Mid 2000’s A209 CLK320

[mark387mw]

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?

[mark387mw]

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.

[mark387mw]

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?