CLK diesels?

[kusanku]

I'm probably going to change my car around september/october time. Currently have 210 series E320cdi, which I like but is showing signs of rust, and re-rust on areas that have already been fixed. I've thought about a CLK diesel, and the 270cdi should be within budget. I prefer the looks of CLK to the E-class, and I'm not bothered about access to/size of rear seats as I rarely have passengers in the back.

Would this be a good choice? I know reviews have said to go for the later V6 320cdi, but think that's out of price range at present.

Does the CLK have rust problems? Both my current E-class and my previous C-class were rusting away at 4 years old, so I'm not opposed to jumping ship if current models have the same affliction. I need a diesel, as I do about 400 miles a week, and I want an auto (so Jag X-type is ruled out immediately).

All opinions, favourable and otherwise, much appreciated.

Simon

 

[jeremytaylor]

The W209 CLK is, as I'm sure you know, based on the (current) W203 C-class.

I had a 2002 C270 CDI estate which was fine up to 45,000 miles when I sold it. No, the 5-cylinder isn't as smooth as the 320 V6, but as you will have found, it's a lot cheaper to buy.

I had no rust issues on my C, and I don't think it has been a problem with other 203s. Paint chipping maybe (although not mine) especially with motorway use, but rust, no. Mine did have a recall to check the door seams, and I think they ran some more gunk along the seams.

Ohter faults? Front suspension bushes are a known weakness, and the tracking gets knocked out of line by our marvellous roads - I had mine checked every 10,000 miles. I had a new Comand unit under warranty, and the front pads didn't last too long.

I tried chipping mine, but it didn't take to it and started to smoke more, so I unchipped it. I also had the EGR valve fail, replaced under warranty - not sure if this was connected.

Happy hunting.

 

[BonzoDog]

When I was buying the E but also looking at a CLK, the Dealer said, get a diesel E but a petrol CLK if you want the easiest sale when you want to move on. Seemed to make sense to me.

 

[saorbust]

E and CLK are totally different rides. What kind of handling do you want ? Do you want a sports feel or a luxury feel ? With that kind of mileage you might be better with an E.

CLK has no real issues with Rust - the old 208 series did, but only in specific places. The one thing to watch out for is stone chips - especially without the nano paint. Also check the front suspension mounts, and the tracking.

I had the 270 engine and hated in - but that was in a C Class. The 320 is much much nicer. 270 sounded terrible to me, and drove like a bag of spanners.

I have a nice CLK petrol for sale if you are curious......

 

[grober]

They don't make a 5 cylinder CLK270 CDi now just a 4 cylinder CLK 220 CDi and the new v6 CLK 320 CDi which is a very good engine by all reports. The AMG Sports package with 18inch alloys, body kit, and big front discs and sports suspension at about £2,500 looks great IMHO.

 

[jdrrco]

Having had both CLK270 & now E270, I think it's purely down to personal preference. I am a huge fan of the 270 engine - it can be noisy when cold, but soon warms up and is then virtually silent. It is also relatively quick and ridiculously economical, especially when used with BP Ultimate.

The E is definitely more solid, more up to date and more comfortable, but the CLK is obviously sportier, prettier and still a great car. If I went back to a CLK I would miss Airmatic, SBC (particularly SBC Hold) and the comfy seats. It is a bit difficult getting in the back of a CLK too, which is why I didn't get another one - I frequently take clients in the car and it was a little undignified for them!

CLKs all came with folding rear seats as standard which can be useful, but the boot on the E is so huge, you don't need the extra space anyway.

Whichever you go for, you'll have a great car and you'll love doing 700 miles on a tank of fuel.

Oh, and the dealer who said to go for a petrol CLK didn't know what he was talking about. The diesel CLK has the best residual of any car on sale in the UK, apart from the Porsche Boxster (source: What Car). Trading mine in proved the point, the dealers were falling over themselves to have it on their forecourt.

 

[jdrrco]

PS Even though the 270 engine isn't as smooth as the 320, the noise it does make under acceleration from inside the car (where it really matters) reminded me of my Alfa. One client in my CLK asked me if it had the V8 engine in it because of the noise and the way it pulled away!!

 

[jdrrco]

PPS If you go for a CLK, get one with a memory passenger seat, otherwise, when people do go in the back, they don't see the lever for moving the seat forward and always lift the backrest angle adjuster instead. Trying to point them to the right lever is a pain and you can't reach it from the driver's side.


Think that's it, I'll shut up now!

 

[jeremytaylor]

jdrrco, I agree with you on the engine noise from the 270 - it's got a nice warble to it. This seems to be characteristic of 5-cylinder diesels. I had a VW Transporter van with a 2.4 5-cylinder diesel which made a similar noise, but with hardly any soundproofing it was even more apparent.

 

[J7NNO]

Kusanku. This weekend I have just purchased a 52 plate 270CLK with 75k on the clock. The car is immaculate and well appointed. I do a few miles so ask me again in a few weeks and will be happy to give you the lowdown.........

 

[BarryS]

I've got a W209 CLK with the 270 CDI engine.
It's a really great looking car, get lots of compliments. High quality interior etc. Best looking Merc saloon in my opinion.
Fuel economy is really impressive too at 42MPG although that includes lots of motorways but at high speed. And engine is completely silent when under way after a warm up. Torque is very impressive giving great mid-speed acceleration. Only downsides: when I get it out of the garage there is a strong soot smell and it does sound like a bag of nails. If you can live with that I think you will love the car.
Agree with the comment about passenger seat elec adjuster if you can find a car with that, but probably difficult to. It's nice to sit in the back but virtually impossible to get out for larger people, so it's really more a 2+2 than a 4-seater.

 

[jdrrco]

I've got a W209 CLK with the 270 CDI engine.
It's a really great looking car, get lots of compliments. High quality interior etc. Best looking Merc saloon in my opinion.
Fuel economy is really impressive too at 42MPG although that includes lots of motorways but at high speed. And engine is completely silent when under way after a warm up. Torque is very impressive giving great mid-speed acceleration. Only downsides: when I get it out of the garage there is a strong soot smell and it does sound like a bag of nails. If you can live with that I think you will love the car.
Agree with the comment about passenger seat elec adjuster if you can find a car with that, but probably difficult to. It's nice to sit in the back but virtually impossible to get out for larger people, so it's really more a 2+2 than a 4-seater.

I always found the easiest way to help people out of the back seat was to drop the rear windows, so they could get a grip!

If you use BP Ultimate, it won't sound like a tractor when it's cold.

 

[BenzedUP]

Personally i woudnt go Go for a CLK270 CDi preffer the E320 CDi W211 OR 210 dont really make a differnce ive had my 02 e320 cdi w210 for a long time its on 47K atm no sign of rust had it checked inside out