Which CLK?

[Bertfatal]

I am thinking of buying a CLK convertible circa 2000/1. I would be grateful if anyone can answer a few questions for me.
1. Which is more reliable a 230K or a 320?
2. Are there any "Achilles heels" I should be aware of?
3. If I do approx. 12000 mile per year what can I expect the servicing costs to be?
4. I have a budget of £10000 to buy the car, is this relalistic?
5. What is the difference between the comfort and sport suspension and which models have which?

Thanks.

Bert.

 

[Blobcat]

Hi & Welcome,

I would go for the 320, nice 6 cylinder engine with very few issues. The 230K is on this forum quite a lot with oil issues.

 

[Bertfatal]

That is interesting, is the 320 much more expensive to service?

 

[Mark A]

I am also looking for a W208 (320 or 430) for a weekend toy.

What years are affected by the Valeo issues ?

My W203 & W163 both suffer from rust. Is the W208 any better ?

How tight is space in the back, as this is the reason I pulled out of a deal for an XK-8 convertible.

I am looking at a 2000MY to avoid Gordons not so stealthy "stealth tax".

Anyone got one for sale ?

Mark

 

[gpharper]

My New (to me) CLK - ticking noise when engine turned of

Hi All,

Finally found the car i was after 2003 CLK 270cdi Avantgarde. 38,000 miles, in really good nick. Have local dealer warrantly, both though have an issue with a rapid ticking noise that presents when engine is turned of, sounds like it is comming from behind the radio, doesnt seem to be causing any problems, but would rather get it sorted under dealer warrantly than let it ride. Anyone got any ideas?? Also sometimes can be heard before starting car and turning key in ignition????

Any ideas welcome

G

 

[grayb]

Perhaps you should see my thread here: http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=39903

 

[Ellsy Tanners]

Perhaps you should see my thread here: http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=39903

Did you get yours sorted grayb?

 

[PeterCLK]

I'm not technical but from reading this forum I can say :-

1. If you can stretch to a mid-2004 onwards model you will miss the rust, electrical wiring and valeo radiator problems. Do a search on here for valeo radiator for more info.

2. i have 320 hardtop and drove the 230/240 engine before purchase but found it underpowered (just my personal opinion). 320 is a lovely engine.

3. Space in back is better than you might expect - seats (2 only) are quite comfy but anyone over 5'10" finds the headroom a problem.

4. As regards price, here are 2 sites that may guide you

http://www.networkq.co.uk/nq/buyers/valuecar.do

http://www.webuyanycar.com/Default.aspx

Hope this helps.

 

[Mark A]

many thanks for the info Peter.

I currently run a Jag and an ML as my 2 main cars, and was only looking for a sunny day toy, so don't want to spend the sort of money (more to the point, the wife would kill me) I would need to to get an 04. Besides which I want to avoid the Darling / Brown tax.

I was trying to find at what point the Valeo affected the CLK, and look at going earlier than that.

As I say, I am looking for either the 320 or the 430 (preferrably the 430).

Mark

 

[Alex M Grieve]

many thanks for the info Peter.

I currently run a Jag and an ML as my 2 main cars, and was only looking for a sunny day toy, so don't want to spend the sort of money (more to the point, the wife would kill me) I would need to to get an 04. Besides which I want to avoid the Darling / Brown tax.

I was trying to find at what point the Valeo affected the CLK, and look at going earlier than that.

As I say, I am looking for either the 320 or the 430 (preferrably the 430).

Mark

Given your current choice of main cars, I suspect you are not too sensitive to refuelling costs. As you want to use the CLK as a sunny day car, and the prices of all used cars are currently suffering because of fuel costs and VED threats, I think the larger engined cars represent excellent value at present. They offer super performance and good reliablility. There are several 430s for sale at present with sensible (sub 60,000) mileages and you might even get into one of the earlier 500s at less than 10 grand.

So much for price. The other trade off is between the later cars (less risk of rust, but caught in the VED situation), and the earlier ones which will cost less but may provide rust problems.

All in all, a nice problem to have and as a buyer in this market, looking for a soft top as autumn approaches, you should be best placed to secure a good deal. Would be interested to hear about your eventual choice (with pics).

