Mid 2000’s A209 CLK320
Discussion
Unfamiliar with the Mercedes Benz foibles, I’ve been looking into the mid 2000’s CLK320 convertible and discovered there was the facelift models from 2005. Does this mean the CLK320 was phased out by the 350?
My questions - is post facelift any better than a pre facelift 320?
And secondly, I read the 320 is the preferred choice however it seems there is a balance shaft issue on these engines. Should I be steering clear of these now??
This vehicle has my interest at the moment, a 2004 CLK320 with around 160,000kms/100,000 miles on it. https://www.lastvin.com/vin/0vwD9AxPQqjA4nWYZ
https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/mercede...
I gather this will have the balance shaft issues and pre facelift. Should I be worried or search for a later vehicle with less miles?
My questions - is post facelift any better than a pre facelift 320?
And secondly, I read the 320 is the preferred choice however it seems there is a balance shaft issue on these engines. Should I be steering clear of these now??
This vehicle has my interest at the moment, a 2004 CLK320 with around 160,000kms/100,000 miles on it. https://www.lastvin.com/vin/0vwD9AxPQqjA4nWYZ
https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/mercede...
I gather this will have the balance shaft issues and pre facelift. Should I be worried or search for a later vehicle with less miles?
Hi!
You’re getting muddled. Any 320 will have the older V6 engine which is bullet proof. The 350 replaced the 320 in 2005 and it was the early 350s from 2005 to 2007 which suffered with the balance shaft issue. It was never an issue in the 320. If you fancy a 350 you can check the engine number to see if it is in the affected range for balance shaft problems. If it is outside the range, the 350 is pretty reliable too. Balance shaft was the only major foible but it is easily checked. I have a 2008 350 and it’s well outside the danger zone of engine numbers. Great car which I have had for around 5 years.
A good 320 shouldn’t give you any major headaches but do check for rust as the cars up to 2003/4 were prone to tin worm. They improved dramatically from 2004/5. Your 2004 example is right on the transition so have it inspected if you’re unsure.
If it’s a cabrio check the roof works properly too as they are quite complicated!
Otherwise there is not much to worry about. Buy on condition and be prepared to look hard as there is a lot of tat out there! Auto box fluids should be changed every 37,500 miles so check that has been done. Doing that ensures trouble free automatic transmission as generally the boxes are reliable if fluids changed.
You may want to visit mbclub.co.uk if you want any more advice. Forum is great and has mountains of expertise!
Final thought. Road tax is £550 ish post 2005 so if that’s an issue, a pre 2005 car will be cheaper to tax.
EDIT - you’re in New Zealand so scrap my comment re UK car tax!
You’re getting muddled. Any 320 will have the older V6 engine which is bullet proof. The 350 replaced the 320 in 2005 and it was the early 350s from 2005 to 2007 which suffered with the balance shaft issue. It was never an issue in the 320. If you fancy a 350 you can check the engine number to see if it is in the affected range for balance shaft problems. If it is outside the range, the 350 is pretty reliable too. Balance shaft was the only major foible but it is easily checked. I have a 2008 350 and it’s well outside the danger zone of engine numbers. Great car which I have had for around 5 years.
A good 320 shouldn’t give you any major headaches but do check for rust as the cars up to 2003/4 were prone to tin worm. They improved dramatically from 2004/5. Your 2004 example is right on the transition so have it inspected if you’re unsure.
If it’s a cabrio check the roof works properly too as they are quite complicated!
Otherwise there is not much to worry about. Buy on condition and be prepared to look hard as there is a lot of tat out there! Auto box fluids should be changed every 37,500 miles so check that has been done. Doing that ensures trouble free automatic transmission as generally the boxes are reliable if fluids changed.
You may want to visit mbclub.co.uk if you want any more advice. Forum is great and has mountains of expertise!
Final thought. Road tax is £550 ish post 2005 so if that’s an issue, a pre 2005 car will be cheaper to tax.
EDIT - you’re in New Zealand so scrap my comment re UK car tax!
Edited by eddy77 on Wednesday 26th February 12:53
Edited by eddy77 on Wednesday 26th February 12:54
Edited by eddy77 on Wednesday 26th February 18:16
To second other recommendations, the MB forums are very helpful and informative.
The transmission is robust and fluid should be changed at the 40K miles frequency.
I have had my CLK 270 for a year now and taking all things into account, has proved to be a great car .
Yes, things have gone wrong but nothing outrageous or unexpected.
The glove box issue is perhaps what mine suffered from but was just a broken striker. This part is screwed to the fascia and because it is a alloy type casting, does not like force. For that I mean having the lid slammed! A simple and cheap fix; genuine MB part for about £11 and 5 minutes to fit.
For the money that these cars can be had for they represent good VFM.
Enjoy the cab.
The transmission is robust and fluid should be changed at the 40K miles frequency.
I have had my CLK 270 for a year now and taking all things into account, has proved to be a great car .
Yes, things have gone wrong but nothing outrageous or unexpected.
The glove box issue is perhaps what mine suffered from but was just a broken striker. This part is screwed to the fascia and because it is a alloy type casting, does not like force. For that I mean having the lid slammed! A simple and cheap fix; genuine MB part for about £11 and 5 minutes to fit.
For the money that these cars can be had for they represent good VFM.
Enjoy the cab.
sjwb said:
A simple and cheap fix; genuine MB part for about £11 and 5 minutes to fit.
For the money that these cars can be had for they represent good VFM.
Enjoy the cab.
I now stand educated For the money that these cars can be had for they represent good VFM.
Enjoy the cab.
I'm sure mine cost me a fair few £'s years ago but I do agree they do represent great VFM. I've had about 5 of them over the years in Coupe and Convertible and even one 320 derv and I love the looks, the drive, the layout of them especially a fully spec'd one. Heated seats are a must for me in the UK although that might not be an issue for the OP.Thanks for the replies. Glad I got muddled as I did think the 320 was a good durable engine.
They don’t salt the roads here so most cars don’t get the rust problems but I’ll be sure to check.
That white car has had a gearbox service so that’s a bonus.
Very limited choice here in NZ and most cars are some distances away so I’ll see if I can get an AA inspection and buy online.
They don’t salt the roads here so most cars don’t get the rust problems but I’ll be sure to check.
That white car has had a gearbox service so that’s a bonus.
Very limited choice here in NZ and most cars are some distances away so I’ll see if I can get an AA inspection and buy online.
I’m still looking for a CLK - the white 320, I’m trying to get the price down a bit as it’s 160,000km so high for New Zealand cars.
There is a UK imported CLK200, VIN WDB2094422T075846. It’s a 2007 with around 80,000 miles. How different are the 1.8’s to the larger engine cars? Worth a look or are they the poor relation?
There is a UK imported CLK200, VIN WDB2094422T075846. It’s a 2007 with around 80,000 miles. How different are the 1.8’s to the larger engine cars? Worth a look or are they the poor relation?
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