The Godfather

I'm thinking about getting a CLK. Probably gonna end up with a 98-99 so I can afford it. THOUGH, I'd like to get a '00+ so I can get the updated look.

Now my question is: the 3.2 engine, how reliable is it? Any major changes throughout the years? And what about the 420/430 ? What are they like?

And overall, is there anything to watch out for in the 208's?

Thanks!

I6turbo

Personally, after what I've seen, I would NOT own one without a warranty that covers the electrical system. Also, be sure to get the detailed service records and see how many problems the particular car you're considering has had before you buy it. Some of them -- and I'm not sure what percentage -- have a LOT of niggling problems, mostly related to electrical gremlins. IME, I'd say MB needs to hire Toyota to do some electrical engineering for them.

nickv

I love my 99 430! Very powerful and smooth, even with 19"s. No experience with the 3.2, sorry.

Pffelan

do you own a clk or a toyota?

Pffelan

i have a 2000 430 with 42,000 miles on it.. apart from window bounce the car has been completely reliable....

i know earlier pre 2000 cars had a few trim rattle probs but in general they seem reliable enough...

i would still go for a main dealer car with a main dealer warranty.
- as i would with any brand

I6turbo

I've had a few M-Bs, BMWs, and lot of other vehicles. I currently have an '00 CLK 430, '95 Toyota Supra, and '97 Volvo 850 T5. The CLK has had far more problems than both of the other two combined -- or for that matter, more than any vehicle I've ever owned with the possible execption of a new Ford pick-up back in 1988. The Volvo has had a couple of minor electrical problems but they are so minor that I haven't even bothered to fix them. As I've posted here before, the Supra has been running for almost 3 years at 625-750+ RWHP and other than having to replace the factory clutch with one designed to withstand the 2x torque increase, nothing has broken or malfunctioned. Nothing.

The Godfather

So is the electrical problems are known as the electrical harness of the '94-95 W124's?

Anything else to watch out for?

btw what are the specs of the v8 throughout the years? Unchanged?

Pffelan

sorry to hear of your clk problems.. sounds like your car has not been a good one.. the supra sounds awesome..

I6turbo

I think I may have gotten ahold of one that has more minor electrical issues than normal. The car runs beautifully, is in imaculate condition, and overall I like it a lot, but little things have caused it to have to have to go into the shop several times for quick fixes. The dealership added a year of Starmark warranty to it and MB added an additional year, so I'm hoping that most everything that is going to happen to it will have been fixed by the time it runs out of warranty in 30 more months (if I still have it by then).

LowRydeR

Get 00+ models, I haven't had major issues with my car yet, it's a 01 w/ 30k on it, it's a bit too slow for me though.

-Bruce

ARISTO

For those who say watch out for certain years, have all the problems been figured out in later years? Or is it too early to tell? Also, do Eclasses run along the same lines regarding issues. I am going to be replacing my car within a 1-1.5yrs, and I have been THINKING about switching brands.

I would think that 5-6 yrs into the design cycle, M/B should have had the Eclass all figured out.


LowRyder-your CLK is one of the nicest out there, lots of mods, but overall still pretty plain and simple! You mention that it feels slow, I hope its not a 430, because if it is, you are just spoiled!!!

Pffelan

E- class? i think you may be a little confused?

the CLK is not an E class - the underpinnings are from the w202 C Class but it is substantially different car above the chassis ?

the early cars 97-99 that suffer a few probs were not 5-6 yrs into a production cycle?

pogotango

want to buy my sisters 00 clk430? we gettin rid of it soon for the e55. it was gonna be a down payment for the e55. so, let me know, cuz i oreded a e55 and it takes like 5months tho.

ARISTO

to be honest, I just wanted a overall consensus on M/B quality/cust satisfaction after a few years of the design cycle. by 2001, the clk was three years in, and the 210 was 5yrs in. I figured I would ask different owners of different classes just get an idea.

I posted a similar question in the eclass forum, BTW. I love the looks of the clk, its just at 6'4", I dont think the room will be enough to carry me and 2 others in comfort, thus me asking about the Eclass.

POTANGO-I'm just gathering info, now, will not be purchasing till fall 2004 or early 2005, thanks for the offer though, good luck with the 55!

Chappy

The V8 was basically unchanged in the CLK (unless you're talking about the AMG-version of course).

I think that any "gremlins" on these cars is more related to basic software or switches rather than something as major as a wiring harness.

I must be frank with you, though. Don't expect the W208 to drive or feel as "solid" as your current transportation. Apples and oranges (I've got both).

Buying advice: Wait till you can afford a low-mileage V8 with a Starmark warranty. Then enjoy!

nickv

I'm 6'4" and drive very comfortably. My seat is not even all the way back or down. Now the only person who could fit behind me is a 5 ft chick or a car seat. My car is a '99, and I love it, no issues (knock on wood)! Good luck!