Your opinion on buying CLK 200 (2009) A209

[moatazc]

Hello guys!
I'm new here and I wanted your opinion on buying a 2009 convertible CLK 200
I found this one with a good deal ( 5000 Euros)
At least that's what I think lol
The car has only 120,000 km on it
I went to see the car and it looks good, sounded a bit loud when the engine turned on but he said it is because it was parked for a long time and hasn't been used so the oil needs to be changed
-Which model is this one because I dont know, Avantagrde, Elegeance, etc...
-I'm going to take it for inspection next week, is there anything in specific that I need to check?
-Is it a reliable car in general from anyone who owns one?
In the photos you can see that roof fabric is not looking very well, my biggest concern is that it will leak? Is it going to be a headache to fix it or should I replace it somehow?

Pleas let me know guys, would love to hear from your experience!

 

[clk320x]

Isn’t this the engine known for timing gear issues?

 

[Spider10]

Ive NEVER seen a roof stapled together like that imo it would leak, me personally I would walk away i wouldn't entertain that practice at all if the roof has been bogded what else has ?

 

[moatazc]

Isn’t this the engine known for timing gear issues?

I have no idea to be honest, that's why I'm here to know from you guys

 

[moatazc]

Ive NEVER seen a roof stapled together like that imo it would leak, me personally I would walk away i wouldn't entertain that practice at all if the roof has been bogded what else has ?

Yeah, I haven't seen anything like this, would it be a headache to fix and I just walk away?
Or is it not that hard? I've seen a couple of A209s in here selling the cars by parts, maybe I can get some you know
And with this price where I live, it is cheaper than buying a 2005 of the same car with atleast 230,000 km

 

[Spider10]

Someone with more knowledge than me on this subject will be along shortly

 

[55AMGCLK]

As for the roof, it needs to be replaced, usually a good selection on eBay in the UK but you will need to find someone to do this, not sure if you have any roof specialists in Cyprus that are familiar with these. Make sure all of the electronic’s are in working order including the power roof, if possible, get the car scanned to see if it has any stored faults. As for the specification of the car, if you have the VIN number, you can use that to check the factory options that the car came with.

 

[moatazc]

Someone with more knowledge than me on this subject will be along shortly

Thank you

 

[moatazc]

As for the roof, it needs to be replaced, usually a good selection on eBay in the UK but you will need to find someone to do this, not sure if you have any roof specialists in Cyprus that are familiar with these. Make sure all of the electronic’s are in working order including the power roof, if possible, get the car scanned to see if it has any stored faults. As for the specification of the car, if you have the VIN number, you can use that to check the factory options that the car came with.

I have found even some roofs in here and I will get it inspected by next week
Can you please explain to me which part of the roof needs to be changed exactly? The fabric or the whole thing? A picture or a link would be helpful!

 

[E55BOF]

And with this price where I live, it is cheaper than buying a 2005 of the same car with atleast 230,000 km

If the car is cheaper than one which is four years older and has done twice as many kilometres, ask yourself why. If it's a dealer selling it, there's something wrong with it that will cost a lot to fix...

 

[W1ghty]

Your main concern should be the M271 engine with cam chain and sprocket failure at mileages beginning at 80k miles . A rattling for a few seconds on cold start is “sometimes “ an early warning .
Google M271 camchain failure for more info
The roof I don’t know , but would guess expensive
Looks a really tatty car , that has been neglected, this engine requires regular oil changes to protect the chain .
Budget up to £1500 for chain and sprocket replacement .
I say find a car that has been looked after .

 

[MD5]

sounded a bit loud when the engine turned on but he said it is because it was parked for a long time and hasn't been used so the oil needs to be changed

Walk away!

 

[nickgar]

There's no such thing as a "cheap" Mercedes-Benz.

 

[Smart320]

Run away, sounds as if engine on way out or gone!

 

[55AMGCLK]

I have found even some roofs in here and I will get it inspected by next week
Can you please explain to me which part of the roof needs to be changed exactly? The fabric or the whole thing? A picture or a link would be helpful!

This may help with the roof. New Soft Top Canvas - MBWorld.org Forums.

You can either replace the canvas only or the entire roof (which may be easier). As per the advice of others, the car may have bigger problems than just the roof so please proceed with caution.

 

[markjay]

As others said, buying a car with the M271 engine at this mileage is very risky.

You could:

- Check with the seller if the timing gear has already been replaced?

- Buy the car at a low price while keeping in mind that it may need to have the timing gear replaced, then get the timing gear inspected asap, and if need be then replace it - the cost in the UK would be around £1,500-£2,000 including parts and labour and VAT.

But don't buy the car then wait for the timing gear to go... if the timing gear goes, it could take the engine with it.

BTW... rattle from the timing chain on startup most likely means a loose chain and/or leaking hydraulic tensioner, so regardless of the traditional M271 issues, the timing gear will certainly need some attention anyway.

 

[moatazc]

If the car is cheaper than one which is four years older and has done twice as many kilometres, ask yourself why. If it's a dealer selling it, there's something wrong with it that will cost a lot to fix...

Yeah, I have to think about but on the other hand, you can check the Cypriot market here and how everyone puts whatever price he wants, you'd be amazed! Haha

 

[moatazc]

Your main concern should be the M271 engine with cam chain and sprocket failure at mileages beginning at 80k miles . A rattling for a few seconds on cold start is “sometimes “ an early warning .
Google M271 camchain failure for more info
The roof I don’t know , but would guess expensive
Looks a really tatty car , that has been neglected, this engine requires regular oil changes to protect the chain .
Budget up to £1500 for chain and sprocket replacement .
I say find a car that has been looked after .

I will check for more but I wanted to ask, is the mechanic and inspection going to find all the problems that we are talking about?

 

[Darrell]

Yeah, I have to think about but on the other hand, you can check the Cypriot market here and how everyone puts whatever price he wants, you'd be amazed! Haha

If the Cypriot used car market is anything like the Greek used car market then nothing will surprise me.

 

[W1ghty]

I will check for more but I wanted to ask, is the mechanic and inspection going to find all the problems that we are talking about?

I doubt it , without removal of the engine top cover and an inspection of the chain and sprockets