New to the Merc worls and need help with CLK's, buying.

[mattdewsbury]

Hello all, first time in the site and looking for some help to be honest. Never owned a merc of any description and looking to take the plunge!
Always hadan eye for the CLK and been looking at CLK around the 1999 or 200 mark as thats in my price range.
Had a search on the site and tried to find info on which to buy. Really not keen on a V8 so either looking at a 230k or a 320. Does the 320 come "unkompressed"? best to get a Kompresser?
Is the smaller engine better or better to go for the 320?
Is the 230 and 320 a V6? Pardon my ignorance here guys.
I know what trim, color etc im looking for its just the engine thing im in a mess with ! can anyone help?
As far as mileage goes, not doing many miles per year.

Any suggestions greatlt appreciated.

All the best

Matt

ps if some of things seem real simple to you guys than i apologise in advance!! cheers

 

[mattdewsbury]

Not sure why this req. appears 3 times, sorry about that..

Can any one offer any advise?

 

[landover]

My personal advice is go for the v8.

 

[jberks]

V8's are fantastic, but I wouldn't like to pay to run one. My dad had a new V8 S class back in the 80s, smoothest thing I've driven (though my V6 E comes damn close), and used to destroy the hot hatches of the day, great fun for a 19 year old ! If you can afford to run a V8, get one.
Anyway, 320 V6 for refinement (feels like an electric motor), 230k (4 cyl) for running costs. The V6 is a far more complex engine with twin spark (12 plugs to replace) etc. Just check what is likely to be needed at the next service or so. Mercs can run forever if looked after but can be expensive when things go wrong.