CLK320skr

I remember reading a while back some comments about the 430 looking better than the 320, however I can't seem to find good enough pictures to use as comparison.

Are there visual differences between the two models? Does the 430 have different/lower suspension? Or different front/back bumpers?

CLK320skr

Looking at some pics, it does look like the side skirts and bumpers are different.

1998 CLK320


2002 CLK430



Can someone confirm this? Just want to be sure this isn't just a case of trim packages or something.. otherwise, I think the 430 definitely looks better over all and is what I'll be looking for.

sonnyhoang

Yup the bumpers and the side skirts

CLK320skr

Ok, thanks!

Do you know if they have different suspension as well? The 430 I took for a spin seemed to sit a lot lower than the 320 I took out. Both stock.

sonnyhoang

Hmm I'm not sure about the suspension but I do know that my current suspension(h&r cupkit) was made for a clk320 and I had to use it cuz they didn't make any for the 430. It ended up giving me more of a drop than it would've the 320 due to he heavier engine from the 430. I think that's maybe why you felt a bit lower

Redw20855amg

Yep different suapension

Williams707

Have you read this article about the differences?

http://www.marcusfitzhugh.com/CLK/W208-6.html

CLK320skr

Thanks for the replies.

Nope, hadn't seen that comparison williams.. thanks for the link.

Williams707

No problems, that article along with many others was written by member MarcusF who we all voted for President of MBWorld.

Josh K

The trim around the windows is also different. 430's get sporty black chrome, 320's get old man chrome chrome.

Williams707

I don't have any chrome around my window on my 320. Maybe it was on pre 2000 CLK320s. I personally recommend that you don't buy any pre 2000 CLKs and if possible stick with a 2002 regardless if it's a 430 or 320. There was several changes within the MY.

CLK320skr

I've seen 430s with either chrome or the black.. just in the listings on Craigslist.
Hmm, wonder what's up with that then.. seems to be inconsistent, but there must be an explanation for it. Maybe it's specific to the colour of the car? I've seen white and red with the black trim, and black and silver with the chrome. Although, the silver 430 above in that pic has black trim.

Thanks for the recommendation re: 2002 CLKs. I've been seeking at least a 2000 model, mainly because I like the updated side mirrors (lol), however I'll be sure to focus on finding a '02 if I can. It will really come down to the best car I can find for the miles/price, service records, etc.

What's the 'MY'?

MarcusF

The Black Hematite window trim was introduced in 2000.

"MY" stands for Model Year.

The reason people recommend the later cars is in 2001, the engine electronics were changed from ME 2.0 to ME 2.8. In addition to the larger throttle body and upgraded injectors, the 2001/2002 cars have one-touch sunroofs, the windows drop about a half-inch when the doors are opened, the center TFT dash display was upgraded, and the last of the W208 transmission upgrades were rolled out.

CLK320skr

Thank you Marcus, very helpful information.

Williams707

I told you MarcusF was The Man I'm glad he chimed in.