Clk w209

[Martin 1]

Hiya folks, first posting and hoping you'll be kind. I'm keen to get a W209 auto convertible, and hoping somebody can help with some guidance and advice. Are there any things I should particularly be watching out for ? Thanks in advance, Martin.

 

[chubbs111]

hi and welcome,i have a 270cdi clk and the common things on that model are the high pressure fuel pump leaking,the fuel pipes underneath the high pressure pump go brittle and the injector seals leak.

 

[Dinizulu]

Hi. I have a CLK320 convertible which I'm very happy with. Couldn't comment on 'common' problems but a couple mine had when I bought it:

The batteries in the alarm siren had leaked and shorted out. This manifests itself as the remote central locking failing to work unless you're a few inches from the door handle, and the radio failing to find any stations - there'll also be a blown fuse in the boot, number 7 if memory serves - if it's the alarm it will blow again as soon as you change it. Fix is a new siren (about £100). By default they chirp but you can get that programmed out if you wish.

The other thing was a roof leak. Water coming in by the passenger and/or driver's window. On mine it was coming in near to a join in the edging trim. The previous owner had tried to 'fix' it by filling some of the drain channels with silicone sealer, which was just genius (and which I removed). The real cause of the problem was simply that the roof needed reproofing which obviously hadn't been done for some considerable time. Another cheap and easy fix. Many forget that the roof needs maintenance just like the rest of the car, which includes lubrication.

Whatever you buy make sure you see the roof fully opening and closing. If there's a loudish crack-like noise as it folds itself away that's indicative of a problem a friend of mine had on his. There should be no untoward noises as it closes.

The glove boxes can be a little fragile too. Check yours closes with minimal effort - and stays closed. The little plastic catches have a habit of snapping - then it's a whole new glove box lid you need.

 

[Ted]

You won't need to worry about the diesel - they didn't do it in the convertible.
Check the roof works without clunking.
Do your homework on the M271 and M272 engines.
Go for the AMG sport trim if money allows - looks much better and has useful extras like comfort seats.
Essentials are leather, auto, metallic, and comand is good but not essential.
Check you can't hear a clicking from the dash when first turned on. It's the hvac steppers and could be costly.
Check plenty of rubber on the tyres. They aint cheap.
No real weak points - they are a properly sorted car.

 

[clk320x]

You won't need to worry about the diesel - they didn't do it in the convertible.
Check the roof works without clunking.
Do your homework on the M271 and M272 engines.
Go for the AMG sport trim if money allows - looks much better and has useful extras like comfort seats.
Essentials are leather, auto, metallic, and comand is good but not essential.
Check you can't hear a clicking from the dash when first turned on. It's the hvac steppers and could be costly.
Check plenty of rubber on the tyres. They aint cheap.
No real weak points - they are a properly sorted car.

Yep I've got the HVAC stepper motor issue just learnt to live with it. Haha

If it has Xenons check they actually work through multiple restarts
Check windows dont rattle on test drive

Make sure all maintenance done at correct mileage

Check Rust on rear arches depending on year and factor £300 to repair if there is
Check all electrics work

Good luck and keep us posted

 

[clk320x]

Ooh and yes as Ted said definitely get one with the AMG styling pack, looks so much better

 

[Martin 1]

Thank guys, not too much to be scared of then, so just careful buying, I'm very grateful. Martin.
PS, how can I turn on email notice of new reply ?

 

[Grotbag1]

Just to be an anorak..
W209 Hardtop
A209 Convertible

 

[Martin 1]

Not anorak at all ! Thank you.

 

[PobodY]

Just to be an anorak..
W209 Hardtop
A209 Convertible

Errr... C209 Coupe, A209 Convertible.

 

[Eddy77]

I've got a 2008 CLK 350 Sport Convertible. Lovely car. Few things to watch:

If you buy a V6 (M271/2 engine fitted to the 3.0 and 3.5) check the engine number. Google Balance Shaft issue Mercedes and you will get an engine number "range" to avoid. MB fitted soft steel sprockets for a few years and the engines required a full strip down as a result. Sprocket had to be replaced but required a complete strip down. Huge class action lawsuit in the US. £000s to fix if it happens to you. But very easy to check. Rule of thumb is avoid cars built 2005 - 2006 as they tend to have the problem engines. Late "run out" cars are generally OK as are earlier cars. But check the engine number to be sure as you could find an "old" build date engine in a newer car.

Otherwise, check the roof works. Gazillions of microswitches and motors to go wrong. But generally they are fine. Ditto all the motors that control the seats, headrests, wheel height etc. Just check it all works as fixing it can be fiddly. SRS warning light often caused by tight wire that runs under the drivers / passengers seat and up to the seat side airbags. Common fault; warning on dash. Can be fixed by re-routing the wire so it doesn't "pull" when the seat is tipped. My indy did mine for £50.

If it hasn't had it done, budget on an autobox oil and filter change every 35-40k miles. Preserves the life of the box and is around £250 from an indy.

Sport trim if you can - AMG "look" with nicer wheels, lowered stance. Sets the car off nicely.

Otherwise, search out a nice spec. COMAND is nice but does feel old-fashioned compared to new cars. But it works and I'm glad I have it. Heated seats a nice extra on the convertible. Makes it more usable for more of the year.

But generally, buy on condition and provenance. I paid top dollar for a very low miler back in 2015 but I'm glad I did. It's a joy to own and drive.

Generally they are good cars; early ones suffered a little from MB's lax approach to rust proofing but later ones (from 2005) are fine. Like any complicated prestige car, there is always scope for it to throw a big bill at you, but generally they are not known for being problematic.

Just take your time and find a good one.

If you want to chat I'll be at Benz on the Green in May - look out for me!

Final thoughts - bigger V6s suit the car better (or the super rare V8 500), but if you buy a post 2005 car, the road tax is £500 a year. Puts some people off, but I think it is worth it for the additional poke and refinement. Cars before 2005 are taxed differently and are around £280 a year I think. Check before you buy if that's a deciding factor.

Space-wise they are pretty usable. I take mine plus wife and 2 kids (aged 3 and 9) all over the place in it. South of France no bother. It's a proper four seater and decent boot with the hood up. We've even been camping in it with all the associated kit.