phenoyz

is this an AMG? or has the AMG Package?

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/3473843336.html

thanks

Louie D

There is no such thing as a 430 AMG it's the package if that

CLK550 $wagger

^Very true... They will be lucky to get 2k for that thing. I mean God what the hell did they do to that bumper?

phenoyz

the car has 95K miles, if i were to buy this what do i need to look-out for?
maintenance/engine etc?

Drummajorc

If something tore through the front and did that to the bumper I'd hate to see what the undercarriage looks like... there also appears to be a warning on the dashboard screen in one of the pictures, and a very interesting looking button on the center console in the same shot, and a broken air vent. Personally I'd be wary of it, looks like it would end up being a money pit.

Rudeney

Actually, the W208 CLK430 is a great car, but probably not this one. A torn bumper and "needs alignment" doesn't sound good. Also, that error on the MFD could be a steering angle sensor issue. The price isn't bad, but I might look for others to compare.

CLK550 $wagger

I have 3 words to say... Don't Buy It


But in all seriousness for 5 to 10 k there are a lot of better options out there.
Also, don't forget that it needs a good amount of work and MB are not cheap to repair. Take it from me It will end up costing more than you think... its amazing how quickly stuff adds up on these.


BTW how weird is this... the same CL has a car that has the same bumper issue. http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/3487894714.html


If I were you I would look at these. Cost a little more but in WAY better shape.
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/3500654656.html

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/3362300564.html

If you have the extra cash... this is a pretty good deal
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/3468920803.html

Drummajorc

I'd agree with the two posts above, the w208 is indeed a great car, my mom has one and the only thing we've had to do is change the spark plugs and regular fluid changes, but again, I'd stay away from that particular one and look for something in a little better shape.

MarcusF

The front of a W208 with the AMG style bumper (CLK55 / CLK430 / CLK320 with the CP1 sports package) is low. If you drive up to a concrete parking lot stop and allow the front bumper cover to pass over, there is a high likelihood of having that type of damage when you back up.

The bumper will get scratched and squeeze over the concrete when pulling in. It will tear when backing out.




The car in the first ad doesn't have heated seats or Xenons. Also, something odd has been placed where the passenger heated seat switch belongs.

If you want to know what to look for regrding a used W208 CLK, the W208 section has a lot of posts on that type of thing. Here are some notes I've made on buying a used W208. Here are some notes about having the car inspected and what to look for. Lastly, here are some general used car buying tips.

phenoyz

this might not be a good deal after all

(off-topic: i really want to own a mb = prestige/comfort
can anybody suggest a good year/model with less mechanical issues
looking for 4 door sedan)

thanks for all the advice...happy new year to all

MarcusF

"Less mechanical issues"? My tips cover a lot of things but the overwhelming majority of the things for you to check will not be present on a well maintained car. Most first generation CLKs are bulletproof. Just do the maintenance and add gas. The second generation CLKs with the 350 or 550 have issues (real expensive issues for the 350), but the early second gen 320/500 drive trains are solid. Aside from the rear windows and the electric fan (neither of which occurs in all cars), the second gen is solid.

If you want a 4-door, you'll have to supply some preferences. Price? Age? C-Class? E? S? G? Like the W208, the W210's are solid (some have occasional rear window issues). The brakes are a little scary, but the W211 is a great car. The later 350/550s have the same issue as the CLK. The W204 C's are good (check the 350s). The suspension maintenance on the S and some E's can be troublesome if you don't know what to do or expect. They also have the brakes that concern some people.

If it were me, the CLK, C, E, or S (not in that order) would all be fine.

nidyanazo

Over 100,000 miles and wants 10 grand for it??

That car is a rip off bro. No bueno.

phenoyz

how about the CLS? what model year ia a good buy?

MarcusF

Any CLS550 with an engine serial number higher than 88611, LATE 2010 CLS63s (late as in 2011 & later), any CLS55 and any CLS500.

phenoyz

would the car having an AMG sign be more reliable/better? or just has more power? or suspension tweak

Any CLS550 with an engine serial number higher than 88611---- above what year ?

RickTheRuler727

Good to know. I'm thinking a CLS will probably be my next car...

MarcusF

It depends on which CLS AMG. The CLS55 is fine. The early CLS63 suffers from the same problems all the early 63s had – cam gear lash, cam lobe wear (due to the buckets bleeding down) and defective head bolts. 63 engines after number 60658 are supposed to be good. The bottom of this page describes the early 63 issues.

The M273 550 V8 was first offered in the CLS in 2007. Those were equipped with the bad idle gear. Some time later, Mercedes changed the idle gear metallurgy. I'm going to "guess" that was 2009. However, I know that was after M273 engine number 88611 was produced. Rather than guessing, you can simply post the VIN of whatever 550 equipped Benz you're considering, and someone can look up the engine number. That’s assuming the gear hasn't already been fixed.

Redcab

I tend to agree. I'm driving a 2002 CLK 430 Cabriolet and it has been pure joy. Mileage is almost 175K and the car is still superb. It has AMG appointments like the alloy rims and ground effects but it does not have the horespower increase or hand built engine one might associate with the AMG designation.

If well cared for, my experience says the car will last. I spent some time inspecting the underbody yesterday and was impressed with the near complete lack of rust. Mine has been a very good experience.

I'm shopping for a low mileage cab now and favor the CLK 550 but there is a lot of value out there in very low mileage 430's for under $15K. Good luck