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This is a sad but good story. Last January I was driving my 2001 CLK430 (Red - 168,000 miles) on the highway and ran over a trailer hitch that had fallen from another vehicle, I did not have the chance to evade it, so it damaged the front bumper, the oil pan, and other parts on my car. The insurance company totaled the vehicle, however, I chose to keep it in case it was a simple replacement of the oil pan and a few minor pieces.
We took the car to my mechanic and checked the vehicle and found that the chassis cross member had been damaged and the engine body where the oil pan bolts to had also been damaged. Mechanics suggested to re-weld the cross member and get a used engine. I know from past experience that to mess with the chassis could result in numerous other issues so I gave up on that option.
I enjoyed driving this car and I had already got used to doing my own maintenance on it, so changing to another used car for replacement with the money that I got from my insurance would not provide me with the same type of car.
So when I picked up the car from the insurance yard I noticed that they had it at a nation-wide auction place, so I took note of this place and researched what vehicles were available. I found a 2003 CLK430 (Blue – 136,000 miles) that had been rear-ended and totaled by another insurance company. I decided to send a mechanic to inspect it and placed a bit on the car. Sure enough, I got it at a very good price.
My plan was, and then fully implement it, to get the rear end of my previous CLK and fix the rear end of the newer one. The result was great, I got a car with lesser miles and with less issues to fix than my previous one. I also kept the two cars in my garage so that I could complement the newer one with parts that I knew were in good shape or had recently changed on the older car. I ended spending +/- $800 more than what the insurance company gave me, but was well worth it.
My new (used) 2003 CLK430 is in great shape, but a small issue with a slightly rough idle which I am addressing by trial and error as there are no engine lights or codes on the car.
I still have the old car and plan to send it to a junkyard soon, but still has plenty of useful parts that could fit into any other CLK430. If anyone is interested, please contact me and I can remove and send at a small cost plus shipping.
Congratulations on your "new" CLK, car repairs look good from a distance and hopefully as good up close. Sent you a PM on the front seat covers to see if the colors match my 2003 CLK.
Just picked up this 8,600 mile 2000 CLK 430...car is in beautiful shape and I am looking forward to keeping it that way. Purchased it with full records and the car was always maintained by MBZ dealers...I have been looking for a low mile cab for the last three years and finally found a great piece.
Good looking CLK430, check the hoses and change fluids as and age precaution as with the low mileage on an 18 year old Benz everything else should be golden. A little jealous as it looks like mine, but I've put over 45k on mine (2003) since 2012 and have enjoyed every mile. Good luck with the purchase and welcome toe the W208 family. If you have any issues you will find more posts on Benzworld.
Aftermarket wheels No idea of manufacturer Just Jane on left Lady Jane in right Lady Jane on left (93 300E) Just Jane in right (99 clk320) Just for name reference, This is maryjane. My other German love....
Last edited by Daddy-O13; Apr 2, 2019 at 12:03 PM.
Reason: New pic of side
2000 CLK 430 Cab - 8,600 miles
