Opinions on CLK 320 CDI please

[garystu1965]

Refinement, performance, any niggles, any annoying rattles (aargh !)

I know there will be threads on this but I can't find them when I do a search due to 320 and CDI being only 3 characters each - all I get are general W209 posts. May be trading in my Lexus for a CLK.

 

[garystu1965]

Ok ok ok I'll search around but not having much joy. I see Mercedes have an 09 reg CLK 320 CDI Sport with COMAND, 14,000 miles, silver. £27.9k - seems a bit cheap to me and I didn't even know they made them anymore.

 

[James Rothwell]

The 320CDi is a nice engine, but do you really need a diesel?

 

[garystu1965]

After owning a Lexus IS250 petrol for 18 months and having to really floor it to get any performance I'd much rather drive a large 6 cylinder diesel. I drove the C320 CDI (w203 - 55 plate) a few years ago and it was frighteningly quick. I've also driven a CLK 320 petrol and it felt slower that the C270 CDI I owned.

 

[rf065]

The 320CDi is a nice engine, but do you really need a diesel?

Everyone should have a diesel!

Russ

 

[yachtman]

Refinement, performance, any niggles, any annoying rattles (aargh !)

I know there will be threads on this but I can't find them when I do a search due to 320 and CDI being only 3 characters each - all I get are general W209 posts. May be trading in my Lexus for a CLK.

personaly I like the 320 cdi for its grunt, and effortless delivery of its power, makes a great mile muncher on M ways. though no doubt if I had a 55 previously it would not seem so.

Fuel wise think 29 in town 40s on m way @75

Problems, a set of discs, went rusty probably before delivery, but I am not a brake freak, so it got worse. had it a month and supplying dealer offered free up grade for the sat nav to ver 10, (had 9).

Love the frame less windows,visability is great. enjoy if you buy.

ps milage since new 11000 ish mpg since new below, engine still tight and much freeing up to go.

 

[Matt32AMG]

Everyone should have a diesel!

Russ

Why?

I drove a C200 CDI (Not exactly a huge engine), the last month as a coutersey car, (while the CLK was in to have the roof and seatbelt presenters fixed). The car looked great in black and full AMG sport pack, loved the new AMG wheel design....

Drove well enough, but sounded just like a Massey Fergusson tractor

No offence intended, but its more, ooh arr moy dear, as opposed to... Whoar!!

In short, all promise, but come the final reckoning, didn't put out!
JMHO, agricultural is just not my thing.

Go for the CLK350 engined car...Cracking motor!!

 

[James Rothwell]

I don't mind diesel in certain cars I'd happily have a S320CDi but wouldn't want a CLK320CDi, I'd rather the CLK with a petrol V6/8. The only diesel car I can get excited about is the A8 4.2TDi and the Phaeton V10 TDi purely for the badge as the Audi V8 TDI is a better engine but the V10 TDi badge is very cool, it's like saying I used to driving ridiculous cars so I thought I'd try something green this time round.

 

[garystu1965]

Why?

I drove a C200 CDI (Not exactly a huge engine), the last month as a coutersey car, (while the CLK was in to have the roof and seatbelt presenters fixed). The car looked great in black and full AMG sport pack, loved the new AMG wheel design....

Drove well enough, but sounded just like a Massey Fergusson tractor

No offence intended, but its more, ooh arr moy dear, as opposed to... Whoar!!

In short, all promise, but come the final reckoning, didn't put out!
JMHO, agricultural is just not my thing.

Go for the CLK350 engined car...Cracking motor!!

But you've not obviously driven the Mercedes 320 CDI engine. That doesn't sound like a Massey Ferguson tractor. I've driven the C320 CDI but not the CLK320 so I can't comment on that.

 

[Mactech]

But you've not obviously driven the Mercedes 320 CDI engine. That doesn't sound like a Massey Ferguson tractor. I've driven the C320 CDI but not the CLK320 so I can't comment on that.

I think yoiu really need to try the 320 engine in the car you hope to buy. I'm on my third V6 diesel and it is a great engine but can sound very different in different instalations. In the S Class you would not know that it filled up at the black pump. The E class was close, but a little more diesel noise came into the cabin. the ML is heavier, lower geared and has 4WD transmission. All of this makes the engine sound like is working harder during acceleration and so it appears a little less refined than the S. Once up to cruising altitude then the ML is almost a match for the S in refinement.
Test and try before you buy, it's both the engine and its installation which you will experience.

 

[garystu1965]

Yeah good point. I once drove a BMW 330d and a 530d. Same engine of course but the 5 series was light years ahead to drive. I was mightily impressed with the engine sound of the Audi 3.0 TDI in the A6 and the same for the C320 CDI. I was never happy really with the coarse nature of the engine in my C270 CDI but I still loved the car.

 

[Matt32AMG]

But you've not obviously driven the Mercedes 320 CDI engine. That doesn't sound like a Massey Ferguson tractor. I've driven the C320 CDI but not the CLK320 so I can't comment on that.

I can’t argue that, I’ve only driven the 320 and 350 petrol CLK. I’ve driven a BMW 330D Se, which was impressive I have to admit, but then at start up you still had that initial diesel clatter and puff of smoke until the oil got round the motor. I would also have to concede, under way, you’d hardly notice it was diesel power under the bonnet.

However as already covered, the same can’t be said for the C200cdi it was as subtle as a house brick through a plate glass window. But then that isn't even on the radar here. So, what can I draw from this? I guess if considering a diesel, get a large one.

Good luck with whatever you elect to buy
Regards