Buying a CLK and its INTERIOR

[JONRW]

Its almost time for me to upgrade from a C Class to a used CLK, the one thing that is holding me back is the interior. My C Class has the 'walnut effect' interior and I want to have the graphite effect in my upgrade CLK but only see the SPORTS model has it !?

Does anyone know if I am limited to only the SPORTS model to get the graphite interior ?

My wish list when looking to find the perfect car for me is:
Silver or Black in colour
Black leather
Automatic
Graphite interior !!!
Cruise control
A/C or Climate control
(maybe indicators on the mirrors - I like them)
Not too bothered about engine size - I was told the 200 is slightly under powered (although I'm quite happy with my C180), the 230 is perfect although the 320 is a tad faster, same mpg but higher insurance group.

Any input on the 'what to look for' on buying the CLK would be appreciated.

Thanks.... JON

 

[jberks]

Yes, you want the avantgarde. The key aspect of the elegance model is the walnut. Not sure about the classic though but the spec is poor so it would still come back to avantgarde with the 'carbon fibre' trim.
The aircon and cruise are standard in that model and the mirror indicators are post facelift (2001?)
Engine wise - I'd go for the 230k. The performance isn't far off the 320 but the economy and insurance are much better. Sure the 320 is a lot smoother but if you're happy with the 180, you'll be happier with the 230. Also there are a lot more 230k's about.

 

[Blobcat]

IIRC the CLK's were only available in Elegance or Avantgarde trim originally

 

[jberks]

I was a bit confused - I remember some with (IMO) cheap looking wheels running around. Looking at autotrader, this seems to have been the 'sport'. I assume the avantgarde didn't come in until after the facelift and replaced the sport, so yes, the sport will have carbon fibre style trim.

 

[JONRW]

Is it possible to get an Avantgarde and replace the trim with carbon fibre, do you think thats possible ?

 

[nomad]

Hi...I'm presuming you're after a first gen CLK.

As far as I remember there was only the Elegance and Avantgarde and the Avantgarde had the carbon fibre trim.

If you're after a 230K then most of the things you want (automatic, leather, etc) were cost options but were standard spec on the 320, so you're going to have to look around.

Regarding what to look out for, the main thing is paint quality. I had a 1999 met dark blue 230K and by 13,500 miles the front face, bonnet and back wheel arches had lost a lot of paint. Apart from that, nothing really broke, but they handle like a park bench on springs and can wheel spin from the off, so make sure you get the widest wheels you can.

Hope this helps

 

[Alfie]

IIRC the CLK's were only available in Elegance or Avantgarde trim originally

The W208 CLK started life as Elegance and sport trim levels. August 1999 saw the facelifted cars (characterised mainly by the indicators in the mirrors and multi function steering wheel and tiptronic auto gearbox). The Sport trim was replaced at this time by the Avantgarde which had sport suspension, carbon 'look' trim and different coloured seating options. A/G had blue glass, elegance - green. the elegance was available with sport suspension matching the A/G as a no cost option. The facelift also saw the introduction of the 430 engine. All 430's are therefore facelifted cars.

If you are buying, go for a facelifted car, they were greatly improved. The 320 gives the best blend of refinement/performance and economy with resale values to match. 430's are hard to sell. 230K's are abundant but harsh and less refined. Auto is a must. Avoid the 200 its gutless. The 200k is better but still harsh. 320's and 430's are auto only.

Hope this helps.

 

[JONRW]

So, to get an equal good performance and spec (including the black carbon fibre trim) should I go for a 230 facelift Avantgarde ?

I'm looking to spend upto £7K cash plus my C180 which is only worth about £1500 trade.

Am I in with a chance do you think of getting something nice rather than an old dog ?

Cheers... JON

 

[jberks]

looking at autotrader the answer is yes - loads of them around in your price range although oddly they seem to ask the same price for a 1998-T as a 51 reg so shop around - they're all in your price range!

 

[daveenty]

I sold a 320 Avantgarde for <£9500 a few months ago.

OK, I traded it, but that seemed not far off the going rate

 

[JONRW]

Thanks all for input and advice, I have a month before I'm in a position to buy the car so hopefully I'll find the perfect one for me by then on a forecourt somewhere.
.... Happy new year....
JON

 

[JONRW]

The time has finally come and I think I might have found the car for me !

