I could use any help on this one. My fiance and I are planning on buying a 98-2000 CLK we have looked at some 320 and a couple of 430. Found one '99 430 with 51K miles looks to be a great car has the 100K warrenty and everything. My question here:
1. Is there any particular things that I should be looking for/checking on in this car or any CLK for that matter
2. Is the car as reliable as I think that MB's are?
The more that I read, on this site, the more I hesitate on this automobile.
Is the MB CLK a good car overall, of course assuming that it is being/has been taken care of. I just don't want to have it in the shop all the time. I think that if we do buy one it's a MUST get on the warranty, but I still don't want it in the shop all the time.
One other thing:
With basic maintaince(oil change, filters, etc...)will I be able to do these things or is this a dealer thing to? I have always done most any of my repairs on all my cars from Corvettes to Jeeps so I think that I have the knowledge to do those things, but who knows there?!?!?
Thanks in advance for reading this and any help is greatly appreciated. I would like to also hear some findings of some CLK's and how it was bought/what was done with some of those things.
Thanks Again

 

Hey Tex-
As a CLK owner my vehicle has served me well both in utility and pride of ownership...you'll be happier with the 430 vs 320 tho it requires premium gas...I prefer the 99-01 body style vs the 04/05...you'll have a two door- four seater with style and looks...I've heard a few complaints re electronic/wiring issues but an ext warranty will cover that...the CLK sits low to the ground, so some women object to having to "fall into it and climb out of it"....also they are infamous for being low enough to rip the front plastic lower bumper cover on parking barriers....other than that, give one a try, you'll love it!

 

Thanks so much for the info! We are going to decide on something this weekend so I just wanted to be really prepared for anything. I do think in the long run this will be a great car! Anything that anybody can advise me here is great.

Thanks Again for the reply Baton Rouge
Hook 'Em Horns!

 

1. power windows, power seats, cd-changer/phone (fiber-optic), catalytic converter, and light bulbs (exterior/interior) burns out easily.
2. Is it reliable? hm...Yes, if compared with my friend's 2001 vw passat (speedometer stop working the 2nd day, new car) NO, if compared with my old 1998 nissan maxima and current 2nd hand 1998 mazda protege. Mercedes tries to be the hi-tech leader, seems like they test the new equipments on customer's cars, under real-world drivers and driving conditions. Japanese company may be slow in technology, or simply just copy from their European competitor. But one thing the Europeans gotta learn from Japanese auto makers is that, don't test customers brand-loyalty.

The pain of owning this car isn't about the repair/maintenance, it is the trouble having to bring it to the dealer (free under warranty) and worst of all, they offer a Ford Escort as lonaer. (from Enterprise)

But Mercedes still offers the "stable" feeling that you know you and your paseengers are in a "safe" car.
The transmission is probably one of the best built. Smooth (except when cold), but slow to react to kick-downs. I've heard complaints about the transmission (repair) but i am glad it didn't happen. Still, more pain than gain with this car.

 

Explain the more pain than gain for me. We were able to drive the car some more yesterday and it seems very stable has the 100K warranty only 51Kmiles so alot of that left. Runs great nothing wrong with the car at all from an apperance standpoint. Everything is in working condition I am just more worried about us having the car and the warranty running out down the road and now being stuck with a car payment AND repairs.
Anyway thanks for all the input and I'll you know what we decide

 

I don't know about the "more pain then gain" but there are some things that seem to be particular to the CLK. I've got a '00 320 Cab, and have experienced a few problems with the tranny i.e. getting stuck in the limp home mode twice. Both fixed for freee, also had a couple of issues with the power windows not going up all the way. Well actually they would go up all the way and then pop down a couple of inches as if the safety sensed that something was blocking the window. This may just be a problem with the cab though, I haven't heard of this issue with the hard top. Also, I've had to change the head lamps. Other then that A-Ok for me BTW mine has about 55K miles. All that said, I still love my car and would recommend the CLK.

 

IF you don't mind to bring the car back for all the unpexpected repairs, and the waranty covers the parts and labor; then go for it.
This is not what I expected from a $60k car. My family has owned several Mercedes in the past and have been loyal to the brand. But the CLK just reminded us that there are better alternatives out there and its time for change.
and the power window problem CLK_Sous mentioned, it DOES happen on the coupe.