W208 CLK 230 buying inspection.

[Pierrenel]

Hi All. Im having a look at buying a CLK as a 2nd car for us. Something to look forward to next year hopefully. I have found one close by and its a 52Reg W208 CLk 230 Kompressor. MOT history seems very good, only worn tyres or break pads as advisories being the worst and it has very little if no rust at all from good images. One issue which might be small or big is that the engine check light is on apparently and its the O2 sensor. Im aware of this maybe being caused by Oil contamination in the ECU area.

Does anyone have a link to pictures or a video on how to check and what to look for when I go and view it? I dont mind a few scratches, dent ect but want to avoid buying a dud.
Could easily be just the o2 sensor. Car has 82000 miles also. Also any other items to check for? I had a W210 E320 years ago and I learnt a few things from there. Rust on front suspension brackets and gearbox downshifts being harsh. Loved it to bits but wife couldnt park it for at all.

Thanks in Advance.

 

[Oldspanners]

Welcome to the forum.
You certainly need to have some way of reading the codes as there may be more lurking.
From experience you need to find out if there is an engine oil leak into the wiring harness from the cam magnets which will wick down to the O2 sensor and various other components notably the ECU. Blockers (solid wire connectors) at the cam magnets prevent this and are noticeable.
There could also be an ATF leak at the pilot bushing (electrical connector) at the gearbox and the ATF and filter should have been changed every 40K miles.
Broken springs front and rear are also common but probably the biggest and most expensive problem is the single row camshaft chain and tensioner, listen carefully for a rattle at cold start, ask the owner not to start the car before you arrive.
Check the rear sub-frame for excessive rust.
That's the main ones I can think of at the moment probably the most expensive.
Youtube is your friend for where to look.
Good luck,
Also listen inside for any clicking from around the dash area which can signal broken operating arms or stepper motors for the heating/ventilating.
Edit just noticed you say the car is 2002/3 ? so not the M271 engine so the timing chain is not a problem.

 

[sonic]

I had a 51 plate 200K bought it 2 years old, sold it with 120K on the clock almost nothing went wrong.
1999 to 2001 was Mercedes rust problem era, when they used water based paints. So look & look again for rust.
Gearbox downshifts being harsh is worring, it could be very expensive. When was the gearbox oil changed last? should be every 36,500 miles & 5 years.
The 230 engine has a good name, but the 320 is better.
Don't be in a rush to buy they are loads out there, what's the service history?

 

[Pierrenel]

Its a 52 plate so could be 2003. I need to see the service book, hope it has one otherwise im out.
I had a W210 E320 and it was rock solid. Only ever needed right hand spring mount repair as they rusted badly.
Sold it with 137k miles and ran like it was only on 37k. If I could find a 320 CLK for the right money I would jump at that rather.
Im in London and with Tier 4 I will probably only see it in the new year at the earliest.

 

[Pierrenel]

Update: I have seen a few models where the roof isn't working. I know there is a hydraulic pump which can fail that could be the cause of the roof not working. What is the most complicated/expensive repair needed, or worst case scenario? I'm fairly handy at repairs on to vehicle,done Air suspension bags, intake manifolds, glow plugs and brakes etc. Is this beyond me as I would want to do it myself? Saw a 2002 reg clk 430 with roof not working being the only gremlin. I wants a V8.....

 

[RhodieBill]

Hi, and welcome.....

I'm not going to go into any details because, 1) I wouldn't even consider a car with the ECL on - period. 2) The same goes for a non-functioning Roof.
There are plenty of w208's out there with neither of these faults - and personally I would go for a 320/430. Especially as it's a 2nd car.

Good luck with your search.

 

[ajlsl600]

I have the w208 320clk 20 yr old in a few weeks.its been my road into mb,unfortunately I believe things have changed for the worse since.
the clk provides nice ,economic hassle free motoring.

 

[Pierrenel]

Thanks All. I have felt the 320 or 430 would be ideal. 320 more sensible as I had a 1997 W210 E320 which had 137 000 miles when I sold it. Ran like clockwork, never had to work it hard to get going....still miss it. 430 V8 would be a hoot, mercedes know how to build V8's so should be a sound motor if well maintained. 2nd car as you said so fuel consumption isnt a huge issue. I will bide my time and get a good one.

 

[ajlsl600]

Not much in fuel v8,v6 if not tearing around but it will be downhill mpg not up,not many looking to go that way at todays prices.however we sure notice difference in running the clk v aclass 168 its near half .but so is ride quality. Aclass clunky ,brakes have little feel,its just a good wheelbarrow . Tho when changing timing chain,belt pulleys ect I am very much not a fan of it. I think 320 gives best of lot .v8 may sound better,but yr financing another two pots for little normal running advantage eithier will be a nice ,uncomplicated place to travel in.

 

[RhodieBill]

I actually prefer the ride of the 320 compared to the 430, maybe they had to beef up the suspension for the extra weight up front. Also the 320 feels more "balanced" overall, (and smoother) especially under acceleration, the 430 will light up its rear wheels without much provocation. The 320 gets away much cleaner - and faster because of it!
But the 430 sounds better - MUCH BETTER!

Economy - if you want economy go buy a something else.....

The 430 I was getting around 19-22mpg pootling around town and quick forays on the motorway. My current 320 around 26-29mpg.

Sold a 320, bought a 430, sold and bought another 320...... I think that might tell you something....???

My 430:

320:

 

[ajlsl600]

32mpg on a run 28 would be average bad as 22 on short trip on my 20 yr old 320. I stopped buyin cars because of exhaust sound when I was around 20 . my vdoz did not howl down exhaust much but not a lot was going to pass it.however those days are over.

 

[sonic]

32mpg on a run 28 would be average bad as 22 on short trip on my 20 yr old 320. I stopped buyin cars because of exhaust sound when I was around 20 . my vdoz did not howl down exhaust much but not a lot was going to pass it.however those days are over.

My 2001 CLK200K didn't do any better than that. The CLK270CDI managed over 50mpg overall, it was a great car & no DPF.

 

[Pierrenel]

I have come across a 2004 CLK 240 which is in amazing shape and well maintained. The only problem with it that the roof has been slashed in 4 places.
Vandals did a bad one, i actually feel for the guy. The cuts havent gone through the inside liner at least. I have had a look and seen used tops online for a certain price from breaker CLKs which make it financially sensible. My only question can this be done by someone like myself with modest to low mechanical capabilities? I able to change air suspension bags, glow plugs and brake pad/discs on my current SUV as a benchmark. Am I biting off more than I can chew??? I like a challenge but dont want to be swamped. Specialist tools might also be an issue.