I'm going to the garage tomorrow to test drive a CLK230, this is the advert:

1999 V Reg Mercedes-Benz CLK 2295 cc 230 Kompressor Avantgarde2 Doors, Automatic, COUPE, Petrol, 90,000 miles, Silver, 2 Owner(s), ABS Brakes, Air Conditioning, Alloy Wheels, Central Locking, Alarm, Driver's Airbag, Multiple Airbags, Power Steering, Immobiliser, Cruise Control, Electric Windows, m.o.t, h.p.i. checked. £6,495.

Its not the perfect car, as its not got leather seats and the milage is a bit high, so I'm looking for some kind words to put my mind at rest that I'm doing the right thing and any pointers what I should look for ? Please......

Thanks.... Jon

 

[television]

The time has finally come and I think I might have found the car for me !

I'm going to the garage tomorrow to test drive a CLK230, this is the advert:

1999 V Reg Mercedes-Benz CLK 2295 cc 230 Kompressor Avantgarde2 Doors, Automatic, COUPE, Petrol, 90,000 miles, Silver, 2 Owner(s), ABS Brakes, Air Conditioning, Alloy Wheels, Central Locking, Alarm, Driver's Airbag, Multiple Airbags, Power Steering, Immobiliser, Cruise Control, Electric Windows, m.o.t, h.p.i. checked. £6,495.

Its not the perfect car, as its not got leather seats and the milage is a bit high, so I'm looking for some kind words to put my mind at rest that I'm doing the right thing and any pointers what I should look for ? Please......

Thanks.... Jon

Jon if it is not the spec that you would like,hold on for the right car,they often come along 2 weeks after you buy the wrong one.

Malcolm

 

[JONRW]

Oooooo, don't say that... I wanted encouragment to spend spend spend !!!

But I know your right, its just that I've been waiting for what seems like years to get this car on my driveway !

I do have one question that another CLK owner might be able to assist with, I have a child seat for my 2 year old son, is it safe to use in the back of a CLK ?

 

[television]

Oooooo, don't say that... I wanted encouragment to spend spend spend !!!

But I know your right, its just that I've been waiting for what seems like years to get this car on my driveway !

I do have one question that another CLK owner might be able to assist with, I have a child seat for my 2 year old son, is it safe to use in the back of a CLK ?

I waited 9 weeks and it paid off, leather is nice in a CLK, if you do not get an answer on the seat,just ring any MB dealer or perhaps I can look that up for you.

Malcolm

 

[daveenty]

All the spec you've mentioned is pretty basic stuff Jon,

What's the sound system? COMAND would probably be asking a little much, but you should be looking for at least a 6 CD changer.

Seats: Come on m8, you know you'd be gutted when you parked up to one with leather a week after you bought it

Should be electrically operated as well ideally (and heated)

Child seat should be fine in the rear.

Just found a couple on Autotrader...a bit more than the one you mentioned, but with more features...

 

[JONRW]

Yup..... OK.... your all right.... tomorrow I'll go for the test drive and have my head on straight rather than with my cheque book in my top pocket.

I see what you mean on autotrader, theres the same car, year newer and 2K less miles with leather electric seats, multi cd changer, sports wheels.... and just a grand more.....

My heads spinning again !

 

[television]

Yup..... OK.... your all right.... tomorrow I'll go for the test drive and have my head on straight rather than with my cheque book in my top pocket.

I see what you mean on autotrader, theres the same car, year newer and 2K less miles with leather electric seats, multi cd changer, sports wheels.... and just a grand more.....

My heads spinning again !

Go to sleep and have a dream,thats what CLK's are made for.

Dont forget see the car and thats perfect to judge the next one against.

Leave you wallet at home.

Malcolm

 

[daveenty]

When I was CLK hunting I found a beauty over Leeds way.

Two owner, low miles, but not over happy with the colour and the seats, whilst being leather, were mechanically adjusted. No CD player fitted (fair play to the guy, he said he'd take mine out of my old one and throw it in for free) but I wasn't as happy as I should have been. Looked at several more that week, and ended up with a newer one in the colour I wanted (Obsidian Black) and two tone leather with loads of other toys.....In other words, as Malcolm says, don't be too eager. The one you want will be waiting for you somewhere

Oh, and the one I ended up buying was also the nearest one to me (usually the case. wander miles and find it on the doorstep)

 

[JONRW]

I've taken on board what you've said, thank you guys, and I'm not gonna go and see the one with material seats, as I've come to terms with the fact that Leather seats has always been on my wish list and I was kidding myself the material ones would do - how 'materialistic' I must sound ! Boom boom !

I'm gonna go and see the more expensive car with everything I want on it and see what they'll offer me for the part ex.