CLK Owners

[scousetechie]

You may have read a thread I posted some weeks ago about replacing my written off C200 sport with a C280.

Well the situation is that I can't find one but the other half said, in a moment of blinding logic "We have a 4WD truck for towing the horses so why do we need a 4 door saloon or estate. I like the CLK!"

I didn't need much persuasion in that so I started looking. What I would like to know from you guys is: 230K, 320, 420? Also what should I look for regarding faults etc.

I should add that I am looking for a car that is about 6 to 8 years old, not the present model (I believe it is a 208)

TIA

 

[laddie1960]

Rust,rust, and more rust!!!!

 

[ackee911]

Got a price budget?

 

[wemorgan]

I didn't need much persuasion in that so I started looking. What I would like to know from you guys is: 230K, 320, 420? Also what should I look for regarding faults etc.

In terms of running costs and performance there's not a vast difference between a 230K and 320. As I understand it the 430 V8 is step higher.

With my 3.2 V6 I get an average of 30mpg, but I drive carefully, so expect it to be nearer to 25mpg with more enthusiastic and town driving.

As said before, rust is an issue, look around the wheel arches.

 

[mb240]

Rust, on mine both rear arches and inside the panels were quite rusted and required repair. Apart from that, it's great. They are very reasonably prices now, if you can "justify" a '55 I recommend it, but any V6 or V8 is excellent and a great engine for the coupe.

 

[Redbull916]

I've got a 320 Cab and get 35mpg on a run (which is better than the 230K Cab I had before).

I've not had any rust on both Cabs, (Had it on my last 2 E-Classes though).

 

[Howard]

I've got a 320 Cab and get 35mpg on a run

Blimey , that's good going ....

Have you got Miss Daisy in the back seat ?

Couldn't get anything like that in my old 320 cabrio ... Well done !

 

[GazCaff]

I was pleased when I got 26mpg on my last fill up in mine, but I wasn't driving it economically at all!

 

[BenzedUP]

V6 320's are nightmare on petrol I struggle to go over 24.5mpg on a 40-50miles motor way run on my C320 and they are alot lighter than a 320cab so i'm surprised you could get 35mpg!

Thats what I get from my E320 CDi 35-40mpg

 

[Rose Chap]

I've had a 2001 CLK 230K since 2005 and in that time have done nearly 80,000 miles in it, taking it up to 155,000 miles in total.

It continues to be an excellent car, capable of covering long distances with no bother at all in classic Mercedes-Benz tradition.

The only major big expense item I've had to get through was a new gearbox at 120,000 miles which was £950 fitted. Aside from that I get the odd big service bill but nothing truly horrific.

Since I've mullered (technical term) the value by doing so many miles in the thing, I think I'll hold onto it for the long term until it falls to bits, which could be a while.

Over the time I've had it I'd say it does between 26 and 29 mpg, and I tend not to dilly dally.

If I was to buy a W208 CLK now, I'd without question go for the CLK 430. Bags of power, a great noise, and you can pick them up for comparitive peanuts.

Good luck making your decision!

 

[GazCaff]

V6 320's are nightmare on petrol I struggle to go over 24.5mpg on a 40-50miles motor way run on my C320 and they are alot lighter than a 320cab so i'm surprised you could get 35mpg!

Thats what I get from my E320 CDi 35-40mpg

I would'nt say it's a nightmare, but you have to buy a 3.2 litre car on the understanding that it's going to be thirsty. Given the amount of driving I do and the relative cost of diesel to petrol I thought it was a premium worth paying when considering my C250TD struggled to break 30mpg on the same urban run.

My CLK 320 is certainly more economical than the 2.5v6 Omega I owned a few years ago.

 

[un1l]

I have a 1999 230K (Manual), this is the first of the facelifts. The engine is quite economical although I must say the performance figures are pretty similar to the 200k and if economy is a big deal for you then 200k would be the way to go.
I would try and go for a facelift model, 1999 onwards, this would ensure the trip computer and multi function steering wheel and the indicators on the mirrors.
Although there are some bargains to be had for pre facelift models sub 3k with less than 80k on the clock.
Leather is a must with these cars, and there seems to be a lot more on the market for you to take your pick on than when mine was purchased (last Feb).

 

[chriswt]

Blimey , that's good going ....

Have you got Miss Daisy in the back seat ?

Couldn't get anything like that in my old 320 cabrio ... Well done !

Howard you must have seen some decent mpg out of the 430?

I recently managed 34mpg in my CLK430. It wasn't a slow run either just a nice 70/80mph cruise for 2 hours on the M25/M1 of all places.

If anyone wants to buy a beautiful CLK430 let me know . I'm starting to hanker after an old SL500.

 

[Howard]

Not seen more than 30.8 mpg .....

 

[chriswt]

You may have read a thread I posted some weeks ago about replacing my written off C200 sport with a C280.

Well the situation is that I can't find one but the other half said, in a moment of blinding logic "We have a 4WD truck for towing the horses so why do we need a 4 door saloon or estate. I like the CLK!"

I didn't need much persuasion in that so I started looking. What I would like to know from you guys is: 230K, 320, 420? Also what should I look for regarding faults etc.

I should add that I am looking for a car that is about 6 to 8 years old, not the present model (I believe it is a 208)

TIA

I should answer your questions rather than try to flog my car.

Go for a big engine, 320 or 430. The bigger engine suits the car well as it can seem like a heavy lump.

Heated seats are a nice touch as is the climate cotnrol over standard aircon.

I bought a rust free car but I can see some spots coming through due to stone chips etc so I'm having to fork out £££ to get it bought back to perfection again.

When you look for rust check EVERYWHERE, wheels arches, bonnet, wings, boot, round the windscreen etc etc.

Pixels can go on the dash but its an east-ish fix which you can DIY or get fixed for £150.

Spark plugs are expensive and the 430 has 16 of them (320 has 12) so its nice if you can find a car that has had those changed.

Check the air con. Mine cost £300 to fix.

AMG body kit is a very nice touch IMO (I'm not being biased) and can help with resale but the bumpers are a expensive to repair.

I know it's a cliche but wait for a decent car to come along becuase there is a ton of rubbish out there and a few gems.

Good luck mate

 

[wemorgan]

I recently managed 34mpg in my CLK430. It wasn't a slow run either just a nice 70/80mph cruise for 2 hours on the M25/M1 of all places.

I didn't know there were any 1:10 downhill gradients on the M25

If anyone wants to buy a beautiful CLK430 let me know .

Now don't go throwing such wild statements in front of my eyes like that, you'll have me reaching for my cheque book!

 

[chriswt]

Not seen more than 30.8 mpg .....

Got 31mpg a few times and 34mpg once.

Of course my old man has got into the 30's pelnty of times but I'm normally seeing 22mpg.

 

[Howard]

I tend to travel a little bit faster than your 34mpg trip , which is why my average is down i guess ...

Low 20's around town is about right ....

 

[chriswt]

Now don't go throwing such wild statements in front of my eyes like that, you'll have me reaching for my cheque book!

Oh I'll be in Bath at the beginning of May. Haven't been to Warwick castle for years!!!

 

[chriswt]

I tend to travel a little bit faster than your 34mpg trip ....

It did take a lot of self control