2003 onward CLK 270 diesel - opinions/advice please

[digger_R]

Reposted in here as the Merc forum is a bit quiet.


I'm looking to sell my E39 528 and replace it with a CLK 270 diesel (or small petrol), my budget is 4-6k.

I was hoping to get some opinions on here about these, most of them in the classifieds are automatics, I'd prefer a manual but there are relatively few on the market. So I'm looking for opinions on how the drive from the autobox compares with that on a 2000 E39 BMW. I find the BMW throttle response a little laggy (I assume as its fly by wire?), can i expect a similar lag from the CLK box?

I'd prefer the 320 diesel but there are none for sale for less than 8k, which would push me towards porka 996 money - which I would have to consider quite seriously if that were the case.

Any opinions of the engines, build quality, reliability, common issues would be appreciated - Is it too much to hope for a buyers guide here??
I understand they are not going to be the last word in driving ability but I've drawn a blank when looking for a reliable 4 seater coupe for under 6k.

Thanks in advance!

[bennyboydurham]

A CLK of that vintage and price point will not be from MB's finest hour as a car builder. Electrics can be a problem, many parts were built to a price and it shows and most of all they rust like a North Sea oil rig. But - the CLK is a nice wafmobile (wouldn't bother with a manual, you'll struggle to find one and they're notchy and vague) and although a CLK is not the last word in handling the ride is good, the driven wheels are at the right end and if you can find a decent one you're getting a lot of car for the money. My neighbour has a very tidy 54 plate convertible that he keeps in immaculate nick and looks like a much pricier car than it's worth.

[LeighW]

Try and get an '04 onwards model, they had galvanised bodies so rust shouldn't be an issue. That said, the earlier 209s don't rust anything like as much as the 210 E Class did.

[RZ1]

The CLK does seem to hold its value well, especially compared to the old original one.

Someone will probably be able to give better advice, but check for ABS problems and also make sure its a later one with no rust.
Drove a 270CDI and it handled ok would have beet better in manual guise, but could not help but compare it with a BMW 320CD. The BMW felt quicker and handled better and was better on fuel.
Not sure about the 320CDi, im sure that will be better
Try to get a sport as they look far better then the standard, otherwise go for the avantgarde.

Still nice looking cars and surprised at how much they are worth, if i was spending 8k on a CLK i would get this:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...

[digger_R]

Any idea how these cars handle the miles? A search on autotrader tells me I'll be looking at something approaching 100k miles for around 5/6k. Parkers and some other review sites state the 270 d motor is a little agricultural - anyone with any experience of them? would it benefit from the now customary diesel remap?

Biggest issue with these is that there aren't that many for sale - I'm wondering if I'll have more luck in picking one up in a month or two after the summer is over?


I can appreciate the 3 series will probably be a better drivers car but I can't justify spending that amount of cash on a car I consider very similar in capability to my E39 528 which is now worth peanuts. The replacement for my e39 has a tough task, I want something that is uber-reliable and pretty much bomb proof for not too much cash.

[Rovinghawk]

digger_R said:

I understand they are not going to be the last word in driving ability but I've drawn a blank when looking for a reliable 4 seater coupe for under 6k.

A Saab 9-3 is the same size & weight, so very much better put together & has fewer rust issues. Just a thought.

RH