considering a CLK....few questions
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considering a CLK....few questions
Hey guys,
I've currently got an 97 M3 and I'm looking to move into something a bit more luxurious, but will still have the same power that I'm accustomed to. I've always loved the way the CLK looks, and its a strong contender for a replacement for the M. like any person in the car market, i have a few questions, if you guys could give me any help at all i'd appreciate it
1) threads seem to indicate a trend away from purchasing a car without a warranty. what does the starmark warranty cover? is it similar to the certified pre-owned bmw warranty? has anyone used aftermarket warranty companies to pay for repairs?
2) I'd like to get a CLK430, I'm looking to spend <30k, possibly <25. I'd like to keep the mileage under 60k. is this unreasonable?
3) When shopping for a clk, what are some typical things to look out for?
4) With the ///M, many repairs can be performed DIY. Is this the same with a merc? or would most work need to be dealer performed? I'm reasonably mechanically inclined.
5) Did the CLK ever come in a dark grey color? I'd like to get something that's a little different from the typical white/black/silver.
6) What is the CLK used market like right now? are more people dumping these cars or buying them? I bought my M just before the bottom fell out of the market, so I'd like to try to avoid that this time.
Thanks for your time guys!
Ben
I've currently got an 97 M3 and I'm looking to move into something a bit more luxurious, but will still have the same power that I'm accustomed to. I've always loved the way the CLK looks, and its a strong contender for a replacement for the M. like any person in the car market, i have a few questions, if you guys could give me any help at all i'd appreciate it
1) threads seem to indicate a trend away from purchasing a car without a warranty. what does the starmark warranty cover? is it similar to the certified pre-owned bmw warranty? has anyone used aftermarket warranty companies to pay for repairs?
2) I'd like to get a CLK430, I'm looking to spend <30k, possibly <25. I'd like to keep the mileage under 60k. is this unreasonable?
3) When shopping for a clk, what are some typical things to look out for?
4) With the ///M, many repairs can be performed DIY. Is this the same with a merc? or would most work need to be dealer performed? I'm reasonably mechanically inclined.
5) Did the CLK ever come in a dark grey color? I'd like to get something that's a little different from the typical white/black/silver.
6) What is the CLK used market like right now? are more people dumping these cars or buying them? I bought my M just before the bottom fell out of the market, so I'd like to try to avoid that this time.
Thanks for your time guys!
Ben
Senior Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 452
Likes: 2
From: FLUSHING, NY
2006 E350
I'm not sure what the Starmark warranty consists of because by the time I purchased my car, the warranty was already expired. If you can get one with a warranty I would highly recommend it. I don't believe all the repairs have to be done by a Mercedes dealer but it helps when you don't have to pay for them.
In your price range I think you may be looking at a 99 CLK430. My car (99 clk430) fell in that price range and had 52054 miles at the time of purchase. I actually got lucky becauase the local mercedes dealer was asking alot more money. I happened to find my car on the MBUSA website. It was about 220 miles away but the price difference was worth the price.
With a 99 you may be looking at a couple of little things that I know to have gone wrong. My gas gauge has been a little faulty but seems to fix itself. My check engine light has come on a couple of times but seems to go off a couple of uses later. And lately, when pressing the gas and when hitting 2000 rpms exactly I hear a rattling noise coming from underneath the car. As soon as it passes 2000 rpms it goes away. This is something I definitely plan on having looked at but hate the idea of taking it to the dealer because of not having a warranty.
Overall I love my CLK. I am very happy with its performance. The only thing I'd do differently is try to find one with a warranty so that I could take it back to the dealership for any little thing without worrying about the price.
Good Luck with your decision. Let us know what you decide.
Eleni
In your price range I think you may be looking at a 99 CLK430. My car (99 clk430) fell in that price range and had 52054 miles at the time of purchase. I actually got lucky becauase the local mercedes dealer was asking alot more money. I happened to find my car on the MBUSA website. It was about 220 miles away but the price difference was worth the price.
With a 99 you may be looking at a couple of little things that I know to have gone wrong. My gas gauge has been a little faulty but seems to fix itself. My check engine light has come on a couple of times but seems to go off a couple of uses later. And lately, when pressing the gas and when hitting 2000 rpms exactly I hear a rattling noise coming from underneath the car. As soon as it passes 2000 rpms it goes away. This is something I definitely plan on having looked at but hate the idea of taking it to the dealer because of not having a warranty.
Overall I love my CLK. I am very happy with its performance. The only thing I'd do differently is try to find one with a warranty so that I could take it back to the dealership for any little thing without worrying about the price.
Good Luck with your decision. Let us know what you decide.
