91nb

Hello everyone
I've been looking for a w208 for about a month now, and I seem to have narrowed my criteria to basically the CLK430, 2000 to 2002

Having read many forum topics regarding this particular cars, I now know that I should at all costs verify that the transmission oil has been changed at around 90 000 Km (and look for transmission roughness or slips during the testdrive), and that rust and instrumet panel backlight malfunction are common problems.

I'm currently looking at a CLK430 Avantgarde 2001, with 80 000 miles , and a full service history from day 1 in a mercedes benz dealership in paris.
It has quite a few options, including the xenon headlights.
Current owner is the third owner, but maintenance has always been done in the same dealership and he has the full records.

I'm planning to go test drive it in a few days, and your input on what particular issues I should look for would be highly appreciated.

Seller is asking for 7900 euros for this car, I think I can make him go down to 6000 (almost 7k$)
What are these cars worth in the usa?

Thanks a lot for your help

miatawnt2b

Sounds like it could be a good deal and pricewise is about average for here. I would be concerned however about how many winters the car has seen. A 15 year old car that has seen winter action can be a basket case. I can find these cars anywhere between 7-9k$ that have never seen a winter.


Check the front end really well for worn idler arm, tie-rods and lower ball joints. Have the wheel bearings checked as well.


These cars are pretty easy to work on, but can get really expensive if you need to have a mechanic wrench for you.

91nb

Thanks a lot for your input, I will check all of these elements.
As for the wheel bearings, do I need to have a mechanic check them?

This car has known as many winters as it has years, which is inevitable overhere in France.

However, it used to sleep in a garage during the day and only get out when driven.

I will keep you posted

burgca

Check the sunroof operation, and the windows for the slight drop when open and close and full operation. Inspect the boot (trunk) lock to ensure the mechanism works with the metal key, lock freezes with non-use. Good luck the W208 is a great car!!

MarcusF

Many of these tips are from 10 years ago when I got tired of rewriting them every month.

www.fitzhughmedia.com/MBF/usedCLK.html

www.fitzhughmedia.com/MBF/inspect.html

And this last one may be the best - www.fitzhughmedia.com/MBF/usedtips.html
And yes, that is an upside down Benz in the photo.

I forgot to add 2001/2002 are very good years. Check out the year to year specs at Signal to Noise

91nb

Thanks a lot
I will read all of this, it's a great help.

I'm going to testdrive the 2001 CLK on january 11th, I'll keep you guys posted

Oh and @burgca , sunroof has been maintained by the original dealership, owner says it works perfectly, will check though

2MERKS

Outstanding, There was a member whom had the unfortune of
Closing the door by the driver side window, poof a million pieces
So use the door handles at all cost!! But love my ride.