Buying guide for 1999-2003ish CLK 230K?

[Unimaginative U]

Hello everybody, just new on here, i`m looking to change my A140 for a CLK 230K probably an auto and I was wondering what sort of things go wrong with them so I know what to look for when viewing them. I used the search function but didn`t come up with much so I was hoping some kind person might be able to point me in the right direction for info?
Thanks

 

[reflexboy]

Hi-Welcome to the forum...Defineately go for an auto...Secondly, the 320 as opposed to the 230K is a far superior engine. It will give you almost identical mpg, whilst returning a smoother drive and more power. Good luck

 

[Unimaginative U]

is the insurance and road tax and maintenance not more expensive for the 320? plus i was going to do an lpg conversion and the 6 cylinder conversion parts are far more costly.

 

[Rose Chap]

Welcome to the forum.

The 230K and the 320 are very similar in terms of power, though delivery is different. With a light right foot you'll get further with a 230K though to be honest start using the power and the supercharger will more than wipe out any economy gains.

I've done 40,000 miles in my CLK 230K at an average MPG of around 25/26.

I'm a bit concerned about your wanting to convert the car to LPG. I'm not sure that a supercharged engine would respond well to LPG, but technical experts will add more to this I'm sure.

Also bear in mind servicing and maintenance costs. Modern MBs have a 30 year body warranty but you'll need to keep it serviced at a main dealer to keep this. Many dealers offer some discount for older cars so don't assume its going to cost a mint, but bear these costs in mind. Basic servicing will be between £300 and £600 per year. On an older car assume extra work on each service. I recently had a new exhaust manifold fitted which was approx £500.

Don't even consider a non auto CLK.

If I was in the market for a CLK again, I'd test drive all models from the 230K to the 430 V8. Driven gently the mpg will probably not be that different. Watch out for rust and remember that spec is very important. Buy a manual one without leather seats and you'll get shafted on the resale.

Good luck and let us know what you decide.

 

[MBManInKen]

Agree with reflexboy, I'd take the V6 over the 4 cyl kompressor any time.

Probably slightly more expensive to run, but worth the money IMHO.

 

[Unimaginative U]

forced induction engines respond very well to lpg, as its octane is around 110, provided a good quality sequential injection conversion kit is used. I`ve converted around 15 cars myself without any problems, and i`ll be doing all my own maintenance to the new car.
not sure what to do now, i`ve been offered a mint 98 c240 sport auto for £3750 with full mbsh

 

[Unimaginative U]

going to go see a 2000 clk 320 avantgarde auto tomorrow, what are the common faults to look out for?

 

[BlackC55]

Lower ball joint wear.

Otherwise they are pretty good

 

[Unimaginative U]

Thanks. I`ll watch out for that.

 

[Unimaginative U]

it had gubbed lower and upper balljoints, noisy juddering on the drivers electric seat adjustment, a split in the seat stitching, and the clock and temp and gear indicator displays were garbled, and it`s overdue a b service. so back to the drawing board. what a machine to drive though, i see now why you were saying go for the 320. the computer was saying average consumption of 19.6mpg, is that about right? seems a bit heavy, my old bmw 735 was much better than that.