Opinions on a W208 Purchase
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 21
Likes: 6
From: Spain
CLK 500 W209, S320 CDI W220
Opinions on a W208 Purchase
Hey everybody,
I recently created a thread regarding some diagnosis results I received for a W208 which I wanted to purchase ( https://mbworld.org/forums/clk-class...s-results.html ).
I just wanted to know what everybody thought about purchasing this W208 after seeing the results, your opinions will help me out A LOT. It's a '98 CLK230, and has only made 143,000KM's (Roughly 88,500 miles).
Thanks in advance!
I recently created a thread regarding some diagnosis results I received for a W208 which I wanted to purchase ( https://mbworld.org/forums/clk-class...s-results.html ).
I just wanted to know what everybody thought about purchasing this W208 after seeing the results, your opinions will help me out A LOT. It's a '98 CLK230, and has only made 143,000KM's (Roughly 88,500 miles).
Thanks in advance!
Senior Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 350
Likes: 0
w208 CLK430, w212 E350, w221 S550
Hey Marc, personally i would get a 01+ if i could. I didnt get a chance to read your diagnosis but i wouldnt understand it anyways. The reason why i say get the 01+ is because 98, being the first year is more prone to problems than the later models where they would have fixed the issue. For example, in my 99, i have lots of squeaking sounds from the seats, and the cluster also looks older, when i go into my friends 01+, theres no squeaks and the cluster looks alot nicer imo.. There are a few little things that are much nicer on the 01+ bodies. Im not exactly sure how much the 98 is being offered to you, but i would definitely shop around to see if you can find an 01+, because if i could go back in time i would get at least an 00-01. Good luck wtih your decision. Maybe MarcusF can check the diagnosis for you when he sees this thread.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 21
Likes: 6
From: Spain
CLK 500 W209, S320 CDI W220
Thanks for your reply. When I testdrove this CLK, I did notice squeaking sounds from the right door panel as well as the panel which belongs to the left back seat, but they didn't really bother me. I am willing to give the squeaks and not-so-modern looks up for the price, but if the car is going to be a constant source of problems, I would rather not buy it at all. Thanks again for your suggestion, I will keep my eyes open for 01+ CLK's. Off topic now, your CLK looks lovely. Love the black on black combination with your rims and car body, really accentuates the chrome details 
Senior Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 350
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w208 CLK430, w212 E350, w221 S550
Thank you! 
there are a few squeak fixes around these forums that are pretty much easy to fix. The cluster you can always change if there are issues but for the most part i think our cars are pretty reliable. But you should definitely have someone who knows more than me take a look at your diagnosis to help wtih your final decision. I recently took off the tint for my car and are in the process of painting my rims silver. Ive rocked the black on black for 6 years now and i feel its time for change
there are a few squeak fixes around these forums that are pretty much easy to fix. The cluster you can always change if there are issues but for the most part i think our cars are pretty reliable. But you should definitely have someone who knows more than me take a look at your diagnosis to help wtih your final decision. I recently took off the tint for my car and are in the process of painting my rims silver. Ive rocked the black on black for 6 years now and i feel its time for change
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 21
Likes: 6
From: Spain
CLK 500 W209, S320 CDI W220
Cheers for the info As of now I'd rather leave the car as it is, since it didn't really bother me much on the test drive, but I might change my mind in the future, if I end up buying it. I did notice threads regarding the squeaky noises too, always useful to keep them around. And that sounds like a nice change! Would like to see some pictures eventually
I agree, definately would like a few opinions on the results, but that's not really up to me. I'll try to take the results to a few mechanics in the area soon, see what they think, how ever, I am willing to trust any opinions on mbworld over what mechanics around me say. It's a matter of time anyway.
As of now I'd rather leave the car as it is, since it didn't really bother me much on the test drive, but I might change my mind in the future, if I end up buying it. I did notice threads regarding the squeaky noises too, always useful to keep them around. And that sounds like a nice change! Would like to see some pictures eventually I agree, definately would like a few opinions on the results, but that's not really up to me. I'll try to take the results to a few mechanics in the area soon, see what they think, how ever, I am willing to trust any opinions on mbworld over what mechanics around me say. It's a matter of time anyway.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,784
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From: SCV SoCal
2002 CLK430
I agree with Sonnyhoang, a 2001 or 2002 would be my personal choice. I saw your thread " https://mbworld.org/forums/clk-class...s-results.html " but I can't read Spanish (or Portuguese).
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 21
Likes: 6
From: Spain
CLK 500 W209, S320 CDI W220
Thanks for the input Marcus . Could you help me slightly further (your choice, of course) if I translated the "failures" that worry me the most please? It's a total of 6, and I would remake the table itself (translated to english) so it's easier for you to read. I apologize if this comes across as rude, it is not my intention, but I feel like I am asking for a lot, and I can't really offer any type of compensation for your time and knowledge.
. Could you help me slightly further (your choice, of course) if I translated the "failures" that worry me the most please? It's a total of 6, and I would remake the table itself (translated to english) so it's easier for you to read. I apologize if this comes across as rude, it is not my intention, but I feel like I am asking for a lot, and I can't really offer any type of compensation for your time and knowledge.
