CLK convertible questions?

[jotter22]

hi guys i was after some of your knowledge and experience.
I am currently looking at buying a 04/05 CLK convertible 320 and would like to know if there are any issues/problems i should be looking for? And i would also like to know what i am looking at as a winter car ? weather protection etc etc leaks,air tight,wind noise?....or have things got better in the last 20 years....lol
Thanks for any help,
Tony.

 

[davidsw]

As usual check wheel arches for rust. Check all electrics work especially the roof. I had a 320 for a winter and now have a 280 , very cosy during bad weather so you should have no worries there .I think the later 208 models had drop down windows when you opened the doors and all 209 models have it .Much better you don't have to slam the doors so hard!!

 

[Ted]

I cant answer your questions specifically as my CLK was an earlier model, however the only faults I am aware of are

Clicking noise from the dash area when you first turn on the ignition - faulty heater stepper motor. There are two that can fail - I understand one is an easy fix and the other is a nightmare.

Valeo radiator. Not sure if this would affect your model, I think it was sorted by the era you are looking for. Early radiators can leak into the oil cooler and cooling fluid can get into the gearbox. Do a search on Valeo and gearbox.

Early versions of this model can suffer from rust around the wheel arches. Check carefully.

Winter car - you have absolutely nothing to worry about. The sealing and roof structure on these cars are every bit as good as a hardtop. Negligible wind noise and zero draughts.

These really are very good cars. I am toying with the idea of getting one. IMHO, buy the latest you can afford - they improved on everything over the lifespan.

 

[jotter22]

thanks guys the car is a 54 plate but a 55 my so i am told with the updated dash???