to buy a clk coupe

[carpeys]

hello im a new member and looking to buy a clk coupe about 2000 in year,why are they so cheap,what should i be looking for in faults ,are they prone to any failure points,whats the best model to buy,what they like on power ,looking for a 3.2 compared to a 2.3 kompressor,your help would very much appreciated,paul

 

[renault12ts]

Welcome. Use the search facility at the top of the page. Type in CLK and you'll get loads of info.

 

[T7RY B]

Go for one that has not been attacked by rust. (Arches and bootlock)
Insist on good service history. The engines are pretty robust. If you cannot get a V8 (THE BEST ENGINE) Then go for the V6.
The more toys and higher spec the better value. There are plenty of good examples out there and it is a buyers market so don't rush and buy the first one you see. Shopping around can save you a lot of money and once you find the right car I am sure you will enjoy it. Great value for a lovely shape coupe.

Just my opinion

Good luck

Terry

 

[steve333]

As previous poster said get a high end model spec wise,i have the w208 3.2 auto cabriolet with a v6 engine & find it gives good(27mpg)allround performance/economy.Apart from the rust points as mentioned a full(mb prefferably)service history is essential & if the cars done more than about 70k miles check the autobox has had the fluid/filter etc changed to ensure it runs smoothly without fault.Fault wise the only commonish fault i've had with mine was the crank position sensor(about £200 to replace)as has been said don't rush & you shoult get a good reliable car

 

[carpeys]

thanks for the replies and all will be taken in mind ,just now to try and find a nice one

 

[allias]

I got CLK 230K and I know I wouldnt go for 320 for one reason. Its heavier car and you dont have that much more power. I really enjoy my 230K and its not killer expensive. I got 165k miles and pulls REALLY STRONG. As long you find one where is not a problem I would be so much concern. They are good and strong cars.

You can find 1999-2000 in range £2500-3500 but that would be with higher miles. If you want lower you probadly will spend more.

Me being heavy on gas pedal I get 22+mpg but I do love this wooooosh sound from kompresor

 

[Howard]

230k is a bit clattery and unrefined . 320 is silky smooth , and delivers it's power in a different way.

Depends what you are after , as there is only about 20 bhp difference , personally i'd go for the V6 anyday. I had a 320 cabrio before my current 430 and it was lovely.

 

[Sonny Burnett]

I got CLK 230K and I know I wouldnt go for 320 for one reason. Its heavier car and you dont have that much more power. I really enjoy my 230K and its not killer expensive. I got 165k miles and pulls REALLY STRONG. As long you find one where is not a problem I would be so much concern. They are good and strong cars.

You can find 1999-2000 in range £2500-3500 but that would be with higher miles. If you want lower you probadly will spend more.

Me being heavy on gas pedal I get 22+mpg but I do love this wooooosh sound from kompresor

have you drove a M112 ??? its a hell of a lot better than the M111, the 320 also pulls a lot more and feels twice as solid. if i was going to go buy a clk right now id go for a 320 over my 230k don't get me wrong its a awesome car but through experience what you have said is way off base

230k is a bit clattery and unrefined . 320 is silky smooth , and delivers it's power in a different way.

Depends what you are after , as there is only about 20 bhp difference , personally i'd go for the V6 anyday. I had a 320 cabrio before my current 430 and it was lovely.

Take it from me, i own a CLK230K and it is how howard says its choppy and id say too "snatch'y"

also the V6 Is Bullet Proof

 

[Mr Squirrel]

I can only echo what has been said before.

On a car of such age, its unlikely that you will get a 'mint' example but thats not to say that you cant get a damn near close one. Personally, i would be looking harder at the condition of the bodywork and interior over the mechanical aspects although thats not to say that you should ignore the mechanics, just that mechanical issues are easier (and often much cheaper) to resolve.
I would also put my money into a 320V6 over the 230 for all the reasons above. I had a similar dilemma when i bought mine and im glad i chose a 320 as the difference in power delivery is very noticeable, everybody comments on its 'smooth' ride.

Patience is the key.... Decide what model etc you want first and then take your time to seek out the best example you can find.

Buy with your head, not your heart.

 

[buccal]

230k is a bit clattery and unrefined . 320 is silky smooth , and delivers it's power in a different way.

Depends what you are after , as there is only about 20 bhp difference , personally i'd go for the V6 anyday. I had a 320 cabrio before my current 430 and it was lovely.

Yup Howard is spot on, 230 is very course and un-refined in comparison with the 320.

V8 is on a different planet

 

[Sonny Burnett]

Yup Howard is spot on, 230 is very course and un-refined in comparison with the 320.

V8 is on a different planet

i will never buy anything else V6's V8's they really do spoil you.

 

[The Boss]

230k is a bit clattery and unrefined . 320 is silky smooth , and delivers it's power in a different way.

Depends what you are after , as there is only about 20 bhp difference , personally i'd go for the V6 anyday. I had a 320 cabrio before my current 430 and it was lovely.

totally agree about the v6 and v8s... the bigger engines are far more refined than the 4 cylinders..

friends have the clk's and whilst not a fan, they hold the road very well. Infact the original CLKs i feel hold the road better than the later model and finding a pristine versions could = smiles!

 

[Ted]

I have the M111 in my SLK and the M112 in my CLK, and I can say that the M112 is the superior engine with up to 36mpg on the motorway.
The supercharger in the SLK is very addictive though.

Have you seen this? If I were looking for a clk I would definitely be looking at it.