Thinking of buying a CLK 270 cdi avantgarde

[baggio333]

I have seen the above in a local garage and although never having seen myself as a merc driver before it is very tempting. It's a 53 plate and is going at a decent price, although there is a couple of wee paintworkd glitches that could explain this, and I was looking for some advice from the esteemed forum members on what to look for and what to ask the garage?

i.e. any common faults for cars of this age and model that I should know about.

cheers in advance:smile:

 

[television]

Hello and welcome,, how bad is the rust, is it around the rear wheel arches

 

[SQ_W211]

Check all the usual stuff such as history and match with the MOT's if all available. Also you must check that everything works, Avantgarde is the top spec car and usualy have lots and lots of electrical features. If any of those dont work you will be fiddling around to get them to work.

Enginewise, if it has MB or even Indie stamped history, you do not need to worry too much as they are built to last.

Good luck and let us know how to get on

 

[jberks]

Do a search on "Valeo". Malcolm will correct me if I'm wrong but I believe there is a possibility that this car could have this radiator. Not necessarily a reason to avoid, as many do and are perfectly fine, but well worth knowing about in case it has struck and damaged the gearbox.
As above - history and drive it. If you're not used to mercs, drive a few others, even if they are out of your price range, as you need to be able to assess it properly and even a dodgy merc is so much nicer to drive than most others, it can throw you.
If anything doesn't work, however apparently minor, walk away - remember, these cars are complex and seemingly simple issues can have complicated solutions.

Ideally get an AA report or have a reputable indie give it the once over.

 

[television]

Do a search on "Valeo". Malcolm will correct me if I'm wrong but I believe there is a possibility that this car could have this radiator. Not necessarily a reason to avoid, as many do and are perfectly fine, but well worth knowing about in case it has struck and damaged the gearbox.
.

Ideally get an AA report or have a reputable indie give it the once over.

Thanks again JB yes the Valeo issue applies to the 209 up to the 30-09-03

And one must check to see if the oil cooler has a white sticker on it, but if the rad is a Behr then no problem

 

[Seeker_UK]

Check if the coil light goes out relatively quickly - replacing the glow plugs on the 2.7 can be a tricky business.

Worn bushes, in suspension arms & anti-roll bars.

 

[baggio333]

Cheers for all the information guys, it's much appreciated.

 

[baggio333]

An update on the situation. I have been up and had another look at the car and all the electrics seemed to work fine.
Unfortunately, it does have a valeo radiator and the oil cooler, which I assume was sitting on the front left hand side of the radiator behind the radiator grill, didn't have a noticeable white circular sticker.
I took it out for another short test drive and kept it between 1,500 and 2,000 revs between 25mph to 50mph. The car didn't seem to run very differently and there was no lurching but then I am not used to driving Mercedes Benz or diesels for that matter. I did think about taking out the garages extended warranty which the salesman said would cover the repair if it did arise.

Still undecided, like the car but don't want to end up with a financial headache...

cheers for listening.

 

[television]

Do a deal where the Behr rad can be fitted for peace of mind, they are not expensive