need advice on which clk to buy

[morrow1980]

hey all,

Just joined today guys, i`m looking to a purchase my first mb this weekend,i have the choice of 2 clk`s.
one is a 2002, clk 230 convertible, with 125k and the fsh for 2k car looks mint,
other is a 2000 clk 320, coupe in silver only has 59k on it crap alloys but overall looks really good for around 2k

what would you say is more fun a low mileage v6, or a softtop, also is there any issues with either engine that anyone can think of. like the mileage on the 230, which isnt bad but is there anything that nneeds doing on either car that costs lots like would the v6 need a timing belt at 59k or is it chain ?
does anyone know is the convertible is of good build quality? it does look good here the link ,2002 52 MERCEDES CLK 230 AVANTGARDE KOMPRESSOR CONVERTIBLE MOT TAX (PART EX WELC | eBay


cheers guys

 

[gbjeppm]

Hi, welcome

V6 has a chain, and engine wise is pretty bulletproof.

Biggest problems with these is rust, so check them thoroughly, sills, arches, cross members etc. I will be surprised if you find no rust, you just need to make sure nothing is terminal, and you budget for it.

The cab you linked to, front bumper looks a bit of a mess, and the alloys are aftermarket (don't get me wrong, thats fine, but unlikely to be MB). Also it does not have folding mirrors. The colour looks a bit strange, might be the light, check for signs of a respray.

Make sure everything works, and check the hood on the cab carefully for holes, and movement, hood problems can be expensive.

Based on age and mileage, I would say the prices are fair.

 

[morrow1980]

thanks, i will check out the convertible more in depth, what would your own choice be , clk 320 with low miles , or the 2002 convertible ?

 

[gbjeppm]

Tough question.

Personally I think the V6 engine is better and more refined, than the 230K, but I like a convertible.

If it was my only car I would probably go for the Coupe and bargain hard, if its a second car/weekend car, then go for the cab.

Ultimately i think your best bet is to look at both and buy on condition.

 

[paul_c]

I don't think you can fairly compare a convertible to a non-convertible car. There is something about a convertible (the obvious thing.....) which is different and makes driving in the spring (nice days)/summer/autumn fun. But they're dreadful for trips to the tip, or loading the boot up with tools, etc

Once you've decided if you want a convertible or not, then I'd look at both a 4 cylinder and a 6, and see whether its worth paying more for the bigger engine. I've owned 2x 4 cylinder and 2x 6 cylinder Mercs, while the 4s are very good, the smoothness and engine note of the larger engine makes it feel special.

 

[Abdul]

320 over 230 every time imo.

If insurance isn't much of an issue I'd take a look at the 430's if I were you.

Lovely cars.

 

[flango]

^^ What he said. I love my CLK 230k but the engine is coarse compared to the silky smooth 320, also the 230k does not sui the auto box so in this case the 320 every time unless you can find a nice 430

 

[sjmaxwell]

320 is a better engine than the 230k and the economy is pretty much the same. Convertible prices are always more depressed at this time of year but can rise slightly in the spring. Condition if the convertible roof is important and can be quite expensive if faulty or damaged. The 230 engine can get a little oil fouling which can damage the MAF in extreme cases so servicing is important. The 320 is pretty strong.

The convertible can be more fun in good weather but as someone already said rust is the real issue, especially the 2000 model year but in all likely hood if they look clean around where the bumper meets the body work then they have been repaired .

 

[morrow1980]

What do folk think of this ?

mercedes 430 clk auto convertible for sale | North London | Gumtree

He said he would take £1500 for it. And assured me the good works fine and no signs of rust, whys it so cheap though ?

Any thoughts welcome
Cheers

 

[sjmaxwell]

mercedes 430 clk auto convertible for sale | North London | Gumtree He said he would take £1500 for it. And assured me the good works fine and no signs of rust, whys it so cheap though ? Any thoughts welcome Cheers

The V8's are difficult to sell and in convertible form even harder at this time of year. Check for rust and new wings as it is unlikely, without some work, that it is rust free IMHO!

 

[gbjeppm]

whys it so cheap though ?

Any thoughts welcome
Cheers

That is seriously cheap, if it is as described. The 4.3 litre V8 will put people off, so I suppose it will not shift quick, and looks like he needs to sell.

Worth a look, and an HPI check is a must, I would be wary though.

 

[morrow1980]

I was thinking that. As it's a 2000 model as well, what do you make of the v8's ?, and convertible or coupe ? There's some
Really nice silver coupe's
I'm struggling :-$

 

[gbjeppm]

The V8 is great, bulletproof, and to be honest not that thirsty on a run, expect low teens around town though. And its a V8, so the sound is awesome.

Coupe or Convertible only you can decide, what do you need it for? Buying a convertible in winter is always the right time to buy though.

 

[morrow1980]

Well be a second car, really just to use whenever, which will be as often as possible if it's a v8
I was worried about the engine and trans, have zero MB knowledge , have had Saabs and alfaromeos but want class
Mechanically is there any issues with the v8 snags or head gasket failures ? What mileage is high for a v8 , my old range rover v8 is no comparison to a mercedes engine

 

[gbjeppm]

Nothing to fear on the M113 V8 as far as I know, it is likely to far outlast the bodywork on the 208 CLK

 

[morrow1980]

Cheers mate , thanks for the advice

 

[W4E300]

That's an amazing price - but I would take a proper mechanic with you for a look if you're unsure. The V8 engine is pretty robust - if it has been looked after, so you'd want to see some service stamps or receipts. Never had a Merc manual gearbox, but the usual 'nasties' are all Ok - electrics etc are generally reliable.

Be a right pain and get that roof up & down 6 times in rapid succession....a full repair will cost a grand. Check for signs of leaks - wet footwells aren't good, so get the mats & carpet up and have a sniff around.

Find the rust - there will be some.

Other than that, get the top down and find a tunnel to roar through - worth the money on day1....!

Sent from my iPad using MBClub UK

 

[sjmaxwell]

Correct about the V8, they are fairly bullet proof and with regular servicing high mileage will have little affect. Leaking rocker cover gaskets are common and cheap to fix and the auto transmission is good. I know with the W209 model (the newer model to the one you are looking at) there were issues with Valeo radiators leaking coolant into the transmission fluid and destroying boxes but I don't think the 208 had that issue.

Manual boxes are a little unrefined so that may be why the price is reduced but I don't know what they are like on the V8!

As with all these older cars, check for rust, badly repaired accident damage and that everything works, especially the roof and electrics, and if ok, wait for the spring and enjoy some open top motoring!

Don't forget to listen to the suspension for knocks and clonks as that could be signs of worn ball joints

 

[flango]

MB never fitted a Manual on anything above a 230 on the W208. The advert has a bit of a typo it is advertised as an Auto in the main header so it will definitely be an auto box. The manuals aren't unrefined either mine is as smooth as silk with short precise shifts.

The problem on this car will be rust in the usual places but probably major chassis rot as well the 2000 MY cars seem to suffer this very badly for some reason.

Also depends what you want out of the car the coupe is much stiffer and handles better and IMHO is the better car. The convertible is heavier and can flex under spirited driving but not a sbad as the Saab 9-3 which virtually twist.

Summary engine and box should not be an issue but check very very closely for rot

 

[sjmaxwell]

Thought it odd that it said manual but couldn't quite see the image to tell for sure! Mercedes manuals do have a bad rep but I'm sure not all are bad.

I think the OP can get from this that rust really does need checking for