About to buy my first Mercedes CLK 220, 2006-09

[Mercfan99]

Hi All, I am new on here and about to buy my first Mercedes CLK 220, 2006-09. Have a restricted budget so, trying to gauge how reliable these engines are particularly, on CLK 220 CDI ?

Really trying to work out service intervals, between brakes,plugs,water pump, oil service/gearbox, and timing chain? looking likely due to a very low budget forced into a high miler.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

 

[Blobcat]

Hello and welcome

I’ve moved your post out into a new thread for you

 

[A.J.]

Hi and welcome to the forum

 

[rf065]

I had one for 15 years, the engine is virtually bullet proof, mine is currently on 150,000 miles and does not burn a drop of oil between services.
At the age they are now though, unless already replaced recently, you will probably require new brake pipes and exhaust as they corrode after 10+ years.
Ball joints seem to need replacing often, could be the state of our roads don't help.
Mine had ASSYST which called for a service at a maximum of every two years (17,000 miles) or less depending on how many miles you did and how it was used. It's a variable servicing system.
Gearbox service should have been carried out at 42,000 mile intervals even though they were supposed to be sealed for life when new, bad idea not to service them. Mine needed the brakes renewed every second service, so roughly every 3 to 4 years. Mine is still on original water pump and timing chain, don't think they will need changed anytime soon.

 

[Mr Hatt]

Hi and welcome, I have a CLK320 Cabriolet and though I dont get to use it much it just goes on and on, this era was a good one for Merc, enough tech that is does not feel dated and build quality second to none, you will love it

 

[Mercfan99]

Many thanks for the replies.Much appreciated.

Can't wait to get one and will take my time as there seem to be many around, but with so many variables. I've done some checks using free apps and many as stated on here have corroded brake pipes.Is this an expensive job as lots have them as advisories on the MOT's ?

 

[rf065]

Many thanks for the replies.Much appreciated.

Can't wait to get one and will take my time as there seem to be many around, but with so many variables. I've done some checks using free apps and many as stated on here have corroded brake pipes.Is this an expensive job as lots have them as advisories on the MOT's ?

The rears can be, Mercedes say they have to drop the rear subframe and fuel tank to replace the pre shaped original replacements, but you can get other garages to replace with non original copper for less without dropping everything to fit them.

 

[Paul Garrett]

Many thanks for the replies.Much appreciated.

Can't wait to get one and will take my time as there seem to be many around, but with so many variables. I've done some checks using free apps and many as stated on here have corroded brake pipes.Is this an expensive job as lots have them as advisories on the MOT's ?

Hello Mercfan welcome, i almost bought a CLK320 about 9 years ago from a local car dealer, fantastic condition low milage and full service history and going for 4 grand, but the ex wife kicked up and i got hassled by the CSA so had to cancel the deal, was gutted , i love my car i got now but would have enjoyed that CLK too, good luck in getting one and make it a good one too

 

[Mercfan99]

Thanks everyone.

I am starting to build a long list here of "things to look out for".

In older times, spending 3-4 k on a car would have not been such an issue but times have vastly changed...and for many. So, having to go into this nut and bolt style. Garages get a little cheesed off with all my questions, but at the same time, can't afford to by a flying pig.

Looked over a 2009 clk other day, with 70.000 miles, and rear arches has started to rust slightly, rest of car was immaculate inside /out. Whenever i find one, plan on keeping it a good few years,and maybe as long as 10 the way things are going.Use to drive BMW's but prefer the style of the mercs particularly the older 2006-2009 clk's.

Many seem to be in great condition, and learnt from here, about the paint being galvanized mid 2005 onwards ?

Was thinking of getting an AA/RAC comprehensive mechanical and electronic check done when i find one, but due to that being another £300, may take a gamble and use my own initiative of'' large percentage of MB history from new, all MOT's, and and private servicing done by a specialist garage,with hopefully a wad of receipts for any historic work,put VIN number and plate through Mercedes APP, Full HPI check etc ? if there's anything ive missed out do let me know.

Was there radiator problems in the CLK coupe 220: 2006-2009 ?

Many thanks

Mercfan99

 

[rf065]

paint being galvanized mid 2005 onwards ?


Was there radiator problems in the CLK coupe 220: 2006-2009 ?

Many thanks

Mercfan99

Galvanising did not stop them rusting, some did some didn't, so buyer beware.
No radiator problems of that age though.

 

[Paul Garrett]

The W220 has corrosion issues until 2003 when the bean counters were told to invest in decent metal, but yes even the Galvanised bodies could oxodise but were better than the earlier models which sadly i copped.

