MB Virgin - need help buying a CLK

[Prodriver]

Hi,

I'm looking for a CLK, have driven a 320 but like the idea of a 430 as I have an Impreza at the moment (getting longer in the tooth and now want a bit more refinement!!) but don't want to lose too much performance.

I was looking for a 2001/2 MY on around a 52 plate and no more than 50k on the clock - what should I be looking to pay?

Also, is there anything to look out for or avoid?

Hopefully it will have done a lot of its depreciating and I know it may be a bit thirsty (I'm used to that with the Impreza running on super unleaded at 22mpg!)

Many thanks,
Nigel

 

[Speedmaster]

Hello there

There are a few CLK430 owners on here, both coupe and cabriolet. I dont think you mentioned which you were interested in. They are excellent cars and not costly to run in the main.

There is a good buying guide for the CLK430 in the Feb 2007 issue of Mercedes Enthusiast magazine.

Main things to look for are rusty wheelarches/boot lid. Also the mass air flow meter goes on them, causing big loss in performance. The tracking needs checked ever 18 months or so as it is a big heavy engine and they can pull a it.

 

[Prodriver]

Thanks Speedmaster,

I'm after a coupe.

Cheers
Nigel

 

[Speedmaster]

I would go for the Avantgarde as well, think you will find the Elegance bit wallowy after your Impreza

 

[Prodriver]

I drove a 320 Avantgarde and was pretty impressed so I guess the 430 would put more of a smile on my face!!

Been offered a CLK430 Avantgarde 2002 '52 (2001MY) with 46k on the clock for £10800.

It originated from Ireland (I had an ST220 from there)....is that a good price and are there any issues with an Irish car from the MB point of view?

Nigel

 

[A210AMG]

Hello,

As long as the service history and millage ties up it sounds like a lot of car for the money. I guess the spec is the same as a Uk sourced car? I bought an MX5 from Ireland years ago. Only thing I would change if it has one would be the 4 digit irish plate?

ooh and maybe worth looking at the CLK55 if your use to the runing costs of the scubby..and the vrooom. The CLK55 will be right up your street, what I would say is though get use to it what ever you get in the wet..

Rear wheel drive and a greasy roundabout comapred to your scubby will be quite different. I friend of mine with a scubby when I asked him what its like in the wet. Quote "The only difference is the wipers are on".

cheers

 

[Speedmaster]

That does sound a very good price to me. Does it have any extras on it?

 

[Prodriver]

It has Brabus wheels, factory rear spoiler, digital climate and sat nav (although only a single din MB unit).

Looks lovely. I have photos of some of the history and the V5 and it seems right. I'll have a closer look when I meet the seller who is a policeman!!

Would that be what is known as a W209 or W210 - the seller says it is a 2001 MY but registered late 2002.

Nigel

 

[Prodriver]

As for the CLK 55. I have looked and am sorely tempted but the good ones go for a lot more than £10800!!

Nigel

 

[Prodriver]

When I drive this CLK 430 at the weekend is there anything I should be looking for?

For instance, never having had an auto/tiptronic box is there a way to put it through it's paces to make sure it is fully functional?

I shall also test all of the electric gizmos.

I'm getting some pictures of some service invoices so I can check the history. I'm also hoping to contact the previous owner.

Any other pointers would be great.

Many thanks,
Nigel

 

[gworilla]

I have a CLK 430 and I drove both the 230 and the 320 before I purchased mine. The 430 seemed much smoother and effortless performance.

The model I have is a 2000/2001 (W208) and has every possible option.

There a plenty of reviews for the CLK430 if you google it. If you need this info, just PM me and I'll send you the links or attachments via e-mail.

It's a great car, you won't be disappointed.

 

[Prodriver]

Not a good first attempt at buying a CLK!!

The car was advertised as a 2002 '52 but, having had photos of it's history sent to me it turns out to be a 2000 Irish car being passed off as an 02!!! There were a couple of other things that didn't add up either.

It just goes to show that if it looks too good to be true it usually is....:roll:

Back to the drawing board.

Don't suppose anyone has a 430 Avantgarde Coupe with low mileage, later than 2000 to sell??

Annoyed from Ferndown.

 

[shadowninja]

why do people do that??? idiots. i've seen jap imports from 95 being passed off as 03 cars because they were imported then.

 

[television]

before you go and waste time on the drive to see a car, type the VIN number here and you will get the full spec as it left the factory and when.

http://www.mbclub.ru/mb/vin/index.html?lng=eng

 

[Prodriver]

Cheers malcolm,

That's impressive ......and extremely useful.

Nigel

 

[gworilla]

before you go and waste time on the drive to see a car, type the VIN number here and you will get the full spec as it left the factory and when.

http://www.mbclub.ru/mb/vin/index.html?lng=eng

Yep, thanks Malcolm. It now proves that the guy I purchased the car from really did tick all the option boxes!!

 

[Prodriver]

The link doesn't seem to work. I keep getting error 504?

Nigel

 

[gworilla]

The link doesn't seem to work. I keep getting error 504?

Nigel

try here

http://boinc.berkeley.edu/dev/forum_thread.php?id=654

or here

http://www.checkupdown.com/status/E504.html

regards

Gworilla

 

[Prodriver]

Cheers,

Sorted now.

Nige