Just bought 99 CLK320...Anything I should do before I drive it?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Whitby, Ontario, Canada
CLK320, SATURN ASTRA
Just bought 99 CLK320...Anything I should do before I drive it?
Hello all,
Ive been browsing the forums and have found out a lot of interesting things about these cars. I just purchased a 99 CLK320 with high mileage and was wondering if there was anything any of you guys would recommend changing before i took it on the road. The car was a daily driver, and aside from some cosmetics, and a rough idle, its pretty solid. I was just wondering (aside from an obvious tune-up) if you think theres anything I should attack before it becomes an issue. I plan on doing quite a bit of work to it but would still like to know its reliable beforehand.
Cheers,
Bill
1999 CLK320
350000kms
Ive been browsing the forums and have found out a lot of interesting things about these cars. I just purchased a 99 CLK320 with high mileage and was wondering if there was anything any of you guys would recommend changing before i took it on the road. The car was a daily driver, and aside from some cosmetics, and a rough idle, its pretty solid. I was just wondering (aside from an obvious tune-up) if you think theres anything I should attack before it becomes an issue. I plan on doing quite a bit of work to it but would still like to know its reliable beforehand.
Cheers,
Bill
1999 CLK320
350000kms
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 433
Likes: 0
The Crank Position Sensor (100.00 part) lasts about 5 years.....then your car wont start
at 350,000 kms, i'd change all 12 spark plugs and wires, water pump, all fluids, new brakes and new tires and i'd say your ready to go for another 200,000kms
at 350,000 kms, i'd change all 12 spark plugs and wires, water pump, all fluids, new brakes and new tires and i'd say your ready to go for another 200,000kms
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,435
Likes: 0
From: Nebraska
99CLK320,
Bill, I have a 99/320;see if you can determine where the previous maintenance work was done. take the VIN to a MB dealer and they should be able to provide you with a maintenace history if it was done at MB. From then on it's kind of hit and miss. With all those miles: plugs and wires, change ALL fluids. Possible Mass Air Sensor, crankshaft possition sensor(or at the very least, have a spare of each), check rotor thickness as well as brakes pads as long as you're in there. Steering stablizer, idler arm, tie rod end, shocks etc., etc. Find out what you can about what was already done and don't just start throwing $ at something that may not be a problem. And check out the very first thread at the top of this forum on How To. Everything you have to do has been done and is posted somewhere on this website.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,258
Likes: 209
From: Boston North Shore
2001 CLK320 Cabrio
Welcome...as a CLK owner and to the forum.
Critical! Your model year has a recall covering failure of the harmonic balancer. Fail usually results in a lot of collateral damange and expense. Call a local dealer with your VIN # to make sure the necessary repairs have been made.
Additionally, although your purchase seems past this point, early CLKs are covered by a successful class action suit that extends the warranty to 100K miles (e.g. servicing notification/failure to use synthetic vs. dino oil for the recommended extended oil change intervals).
Otherwise, for the most part (excepting some wis-bang electrical features/controls) the CLK series has proven to be a reliable ride.
A simple faults diagnosis readout would point to the cause of your rough idle.
Do not start replacing stuff based on guess work or problems others have repoted (e.g. CPS, MAF etc.). Although they sometimes fail, I believe the majority of us have no problems with these items.
Did you get service records with your purchase?
If not, many vintage CLKs are still running on their original spark plugs, gas filter etc..
Critical! Your model year has a recall covering failure of the harmonic balancer. Fail usually results in a lot of collateral damange and expense. Call a local dealer with your VIN # to make sure the necessary repairs have been made.
Additionally, although your purchase seems past this point, early CLKs are covered by a successful class action suit that extends the warranty to 100K miles (e.g. servicing notification/failure to use synthetic vs. dino oil for the recommended extended oil change intervals).
Otherwise, for the most part (excepting some wis-bang electrical features/controls) the CLK series has proven to be a reliable ride.
A simple faults diagnosis readout would point to the cause of your rough idle.
Do not start replacing stuff based on guess work or problems others have repoted (e.g. CPS, MAF etc.). Although they sometimes fail, I believe the majority of us have no problems with these items.
Did you get service records with your purchase?
If not, many vintage CLKs are still running on their original spark plugs, gas filter etc..
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Whitby, Ontario, Canada
CLK320, SATURN ASTRA
Thanks to everyone for the tips! I'll be getting the VIN checked at the local dealer this week to check on the recall... I have some service records, but not all. I got the car for a song, so I figured i'd just jump on it, and deal with the rest as it comes up. Theres a lot of room to play for repairs if needed. But again, thank you all for bringing out the highlights for me...At least is a place to start.
Bill
Bill
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Newbie
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville, FL
2000 CLK 430
Welcome...as a CLK owner and to the forum.
Critical! Your model year has a recall covering failure of the harmonic balancer. Fail usually results in a lot of collateral damange and expense. Call a local dealer with your VIN # to make sure the necessary repairs have been made.
.
Critical! Your model year has a recall covering failure of the harmonic balancer. Fail usually results in a lot of collateral damange and expense. Call a local dealer with your VIN # to make sure the necessary repairs have been made.
.
Dealer changed mine out years ago. Had them throw on a new belt at the same time, so I got that piece of labor for free. Mine was VERY close to failure.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,486
Likes: 4
From: San Antonio, Tx
2000 CLK430
UHOH....I have a 2000 CLK 430 as well but when I called my dealer years ago they said that my car wasnt affected!! Should I be worried or was there a certain range of VINs that it covered?
