nubova

This is my first post. I am taking a look at a 2001 CLK-430 this weekend. The car has around 90k miles, so I need to take it to a mechanic and get a full checkup. Could you guys post some of the things that I should look out for? I'd like to get an idea of some of the typical problems these cars have.

Thanks.

trinispeed

Engine mounts and mass air flow.

MarcusF

In addition to the motor mounts and MAF, the normal wear items to watch for at this stage will include:

• The trans mount if the motor mount has been broken for long enough
• 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.

I'd ask the owner to supply a VMI (vehicle master inquiry). A dealer can supply one for free.

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. They aren't cheap, so you'll want to get TWO keys.