CLK430?

[Big Ed]

Hi all,

I'm new to these parts, but thought I'd start by picking your brains for some advice......

I've currently got a 2000 C280 Sport (quite nice it is too!  ), but on calling into my local Merc dealer to get the brakes looked at, what should I find on the forecourt but a nice shiny 2001 CLK430 (11k miles, Silver, Command, AMG kit, AMG alloys, etc, etc, etc...).

Does anyone have an opinion on how good these motors are? Are they astronomical to service and repair compared to my C280? Is that V8 happy with slippery conditions over the winter months? Do I do the financially responsible thing and stick with my C280<img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt='???'>?

Any help and advice would be much appreciated!!!!

Cheers,

Ed.

 

[Guy]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Do I do the financially responsible thing</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>

Financial responsibility is not a big topic on this board.... <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>

Fudger's your man, check out the new Kleeman wheels on his 430. Suggest you wait for him to post or send him a PM.

My advice? Go on, you know you want to...and I prefer the old one to the new, saw one for the first time last week - but maybe it'll grow on me.

 

[Fudger]

Hi Big Ed, i'll compose some thoughts but when it came to the purchase, my heart ruled my head &nbsp;<img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>

Great fast cars and no, not expensive to run apart from the 21mpg average.

 

[Fudger]

Big Ed, the V8 is very smooth and fine in the wet with the ESP but without it you can easily get out of control. After all you have 276hp on the rears. You might want to consider bigger wheels. I'd say min 8.0&quot; front and 9.0&quot; back (over the stock 7.5x17). What are the AMG's?

I assume the C280 is the sport version similar in set-up to my old 99(T) C240 Sport. If so, the avantgarde is a must if you like the C280 ride. The chassis is the same after all.

I have not had my first service with the CLK yet but your dealer will give you the prices so you can compare. Insurance was 20% more than my C240 which I thought was very good. A fitted tracker would get you no discount I found!

As for spare parts, again I can't comment but your dealer would tell you. My dealer said lots of the parts were the same if that helps.

As for day to day use, it's a dream, good ride and almost docile until you get to about 3500 rpm when it takes off. I find it good around town but it's best at high speeeed cruising. I do 3000 rpm at 90 mph but then if you tip down to 4th or 3rd a plant your foot the thing will get to 150mph very quickly indeed. Just watch the cameras and the police if you try which I don't very often.

Your last point is the most interesting. Should you stick with the C280?

I'd say the C280 is a dream car for most and in that respect why sell. Just ask yourself, do I need a 4.3 V8 and a coupe body?

My answer was obviously yes (over the C240) and it does look more modern and very muscular over the old C class in avantgarde trim.

On the financial front, yes it will cost slightly more but then the depreciation is low'ish compared to the old C.

I'd be iterested to know what your decision is &nbsp;<img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>

 

[Fudger]

Here is my 430. I assume yours would be very similar!

 

[Big Ed]

Sorry for not responding before now - I had to lock myself in a dark room for the last couple of days throwing around the &quot;should I, shouldn't I&quot; argument in my head!

Unfortunately, this time the sensible side in me has won - pretty much a first for me&#33<img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''> so I'm sticking with the C280 for the moment <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':angry:'>

It's amazing how a conversation about buying a new car with the wife can bring up minor issues like &quot;when are we going to start a family?&quot; On the basis of this line of thought, having 4 doors started to seem more important than even a whacking great V8!!

Thanks for your help anyway - any one who gets to own one of these motors is a very lucky chap (or chapette) <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>

Cheers,

Ed.

 

[fuzzer]

See , thats why i don't have a woman &nbsp;....

No moans about is that you out waxing the car again . Do you really need such a expencive car?

Who am i kidding &nbsp;<img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>


Just buy it , it will be a while before the kids get big enough to justify having 4 doors <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>

 

[Big Ed]

If it was just the kids angle then I'd do it, but we also have a couple of Norwegian Elkhounds to consider - I don't think they'd much enjoy sharing the back with a baby seat&#33<img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>

The wife used to have a Honda CRV, which was ideal, but she just changed it for a new BMW compact, which leaves me having to try and be the mature one!!!

Think I'll have to end up looking at Merc ML or BMW X5 instead - suppose it might reduce the prospect of speeding tickets!