New member alert!!

[Rick430]

Hello to you all! I’m Rick. New to the forum and I’ve just purchased a beautiful (almost) immaculate CLK430. It has just two previous owners, full MB service history and I’m thrilled with it. I will upload some pictures when It’s a bit lighter. This is the first CLK I’ve owned. So if there is anyone that knows these cars is there anything I should be looking out for? Hope to speak with some of you soon and maybe when we can we will meet up?? Hope your all safe and had a good Christmas?! Thanks Rick

 

[Blobcat]

Hello and welcome

Rust is about the biggest issue with that era CLK

 

[Rick430]

Hello and welcome

Rust is about the biggest issue with that era CLK

Hello, and thanks for your reply. Thankfully I was aware of this before I bought it so I made sure to check very closely at all the most common areas as well as the rest. I’m just curious to know what other issues are these cars known for mechanically? Oh and what options are available to get more from the V8.

 

[A.J.]

Hi Rick and welcome to the forum

 

[sonic]

Welcome I had two a 200K & a 270CDI, both great cars, I did 120K in the first one & 115K in the second.
Almost nothing with the first one, except the manifold was blowing when I sold it. The second front suspension bushes & a rear shock absorber at about 100K.
Rust is an issue particularly around 1999 2001 era, I cant comment on the 430 engine but I believe its a good one.

 

[Srdl]

Hello Rick and welcome. Looking forward to the photos.

 

[00slk]

Hello and welcome.
Remaps seem to be the options for getting more out of a V8

 

[SmartAmg]

Welcome, Rick.

 

[Rick430]

Hello Rick and welcome. Looking forward to the photos.

As promised........ Hope you all like

 

[Barnesautos]

One thing I have noticed . The rear wheels look tucked in the arch and the front ones a little sticking out. This is very common when tyre shops or even owners swap the wheels over from front to rear , and as they are staggered , not only does it look wrong it’ll upset the drive imo.
Always liked the way the CLK drives

Just a quick check to see what width the wheels are will confirm correct fitment.

 

[Rick430]

One thing I have noticed . The rear wheels look tucked in the arch and the front ones a little sticking out. This is very common when tyre shops or even owners swap the wheels over from front to rear , and as they are staggered , not only does it look wrong it’ll upset the drive imo.
Always liked the way the CLK drives

Just a quick check to see what width the wheels are will confirm correct fitment.

hey. Thanks..... I actually didn’t notice that but now you said it it’s really noticeable! I’ll check in the morning. Could be the rears have been put on the front in error? Well I hope that’s the case

 

[davidsl500]

Welcome...With a 430, one thing to look out for are police cars with blue flashing lights.

 

[Rick430]

I downloaded my 430’s data using the MB VIN number website. I’m very impressed with the amount of options that are on my car

 

[sonic]

A useful feature on those is you can set the heater to remain on for an hour after parking & switching off.
Switch engine off, press heater recirculating button, & ensure fan is on at least the first setting, remove key.
Great if you are away from the car for uptown about 90 minutes on a damp or frosty night. Keeps all the windows clear.

 

[Blobcat]

A useful feature on those is you can set the heater to remain on for an hour after parking & switching off.
Switch engine off, press heater recirculating button, & ensure fan is on at least the first setting, remove key.
Great if you are away from the car for uptown about 90 minutes on a damp or frosty night. Keeps all the windows clear.

The “Rest” function is available on many, I use it often when waiting in my SLK

 

[Rick430]

A useful feature on those is you can set the heater to remain on for an hour after parking & switching off.
Switch engine off, press heater recirculating button, & ensure fan is on at least the first setting, remove key.
Great if you are away from the car for uptown about 90 minutes on a damp or frosty night. Keeps all the windows clear.

I never knew that was an option! But I like it! I can now leave the car and it remain warm whilst the mrs drags my out shopping

 

[davidsl500]

My R129 SL had that and so does the SLK. It sets the fan to low automatically and will turn off if it detects a low battery charge. Thought it was only 30 mins on time though? It uses residual engine heat / coolant so you need to be up to temp to get the most from it...

 

[sonic]

The glovebox between the seats is a great cool box in the summer with the A/C on. There is a flap at the bottom to let the cold air in. Great for drinks or sandwiches, used it numerous times in the summer in Europe.
The one in my E class which is in the front glove box is nowhere near as good.

 

[John Laidlaw]

Welcome and enjoy!

 

[JohnOS]

Nice motor Rick! Made me nostalgic for my old CLK230K Cab, also a 1999. The only issue I had was transmission leakage, spotted by RAC inspection prior to purchase. Fixed by a new gasket, then I had 9 years of trouble free motoring until the electrical problems started. Everything I've read about the M113 V8 in the CLK430 says it's bullet proof. I eventually replaced the CLK230 last summer with an E500 Cab, having become a V8 obsessive after driving a Camaro in the US. I took the E500 to Imran at Torqueflow in Brum for a muffler delete to release more of that glorious V8 sound. Strongly recommended! My passengers in the E500 are a little bemused if we get in the car after it's been standing for a while; I'll go "cold start!", and insist we open the doors while I turn the key. Beacuse it's all about smiles per gallon