CLK 209 build quality

[kusanku]

Here is a question aimed at CLK owners, regarding how you find the build quality?

I have had my CLK 320cdi for two weeks now, and I almost love it. Nice to drive, comfortable seats once you get used to them, probably the best all-round engine I have encountered. The reason I say almost is because I am not entirely convinced about the build quality, particularly inside the cabin. Nothing major, but a few creaks and minor rattles from the trim when going over bumps or a road with an uneven surface.

Now my wife just thinks I have unrealistic expectations, which are based on previous ownership of three e-classes and one s-class, none of which had any obvious creaks or rattles from the cabin (they did have other problems though). This contrasts greatly with a c-class I owned briefly, which drove me mad with creaks and rattles galore. The CLK is nothing like as bad as that c-class, and cruising on a road with good surface it is completely silent. But there are slightly more noises than I was expecting.

Just wondered how other CLK owners have found them?

 

[tpwuk]

My W208 rattles more than a skeleton having a five knuckle shuffle in a biscuit tin!

I suppose my expectations need adjusting a little bit....afterall, it is an 11 year old convertible!

I think the W208 had a higher build quality than the W209. I maybe wrong though.

 

[grober]

The old CLK 208 coupe had a B pillar which made it inherently stiffer in the upper body. The W209 was back to the pillar-less design of the old W124 coupe. You have probably placed it correctly in the hierarchy of build quality- better than a W203 and almost on a par with the W211 bearing in mind its 2 pillar roof disadvantage . The S class is in another league of course.

Basic equation :- more body movement thro flexing= looser or moving trim= noise

 

[kusanku]

Yes, I think you are right about the S-class. I only threw that in because I had the SEC, which was also a pillarless coupe.

 

[BTB 500]

The CLK is after all a C Class, and I don't think can be compared with an E or S in terms of quality (or price ...).

 

[kusanku]

It certainly is not as expensive as an S class, but price-wise I think it they overlapped with the e-class when new. If memory serves me correctly, I believe the outgoing CLKs new retail price was slightly higher than the replacement e-class coupe, which in turn was higher than an e class saloon.

Appologies in advance if I have my facts wrong here.

 

[grober]

If memory serves me correctly, I believe the outgoing CLKs new retail price was slightly higher than the replacement e-class coupe, which in turn was higher than an e class saloon.
Apologies in advance if I have my facts wrong here.

Which is ironic considering on how the new E class coupe is based on the C Class chassis/floorpan. This pretty obvious when you see the E class saloon and coupe side by side The coupe is a much smaller car. In other words its really the new CLK--- that's only until the new C class coupe comes out of course. Is it supposed to replace the CLC? It was the cheapest way into the W203 chassis at one time.

 

[kusanku]

Absolutely. I could not understand why they had not retained the CLK denomination, until I recently read that they intend to re-introduce it on a coupe that will be mid-way between the CLC and the e-class coupe. Not sure I see the sense in that, as it will surely only take sales away from one of their other coupes? A bit like Leyland introducing the Spitfire, which then ate away at the sales of their MGBs

 

[BTB 500]

It certainly is not as expensive as an S class, but price-wise I think it they overlapped with the e-class when new.

Certainly there was an overlap in price, but even a CLK63 (costing £££££) is largely 'just' a W203 C Class. AFAIK built on the same line as (say) a C180, by the same workers, and using many of the same components.

So IMHO you shouldn't expect the build quality to match an E Class of the same era?

 

[GP801]

Have had a W203 in the past - total disaster. Have had a W209 for >7 years now. They are a world apart from the early 203s. More refined. Build appears vastly better. Only unscheduled repair in the last 7 and half years was a faulty airbag unit. Bodywork still looks like new. No corrosion that I or the MOT guys could find. For a coupe its surprisingly practical. As you might be able to tell I like it a lot. Certainly would not change it.

 

[Wing Co]

I had a 2007 CLK 200K convertible and part-ex'd it last year for a new E Class 350CDI convertible. I have to say I do not perceive any great differences in build quality. In fact the dash board trim and door top trims I think was better in the CLK, in the E Class it is a bit too taxi driver for the price. Ok I can go M-B Designo, but what a price that is?

My CLK was also Sport spec so crashed into every part of the road.

 

[adam1977]

My Father used to own a 52 plate CLK 320, unfortunately he had to get rid of it due to all the rust round the rear arches, even the rear subframe had rust on it as well as the shock absorbers

Compared to my W140, mine looked like a new car underneath

 

[kusanku]

My Father used to own a 52 plate CLK 320, unfortunately he had to get rid of it due to all the rust round the rear arches, even the rear subframe had rust on it as well as the shock absorbers

Compared to my W140, mine looked like a new car underneath

The rust issue was something affecting all MB cars around that time, including the S-class which followed the W140. Despite always liking the 208 CLK, I always held off on buying one because of my experience with a 210 e-class. Galvanising the panels post 2003 does seem to have done the trick though, so most years of 209 production should should not have that issue - I hope.

 

[BTB 500]

All 209s had galvanised panels from Q2 2003 build date onwards.

They were introduced gradually starting in Q4 2002, so some earlier cars will have them too.

 

[rhud]

I don't see why rattles should be price-related. Noise insulation,perhaps. I am on my second A Class. First had a slight rattle from the tailgate which was re-set under warranty and solved completely. Second one no rattles at all. It's one of the reasons you buy a Mercedes.

 

[BacktoMerc]

Hi all... I've had the CLK 200K (uprated 2007 model imported to Malaysia) for about two months now. Overall quiet no-rattle ride on smooth roads... Mine supposedly comes with sport suspension, so fell the road bumps more... Cheers!