I posted this in the new mwmbers section, but did not get a response, so thought I would try here...

Hi, y'all.

Brand new to this forum and to the world of MB. I just purchased a 1999 CLK 320 convertible for my wife. The PO was pretty good about accomplishing the routine maintenance, but looks like I'll need to replace plugs/wires and maybe ball joints as the car has 114K. Having never owned a Benz, this is all new to me. I can change the oil and some other routine stuff, but is it worth it/advisable? - or just let the dealer take care of it? Is replacing the plugs and wires something I can do myself and save some bucks (dealer wants $630)?

Anything else I should be aware of? Any particular issues with this motor/vehicle?

Thanks, Mike

 

YOU CAN CHANGE THE PLUGS YOURSELF IF YOU HAVE SOME MECHANICAL UNDERSTANDING. THE WIRES ARE NOT A NORMAL ITEM REPLACED FOR MAINTENENCE REASONS. THE ONLY TIME WIRES ARE REPLACED ON THAT PARTICULAR ENGINE ARE WHEN THEY ARE CAUSING A MISFIRE. BALLJOINTS YOU PROABABLY CANNOT DO YOURSELF.

 

One thing unique to Mercedes plug wires is that you can replace just one component at a time. If you go the the dealer they will sell you plug caps, wires and coil plugs seperatly. This is because all are very high quality and normally don't wear out until about 250,000 miles.

You will find them to be very pricy when you do replace them. It is important to replace then with OEM wires, normally made by BERU, as they are part of the static supression system for your AM radio reception.

Sam

 

i have the coupe same year. i have had problems with the housing for the window being too tight and it makes hairline scratches inthe windows also the windows have had to have the regulator replaced twice. i have heard that this is common in this model. i have seen in the w210's(eclass) and the w208's(clk) that the reverse light sensor/switch goes out. i have not fixed mine because i don't see it to be of dire importance so i don't know how much it usually costs to fix.

i dont know if this is a regular occurance either but i had to replace my transmission at 130000k miles. it may just be my spirited driving