hotrodneb

Never should have felt this way, but I am finally happy with my CLK, it's friggn GONE. Sold that POS yesterday and couldn't be happier. For a supposedly "superiorly engineered" automobile a MB has MORE than it’s fair share of problems and annoyances. When someone pays a premium price up front, and a premium each time a repair is required, one has a reasonable expectation of reliability. For example a car manufactured in 2002 to have a front steering and suspension system designed over 50 years ago is proof that MB is simply surviving on it’s past glory days. The radiator transmission cooler leaks are well documented. Only a few moments looking at these forums will show repeated, persistent, and unresolved issues. There was a day when I passed someone driving a MB my head might in envy, that will no longer be so. Having owned one myself, I shall simply laugh now.

Kevwood

Bad news hotrodneb - MB isn't alone... Good luck with your next ride mate.

Ghostrider@P1 Performance

You are going to find problems with any car you buy. Next time, just remember to get an extended warranty!!

MMM430

I understand where he's comin from. Gotta be frustrating to take ownership of a car with issues!

I kinda wonder how many owners his vehicle had before he took ownership. I'm an original owner for 11 years. The CLK is my DD and nearing 100K. Outside recall items and the pixels in the instrument cluster, I've had nothing but routine maint that comes with any car!

Family has had a stable of E Class, S Class and AMG's over the last 20 years. some better than others but solid vehicles all.

Sorry you had such a bad experience hotrodneb. Better luck with your next ride.

hotrodneb

Since it seems important---

I have been driving for 35 years. In my work I put on about 50,000 miles per year for about the last 25 years. I buy used cars in the 50-80,000 mile range and run them until 200,000 or they die whatever comes first. I have always done my own maintence, only paying a mechanic on rare occassions. Over these 25 years I have been through about 12 different automobiles. I was the third owner of the CLK, it was well cared for and seemed to be treated well in it's life. The problems I had were not maintence or abuse issues. They were all the typical design and reliability issues that are discussed here on a daily basis. Design and reliability problems of this type simply should not exist on an automobile of this reputation or price.

GiZzO

Word! still covered
I find this car hard to replace maybe the new C Coupe once it matures.

dlbehrns

I don't have a lot of miles on my 99/320, only 30K and all I've had to replace was a MAS and an O2sensor.

Ghostrider@P1 Performance

David, I think we should meet up and actually have lunch this time. What do you think?

dlbehrns

Sure Mel! There's a thaw going on as we speak so as soon as we are into the spring, I'm game. The sub zero weather has not been condusive to working in the garage. I would like to get some things installed like Vogtland springs, bilsteins, your rear camber kit. I purchased the adjustable lower control arm bolts from MB that should be helpful with camber issues. I have stainless brake lines with ATE blue fluid be replaced, also oil and coolant change. I'm hoping for a lower price on some Fikse rims but I'm probably dreaming. I have my daughter's wedding to pay for this summer. Road trip, COOL!

MarcusF

I remember responding to one of HOTRODNEB's posts from two years ago -

https://mbworld.org/forums/clk-class...g-me-over.html

I think the car was broken when he bought it. It's a shame, but the prior owner may have sold him a bill of goods. Cars can only be as good as they are maintained. Good maintenance goes a long way.

sick430

exactly these and all cars are only as good as their owners make them. Im in israel now, most of the taxis out here and MB's and you routinely see them with over 300/400,000 km and these are taxis that get beat on (but maintained)......

MG21

I got 120,000 on my C class daily driver 2000 and haven't done one thing to it. My wife and i are original owners though. I have 2 other Mercedes and they are great cars. Sorry for your bad luck. These things happen with any car.

hotrodneb

You mostly seem to miss the point that began this thread, so I'll attempt a second try. I did NOT mention my well-documented transmission shudder trouble, or how MB didnt stand behind their parts warranty.

---Can some one please explain why a car sold in 2002 had a MAF design that was on a 1985?
--Can some one explain why in 2002 they use a steering design from the 40's? (that was changed to a rack/pinion the following year)
--front wheel bearings? instead of modern sealed hubs?


----SIMPLY said------a MB is no better than any other car line, and for what you pay to purchase and maintain one, that shouldnt be so!!!!!!

Chappy

I was always under the impression the radiator issues were with the W209s. I'm on my 4th Mercedes...and my W208 has been the most reliable to date.