Hi,
I am about to possibly buy me a CLK 320 or CLK 430
model year 00-02.
Just wanted to check if anyone here has any comments and advice about these models.

* Is there a big difference in service costs between these models?

* What are the service intervals? (Will probably buy one that passed between 100000 km
and 160000 km if I can find one)

* How much is the service costs?

* Is it camchain? And when this is changed If so?

* Do you worry about rust problems? Heard that Mercedes changed to a friendly paint that caused the rust. It may not apply
these models?

* Is there something you should think about when buying? Any common or serious
errors?

* Which engine is best quality? V8 or V6?

Balthazar

 

-I don't think the cost difference is that high at this stage of the game
-10,000 mile service intervals
- An oil change costs @$90. An "A" Service is about $250. Don't know about the "B".
- Don't know about a timing chain
- Mine is an '02, no rust.
- Mine came with full maintenance history on carfax, all dealer service, which was a nice piece of mind.
- Quality of engine, don't know. I can tell you the V8 has plenty of power, so the V6 is probably just fine. I bought this car instead of a '90s Vette, so power was a must for me. The V6 was like a C&D 10 best engine, so it is surely fine quality.

 

The 430 does come with AMG wheels and ground effects, as well as some other nice standard features. I don't know exactly what was part of the package, but it was more than a bigger motor.

 

the 430s had staggered rims and tires supposed to be staggered from the factory.

225s up front 245s in the back. smaller rim up front and bigger rim in the back. sometimes youll see them not staggered and they should be, look at the drivers door jam for the correct tire size.

overall the same car reliablity wise...the 430s do eat threw tires pretty quickly.

 

Mine had brand new fronts when I bought it, and very good rears. After a visit to Tire Rack I find that in the sizes on this car, only ultra-high performance all season and summer only tires are available. I read somewhere that someone put the 16" rims off the 320 on a 430 for a better ride and cheaper tires. The AMG wheels look sweet though.... I definately leave the ESC on to avoid burning off tread