CLK270 CDI - Opinions and what to look for
Discussion
Hi all,
A bargain CLK270 CDI has turned up in my area on a local site. It’s a private sale and a 2 owner car with most service history. It’s also owned by an older chap in the really nice part of town so I’ve arranged to go see it tonight, the specs are as follows:
• 2003 CLK270 CDI Avangarde audit
• 140k miles
• 2 owners since new
• Service history up to 120k miles
I want it as a cheap wafty commuter to work (17.5 miles each way), including private mileage I do about 14k miles a year. My intention is to drive it for the next few years until its not worth anything. Its quite cheap, what should I be looking for? Are there any common issues I should watch out for?
Having been round here for a while, I know that ZX10R_NIN is a fan of these cars, with this engine. He’s the reason I started looking at them.
A bargain CLK270 CDI has turned up in my area on a local site. It’s a private sale and a 2 owner car with most service history. It’s also owned by an older chap in the really nice part of town so I’ve arranged to go see it tonight, the specs are as follows:
• 2003 CLK270 CDI Avangarde audit
• 140k miles
• 2 owners since new
• Service history up to 120k miles
I want it as a cheap wafty commuter to work (17.5 miles each way), including private mileage I do about 14k miles a year. My intention is to drive it for the next few years until its not worth anything. Its quite cheap, what should I be looking for? Are there any common issues I should watch out for?
Having been round here for a while, I know that ZX10R_NIN is a fan of these cars, with this engine. He’s the reason I started looking at them.
TeamBigfoot said:
Hi all,
A bargain CLK270 CDI has turned up in my area on a local site. It’s a private sale and a 2 owner car with most service history. It’s also owned by an older chap in the really nice part of town so I’ve arranged to go see it tonight, the specs are as follows:
• 2003 CLK270 CDI Avangarde audit
• 140k miles
• 2 owners since new
• Service history up to 120k miles
I want it as a cheap wafty commuter to work (17.5 miles each way), including private mileage I do about 14k miles a year. My intention is to drive it for the next few years until its not worth anything. Its quite cheap, what should I be looking for? Are there any common issues I should watch out for?
Having been round here for a while, I know that ZX10R_NIN is a fan of these cars, with this engine. He’s the reason I started looking at them.
He suggested the same for my post-lease shed. I quite like them but got a firm no from the Mrs. Seem to be solid cars, galvanised steel so no rust problems and engines which putting it mildly are bombproofA bargain CLK270 CDI has turned up in my area on a local site. It’s a private sale and a 2 owner car with most service history. It’s also owned by an older chap in the really nice part of town so I’ve arranged to go see it tonight, the specs are as follows:
• 2003 CLK270 CDI Avangarde audit
• 140k miles
• 2 owners since new
• Service history up to 120k miles
I want it as a cheap wafty commuter to work (17.5 miles each way), including private mileage I do about 14k miles a year. My intention is to drive it for the next few years until its not worth anything. Its quite cheap, what should I be looking for? Are there any common issues I should watch out for?
Having been round here for a while, I know that ZX10R_NIN is a fan of these cars, with this engine. He’s the reason I started looking at them.
I might test the patience of Mrs and get one
They're great cars mine cost me an alternator & an injector from 60-170k & then the obvious stuff like lower arms which I class as wear & tear.
Being an pre facelift listen out for a clicking noise coming from the air vents, if you hear this it's the motor that directs the air around the various vents parts wise it's not expensive but it is a labour intensive job.
Make sure the heated seats & air con are in good working order apart from that there really isn't much to look out for, not sure how much you're paying but the two below are a good guide:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Being an pre facelift listen out for a clicking noise coming from the air vents, if you hear this it's the motor that directs the air around the various vents parts wise it's not expensive but it is a labour intensive job.
Make sure the heated seats & air con are in good working order apart from that there really isn't much to look out for, not sure how much you're paying but the two below are a good guide:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
pavarotti1980 said:
He suggested the same for my post-lease shed. I quite like them but got a firm no from the Mrs. Seem to be solid cars, galvanised steel so no rust problems and engines which putting it mildly are bombproof
I might test the patience of Mrs and get one
Do it once she's been in it a few times she'll like it.I might test the patience of Mrs and get one
ZX10R NIN said:
Did you buy it?
Yes! Thanks to everyone for their help. I bought it last thursday. Its not mint but its a 140k 2 owner car with service history to 120k and MOT until next march. It does the fan clicking thing but the fans still work, AC doesn't work and the steering is heavy (compared to my 2019 Octavia). The kickdown button has an issue but on normal throttle its fine, and it could use a new glow plug on cylinder 3. I paid a little under £1k for it.I treated it to some new tyres yesterday and I'm really enjoying driving. The engine feels like it has oodles of torque and its great for mooching around in, it feels similar in character to the 2.4 D5 Auto engine I had in an 2004 S60. Not sure if it counts as a barge though, but certainly feels like wafting.
They're similar in terms of output, if you replace the standard filter with a K&N item it helps the engine spin up a bit quicker also run it in Sport mode as that helps with the kickdown, it could also be a sign the gearbox fluid & filter needs (it should be done every 40k) changing this is a £200-250 job at a specialist.
I happened unintentionally into Benz ownership thanks to three sword wielding thugs who relieved me of my previous car in January.
Needing a car in a hurry and after putting the word around, I ended up with a 2005 W209 270 Coupe.
It was not a difficult decision in truth, because I have always thought them an elegant motor car and this one, in silver of course, had dove leather interior and blue tint glass all round.
Of course it wasn’t perfect but every bill was there, every MOT and more paperwork than one could shake a stick at.
The first problem was running cold; thermostat failure. £27 replacement item from Euro CP and job done.
It became obvious that the transmission was not quite with it and the evidence of an oil leak prompted me to seek advice. A 1 litre trans fluid top-up and a drive down to Waterlooville sorted that one out. The cost of a trans drain, flush and refill was about £185, the leak rectified by an O ring or two and the transmission was erm, transformed.
I asked the guys to look over the car and give it a service whilst I was there. I was not sure about the car but need not have worried, it was pronounced fit for purpose.
The drive home was akin to floating on clouds! Well, not quite, the 5 cyl diesel is not the most sophisticated of power units, but it does have its own charm.
Electrically she has thrown a few curved balls but they have been amusing rather than critical.
The best bit? Motorway or long distance driving never sees less than 57mpg.
So here we are 7k miles later and both my wife and I love the thing.
There is so much information on the website and the ‘indies’ are capable that whatever the issue, somebody somewhere will have an answer.
I went in head first and got lucky I realize, but for anyone contemplating a Benz of this vintage, a bit of homework and prior knowledge should see you with a capable and interesting car for not a lot of money.
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