Daveskee

Hello from a future owner of a CLK 430! Recently discovered this forum and am looking for advise on a year recommendation for my purchase of a CLK 430. I've been looking at 1999 and 2000 year models. Any recommendations or advise on these year or other year models?

Thanks in advance,
David

jrtw

I suggest you go with at least the 2000 430, it even has the turn signals in the mirrors.

Hal H

you get the touch-shift automatic. The '99 uses the dog-leg shifter gate which isn't as convenient.

Also, I think the 2000 CLK430 gets black birdseye maple wood trim (vs. burl walnut) and the blackout window trim & non-chrome door handles.

Also, Tele-Aid system is standard on the 2000 - don't think that was on the '99

LowRydeR

The 99 CLK has side lenses and no signal lights in side mirrors. For the interior, the steering wheel is different, it doesn't have the functions to change tracks and adjust the volume of the music. This is all I know, I recommend you to go for the 00+ CLK.

byip25

i have a 99 and i personally like having a side marker. i replaced the bulbs w/ super plasma blue bulbs and i dont like those side mirrors w/ the amber lights. the steering wheel also is simpler. i dont like all those buttons on it especially when i've already removed the piece of crap stock radio/stereo system.


B

Shah

In 2000 the car's copper based network (for communications, radio, etc.) was replaced with a fiber optic network.

sorlo

They are right, get a 00'+ CLK is strongly recommended. I almost bought a 99 back then but I was luckily enough and ended up with a 00' CLK (mine was 320 though, so there were some major changes). For 430, as everyone has mentioned
1. side mirrors with singals
2. touch-shift
3. steering wheels with buttons
4. teleaid
5. 00'+ has blue tinted windows (that's one of my favorite part from the car, not sure if the 99' one has that)

Daveskee

Thanks for all the replys! Besides the differences in features from year to year, anyone experience any problems specific to those year models. I've read about the reception problems with the stock radios/atenna/rear window setup. How much more useful/practical is the touchshift in the 2000 and do people find themselves really using it or do you leave it in drive?


I'm currently looking at a 2000 clk430, 15k miles, all options except phone and command system (which I don't really care about), silv/blk in excellent condition, standard warranty, owner is asking $45.8k.

or

A 1999 clk430, 16.5k miles, all options except phone/command, blk/gry, has a Brabus badge, with rear spoiler and rear window deflector, might have aftermarket springs but the second owner isnt sure (looks like an H&R ride height), and an 80k mile ext warranty, for $45k.

Good deals? Thanks again for all of your insights. This is a great forum!

David