I replaced the two front wings last year, got a couple from a Mercedes breakers near Bexhill,needed a bit of work and painted them and put on, now looks great.
I get all my bodywork supplies from Autopaint in Hove and as a former professional body repairer and refinsher i know what i need, my car is brilliant silver and the Halfords range of paints is quite frankly rubbish! So imagine my surprise when Autopaints put there spectromator on it and came up with a match of Yugo Sterling silver? ..what??i done a test panel and it was spot on ...hurrah! And i use the proffesional spray cans with the wide nozzle and also the primer and laquer and the results are fantastic and my mates cannot believe you can get this finish with a rattle can, and also able to loose the laquer into excisting laquer but i use a techique which is possible to do this ,im hoping that when im done the body will look great , have to cut out the corrosion in rear arches and put new metal in , a labourious job but well worth it

 

[Mercfan99]

Paul Garrett, sounds like you did an outstanding job, but you having those skills, definitely helped. Best not to be using a paint brush on these cars

 

[Paul Garrett]

Paul Garrett, sounds like you did an outstanding job, but you having those skills, definitely helped. Best not to be using a paint brush on these cars

Most certainly no paint brushes ha! I was also a colour matcher in the bodyshop i worked in which was great , i do love doing bodywork and spraying and i have so many people wanting me to do their cars but not have the time, anyway im too busy dealing with my car first

 

[MBDevotee]

Also, I don't know anything about your likely use.... but as a curveball, have you considered a 320 petrol (350 on later cars).

If you drive lots of motorway miles, ignore me......

But - those creamy smooth v6 petrols are remarkable - I used to get 30mpg pretty often - and when I converted mine to LPG, got 25-27MPG (but at 50p per litre) that's more like 60mpg

Never ever went wrong - totally bulletproof...... and that was a 2002 so more like the 2006 today in terms of age.....

Consider it unless ultimate MPG is the goal

 

[grahamcol]

I have a CLK220 on an 07 plate and it's a very stylish and well put together car. At the year range the op mentions it will be the improved facelift model without the heater flap and radiator issues, galvanised and nano paint too. The 220 CDI engine is very reliable but a little noisy when cold. Performance is just about adequate and economy fairly good. Mine has 52k miles and looks and drives more or less as new, but l paid a good price for it as l wanted the best l could get. Most comfortable car I've ever had and the ride comfort from the Elegance spec is very good, although l do find it slightly wallowy going round fast bends. My other car is an SLK which is much more firmly sprung, so l guess l will find the CLK soft. Just paid £198 for atf and filter change as it hadn't been changed prior to my ownership.

 

[mioba]

Someone just put one for sale in the for sale section.

 

[sonic]

Thanks everyone.

I am starting to build a long list here of "things to look out for".

In older times, spending 3-4 k on a car would have not been such an issue but times have vastly changed...and for many. So, having to go into this nut and bolt style. Garages get a little cheesed off with all my questions, but at the same time, can't afford to by a flying pig.

Looked over a 2009 clk other day, with 70.000 miles, and rear arches has started to rust slightly, rest of car was immaculate inside /out. Whenever i find one, plan on keeping it a good few years,and maybe as long as 10 the way things are going.Use to drive BMW's but prefer the style of the mercs particularly the older 2006-2009 clk's.

Many seem to be in great condition, and learnt from here, about the paint being galvanized mid 2005 onwards ?

Was thinking of getting an AA/RAC comprehensive mechanical and electronic check done when i find one, but due to that being another £300, may take a gamble and use my own initiative of'' large percentage of MB history from new, all MOT's, and and private servicing done by a specialist garage,with hopefully a wad of receipts for any historic work,put VIN number and plate through Mercedes APP, Full HPI check etc ? if there's anything ive missed out do let me know.

Was there radiator problems in the CLK coupe 220: 2006-2009 ?

Many thanks

Mercfan99

Welcome I had 2 CLK's a 200K & a 270CDI both great cars did over 115K miles in both of them.
The radiator issue was the French Valeo radiator which was fitted to some CLK's as apposed to the German Beher radiator.
I had one in the 270CDI which fortunately didn't fail. The auto box oil cooler is built into the engine radiator, it would fail & both fluids would mix.

 

[rf065]

The radiator issue was the French Valeo radiator which was fitted to some CLK's as apposed to the German Beher radiator.
I had one in the 270CDI which fortunately didn't fail. The auto box oil cooler is built into the engine radiator, it would fail & both fluids would mix.

The OP is looking at 2006 - 2009 cars, was the Valeo radiator not an issue on cars up to 2003 only?

 

[sonic]

The OP is looking at 2006 - 2009 cars, was the Valeo radiator not an issue on cars up to 2003 only?

Mine was a 2003 but I thought they were fitted for a couple of years after that?

 

[Blobcat]

Mine was a 2003 but I thought they were fitted for a couple of years after that?

My ‘09 SLK has a Valeo rad, they don’t suffer though