goodbye '98 m3 -- hello '00 clk430?
12-04-2005, 02:39 PM
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goodbye '98 m3 -- hello '00 clk430?
after many years with 98 M3 cab, i'm very close to picking up a 2000 CLK430 cab with 30k miles and all the options. best i can tell, the only major issue with these cars are the tempermental electronics -- and it sounds like many of the hiccups with the first '99 CLKs were fixed in '00. that said, can you all help a benz newbie like myself by letting be know if there's anyhting else i should be aware of? thx much...
p.s. the 240hp '98 M3 trounces the '00 430 off the line, but the difference in build quality amazed me. my M creaks when you drive over a twig, while the 430 was tight and quiet as can be over the nastiest railroad tracks i could find.
p.s. the 240hp '98 M3 trounces the '00 430 off the line, but the difference in build quality amazed me. my M creaks when you drive over a twig, while the 430 was tight and quiet as can be over the nastiest railroad tracks i could find.
12-04-2005, 04:56 PM
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05 SL500, 02 BMW Z3 (Mrs. VF), 05 FJR1300, 91 ZX-11
Also the MAF sensor goes bad with alarming frequency. Simple fix if you can do it yourself, expensive if you can't. Check the service history and see if it has been replaced. If it hasn't, you are probably due based on miles and age of the car.
Also check the top latching mechanism. There is a metal ring under the handle that breaks frequently.
12-04-2005, 07:41 PM
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thanks velvet. the car is headed to a local dealer for an inspection tomorrow morning, and i'll be sure to ask about that sensor. have you had to replace the tension straps for your 430's soft-top?
12-05-2005, 01:09 PM
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01' CLK55
Originally Posted by m3convert
after many years with 98 M3 cab, i'm very close to picking up a 2000 CLK430 cab with 30k miles and all the options. best i can tell, the only major issue with these cars are the tempermental electronics -- and it sounds like many of the hiccups with the first '99 CLKs were fixed in '00. that said, can you all help a benz newbie like myself by letting be know if there's anyhting else i should be aware of? thx much...
p.s. the 240hp '98 M3 trounces the '00 430 off the line, but the difference in build quality amazed me. my M creaks when you drive over a twig, while the 430 was tight and quiet as can be over the nastiest railroad tracks i could find.
p.s. the 240hp '98 M3 trounces the '00 430 off the line, but the difference in build quality amazed me. my M creaks when you drive over a twig, while the 430 was tight and quiet as can be over the nastiest railroad tracks i could find.
12-06-2005, 09:56 PM
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on 3 series convertibles, tension straps play a major role in the top going down on its own. very common for them to wear out after "stretching" for 4 or 5 years which causes the rear third of the top to lock as it's folding ($800+ to replace). per the MB dealer, apparently the clk's hydraulics are very different from the 3s -- so no straps.
for what it's worth, i bought the car last night. it was about 5 degrees outside and the car was still very quiet. this is my 4th convertible -- and yes they all creak and squeak -- but for some reason this CLK seems tight. hopefully it'll last...
thanks for the info.
for what it's worth, i bought the car last night. it was about 5 degrees outside and the car was still very quiet. this is my 4th convertible -- and yes they all creak and squeak -- but for some reason this CLK seems tight. hopefully it'll last...
thanks for the info.
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12-07-2005, 05:53 AM
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CLK 200K cab
Originally Posted by clkal
MAF sensor, front and back set of 02 sensors, CD changer problems, bad reception for the radio, squeaky seats, squeaky overall car.
12-08-2005, 05:31 PM
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Did you get one with Navigation? I recently had to do a diy fix to get the GPS antenna to work. Be happy to share.
Originally Posted by m3convert
on 3 series convertibles, tension straps play a major role in the top going down on its own. very common for them to wear out after "stretching" for 4 or 5 years which causes the rear third of the top to lock as it's folding ($800+ to replace). per the MB dealer, apparently the clk's hydraulics are very different from the 3s -- so no straps.
for what it's worth, i bought the car last night. it was about 5 degrees outside and the car was still very quiet. this is my 4th convertible -- and yes they all creak and squeak -- but for some reason this CLK seems tight. hopefully it'll last...
thanks for the info.
for what it's worth, i bought the car last night. it was about 5 degrees outside and the car was still very quiet. this is my 4th convertible -- and yes they all creak and squeak -- but for some reason this CLK seems tight. hopefully it'll last...
thanks for the info.
12-10-2005, 07:53 PM
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sure, as soon as i can clean it up. i'm in chicago and it's been snowing pretty much since i drove it home. that said, it's not nearly as dressed up as many of the cars here -- just a stock silver 430 cab with all the options. looks like i have some work to do...
yuanja, it does have the nav, but i haven't calibrated it yet. if it doesn't work, i'll definitely ask about your fix.
thanks all...
yuanja, it does have the nav, but i haven't calibrated it yet. if it doesn't work, i'll definitely ask about your fix.
thanks all...
