Buying a 2002 W209 CLK 320 Coupe

[Redrobie]

Hi guys, new to the forum and to Mercedes so please be patient if I appear to ask some stupid questions.
I have seen and fallen in love with a car on a local forecourt, unfortunately not a Mercedes specialist though.
I want to buy the car but am holding back because of a lack of service history. There is full history to around 77k then a ' service ' about 3 k ago at 96k.
The car seems to run well but I have no knowledge of how it should be. It is quiet, smooth, good gear change. The bodywork and interior are very good too. The only item I can see missing is the spare key so I would need to replace that.
How much should I budget for a major service at an independent garage? I have heard about issues with the rads from Valeo, how can I tell if this car has one of the risky rads?
Finally is there anything else specific I should be checking before impart with my cash. The car seems cheap and I am getting a good part ex but the car I am trading is much more the sort of thing the dealer sells so I think he just wants it gone.
Any comments please.

 

[GP801]

It should be silky smooth. Gearbox oil should be changed every 37-40k. If not done budget around £150 for that including filter. Service depends on how far you want to go. Likely to be > £350 and quite likely more depending on what is found.
They are generally mechanically very strong. Rust on the wheel arches is an issue as they were not galvanised until late 2003. If they look good on the outside take a torch and mirror to check where the arch rolls under. Spare key is around £230. Only from the dealer despite what you may see on e-bay. Hope that helps

 

[Spin_bowler]

Spare key is around £230. Only from the dealer despite what you may see on e-bay. Hope that helps

Not totally correct, I had one made up by a visiting service for £195 on my W203 which is a similar vintage to the OP's W209.

 

[Redrobie]

Thanks guys. Do I need to worry about the cooling rad issue, or isn't likely to have been done by now? If it could still be a problem is there a way to identify the offending rads?
Cheers, Bob.

 

[Howard]

2002 w209 must be one of the very earliest ones , the w208 carried on until late 2003

 

[Redrobie]

Yeah, I was surprised. But it is a w209 I believe. Pillar less coupe, later interior and rear lights etc, etc. first registered May 2002.

 

[Spin_bowler]

Have you HPI'd it? I'd be wary, the 209 definitely wasn't out properly in UK until 2003 MY but May sounds way too early in 2002 for it to be right.

 

[DSM10000]

Yeah, I was surprised. But it is a w209 I believe. Pillar less coupe, later interior and rear lights etc, etc. first registered May 2002.

Do you have a link to a website with any pictures of the car?

 

[Redrobie]

No, the garage is a very small place. I saw it while passing, however he has now got it listed on eBay, item number is 221446223862 but the pictures are not the best.
Bob.

 

[DSM10000]

That is certainly a 209. As you say, the photographs are not that good but it is a nice colour and if the condition and deal is right then it should make a good buy.

Get a full service and transmission flush from a local MB specialist, the transmission fluid can be checked for glycol contamination then.

 

[Redrobie]

Can anyone recommend a specialist either local to Hartlepool where I currently work during the week, or Carlisle where I live with my family at weekends.i do have a trusted mechanic who works on my two classic cars, not Mercedes, would he be likely to do these jobs or is specialist equipment required.
Bob.

 

[DSM10000]

Bob

Most jobs on the MB are well within the capabilities of a good local garage, the MB Star computer system can be very useful for pinpointing some faults though so finding an MB specialist with this would be helpful at times.

I am sure someone will recommend a good, local specialist for you

David