Discussion
Folks,
Am shopping around for a second car. Pretty open minded about what to get, but I have 2 small children, so 2 seaters are a no-no (alas) - budget £5-8k
one on my list is the CLK 430 - I would only be doing a few thousand miles a year - so the MPG shouldn't be an issue (would still be interested to hear of what real world figures people saw)
I read a couple of reviews/other posts about them and general points I picked up on:
- worth it for the extra grunt over the 320
- CLK's were not built during MB's finest era for build quality .
questions I had:
- is the auto-box really slushy?
- will I get a nice V8 noise?
Cheers, Ace
Am shopping around for a second car. Pretty open minded about what to get, but I have 2 small children, so 2 seaters are a no-no (alas) - budget £5-8k
one on my list is the CLK 430 - I would only be doing a few thousand miles a year - so the MPG shouldn't be an issue (would still be interested to hear of what real world figures people saw)
I read a couple of reviews/other posts about them and general points I picked up on:
- worth it for the extra grunt over the 320
- CLK's were not built during MB's finest era for build quality .
questions I had:
- is the auto-box really slushy?
- will I get a nice V8 noise?
Cheers, Ace
Can't speak much for the clk430 but I have a e430 and am pretty sure it's the same engine and a great one at that performance wise it's got plenty of grunt on tap and has a very nice v8 raw, no doubt it would sound even better with a decent exhaust but quite like having mine standard as I use the car daily so it's nice to waft around without things getting to loud and annoying. Gearbox is smooth and aggressive when need be, I haven't got any figures on mpg but I would say it's fairly good on fuel for such a big engine if driven normally. Good luck with the search. Greg.
There are a few CLK 430's near me and they sound meaty as they drive by - in fact they sound the same as the C43's I used to run.
If the box is the same one as the C43 it'll be fine. This is one of the best auto boxes out there and (to me) feels tight. Certainly not a slushy ratio-hunting sort of box. Remember It's a (fast) cruiser not a 'ring basher and the big V8/autobox combo works really well.
Condition is king on these cars, though. Paint is often poor and the arches can rust badly as can the boot lock area. Gearboxes need fluid changes. All electrics must be working, etc.
Go to mbclub.co.uk for proper detailed answers from real owners past and present.
If you can find a minter with a good spec you'll really like it. Or maybe a CLK 55? Not much more ££.
If the box is the same one as the C43 it'll be fine. This is one of the best auto boxes out there and (to me) feels tight. Certainly not a slushy ratio-hunting sort of box. Remember It's a (fast) cruiser not a 'ring basher and the big V8/autobox combo works really well.
Condition is king on these cars, though. Paint is often poor and the arches can rust badly as can the boot lock area. Gearboxes need fluid changes. All electrics must be working, etc.
Go to mbclub.co.uk for proper detailed answers from real owners past and present.
If you can find a minter with a good spec you'll really like it. Or maybe a CLK 55? Not much more ££.
I had a 430 convertible for 4 years. Plenty of servicing and tyres but no major faults. Went like stink and sounded great.
Engine seemed strong as an ox and i always used the performance. Used to take great delight in seeing off Boxters.
Fuel consumption wasnt great around town (sub 20 mpg) not so bad on a run. Make sure you check all the electrics.
I loved it but in the end fuel costs got me and i needed more room. traded it for another e class diesel which i also love.
Engine seemed strong as an ox and i always used the performance. Used to take great delight in seeing off Boxters.
Fuel consumption wasnt great around town (sub 20 mpg) not so bad on a run. Make sure you check all the electrics.
I loved it but in the end fuel costs got me and i needed more room. traded it for another e class diesel which i also love.
Hi
We have had a CLK 430 for just over 2.5 years. We wanted something that had enough room for my wife and two kids ( 8 years old) along with a good boot. After some searching we were lucky enough to find a low mileage avantgarde convertible with the benefit of a full AMG bodykit and alloys plus Command Sat Nav.
The car has in our time only done circa 5000 miles per annum and has been totally reliable. Each year she goes for a MOT and just sails through. It has lots of toys on it that could go wrong so when I bought it I took out a warranty but after 18 months of no faults took a view that was confirmed by my Mercedes dealer that I had a really good car and decided to cancel it!
They go really well with lots of power and torque delivered through a very smooth 5 speed auto. MPG round town is circa 20 mpg which I think for a big V8 car is pretty good ( just sold my Range Rover V8 which was far less economical) On a run at circa 80 mph she does 30 mpg which is very acceptable.
We live in Edinburgh and have found that the snow has forced us into buying two 4X4 cars. I have bought the new BMW X3 and an Audi Allroad for my wife.
As a result the convertible is now up for sale. It looks like you may have the luxury of a choice! Ours is on Pistonheads at £7495 with 75000 miles. Full Mercedes stamped history, new brakes all round last week, MOT'd today and in absolutely beautiful condition. Whichever car you choose I would thoroughly recommend a CLK 430. They are future classics and represent great value for money and are pretty rare compared to the volume of audis and BMW's out there!
We have had a CLK 430 for just over 2.5 years. We wanted something that had enough room for my wife and two kids ( 8 years old) along with a good boot. After some searching we were lucky enough to find a low mileage avantgarde convertible with the benefit of a full AMG bodykit and alloys plus Command Sat Nav.
The car has in our time only done circa 5000 miles per annum and has been totally reliable. Each year she goes for a MOT and just sails through. It has lots of toys on it that could go wrong so when I bought it I took out a warranty but after 18 months of no faults took a view that was confirmed by my Mercedes dealer that I had a really good car and decided to cancel it!
They go really well with lots of power and torque delivered through a very smooth 5 speed auto. MPG round town is circa 20 mpg which I think for a big V8 car is pretty good ( just sold my Range Rover V8 which was far less economical) On a run at circa 80 mph she does 30 mpg which is very acceptable.
We live in Edinburgh and have found that the snow has forced us into buying two 4X4 cars. I have bought the new BMW X3 and an Audi Allroad for my wife.
As a result the convertible is now up for sale. It looks like you may have the luxury of a choice! Ours is on Pistonheads at £7495 with 75000 miles. Full Mercedes stamped history, new brakes all round last week, MOT'd today and in absolutely beautiful condition. Whichever car you choose I would thoroughly recommend a CLK 430. They are future classics and represent great value for money and are pretty rare compared to the volume of audis and BMW's out there!
Gassing Station | Mercedes | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff