looking for a CLK 270 TDI,advice needed

[reggie musson]

Hi everyone, I have joined this forum as I am looking to change my Jaguar X type for a CLK 270 CDI with as high spec as possible and as I have about up to £8000 to spend which isn`t a lot so I need some words of wisdom.

I had a W124 320 ce coupe many years ago which was fab in every way, but I understand product quality has slipped a bit since then, so as my budget is not very big I will have to look at cars about 7 years old and about 90 k on the clock, so will like any help what too look out for.

Many thanks
Reggie

 

[ukcodger]

The bad years for quality were around 1998 to 2004. Quality picked up again during 2004 and the 54 plate 270 CDI I had before this 320 CDI now was superb. The dreaded Valeo Radiator problem was over and I'm sure that body galvanizing was well in progress by then.

The facelifted car came around 2005, so a late 2004 would be sensible if you want a high spec for your £8000. My trade in was only £10,200 - poor I know. That was 2 years back with only 35,000 careful miles on it. Lowish spec though, no Command and anthracite cloth.....still a nice motor. The facelift is nicer but I guess there'll be a price step.

The 5cyl 270 engine is a solid lump. A bit agricultural (noisy, not so smooth) but super fuel economy and ever so durable.

 

[JasM]

Welcome to the forum Reggie.

The W209 CLK is a good car but the early ones did suffer from a few problems, such as Valeo radiator problem and body not being galvinised which makes the car prone to rust.

I would try go for at least an 05 or newer CLK in order to avoid these problems.

 

[kusanku]

Welcome to the forum.

I have had my CLK for four weeks now. Interestingly, the other car I considered was a Jaguar X-type. I think you will find the CLK a much nicer car, and the 270 cdi engine will outperform either of the diesel X-types. Also, auto-box will be common, whereas it was only available on the later 2.2 Jags. Only thing the X Type may have is a higher spec as standard, whereas a lot of the things you might expect on a Merc actually come as optional extras.

The build quality on the CLK is quite a way off that of a 124 series CE, but at least equal to a Jag X type. This is my sixth Merc (3 e-classes, 1 S-class and one C-class). I find the CLK build quality to be considerably better than the c-class (which was a right rattle-box), but not up to the standard of my previous e-class. Not that it is particularly bad, but there are a few more creaks from the cabin than I am used to when I go over a bump in the road. I absolutely love the engine. It is the third 6 cylinder diesel I have owned, but the first V6, and it is so much more smooth. Also seems more economical, although part of that might be due to it being in a smaller car than my e-classes. Personally, I think it is worth paying a bit extra to get a 320cdi (stating the obvious, because that is what I did), but the 270cdi engine has a lot of fans on here and probably won't disappoint.

I read a lot about the CLK before deciding to buy one, and have read quite a bit since the purchase. The problem with valeo radiator and rust on pre-2004 cars has been mentioned already, and it is a good idea to avoid any of the pre-galvanised Mercs. Apart from the odd loose connection with the electrics, on the seats for example, there really do not appear to be any common faults reported. Not that I am saying these cars are indestructible, but they do seem to be one of the more reliable Mercs of recent times. Some reviews do state that the pilarless windows do not always reseat correctly, leading to wind noise, so worth listening out for that when you go for a test drive.

I hope you find a nice one. Quite a few examples out there, so take your time, and shop around.

 

[reggie musson]

Very usefull info, many thanks, reggie

 

[trainer]

Hi and wlecome to the forum

 

[trapperjohn]

Welcome to the forum.

 

[s500colin]

Hello and Welcome

 

[bing]

hi and welcome ! 270 cdi prone to ecu failures

 

[Richard Elliot]

My E270 does make quite a nice growl when pressed past 3000rpm, but at lower speeds and idle it is not all that smooth... economical though, and a good choice. Mine is fairly reliable mechanically, coming up for 282000km and it feels like new, no oil consumption. In the last couple of years it has blown a few tubes, needed several glow plugs, distribution band(?) and pulley wheel, a new MAF sensor and thermostat, nothing too pricey.

Watch out for rust though - have a look under the rubbers on top of the doors!

 

[kusanku]

My E270 does make quite a nice growl when pressed past 3000rpm, but at lower speeds and idle it is not all that smooth... economical though, and a good choice. Mine is fairly reliable mechanically, coming up for 282000km and it feels like new, no oil consumption. In the last couple of years it has blown a few tubes, needed several glow plugs, distribution band(?) and pulley wheel, a new MAF sensor and thermostat, nothing too pricey.

Watch out for rust though - have a look under the rubbers on top of the doors!

The CLK does not have any rubbers on top of the doors

But being serious, rust should not be a problem on the galvanised models, which anything from 2004 onwards will be.

 

[Risby]

Has anyone else found that using the better grade diesel gives a less noisy 270cdi engine noise and (I thin k) better mpg? I am convinced there's much less rattle on start up - and not nearly so much sooty smell.

 

[x332race]

Has anyone else found that using the better grade diesel gives a less noisy 270cdi engine noise and (I thin k) better mpg? I am convinced there's much less rattle on start up - and not nearly so much sooty smell.

No.

 

[Risby]

No.

Thanks x332race. That was a very helpful and friendly-motorist kind of answer (sic)