Some quick advice - buying a CLK

[Jukka]

Hi all,

went to see a CLK today. Spec is:

320 Elegance Auto, registered Jan 2000, 95000 miles.

Issues:

1. Rust bubbling on all wheel arches (but solid) + near boot lock
2. Wheels need a really good refurb +didn't appear to have locking wheel nuts
3. VIN number on door pillar did not match by 1 digit. It was early on in the number and had xxxW208xxxxxxx whereas the V5 / MOT cert had xxxW207xxxxxxx.


Car drove like a dream - all interior in very good nick and all electrics working (perforated leather seats in great nick). Metallic blue / black (although V5 says black). Have done an 83600 Text check and there is no bad history, etc. Full MB service until the last one (which was £800 incl. all round discs / pads + 2 tyres. 12 months MOT). Plug service was done in 2008.

It was up for £3300.

My real issue is the VIN number. A clerical error - or should I walk away immediately?

Thanks for any advice - a quick response would be appreciated.

Justin

 

[renault12ts]

W208 was a clk, c207 is the c class coupe. But the VIN is strange if its xxxw208xxxxxxxx. Would expect wdb208xxxxxx

 

[wemorgan]

deleted.....just read above post.

 

[Jukka]

Well I cant remember the exact the format but WDB does ring a bell, and maybe there wasnt a w before the 208 (I think I just knew that as the model number).

The car has 208 the docs have 207. Walk away??

 

[renault12ts]

Walk away.

 

[troiscentmille]

It can happen - I have a polo "7n" owing to a slip of the pen at the original dealer - which is only 400 yds from my house so I know the cars totally genuine.

 

[T7RY B]

W208 was a clk, c207 is the c class coupe. But the VIN is strange if its xxxw208xxxxxxxx. Would expect wdb208xxxxxx

Correct it should be WBD208 at the begining

Tell the seller you want a HPI and data report on the vin

 

[DSB SL AMG]

Hi guys, please see Merc Vin link explanation...

http://www.autohausaz.com/mercedes-auto-parts/mercedes-vehicle-identification-numbers.html


my car had a digit (0) missing from V5 and doesnt match.car vin ..contacted DVLA they said vins are manually inputed at first registration and typos are common...they told me fill in change of details form on V5 with correct vin from car and send off....most owners cant be bothered to do this...if you dont you will have probs with automatic plate car finder when buying car bits as your plate doesnt match the vin on V5...

Car for sale via trade or private..? Probably ok but you must get a HPI check...if your really worried and want it get the AA to do a car inspection as they also verify vehicle identity...think they do a HPI & car inpection package for about £140...you then have total piece of mind....

 

[Quincy_W140]

It can happen - I have a polo "7n" owing to a slip of the pen at the original dealer - which is only 400 yds from my house so I know the cars totally genuine.

It can, I had a 9998cc R1 -- 10 litre instead of 1 litre :bannana:
Q.

 

[T7RY B]

Correct it should be WDB208 at the begining

Tell the seller you want a HPI and data report on the vin

Correction WDB208

 

[Jukka]

OK I have the VIN number and have run it through the tool on Mercedes-Benz Club Russia | Îôèöèàëüíûé càéò ðîññèéñêîãî Ìåðñåäåñ-Áåíö Êëóáà and have come up with this:

VIN WDB2083652Fxxxxxx
Model CLK 320
Chassis 2083652Fxxxxxx
Engine 112940 30 648889
Transmission 722618 01 941643
Order 0 9 513 26795
Lights VALEO
Delivery date 10.01.00
Dealer Belgium (513)
Interior leather quartz+siam beige (215)
Paint
189 emerald (green) black metallic (с 1993)
Options
K01 exhaust system, specific countries control code for alarm siren (frequency) (с 24.02.1997) tank/exhaust system, specific countries
205 owner's manual and maintenance booklet 2) (с 01.11.1971) reference plate, coolant 2)
241 left front seat electrically adjustable with memory feature. only applicable to w 210 when installed in conjunction with code 275. (с 01.03.1983)
275 front seat positioned lower memory package (driver's seat, steering column, mirror) (с 01.10.1993)
309 cupholder (с 01.06.1995)
345 rains sensor for windshield wipers (с 01.10.1993)
423 5 speed automatic transmission / nag (с 01.03.1994)
441 steering column, electrically adjustable, W202 manually adjustable (с 01.07.1984)
461 instrument with mileage reading and english lettering (с 01.04.1990)
551 anti-theft/anti-break-in warning system with anti-towing system (с 01.04.1998)
580 air conditioner/Tempmatic (с 01.11.1982)
600 headlamp wiper/washer (с 01.08.1971)
617 headlamps and fog lamps or additional high beam light, amber, and additional halogen fog lamp (from april 1st, 1970); additional turn signal lamps for italy, and rear turn signal lamps, orange xenon headlight asymmetric, left driving traffic (с 01.03.1994)
659 light alloy wheels -5-holes (avantgarde design) (с 01.10.1994)
673 high-capacity battery (с 01.01.1964)
800 Change of year of model, last figure shows new model year
810 loudspeaker, sound package sound package (bose) (с 01.12.1986)
819 CD changer - alpine - in trunk (с 31.07.1992)
873 seat heater for left and right front seats (с 01.02.1984)
882 passenger compartment protection/towing-off protection (with anti-theft warning system only) (с 01.07.1993)
910 14V/65A alternator alternator with increased capacity (с 01.11.1990)
955 extension tube on the roof, front equipment package elegance (с 01.11.1991)
984 elimination of ownership certificate but with coc papers (с 01.06.1993)
200A Unknown code

Everything above tallies with the car and what has been told to me.

This is from the VIN on the car. The VIN on the V5 which starts WDB207 but otherwise is exactly the same comes up with an error.

 

[steve333]

If you are happy that the vin number miss match is a clerical error & are otherwise happy with the car for the price then go for it,the v6 320 are strong units capable of high mileage(as long as the service intervals are adhered to).The rust areas you have mentioned are unfortunately quite common on w208's & will need attention sooner rather than later,one other thing to check is that the auto gearbox fluid/filter have been changed,good luck

 

[Jukka]

Going to sleep on it - but feeling better about it than earlier, 3 replies who have experienced this type of error.

Also the dad of my daughter's school friend has a body shop so should be able to get that sorted quite well.

Thanks everyone for all your help - will let you know what I decide, and post pics if I buy it.

 

[BlackC55]

It is a common error. Check the vin under the carpet under the front of the drivers seat.

 

[renault12ts]

Imported form Belgium.

 

[BlackC55]

Imported form Belgium.

Many many many uk MB's are.