Your call.....

[Nousername]

Hi,
I'm new to this forum & potential MB ownership hence the post. I have to opportunity to own a CLK 430 but I'm slightly concerned by the mileage, should high mileage (over 100k) be a factor on the big v8 lumps? I'm fairly sure most of them have been clocked up on motorways, in which case I wouldn't have thought the engine would have been straining too much. It's a '99 with full service history, apart from the last 2 (specialist) they've been carried out at a main dealership. I'm taking it out for a drive later this week, can anyone recommend anything to look out for in particular? I'm not a complete tyre kicker but wouldn't consider myself far off it.
I've checked the body work over & there doesn't appear to be any rust hiding anywhere (I understand it's more than likely the rear arches that would be a problem.
Any pointers given would be more than appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Alex G]

I'd buy one. In fact I own one in addition to an E55 AMG.

Service history is key.

Look for front suspension wear and tear too, bushes and what-not, as they can be clonky/worn if not replaced at reasonable intervals.

Transmission fluid leakage/seals worth checking too.

Good luck.

 

[jibcl500]

Nice motor and rare to find, engines on these are good for big mileage service history is the key, cold start listen for rattles (hydraulic lifters), smoke also (valve seals) good engine though.

Heavy engine and will put more strain on the front end over the 230 etc, check coil springs they break, look for dampness on shocks, check tyre wear is even across the tread, uneven wear could be related to worn front suspension.

Make sure the paint work is good, dont ask if its had paint work find it first then say its had paint work done 9 times out of 10 they point to paintwork you haddnt noticed.
Check discs for lip as they can be expensive. check exhaust on a cold start for drips at the joints, also general condition.
If theres a button to press make sure something happens, check interior for wear, smooth pedal rubbers and steering wheel can give away the one lady owner 19k from new.

AND if your not 100% pay a specialist to inspect the car for you £100 or whatever it is will be worth it.

Other than that good luck and I hope you get the 430 you want, personal favorite the CLK 430 just a shame they didnt do a 5.0
jib

 

[Speedmaster]

I have a CLK430 and they are very good cars. The Mass Air Flow meter goes on them but imagine it will have been replaced on one that miles/age.

Rust comes on rear wheelarches, boot and bonnet if stone chips

The 430's do tend to pull and need tracking done every year or so - just down to heavy engine.

The pixels go on the instruments, common on lot of Mercedes models.

 

[Nousername]

Thanks very much, I'll get my skinny ass up there tomorrow & have a proper look around the car again. Just out of interest what kind of mpg does the average 430 get, I'm guessing between 20-25, am I way out?

 

[television]

You will get 30 on a run, no problem and over 23 around town

 

[gworilla]

Thanks very much, I'll get my skinny ass up there tomorrow & have a proper look around the car again. Just out of interest what kind of mpg does the average 430 get, I'm guessing between 20-25, am I way out?

Yep on normal driving expect around 25-30. I have a 430 and it's a great car. I was lucky in that I had a friend in the MB trade who found my little gem, which was an Avantgarde with full history and every single option fitted (£56,500 new!!).

They are great cars to own and drive and the sound of that V8 is heavenly. You will not be disappointed providing you check the car over thoroughly for the dreaded signs of rust and that all electrics are sound. Like someone mentioned earlier (as on mine) the temperature and clock have all but disappeared but I have received some good advice from Malcolm that I hope will remedy the problem.

I have LOADS of information on the CLK 430 so if you need anything let me know and I'll either send you the link to the information or scan it in and send on an e-mail....

Enjoy!!

 

[angus falconer]

I'm on my second C43 (same basic mechanicals) and I would agree with the comments above

- look out for worn front suspension bushes
- look out for worn disks
- check paint carefully

In terms of other things that routinely go wrong there is a small list of electronic items that can play up - the MAF is one, the crank sensor is another (if you buy the car I'd recommend that you change this at your first service). Brake light switches also go. And I have had a couple of coil packs go on my last one. Nothing catastrophic but worth looking out for as you can get stranded with any of the above.

The engine should be good for at least twice that mileage if it's had regular oil changes. The fluid in the gearbox should be changed when you get it if it hasn't been done already.

CLK430's are great cars. I would love one myself. Trying to figure out how I persuade the wife to ditch the Clio so we could get one. Then I could drive it around if she needed the estate to ferry kids about....

 

[Nousername]

I have LOADS of information on the CLK 430 so if you need anything let me know and I'll either send you the link to the information or scan it in and send on an e-mail....

Hi Gworilla,

Would be good to get as much information as possible, either as a link or you can e-mail it over to me. Really appreciate the help.

Rgds