So unlike most of you guys I'm not a billionaire buying a new 55.

I just bought my first MB (traded up from an older BMW convertible).

1999 CLK 320 Opal Black (as below). The car has just over 50k miles. Everything I read indicates it should qualify for an extended warranty through MB.

I'd really like to know what your experience with the reliability/MB warranty/service programs has been. 1200.00 for 24 months of coverage is not cheap. On the other hand, any significant Benz repair could easily cost that much. If it is an oxy sensor causing the CE light, how much does that service usually run?

Why ask? because the check engine light came on after two days of having the car!

I certainly freaked out a bit, but then it went away within three driving cycles so I probably blipped the throttle in the wrong way and set something off. It just popped on again last night though and looks like it might stay on for a bit.

So now I'm thinking about cost to repair at a dealer versus at a local MB shop versus just buying the warranty and being done with it. Is the CE light covered under warranty?

Your thoughts?

As for mods, I'm not interested in lowering it to millimeters above the ground, but was thinking of more basic mods. Probably get 17in AMG rims and an Eibach kit to lower the car about an inch. What OTHER parts should I consider at this time?

Cosmetically I like the look of the car as is, but I might switch to a a flat star and a chrome tip exhaust. (and those lil paint covers for the orange reflectors).

In short, I'm looking to make the car look just a lil nicer without spending 10k to do so.

So I'm coming to you for your knowledge on how much you spent on your spring kits and wheels, and various other mods. Again I'd ask you for your thoughts on the mods you've had done.

Here's a pic of my new baby for reference.

 

I'm not 100% certain, but I think the MB extended warranty has to be bought within a year of the car's purchase as a new car. I would check with MB by calling 800-FORMERC and ask for client relations. It is possible that I am wrong or that they have changed the rules. In any event there are some companies that will provide extended warranties for previously owned cars. You might try doing a search here as I can remember several threads. Good luck, and your car looks great!

 

CLK 320 is right, you gotta buy the extended in the first year of ownership or tough luck. That really pissed me off when I asked about it. I lease my 99clk320 and wanted to buy it out and extend warranty. However, they said "sorry, but tough luck" when I asked to do it. You CAN get private insurance, but personally, I would doubt that it would be comprehensive coverage for all the annoying idiotic things that go wrong... BTW this is coming from a guy who let at least 2 problems go wrong before taking the car in for the damn check engine signal. Read my other post on things going wrong and you will know my ordeal. Call me a moron, but I'm in line for a 2003 CLK. I am assuming, hoping, that it was only the 1999 cars (sorry, I know that is the year of the car you bought).
In any case, I STRONGLY suggest you get coverage as EVERY STUPID THING that goes wrong is gonna be a HUGE bill for you. Like you, I work hard for my $$$ and don't need to waste it on fixing my car. The check engine light went on for me at LEAST 8 times in 3 years. Trust me, you don't want to pay for it, transfer the risk to a GOOD insurance company. Ask around for a good company that won't hassle you on each repair or check and most importantly GET A LOW OR NO DEDUCTABLE!
Good luck, I really hope you don't need it tho'!
-Jon

 

I have a used set of the CLK430 AMG wheels if you are interested. email me for the details peter@wheelexperts.com

As far as springs, Eibach and H&R are both good options.