zdfun

I am going to test drive a 2002 CLK320 Coupe tomorrow. This car looks so nice. I am so exciting to get it. However, I have some questeions, and hope you guys can answer me.

I did some research last night, and saw lots of people complained about this car, there were lots of problems. It that true?

It's 2002 model with 78000 miles. Do you think if I will see lots of problem?

When should I change the timing belt?

If you take your car to a non-dealership for service, is it a lot cheaper?

Thank you very much.

Stephen

Hal H

On the 3.2 V6, no timing belt to change. These engines use a timing chain.

Check to make sure the express open and express close window functions properly.

With the number of miles on the car, it would be a good idea to change the ATF fluid and filter - many recommend doing this @ 60,000miles.

If the car is equipped with the sunroof, it will express open only. To close, you have to hold the switch until its fully closed.

Try out the A/C and make sure that you get cold air. If the "EC" button stays lighted continously (when you try to switch off "economy" mode) that indicates a fault with the A/C system.

Both front seats are 10-way power with 3 memory settings, driver's side and rear view mirrors dim electronically and rear view mirror has garage remote built in. Power windows, locks are standard.

Options on these cars are: xenon headlights w/ washers, heated seats, trunk installed CD changer (cassette in head unit is standard), Comand (navigation - this is a double DIN unit, replaces standard radio head), rain-sensing wipers, cell phone, voice recognition, multi-contour seats.

Some of the optional items are bundled in packages. A couple of items were available as stand-alone options.

Another option (expensive on a 320) for the last year of the W208 coupe was the AMG body kit (front and rear bumper, side skirts and 17" wheels), but there probably weren't many built with that option.

Oil changes will cost more than most cars - these use 8.5 qts - synthetic oil only and a fleece oil filter should be used (not the standard paper style).

zdfun

Thank you very much for your information, I will check the power windows buttons carefully.

So, as I saw, the usual problem for most CLK320 is the power windows open and close.

Also, do you really need to change the tires every 10000 (I also got this problem from a forum)?

Thanks.

software

Tires probably depend on driving style, but yeah they tend to go quickly. I drove mine pretty gently and went through a set of Kuhmo Ecstas in a year (~20,000 miles). I wouldn't recommend those tires - they were loud, bumpy, and obnoxious in general.

I replaced them with Sumitomos from Tire Rack (since they were on sale). They're soft but quiet. Coming from a Porsche 968 the softness of this car was tough to get used to.

Hal H

On the 320's tire life isn't much of an issue. This depends on how you drive, and the make / model of tires on the car.

The stock Continentals that came on my (were'nt great for traction) lasted to almost 32,000.

The 17" tires on the 430 & 55 are softer compound high-po tires and I've heard of shorter tread life with those. The factory brochures even comment on the tire life.

Other than that, no problems beyond the window control modules - mine were fixed a couple of years ago, work fine.

software

Oh yeah - Watch out for the AC - I have a bill here for $2100. The car had 70,000 miles on it and needed a new compressor.

*Luckily* I caught it while looking at the car, and made it part of the deal that the dealer repair the A/C. Who knew it would cost over 2 grand. I didn't have to pay a cent!

midget fidger

that car has a ton of miles. i hope you're getting a good discount for it! what's good is that you're going with a 2002 so hopefully you won't see a lot of the common problems on the older models.