What to look out for CLK 280/350 Sports 2009

[France David]

Hi, I am in the market for a not too high mileage CLK 280/350 Sports Cab 2009. What do I have to look out for? Thanks in advance.

 

[Blobcat]

Hello and welcome,

Generally a good engine. M272 engine, 2009 so should be new enough not to suffer from the balance shaft issues. They can suffer from engine warning lights due to swirl flap issues in the intake manifold.

 

[France David]

Thanks Blobcat! Are the earlier productions (2006 to 2008) really plagued by the balance shaft issues to the extent that we have to avoid at all cost? Or similar to the IMS fiasco to Porsche?

 

[00slk]

Hello and welcome

 

[Blobcat]

Thanks Blobcat! Are the earlier productions (2006 to 2008) really plagued by the balance shaft issues to the extent that we have to avoid at all cost? Or similar to the IMS fiasco to Porsche?

You can check on the below website - likelihood is that it will have manifested by now.

I have an M272 and currently on just over 110,000 miles and it's running beautifully - I also have a 3.8 911... I had the IMS bearing changed just over a year ago as preventative maintenance. Not had an issue with that engine either

Mercedes Benz balance shaft engine issues. How to check by VIN. M272/273 – MB Medic

www.mercedesmedic.com

 

[rifiki]

A question I have asked many times, how many actually fail? Never got a definitive answer
I believe it's around 10% or less.
My CLK comes in the failure range, 86K miles with many short trips and is whisper quiet and very smooth motor.
Frequent oil changes, around every 5K miles.
Remember forums are full of bad news. and comments like 'made of cheese' etc.

 

[France David]

Thanks guys for your input. Its like opening a bottle of wine (in the 80's and get a corked bottle once in a while) that depends largely on luck!

 

[00slk]

I'd opted for the 350, can't beat the MB V8

 

[Wighty]

May have rear subframe rusting issues .
Check the gearbox atf and filter were done by MB at 37500 miles , budget to have it done again every 40k miles after that .
Check the roof opens and closes smoothly

 

[Wighty]

I'd opted for the 350, can't beat the MB V8

The 350 is a V6 buddy

 

[00slk]

The 350 is a V6 buddy

Oh, thanks for that Wighty, always like to be put up to date with the more modern Mercedes.........My era a 350 was a V8, but then I am old school and was taught Arithmetic and punishment at school was the cane ouch!!!

 

[Wighty]

Oh, thanks for that Wighty, always like to be put up to date with the more modern Mercedes.........My era a 350 was a V8, but then I am old school and was taught Arithmetic and punishment at school was the cane ouch!!!

Every days a school day buddy

 

[France David]

Thats great and much appreciate all inputs.

My last flint with MB was a 190E 2.5 some years ago (G reg) that was fantastic.

 

[Blobcat]

Oh, thanks for that Wighty, always like to be put up to date with the more modern Mercedes.........My era a 350 was a V8, but then I am old school and was taught Arithmetic and punishment at school was the cane ouch!!!

You had an SLK 350… (with an M272 V6…)

 

[00slk]

You had an SLK 350… (with an M272 V6…)

Oh yer, oh der, I even have cars I don't even know I own, according to my Missus

 

[France David]

Just to update. I have two CLKs under my radar and is likely to make a decision this week. Let's see.

 

[Wighty]

Just to update. I have two CLKs under my radar and is likely to make a decision this week. Let's see.

Keep us informed buddy , good luck

 

[France David]

Hi, might be this is a bit late in the game. Should I go for the 280 or 350 though the latter is marginal more powerful?

Cheers.

 

[Wighty]

Hi, might be this is a bit late in the game. Should I go for the 280 or 350 though the latter is marginal more powerful?

Cheers.

I would say 350 (I’ve not driven either by the way) but , if the 280 was a better buy I’d say that instead. Especially if the plan is long term ownership .
They are the same tax bracket and similar mpg .

 

[Blobcat]

Hi, might be this is a bit late in the game. Should I go for the 280 or 350 though the latter is marginal more powerful?

Cheers.

My SLK is the 280, only reason is one came up in the spec I wanted and with 16” wheels. Much more comfortable and much cheaper tyres.
Having driven both I don’t think there’s a huge difference - the 280 is actually a 300 (and last one‘s were badged as such), both make a great noise when booted.