Advice on buying CLK

[albswaple]

Hi,

I am looking at buying a CLK 280 convertible, looking for one around 2005 with around 70k on the clock(I am open to other models/ engines).

If some one can give me some tips on things to look out for and any common faults. Also as the car would be around 10 years old is the roof likely to cause any problems.

I am hopeful to spend around £6500 is this realistic?

Thanks

Albert.

 

[Piff]

following with interest..................

 

[Ted]

This thread answers most of your questions.

My advice is to make sure you go for a facelift - easily distinguished as the pre-facelift has two white sections in the rear lights and the facelift has a single clear (or darkened) section and three instead of four blades in the front grille (of course someone may have upgraded these)
There are a number of other styling improvements especially to the dash and it is generally thought that the facelift is a much more 'sorted' car. If possible go for the AMG sport. This styling really adds to the look and also has some nice extras.

Essentials:
Leather
Metallic
Auto
Really good to have:
Comand (a bit dated now though, but always a bargaining point)
Parktronic
Heated seats
Xenons

The roof is a complicated piece of kit - around 1800 parts iirc but seems to be generally reliable - I did have one issue with mine where the rear deck didn't shut when the roof closed, but this was sorted by lubricating some of the many moving parts. I think that the root cause was that the grease had hardened (and gone sticky) in a couple of locating pins and they weren't being guided in properly (a bit hard to explain)
Prices seem to be holding up well so I think you might be a little optimistic on your budget to find a really good one, but they are around at that price. Also, this is a good looking Mercedes convertible - when you come to sell just how much can you lose?

Anyway, while you are deciding, here are a couple of piccies to whet your appetite.

hth

Edit: Oh, and if you can, get the genuine wind deflector. Easy to fit and stow away and makes a huge difference at all speeds. Even gets the Mrs Ted seal of approval and that is saying something.

 

[gbjeppm]

I have CLK320 (the older model), which is now 15 years old, and the roof is still perfect.

All they need is a regular wash to keep mould/green off, and then a spray with a waterproofer. (AutoGlym do a kit).

The other advise I was given was to use the roof regularly, I have made sure mine goes up and down at least once a month, and seems to have worked.

 

[jotter22]

Dont discount the 320 as this engine is a peach you are not far out on price i picked up mine 2 years ago in May clk 320 avantgarde on a 54 plate for 6.5k just look at as many as you can and buy before it gets hot! good luck with your search.

Tony.

 

[davidsw]

Regarding the roof check the plastic hinges at the front of the lid .They can break and the lid makes a clunking noise when closing . Not too bad to repair but they are about £80 each iirc. On a 50 mile round trip to work I was getting about 26 to the gallon from my 280 (mixed roads). Check the srs light isn't on , the passenger seat sensor is very expensive. Mine was a 2005 model .

 

[davidsw]

Ted
That's some aerial you have (second picture down )

 

[rifiki]

I love my CLK, check the history for gear box oil change. Should be done around 40/50000 miles. Make sure the changes as it should. Electroplate goes wrong, expensive repair.
Geat cars enjoy it.