Chance to buy a 2002 CLK 430 Need Help!!
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Joined: Mar 2011
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2010 Mercedes 300C
Chance to buy a 2002 CLK 430 Need Help!!
I have the opportunity to by a 2002 CLK 430, black/black, Mercedes AMG 17 or 18” wheels (can’t remember) w/Michelins 116 K miles for $5,300 from a dealer, who took the car in trade for that exact amount, from a guy who bought a 60K mercedes. Paint and interior is in very good condition. I have some questions for the knowledgeable members of this forum.
I am going to get the vehicle inspected by a good mechanic. Assuming it passes inspection I would like to get an idea about some mods that would be recommended to make this a sweet ride.
First, I would like to get a recommendation for an extended warranty program and what I will likely have to spend. I got a quote from Fidelity Automotive Solutions for $4,500 for 48 months or 60,000 miles…is this a good deal??;
Next, I love the Lorinser spoiler look. How much will that cost to get that front bumper (or other of comparable quality) ? I have a friend who does custom fabrication for vettes and other muscle cars to help me with paint and install Also, if I get the front, should I get the rear bumper?
Should the car be lowered a little and how is that done? Can it be done at my friends body shop? Do I need new shocks etc?
The headlight lenses are cloudy. How much does it cost to replace those and what recommendations do you have?
Also, any other advice about pros/cons for a first time owner of this car would really be appreciated!
I am going to get the vehicle inspected by a good mechanic. Assuming it passes inspection I would like to get an idea about some mods that would be recommended to make this a sweet ride.
First, I would like to get a recommendation for an extended warranty program and what I will likely have to spend. I got a quote from Fidelity Automotive Solutions for $4,500 for 48 months or 60,000 miles…is this a good deal??;
Next, I love the Lorinser spoiler look. How much will that cost to get that front bumper (or other of comparable quality) ? I have a friend who does custom fabrication for vettes and other muscle cars to help me with paint and install Also, if I get the front, should I get the rear bumper?
Should the car be lowered a little and how is that done? Can it be done at my friends body shop? Do I need new shocks etc?
The headlight lenses are cloudy. How much does it cost to replace those and what recommendations do you have?
Also, any other advice about pros/cons for a first time owner of this car would really be appreciated!
Last edited by hornet; Mar 20, 2011 at 09:27 PM. Reason: spelling
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 74
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From: N.Y.C.
'99 CLK320, '91 BMW 325Ic
Did you see any type of paper work, or car fax for that car? $5300 is waaayyyyyy low for that car, and I'm gonna take a guess, and say it was either wrecked, or it has some kind of story. If it's legit you are getting one of the best deals I've seen on a 430.... Good luck!! 
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,784
Likes: 84
From: SCV SoCal
2002 CLK430
1 - I wouldn't spend $4500 for an extended warranty on a $5300 car. Which is WAY LOW like Rick said.
2 - Three words - "Bumper by Ash". Art work, perfect fit, yada, yada, yada. Rumor has it that he's working on a rear bumper. Something close to the new C63 AMG coupe rear (2nd to last photo here).
3 - The car is lowered by replacing the springs. You can buy AMG springs to lower it minimally. Try watching for a thread where a CLK55 owner is looking for springs and buy theirs. Lowering it a lot is usually followed by a "my car has too much camber and is devouring tires like a fat kid at a cake eating contest" thread. Those guys should cut to the chase and buy a kit from Mel when they buy the springs. Then they can have their cake and eat it.
4 - $50
5 - Having it inspected before you buy it is the best money you can spend.
I'd write more, but the Knicks lost . . . . . . scored all of NINE points for the entire first quarter.
2 - Three words - "Bumper by Ash". Art work, perfect fit, yada, yada, yada. Rumor has it that he's working on a rear bumper. Something close to the new C63 AMG coupe rear (2nd to last photo here).
3 - The car is lowered by replacing the springs. You can buy AMG springs to lower it minimally. Try watching for a thread where a CLK55 owner is looking for springs and buy theirs. Lowering it a lot is usually followed by a "my car has too much camber and is devouring tires like a fat kid at a cake eating contest" thread. Those guys should cut to the chase and buy a kit from Mel when they buy the springs. Then they can have their cake and eat it.
4 - $50
5 - Having it inspected before you buy it is the best money you can spend.
I'd write more, but the Knicks lost . . . . . . scored all of NINE points for the entire first quarter.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,775
Likes: 7
From: Los Angeles
CLK W208
1 - I wouldn't spend $4500 for an extended warranty on a $5300 car. Which is WAY LOW like Rick said.
2 - Three words - "Bumper by Ash". Art work, perfect fit, yada, yada, yada. Rumor has it that he's working on a rear bumper. Something close to the new C63 AMG coupe rear (2nd to last photo here).
3 - The car is lowered by replacing the springs. You can buy AMG springs to lower it minimally. Try watching for a thread where a CLK55 owner is looking for springs and buy theirs. Lowering it a lot is usually followed by a "my car has too much camber and is devouring tires like a fat kid at a cake eating contest" thread. Those guys should cut to the chase and buy a kit from Mel when they buy the springs. Then they can have their cake and eat it.
4 - $50
5 - Having it inspected before you buy it is the best money you can spend.
I'd write more, but the Knicks lost . . . . . . scored all of NINE points for the entire first quarter.
2 - Three words - "Bumper by Ash". Art work, perfect fit, yada, yada, yada. Rumor has it that he's working on a rear bumper. Something close to the new C63 AMG coupe rear (2nd to last photo here).
3 - The car is lowered by replacing the springs. You can buy AMG springs to lower it minimally. Try watching for a thread where a CLK55 owner is looking for springs and buy theirs. Lowering it a lot is usually followed by a "my car has too much camber and is devouring tires like a fat kid at a cake eating contest" thread. Those guys should cut to the chase and buy a kit from Mel when they buy the springs. Then they can have their cake and eat it.
4 - $50
5 - Having it inspected before you buy it is the best money you can spend.
I'd write more, but the Knicks lost . . . . . . scored all of NINE points for the entire first quarter.
thank you Marcus for the kind words, the rear bumper is done, you can check out the pics in the "teaser pics of black series diffuser" thread. now the front bumper is still a mystry but i will show pics shortly. lol
