Cheapy 320 CLK, worth a bit of summer fun
Discussion
Work colleague is selling his 1999 320 CLK, 140,000 miles, had it 10 years, toured Europe pulling caravan, now got himself something 'sensible' and cant justify keeping the Merc.
Is it worth a bit of summer fun? What's the main things that are going to break?
To be honest with what he wants for it if it does break I could probably sell it for parts for the same money.
Is it worth a bit of summer fun? What's the main things that are going to break?
To be honest with what he wants for it if it does break I could probably sell it for parts for the same money.
Hi man, not much info to go on but you probably know the car quite well to make a decision based on known faults, fixes over the years and it's current condition. It it has a long MOT and is good price then why not. You're a long time dead as they say.
If it goes wonky you have a daily driver to fall back on and it's a fortune to fix you can scrap it. I'd say the engine alone would be worth a bit.
Let us know how you get on with.
If it goes wonky you have a daily driver to fall back on and it's a fortune to fix you can scrap it. I'd say the engine alone would be worth a bit.
Let us know how you get on with.
Three years ago I went back to uni to do a 1 year teacher training course. Needed some cheap wheels and 1998 CLK 320 was local so I snapped it up, mainly because it had 12 months (plus a couple of weeks) of MOT and three quarters of a tank of petrol. Was £1000. Three years later and I've still got it! It is a really great engine, smooth and refined and plenty of power to fulfil its purpose as a swift cruiser. They are very well thought of by owners - check out the owners forums.
The only issue I've had with mine in terms of reliability is a crankshaft sensor that left me broken down in a McDonald's drive thru (a low point). Was a bugger to sort as no mechanics seemed able to diagnose it, so I took a punt on an educated guess (PH helped) and turns out that was the problem.
Apart from that it has been almost perfect. MOT time this week so we'll see if it continues!
If rust hasn't taken hold, and it is generally in good condition then go for it. Owners consider them to be very strong cars. As they come from MB less than stellar period then more widespread opinion is less favourable, but take that for what it is.
The only issue I've had with mine in terms of reliability is a crankshaft sensor that left me broken down in a McDonald's drive thru (a low point). Was a bugger to sort as no mechanics seemed able to diagnose it, so I took a punt on an educated guess (PH helped) and turns out that was the problem.
Apart from that it has been almost perfect. MOT time this week so we'll see if it continues!
If rust hasn't taken hold, and it is generally in good condition then go for it. Owners consider them to be very strong cars. As they come from MB less than stellar period then more widespread opinion is less favourable, but take that for what it is.
As above, crankshaft sensor is fairly common but cheap easy fix. Other than very good, reliable engines with a decent amount of grunt.
Rust and suspension issues and general wear/tear will be likely issues. Check MOT history and regular maintenance. For what they're worth and what you will pay, it'll be a good motor to play about with over the summer that won't lose a much in value.
Rust and suspension issues and general wear/tear will be likely issues. Check MOT history and regular maintenance. For what they're worth and what you will pay, it'll be a good motor to play about with over the summer that won't lose a much in value.
I've just bought a 99 CLK 320 convertible. Cost me 1800 with 12 months MOT and new tyres etc, good MOT history and the last owner had it for 14 years. Seems to be a good car, bit of rust round the wheelarches but otherwise, sound. Common faults are: ABS/BAS fault on the dash usually down to a faulty brake light switch (even though the brake lights work perfectly), interior fan not working, some relay behind the glovebox usually to blame, crankshaft sensor, and rust.
They do rust a fair bit as they were built durning the dark days of MB build quality but a bit on the arches is not to be worried about, sills and the rear suspension pick up points rather more so.It seems rust kills more of these than any mechanical fault so look for RUST!
They are good cars, fast enough, refined, frugal if not pressing the throttle too hard and well made. I am enjoying mine so far but I have the interior fan and ABS/BAS faults which are being attended to asap.
They do rust a fair bit as they were built durning the dark days of MB build quality but a bit on the arches is not to be worried about, sills and the rear suspension pick up points rather more so.It seems rust kills more of these than any mechanical fault so look for RUST!
They are good cars, fast enough, refined, frugal if not pressing the throttle too hard and well made. I am enjoying mine so far but I have the interior fan and ABS/BAS faults which are being attended to asap.
I'm regards to the interior fan - mine went kaput as well but a second hand blower motor sorted it. Forty quid off eBay if I remember correctly. Was an easy enough job to fit so nothing to worry about.
Undecided what to do with mine to be honest - I fancy a change (clk 500 is tempting) and with the MOT coming up was thinking of having a basic service at the same time and put it up for £1000 to see if anyone is interested.
Having said that, if it passes I'll probably just keep it to be honest. Ticks a lot of boxes and has been very reliable, which is something to be treasured at that price point!
Undecided what to do with mine to be honest - I fancy a change (clk 500 is tempting) and with the MOT coming up was thinking of having a basic service at the same time and put it up for £1000 to see if anyone is interested.
Having said that, if it passes I'll probably just keep it to be honest. Ticks a lot of boxes and has been very reliable, which is something to be treasured at that price point!
My enthusiasm for my 208 WAS premature - failed its MOT on emissions quite miserably (if I'm honest I had noticed it had started using oil in the last few months).
It isn't worth anything so getting scrapped unfortunately. Still, 3 years trouble free motoring for a grand. I'll take that!
Could be worse, I'm picking up a CLK500 on friday! Was planning on using the money from selling current car to get that perfect but never mind.
It isn't worth anything so getting scrapped unfortunately. Still, 3 years trouble free motoring for a grand. I'll take that!
Could be worse, I'm picking up a CLK500 on friday! Was planning on using the money from selling current car to get that perfect but never mind.
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