CLK Guide

[S10 GTA]

My folks are look at buying a CLK as they want a "fun" car after years of having practical ones.

They are more interested in the soft top, but would consider the coupe. They are not interested in getting a big engined version, they want it to be a bit economical, more for insurance purpose really. I have mentioned that they should get one with AMG bits. It must be not much more than 5 years old, and the initial budget was 10k, but can be upped to 12k if more realistic.

I know very little about the CLK, or Mercedes-Benz in general, so I'm looking for PH advice. What to look out for, and which engine is best?

Edited by S10 GTA on Wednesday 25th January 09:53

[S10 GTA]

Nobody know anything about the CLK?

[tinoproductions]

If they want something fun(ish) but still want to get places, the 320CDI or the 320 petrol are fine engine. 6 Cylinders really helps with the smoothness.

If it's their first 'big car' then even a 230Kompressor will be very good (which I have).
Very comfy cruisers.
Not a sports car.
Will go fast(ish) in a straight line if asked to do so though, but won't scare you.

[Monnington]

Bit quiet on here for Benz info TBH..

Hop on over to MBClub.co.uk seems to be the most active forum in the UK..

Can't really offer much help myself as mines got a big petrol engine!! People seem to prefer the filthy lung cloggers these days :-)

[SimNugget]

I have a 280 Cabrio Sport so it has all the AMG body kit, wheels and sports suspension.

Sorry to say it, but it is not fun - handles like a boat, has a real skittish rear end, thirsty (20-30mpg), heavy steering and isn't particularly quick.

On the upside, it looks nice, the V6 sounds great over 4000rpm and it is comfy.

Make sure they test drive one before purchase.

AutoExpress had a used buying guide on CLKs just the other week. Think they said their pick was a post 2005 280 as it comes with the 7 speed gearbox.

Edited by SimNugget on Thursday 26th January 21:26

[clivedcp]

CLK,s are a great car and come in many specs depends on what your after really
fun to drive and very comfortable very good motor way cruiser, if you would like
any info drop me a line

[S10 GTA]

Thanks for the above advice.

TO be honest, they don't drive cars hard, so the fact it wallows in corners etc will not affect them. They just like the look of them and fancy something nice.

It seems the 280 might be the one to go for then?

[shentodj]

From our experience with my wife's 2003 CLK 500 convertible, my advice would be:

Check all electrics - the seat adjusters seem to continually play up, the steering wheel up/down etc similarly fickle. The car also had 5 visits to MB dealer to sort electric roof issues - changing a different micro-switch each time apparently (although it's been fine for a couple of years now).
We had to renew all the Catalysts too (at 35K miles with full MB history and no MB contribution).
Also had the boot latch break and the brake light built into the bootlid fell off.
Rust hasn't started yet and mechanically it seems fine.
So, in summary - check all electrics work.
I think it's common wisdom that the later ones were built better than ours.

Regards,
Shentodj

[melvster]

There is a full buying guide on the W209 CLK (2003 onwards) in this months Mercedes Enthusiast magazine, good detailed article.

[S10 GTA]

melvster said:

There is a full buying guide on the W209 CLK (2003 onwards) in this months Mercedes Enthusiast magazine, good detailed article.

Excellent. Would this be available online?

[melvster]

S10 GTA said:

Excellent. Would this be available online?

No, i dont think the Merc magazine is available on Ipad, you will have to buy it from WH Smith.

[adam85]

I recently picked one up, loving it so far. It is v. comfortable and the 320 V6 has enough power. A V8 would be better though!

However, I would second the above regarding the electrics, luckily mine came with 1 years warranty but has needed a headlamp washer and now the Parktronic is playing up

Pics Thread:

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[cramorra]

My wife picked one up recently (also bigger engine) - We felt all the 4 cylinders feel definetely underpowered (may not be relevant for your parents) but six cylinders are also a lot smoother (and sound better - as the sports trim comes with an AMG exhaust...)
Spec wise and elegance version might be an alternative if they do not need the big wheels, stiff suspension and so on (saves approx 2k over sports) so might buy you the engine you want (insurance shouldn't differ so much if the have ncb - try over the club and limited mileage)
At the moment if the can up their budget just a tad they may get an appoved used for about 12 to 14 k as well....
As usual they are spec and colour sensitive:
I feel the musts are
6 (or more cylinders)
7 speed auto
heated seats (not standard - be VERY careful)
telephone preparation
leather (again not standard on 4 pots)
the nice bits
comand
xenons
harman kardon
climatronic
colours
do not go for flashy ones it looks best in silver (tellurite or brilliant) and blue - black is an option too
happy test driving

[S10 GTA]

Thanks for the advice. They have purchased Black 2009 280 CLK Coupe, with 14k miles, full history etc from a Mercedes main dealer.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...

£13,700 with a years tax. Not a bad deal I feel.

[flatline84]

That sounds like a lovely deal. What does 13 grand get you nowadays? a Polo with AC?

[adam85]

S10 GTA said:

Thanks for the advice. They have purchased Black 2009 280 CLK Coupe, with 14k miles, full history etc from a Mercedes main dealer.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...

£13,700 with a years tax. Not a bad deal I feel.

Lovely CLK I'm still getting used to mine! Health to drive (to the parents)

Edited by adam85 on Monday 27th February 14:35

[S10 GTA]

Been out in it this evening, and I'm very impressed with how it wafts along. Its not a car that would encourage me to press on, but it cruises very nicely. Impressed.