Hello all, likely picking up a clean '03 CLK320 cabrio for the g/f tonight...
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Central CT
2003 BMW 540i/6 M-tech
Hello all, likely picking up a clean '03 CLK320 cabrio for the g/f tonight...
I have been doing a bunch of reading and I'm far from a euro car (or euro car forum) noob.
I have owned (in order of ownership): '97 A4 1.8TQMS with many mods, '90 audi coupe quattro 20vT project, '92 VW GTI 8v, '89 Audi 200 wagon 2.2 Turbo with a bunch of mods, '89 E34 535i turbo drag project, and now my 2003 540i 6-speed M-tech which I have swapped an M5 diff and a few other items into.
I have also had a jeep, an old Monte Carlo drag car and a few other less exciting vehicles.
So... tonight I think we are trading in my g/f's 2006 Honda civic for something with a bit more class, albeit a bit older, but same miles.
2003 CLK320 cabrio:
The car is very clean and runs extremely well.
I am either having them put it on the lift or taking it to my buddies to put on his lift to make sure the bushings and ball joints are all in good shape (at 91k I am sure most are still OK, some look to have been replaced according to the records) but the car was originally sold in Florida and spent time in Georgia then California, so it doesn't have any rust at all.
Don't worry... it will stay stock, its the g/f's car. the most it will get is possibly sport springs (if they are easily available for the cabrio) and AMG wheels, likely just 17s.
I have read quite a bit about these, but if anyone can recommend glaring issues with these cars tat I should be on the lookout for, I appreciate the input.
-J
I have owned (in order of ownership): '97 A4 1.8TQMS with many mods, '90 audi coupe quattro 20vT project, '92 VW GTI 8v, '89 Audi 200 wagon 2.2 Turbo with a bunch of mods, '89 E34 535i turbo drag project, and now my 2003 540i 6-speed M-tech which I have swapped an M5 diff and a few other items into.
I have also had a jeep, an old Monte Carlo drag car and a few other less exciting vehicles.
So... tonight I think we are trading in my g/f's 2006 Honda civic for something with a bit more class, albeit a bit older, but same miles.
2003 CLK320 cabrio:
The car is very clean and runs extremely well.
I am either having them put it on the lift or taking it to my buddies to put on his lift to make sure the bushings and ball joints are all in good shape (at 91k I am sure most are still OK, some look to have been replaced according to the records) but the car was originally sold in Florida and spent time in Georgia then California, so it doesn't have any rust at all.
Don't worry... it will stay stock, its the g/f's car. the most it will get is possibly sport springs (if they are easily available for the cabrio) and AMG wheels, likely just 17s.
I have read quite a bit about these, but if anyone can recommend glaring issues with these cars tat I should be on the lookout for, I appreciate the input.
-J
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,273
Likes: 129
From: Orlando, FL
2015 GL550 4matic
The only thing I would be weary of is expensive problems with the convertible top. The wear of the actual fabric, window joints, and the hydraulic mechanisms and associated relays. This is true of all convertibles, but the parts for these are obviously more expensive than average.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Central CT
2003 BMW 540i/6 M-tech
The only thing I would be weary of is expensive problems with the convertible top. The wear of the actual fabric, window joints, and the hydraulic mechanisms and associated relays. This is true of all convertibles, but the parts for these are obviously more expensive than average.
But... as far as the hydraulics and such, I'm sure I can get them out on my own and have them rebuilt, or even do it myself... I have done a few fork-lift cylinders in the past.
I have been reading about adding an aux input and it seems there are a few sub-$50 services that will do this, I may just go that route or read up more and attempt it myself.
I also have to look into diagnostic stuff for this, I have a VAG-COM and got INPA/EDIABAS/DIS for my BMW, but now I need to get the MB equivalent.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,273
Likes: 129
From: Orlando, FL
2015 GL550 4matic
Stereo stuff is more my dept. If you want an AUX on the factory stereo, then buy the generic FM modulator setup that plugs directly into the antenna wire. That is the best sound you can get with a generic adapter, much better than the sound from a tape adapter. I have not done the research on this car, but many cars have adapters available, usually specific to iPod, that plug in to the back of the radio to emulate a CD changer or satellite radio box and provide true digital sound.
