seboldc2393

I am looking into buying a '98 CLK 320 Coupe. It has a 3.2L 6 cylinder and a 5 speed auto. It has 119k miles. Im interested in it greatly, but I thought I would first ask people who have owned the same model/powertrain. Are these engines reliable, along with the transmission too? At this mileage point, will I have to do anything major to the car? Are these cars in general reliable?
Thanks,
Cody

MarcusF

You know what a 1998 looks like. This is the short list of changes in later years:

In 2000 the side blinkers were moved from the fender to the mirrors, the window molding was changed to Black Hematite, the interiors got black Birdseye maple trim, two-tone leather seats became available, the door handles were painted the same color as the body, dual direction one touch windows were added, Tele-Aid was introduced, the multifunction steering wheel was added, the instrument cluster was redesigned and included the dash display, COMAND was available, and touch shift transmissions (with the roller bearing rather than the brass bushing) were added.

In 2001 ME 2.8 was added, there were transmission upgrades, chrome exhaust tip, one touch sunroof, the windows drop about a half-inch when the doors are opened, redesigned wheels, enhanced Tele-Aid functions (remote unlocking, diagnostics and alarm notification) and the smart key was redesigned.

2002 the center caps on the wheels were different.

I highly recommend you have the car inspected at a dealer before the purchase. If you search, you'll get a list of things a new buyer may want to know.

The normal wear items to watch for will include:

• Both motor mounts
• Trans mount
• Brake light switch
• Possibly the differential side seals
• Flex dics
• Possibly the catalytic converters

The cats can be the most expensive item. They need to be replaced when the ceramic cores separate from the metal shells. You can tell they're bad when they rattle just off idle.

The spark plugs should have been changed by now. Ditto for the transmission fluid.

Not so normal, but common wear items are the power seat motors. If you’re handy, each motor will take about an hour and cost about $130 at the dealer. If you’re not handy the dealer will probably bill a couple of
hours labor on top of the part.

I hope that helps

OGCLK320

I have a 98 coupe with 195k and it is still running strong. and i dont really baby it. I love my car tho!! change the engine oil every 5k. trans every 30-40k. Its a great car. But if you can i would look for a 2000 and up. you can find them cheap. and as mentioned above they are a lot more updated...

thebender

I would also check for any slop in the steering and any vibrations at speed. I have 118k on my 1999 CLK320 (bought at 102k) and have had no mechanical problems. The only things I have done are replace some worn suspension parts, oil changes and I am about to change the transmission fluid. My brothers E class transmission went bad but it had well over 300k miles and we don't think the fluid was ever changed. Basic preventative maintenance can go a long way.

rodwilk

I own a 1998. Ive replaced the motor mounts, trans fluid and a few other things, at a minor expense. The car has really been good to me. I still enjoy driving it. Me for the car has a timeless look. If you get it, keep the oil changed and just take good care ot it.