus

26,405 posts

175 months

Sunday 20th August 2023
quotequote all
I presume you meam the W209 rather than the W208

Both are wide enough, but the W209 isn't a full bench; the seats are separated by a 2-3" deep tray which isn't padded.

I've had a W209 coupe and I have a W208 convertible. Neither will be any more costly than your SL.

If you coose to use the (OEM or aftermarlet) wind deflector, it effectively covers over the back seats.

Justlooking_

12 posts

10 months

Sunday 20th August 2023
quotequote all
Long time lurking CLK convertible owner here, I’ve a 56 CLK 200K auto sport convertible, only 35k miles, mint, garaged ,occasionally used, I would say decent build quality, easy to live with, terrible fuel economy around town 20ish and not great on long runs either, but doesn’t matter to me due to mileage, feels a bit underpowered but ok once your up to speed, but in my eyes looks a lot more expensive than they are, especially the sport model AMG wheels, bumpers etc, and pretty reliable, bigger engines are much nicer to drive but can attract £675 road tax and other engine issues depending on year, issues are well documented, I did have a 06 55 plate 500 306 bhp sport convertible a decade ago now which was lovely, wish I never sold it, hens teeth now unfortunately!
Overall a nice cruiser for not much money!

PositronicRay

Original Poster:

27,158 posts

185 months

Sunday 20th August 2023
quotequote all
Thanks chaps, this caught my eye, i like the colour and must have a black interior.

RFL is a bit of a killer though, I may sorn it through winter.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304015...

My SL (94 R129) suffered rust and soft top problems, my cars aren't garaged would this be better?

Edited by PositronicRay on Sunday 20th August 16:37

Justlooking_

12 posts

10 months

Sunday 20th August 2023
quotequote all
That looks good value if it doesn’t have any Issues! And a lovely colour too, and yes black interior is a must! Greys and creams generally look filthy at that age, Who cares if it rusts if not garaged at that money! VED is a killer but you’ll have minimal depreciation so that off sets it a bit!

Doofus

26,405 posts

175 months

Sunday 20th August 2023
quotequote all
Looks nice. I had one or two gremlins with mine that were easy (if not cheap) to fix, but that one doesn't have to options fitted which caused the problem. biggrin

It'll be fine living outside. Front arch lips are the standard Mercedes rust hotspot, but things like water-based paints had long since been done away with by 2007.

PositronicRay

Original Poster:

27,158 posts

185 months

Sunday 20th August 2023
quotequote all
The shaped rear seat I can make flatter with cushions then one of those hammock type covers. Does anyone know the width?

Doofus

26,405 posts

175 months

Sunday 20th August 2023
quotequote all
Hip width: 1,190mm / 46.9"
Shoulder width: 1,233mm / 48.5"


PositronicRay

Original Poster:

27,158 posts

185 months

Sunday 20th August 2023
quotequote all
Doofus said:
Hip width: 1,190mm / 46.9"
Shoulder width: 1,233mm / 48.5"

Actually that's pretty good, is that the convertible or coupe? Or are they both the same?

Doofus

26,405 posts

175 months

Sunday 20th August 2023
quotequote all
PositronicRay said:
Doofus said:
Hip width: 1,190mm / 46.9"
Shoulder width: 1,233mm / 48.5"

Actually that's pretty good, is that the convertible or coupe? Or are they both the same?
That's the convertible, because that's what you asked for wink

The coupe is 23mm narrower at the hips and 19mm wider at the shoulders, so essentially the same, to all intents and purposes.

mwstewart

7,727 posts

190 months

Sunday 20th August 2023
quotequote all
They have all the rigidity of an uncooked fillet of fish. Beautiful cars and great for an occasional top-down summer drive, but as a daily the floppiness and associated squeaks and rattles drove me potty.

Justlooking_

12 posts

10 months

Sunday 20th August 2023
quotequote all
Nah, I remember my old W208 was a bit wobbly, but the W209 is much tighter, it’s no sports car but perfectly adequate for what is at a least a 14 yr old convertible, what other 4 seater convertible can you buy for a few grand that’s better? Well possibly a 330ci cab but they’re more money for a good un

Justlooking_

12 posts

10 months

Sunday 20th August 2023
quotequote all
Forgot to say, For squeaks and stuff, gummi pflege usually sorts it out!

mwstewart

7,727 posts

190 months

Sunday 20th August 2023
quotequote all
I haven't driven a 208 but was out in a 209 only yesterday. Good VfM I completely agree, but they are v compromised. Better with the non-sport suspension.

PositronicRay

Original Poster:

27,158 posts

185 months

Sunday 20th August 2023
quotequote all
Doofus said:
PositronicRay said:
Doofus said:
Hip width: 1,190mm / 46.9"
Shoulder width: 1,233mm / 48.5"

Actually that's pretty good, is that the convertible or coupe? Or are they both the same?
That's the convertible, because that's what you asked for wink

The coupe is 23mm narrower at the hips and 19mm wider at the shoulders, so essentially the same, to all intents and purposes.
Thank you.

PositronicRay

Original Poster:

27,158 posts

185 months

Monday 21st August 2023
quotequote all
Justlooking_ said:
Long time lurking CLK convertible owner here, I’ve a 56 CLK 200K auto sport convertible, only 35k miles, mint, garaged ,occasionally used, I would say decent build quality, easy to live with, terrible fuel economy around town 20ish and not great on long runs either, but doesn’t matter to me due to mileage, feels a bit underpowered but ok once your up to speed, but in my eyes looks a lot more expensive than they are, especially the sport model AMG wheels, bumpers etc, and pretty reliable, bigger engines are much nicer to drive but can attract £675 road tax and other engine issues depending on year, issues are well documented, I did have a 06 55 plate 500 306 bhp sport convertible a decade ago now which was lovely, wish I never sold it, hens teeth now unfortunately!
Overall a nice cruiser for not much money!
The later 1.8s look to be a bit more powerful. Tempted by lower RFL

Justlooking_

12 posts

10 months

Monday 21st August 2023
quotequote all
Yes you are right, 07 onwards and 184bhp iirc, a little nicer to drive!

PositronicRay

Original Poster:

27,158 posts

185 months

Tuesday 22nd August 2023
quotequote all
I've been browsing though E Classes too. A bit newer, they seem VFM, but complicated and fugly.

A CLK is likely to have tired suspension, tyres and brakes. So I'd need to budget an additional £3k.

PositronicRay

Original Poster:

27,158 posts

185 months

Monday 4th September 2023
quotequote all
Justlooking_ said:
Forgot to say, For squeaks and stuff, gummi pflege usually sorts it out!
Yes familiar with gummi pflege, it can take a few days/applications to work. I've also some magic spray, originally supplied as a squeak fix for VW Eos. It stops dashboard creaks and suchlike,

Venisonpie

3,343 posts

84 months

Monday 4th September 2023
quotequote all
PositronicRay said:
I really like another SL, but with 2 dogs, one small and one spaniel sized, need a back seat.

What's the CLK like to live with and is the rear seat decent width?
Just a thought, would the dogs fit in the rear of an R230? Or would they need a restraint of some sort.