 

[Mark A]

Will do.

The main car, although a Jag is the 2.7 Twin Turbo V6 Diesel. Even with my heavy right foot I'm only 6mpg worse than my 53 reg W203 220 CDI.

Eveyone keeps trying to push Saab & Volvo cabrio's on me but I prefer the look of the CLK. I did get bitten with the Valeo problem on my W203 and I ended up paying the repair bill - so I am wary. If I did get one of the affected cars I may even get the rad done as a preventative measure.

It's just a pity I need the 2 extra seats otherwise it would be TVR (for at least a week then my licence would be gone ).

Mark

 

[jibcl500]

320 all day long, smooth and gutsy.

jib

 

[st4]

Its cheaper to pay an extra £200 on VED than have to deal with rust.

 

[Mr Teddy Bear]

Why not go for a W124 Coupe around '94/95 solid, no rust issues may have the electronic 5 speed box, which is beautiful. Might even qualify for Classic Car Insurance!!

 

[Alex M Grieve]

Why not go for a W124 Coupe around '94/95 solid, no rust issues may have the electronic 5 speed box, which is beautiful. Might even qualify for Classic Car Insurance!!

Sound advice. There is a wide selection of these on the market - I counted 35 in one edition of a Mercedes Magazine. There are lots of 220s but a goodly number of 320s including Sportlines.

Prices are strong relative to the CLKs, but there are numerous 124s, many of which have been around for a while, so they may need to consider offers.

Most of these cars have been cherished - second cars, treated carefully and without too much mileage. I guess the criticial factor would be the condition and function of the hood - it has a large passenger bay to cover.

Adds an exciting dimension to your search!

 

[Mark A]

Many thanks for the info. I never considered the W124 before. I will keep an eye out. I'm in no rush to buy as I have missed most of this summer, and the used prices are on the slide. Intrestingly I had a quote for a Multi-Car policy, and even with a CL-500 it doesn't add much to the total (with 2 cars, the individual prices are roughly what I'm paying at the Mo. With 3 cars, it's about 20 - 30% cheaper per car).

Cheers,
Mark

 

[grayb]

Did you get yours sorted grayb?

Hey! Yes, it has been fixed under warranty. Mind you, I haven't had a detailed run down on what was replaced as I wasn't the one who picked it up from the dealers afterwards.

Just a few other niggles to do now - like only semi-synthentic oil put in at the service before we bought it, the spark plugs haven't been changed (25K miles but 5 years old) and the drivers headrest doesn't motor up and down... Good job it's a lovely car!

 

[Alex M Grieve]

Many thanks for the info. I never considered the W124 before. I will keep an eye out. I'm in no rush to buy as I have missed most of this summer, and the used prices are on the slide. Intrestingly I had a quote for a Multi-Car policy, and even with a CL-500 it doesn't add much to the total (with 2 cars, the individual prices are roughly what I'm paying at the Mo. With 3 cars, it's about 20 - 30% cheaper per car).

Cheers,
Mark

The October edition of Mercedes Enthusiast magazine will carry a leading article on buying 124s, including cabriolets, which might give some useful tips. There are certainly plenty of them around.

 

[mark w208 cab]

I am also looking for a W208 (320 or 430) for a weekend toy.

What years are affected by the Valeo issues ?

My W203 & W163 both suffer from rust. Is the W208 any better ?

How tight is space in the back, as this is the reason I pulled out of a deal for an XK-8 convertible.

I am looking at a 2000MY to avoid Gordons not so stealthy "stealth tax".

Anyone got one for sale ?

Mark

hi mark i am selling my w208 cab perfect condition 86000mile fsh, new 19" alloys, many factory extras, body work is scratch and dent free, let me no if you are intrested, by the way there is loads of room in the back may 208 is also a 2000 year so cheap tax lol

 

[mark w208 cab]

hi mark i am selling my w208 cab perfect condition 86000mile fsh, new 19" alloys, many factory extras, body work is scratch and dent free, let me no if you are intrested, by the way there is loads of room in the back may 208 is also a 2000 year so cheap tax lol

sorry forgot to say its a 320