nater414

Hello all! I am a new member and have decided to purchase a 2000-2002 CLK430. I selected those years because they are in my price range to pay with cash, and I chose the 430 because of the bigger engine. Cab or Coupe is yet to be determined though.


In any case, my question is this: What are the major improvements and/or differences between the 2000 and 2002 model years? Is a 2002 recommended but not a 2000? Thank you in advance for your assistance, and I look forward to telling you that my purchase is final and I can rightfully be a member of this forum!

burgca

Good place for specs and info on the W208 CLK is the Southwest Star post area Signal to noise site, Kudos to MarcusF for including on his posts
http://www.fitzhughmedia.com/MBF/W208.html

http://www.fitzhughmedia.com/MBF/

CJackson13

Ecu and electrics were updated from me2.0 to me2.8. Go with the 2002.

Serndipity

These updates also apply to model year 2001.

MarcusF

@OP

To each his own, but I prefer the 2001/2002 for a number of reasons. As said previously, in 2001 the engine electronics were upgraded to ME 2.8. On a 430, that meant new injectors and a larger, CLK55-sized, throttle body. The 2001’s got another round of transmission upgrades. In 2001, a feature was added where the windows drop about a half-inch when the doors are opened. Why is the window drop important? So the window doesn’t hang up on the rubber when the doors are opened / closed. Lastly, two minor things: (1) The keys were changed - and for some reason people here can’t seem to find pre-2000 key cases. (2) There is a function you can perform in the 2001 and later TFT display that cannot be performed in the 2000. The last time I mentioned there was an additional digital function added in 2001, it took a few days for people to figure out what it was.

I typically look for the newest model vehicle in the best condition AND you may want to have it inspected.

nater414

Thank you for the replies, everybody! I went and test drove a 2001 CLK430 cabrio today and was thoroughly impressed. I may end up back there this weekend to have it inspected and to purchase. From the vehicle history report it looks like it was garage kept for use on weekends by the first owner for ten years then was sold twice until it was repoed. As a result, it only has 67k miles. I do plan on having it inspected by an independent mechanic prior to purchase, but for what sorts of problems should I be on the lookout?


I know the rubber seals are at issue due to vehicle age, but would the transmission be a concern due to the low mileage?

burgca

Marcus what was the additional digital function? Now I'm curious...

nater414

Tip calculator?