Member @RhodieBill may have some views/knowledge on that era CLK , I’m sure he’ll chime in later when he isn’t polishing his latest CLK
Welcome Doley CLK brigade will be along shortly
Yes, late 90’s to mid 2000’s (when they galvanised them) have quite an appetite for rust.
Member @RhodieBill may have some views/knowledge on that era CLK , I’m sure he’ll chime in later when he isn’t polishing his latest CLK
With the CLK 200 (I have one on a 2009 , for the last 8 years ish with 80k almost ) . The cam chain can play up starting at about my mileage , if you are lucky you will hear a few seconds of rattle on start up , if you aren’t lucky , then 
.Thanks Mr Wighty.....
I take it you are after a w208 CLK.
If so I would recommend going for the 320 V6. Personally I think to car is just to big for the 4-potters - not to mention they just sound naff and old and can be mechanically unreliable. Also the V8 430 is an awesome machine but will be slightly more juicy and seem to be commanding high prices as they are quite rare.
Both the V6 and the V8 are bullet-proof engines! In fact the V8 is a V6 with 2 pistons added - and they are the same Pistons even!
Post 2000's are the best - had a slight Facelift.
Get one with as much Service History as possible, and if not in the Book at least Invoices to back up any work.
Both Engines are very easy to work on and a doddle to Service yourself. (Which I do - saves a packet!).
Get one with as many "Extras" as possible, BUT MAKE SURE IT ALL WORKS - EVERYTHING!!! Take your time. Also take it for a good Test Drive - at least 20-30 minutes to get the "Feel" of the car, acceleration, gearbox, Tiptronic if if it has, and make sure no lights pop up. None should! These cars are exceptionally quiet and rattle-free!
A common non-working item will be the Aircon, personally I don't let this put me off necessarily.
If something doesn't feel right, walk away. There's plenty out there - be patient! And ones with Staggered AMG Alloys look the business but try and keep to 17" or 16". If you don't mind a harsher ride than 18" will give you that. Any more than that and you will need a Kidney Belt!
I've had 4 w208's, 3 320's and a 430. All Coupes.
Oh, and by the way, really expensive ones aren't necessarily the best ones! At these dodgy times you should be able to get a reasonably good one for no more than £1500.00 but there are good ones out there for a lot less than that!
And one more thing - RUST! Try and find one with as little of the stuff as possible. Totally rust-free will be hard - but there some without a lot - use your own judgement in this regard.
Good luck......
Here's mine - everything has its price.
Thanks Mr Wighty.....
I take it you are after a w208 CLK.
If so I would recommend going for the 320 V6. Personally I think to car is just to big for the 4-potters - not to mention they just sound naff and old and can be mechanically unreliable. Also the V8 430 is an awesome machine but will be slightly more juicy and seem to be commanding high prices as they are quite rare.
Both the V6 and the V8 are bullet-proof engines! In fact the V8 is a V6 with 2 pistons added - and they are the same Pistons even!
Post 2000's are the best - had a slight Facelift.
Get one with as much Service History as possible, and if not in the Book at least Invoices to back up any work.
Both Engines are very easy to work on and a doddle to Service yourself. (Which I do - saves a packet!).
Get one with as many "Extras" as possible, BUT MAKE SURE IT ALL WORKS - EVERYTHING!!! Take your time. Also take it for a good Test Drive - at least 20-30 minutes to get the "Feel" of the car, acceleration, gearbox, Tiptronic if if it has, and make sure no lights pop up. None should! These cars are exceptionally quiet and rattle-free!
A common non-working item will be the Aircon, personally I don't let this put me off necessarily.
If something doesn't feel right, walk away. There's plenty out there - be patient! And ones with Staggered AMG Alloys look the business but try and keep to 17" or 16". If you don't mind a harsher ride than 18" will give you that. Any more than that and you will need a Kidney Belt!
I've had 4 w208's, 3 320's and a 430. All Coupes.
Oh, and by the way, really expensive ones aren't necessarily the best ones! At these dodgy times you should be able to get a reasonably good one for no more than £1500.00 but there are good ones out there for a lot less than that!
And one more thing - RUST! Try and find one with as little of the stuff as possible. Totally rust-free will be hard - but there some without a lot - use your own judgement in this regard.
Good luck......
Here's mine - everything has its price.
View attachment 57883 With the CLK 200 (I have one on a 2009 , for the last 8 years ish with 80k almost ) . The cam chain can play up starting at about my mileage , if you are lucky you will hear a few seconds of rattle on start up , if you aren’t lucky , then
Probably about £1200-1500 to pay to have the chain and sprockets replaced ?
Also with the M271 engine check the two cam magnets on the front of the engine aren’t leaking , they allow oil to pass along the wiring into the front electrics which can get expensive
The c class platforms have also started to suffer from rear subframe failure as well from as late as 2007?
Don’t buy a car in Fire Opal Red either , the paint can fail requiring a respray .
Which ever model you go for , check the gearbox has had an atf change with filter at 37500miles , and ideally every 40k after this as well (but unlikely ) .
I think at 180bhp the 200 engine is ok , I sometimes wish for slightly more power , but the engine will cruise all day in France at 80mph without missing a beat . Most of the larger engines post 2006 are max road tax as well .
Finding a good MB Independent who knows these cars is key (as is the forum of course ) . If you update your location under your user details it helps with recommendations
