Command on CLK

[Speedmaster]

What exactly does command on the 1997-2003 CLK comprise of. I know it has sat nav but is it a tv?

 

[television]

You do not get TV, but if you did it would be cinamascope or super wide screen. It is just a satnav and a single CD, you can have the CD changer option

Malcolm

 

[Speedmaster]

thanks

Does it not control anything else? Like a computer etc?

 

[jberks]

As above, all command gives you, that you don't get anyway, is a nice looking sat nav and on some models, the ability to watch DVDs if you aren't moving. It also controls the stereo. The computer is in the car anyway and works off the dash readout and wheel buttons.
Basically it looks brilliant, doesn't really add much in terms of functionality.
I mention this as I assume you are looking for a used CLK and fancy the command system - who wouldn't!. Word of caution though, many people have bought command loaded used cars only to find there is a fault in the command head unit and they want between £1000 and £2500 to fix it. So, think carefully first. Its great for chauffers (sat nav to find their way around and something to watch while waiting for the client) but for the rest of us, for the price, I couldn't see the point. But then I know where I'm going 99% of the time, own a tomtom for when I don't, and rarely spend 90 mins sitting in a stationary car.
Bring it down to under £500 and I'll have one!

 

[Speedmaster]

Yes, I am looking at two clk's, both cabs.
I managed to sell my 3-series conv yesterday, so in the market to get the clk at a nice dedember price - I hope.

The clk320 does not have sat nav but the clk430 does, plus a lot more as well.

It does look a lot cooler with the command in place but I worry as to how reliable it is for not breaking. I have read the CLK is pretty sturdy?

 

[jberks]

The CLK is fairly bullet proof. No major issues anyway, just the normal occasional sensor failure but show me any car that doesn't.
I'm sure there are thousands of perfect command units running around but I steered away as I intend to keep my current motor for 5 years or so and won't have a warranty at the end. I tried to keep my head involved in the equasion and as above, when you lay it out, the command doesn't add very much in terms of functionality considering what it costs. Electronics can be a nightmare anyway. I had a minor dash fault on the last car that the dealer wanted £600 to fix. Not serious enough to spend that much on but it did spoil my enjoyment of the car for the last year or so. I discussed this view with the salesman as he did say that he'd recently had a customer with a scratched command screen and quoted them over £2k.

Basically it's down to finances - the 430 with command is a fantastic motor and the ultimate in CLKs that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face, but if anything goes wrong outside a warranty, you may regret not getting the more basic 320! Only you know how well you could handle such an issue.

Given that without command, it still fairly loaded, I've put an extra year's MB warranty on my E so at least I'm safe from any nasty bills for the next 3 years. After that, I may continue it. A controller failure for the phone kit alone can be several hundred to put right.

 

[Speedmaster]

Thanks for the advice!!

The clk320 is at a main dealer but the 430 is at a local specialist, who i know v well and have had dealings with. He imported the car new and sold it to it's one lawyer owner. I have driven the 430 and it does not squeak, rattle or anything like that. To be honest, it could be a 2000 miles ex-demo for the condition it is in. It is a 2000 W with 47000 miles, command, zenons, heated seats, parking sensorts, digital climate, electric seats, blue roof, grey leather, cd changer etc etc

The 320 has the parking sensors, 17" amg alloys, cd changer, wind deflector but black leather (not so keen) and a black roof. It does have a m-b warranty for one year.

It is a hard choice.