Eleni
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 14,362
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From: Staples Center
w211 & w124
As far as pricing I think it all depends on where you live. For that price range (25-30), I'd say you're looking at a 98-99 320. You might be able to get a 430 (like Eleni) but I think it will have more miles on it.
I just got mine 2 months ago and the 99-00 430's were going for 30-35k in Southern Cali. If you want to go with a Starmarked and warrantied car plan to pay even more for that.
Good luck.
(BTW, M3?!
)
I just got mine 2 months ago and the 99-00 430's were going for 30-35k in Southern Cali. If you want to go with a Starmarked and warrantied car plan to pay even more for that.
Good luck.
(BTW, M3?!
)
Thread Starter
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Joined: Aug 2003
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Originally posted by Samoan_Ridah
As far as pricing I think it all depends on where you live. For that price range (25-30), I'd say you're looking at a 98-99 320. You might be able to get a 430 (like Eleni) but I think it will have more miles on it.
I just got mine 2 months ago and the 99-00 430's were going for 30-35k in Southern Cali. If you want to go with a Starmarked and warrantied car plan to pay even more for that.
Good luck.
(BTW, M3?! )
As far as pricing I think it all depends on where you live. For that price range (25-30), I'd say you're looking at a 98-99 320. You might be able to get a 430 (like Eleni) but I think it will have more miles on it.
I just got mine 2 months ago and the 99-00 430's were going for 30-35k in Southern Cali. If you want to go with a Starmarked and warrantied car plan to pay even more for that.
Good luck.
(BTW, M3?!
)
I'm willing to travel to pick up the car.....I'll basically go anywhere in the southwestern corner of the US....oregon, arizon, ca, nevada...
i really give preference to the 430 as i do want to retain the same amount of power i had with the m3.
it seems that a starmarked vehicle is basically warrantied for 5 years, meaning if i bought a 99 now, the warranty would be good for nothing by next year....which is basically useless to me.
has anyone ever used an aftermarket warranty company with good success? it looks like I can get one of those plans for about 1-2k which should pay itself off easily with a car like this.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,974
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From: Southern California
2017 W205 C43 AMG
Same Situation
I was in your same situation. I had a 1995 M3, for which I traded in for a 2000 Audi S4, and now have a band new 2002 CLK 430.
I have options K3 and K4 which means Xenon Headlights, Heated seats, sunroof, rear sunshade, and rain-sensing wiper.
I love the CLK 430. You are correct. with 275hp/300 trq, it is the perfect replacement to make you forget about your M3. The comfort, beautiful interior and timeless looks are the perfect transition from the M3 into the next level.
My car's color is Black Opal which is closest to the Dark Grey you had mentioned earlier. The same thoughts crossed my mind as I did not want the standard White/Blk/Silver.
Good luck in your serach. The CLK 430 has the perfect blend of power, looks, luxury and handling to satisfy your wants. Take this from an E36 M3 owner like yourself.
I have options K3 and K4 which means Xenon Headlights, Heated seats, sunroof, rear sunshade, and rain-sensing wiper.
I love the CLK 430. You are correct. with 275hp/300 trq, it is the perfect replacement to make you forget about your M3. The comfort, beautiful interior and timeless looks are the perfect transition from the M3 into the next level.
My car's color is Black Opal which is closest to the Dark Grey you had mentioned earlier. The same thoughts crossed my mind as I did not want the standard White/Blk/Silver.
Good luck in your serach. The CLK 430 has the perfect blend of power, looks, luxury and handling to satisfy your wants. Take this from an E36 M3 owner like yourself.
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You better get a CLK with warranty.
I bought my CLK430 from my local dealer, Silver, 42K miles, $30G + Tax. It comes with 3 years warranty (1 yr starmark + 2yr Premium).
The dealer already fixed few things under warranty with in 3 months.
1. Fixed fuel gauge always shows empty
2. Replaced dead Smartkey
3. Fixed rattling from the hood joint
4. Fixed broken backseat backrest release cable
5. Road side service twice:
- drained battery due to lose contact
- replaced flat tire
Honestly, CLK is not a very reliable car compare to Lexus, Infiniti and Acura.
I bought my CLK430 from my local dealer, Silver, 42K miles, $30G + Tax. It comes with 3 years warranty (1 yr starmark + 2yr Premium).
The dealer already fixed few things under warranty with in 3 months.
1. Fixed fuel gauge always shows empty
2. Replaced dead Smartkey
3. Fixed rattling from the hood joint
4. Fixed broken backseat backrest release cable
5. Road side service twice:
- drained battery due to lose contact
- replaced flat tire
Honestly, CLK is not a very reliable car compare to Lexus, Infiniti and Acura.
Thread Starter
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well, i don't expect it to be. i don't like lexus infiniti or acura. there is just something in the build quality of german cars that puts them a head above the rest, despite the potential maintenance costs..