From what I understand, the car has a normal OBDII output port for general check engine codes, but then there is the "STAR" computer that only dealers and very good shops have. It plugs in under the hood and uses associated software to manipulate every electronic component on the car. This system does not seem like something the average or even better than average DIY mechanic could afford or acquire at all.
From what I understand, the car has a normal OBDII output port for general check engine codes, but then there is the "STAR" computer that only dealers and very good shops have. It plugs in under the hood and uses associated software to manipulate every electronic component on the car. This system does not seem like something the average or even better than average DIY mechanic could afford or acquire at all.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Central CT
2003 BMW 540i/6 M-tech
Stereo stuff is more my dept. If you want an AUX on the factory stereo, then buy the generic FM modulator setup that plugs directly into the antenna wire. That is the best sound you can get with a generic adapter, much better than the sound from a tape adapter. I have not done the research on this car, but many cars have adapters available, usually specific to iPod, that plug in to the back of the radio to emulate a CD changer or satellite radio box and provide true digital sound.
From what I understand, the car has a normal OBDII output port for general check engine codes, but then there is the "STAR" computer that only dealers and very good shops have. It plugs in under the hood and uses associated software to manipulate every electronic component on the car. This system does not seem like something the average or even better than average DIY mechanic could afford or acquire at all.
From what I understand, the car has a normal OBDII output port for general check engine codes, but then there is the "STAR" computer that only dealers and very good shops have. It plugs in under the hood and uses associated software to manipulate every electronic component on the car. This system does not seem like something the average or even better than average DIY mechanic could afford or acquire at all.
As far as the OBDII stuff, yes... all cars '96 and later have to have generic OBDII port and readout but like my BMW, MB uses a specific program to get into the different modules (body, climate control, transmission, etc.), reset adaptations, and all that. It is called INPA for BMW and it can be downloaded for free and installed on an old laptop and use an ebay connector to get into the cars systems. It is much more complex and informational than generic OBD. There is something similar for MB I'm sure... but it may be a bit more in-depth and expensive. I will have to do some more digging around.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,273
Likes: 129
From: Orlando, FL
2015 GL550 4matic
Let us know if you find a cheap way to get into the STAR system. It would be useful at some point, I just have never done the research on that or seen it pop up on a thread.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 524
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From: Los Angeles
2013 FIAT Abarth 500
Since you may be becoming an '03 208 bro...I'll help out:
- other than the obvious items, motor/tranny mounts, flex discs
- last time tranny serviced (should be done every 40k)
I don't know what to tell you...they're pretty bulletproof. Only major item I've HAD to do is a battery since I've owned mine 36k miles ago. A lot of minor, nit picking stuff but nothing major.
About the top:
- make sure the hydraulic fluid looks honey-colored and is filled to the max fill line on the reservoir
- doesn't make weird sounds when retracting or deploying
- all the locking cylinder seals are still in good condition (if they aren't, you'll find leaking hydraulic fluid somewhere)
- doesn't leak when pressurized water hits it
- fabric is in good condition. I'm still on the original top and I kid you not, it looks brand new if you know how to take care of it.
Good luck. That's a very rare color and it'd be nice to have '03 208 company around here.
- other than the obvious items, motor/tranny mounts, flex discs
- last time tranny serviced (should be done every 40k)
I don't know what to tell you...they're pretty bulletproof. Only major item I've HAD to do is a battery since I've owned mine 36k miles ago. A lot of minor, nit picking stuff but nothing major.
About the top:
- make sure the hydraulic fluid looks honey-colored and is filled to the max fill line on the reservoir
- doesn't make weird sounds when retracting or deploying
- all the locking cylinder seals are still in good condition (if they aren't, you'll find leaking hydraulic fluid somewhere)
- doesn't leak when pressurized water hits it
- fabric is in good condition. I'm still on the original top and I kid you not, it looks brand new if you know how to take care of it.
Good luck. That's a very rare color and it'd be nice to have '03 208 company around here.
Last edited by mint; Jul 31, 2012 at 08:41 PM.
