New to site and Mercedes
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
2000 CLK430
New to site and Mercedes
Hello everyone, I’m brand new to the site and new to Mercedes as well. I just purchased my first one, a 2000 CLK 430 (with what I’m learning is the ever controversial AMG package). It has 128,000 miles. I bought the car to be a commuter car and have something different to tinker around with. I’ve only had it for 2 week but starting to be impressed by it. I was surprised by the power the car had. Even more surprised that at 128,000 it still ran and shifted very smooth. I’ve already addressed a couple of issues it had when I bought it. I put on new rubber all around staying with the recommended size on the AMG rims, 225/45/17 up front and 245/40/17 in back. I also replaced the rotors and pads with custom made drilled/slotted rotors and high performance pads – now it stops nice. I was able to get a folder of maintenance records from the owner, which I went through and documented for myself, however, it was incomplete. So I had the transmission fluid changed and oil/filter changed.
My two K&N air filters were delivered which I hope to get in tomorrow. I went with K&N out of personal preference, no illusions of some major HP gain. I also ordered a cabin filter. There’s a slight odor in the car and I’m guessing/hopping the filter is a bit nasty and just needs a change. I have to replace a blown side marker bulb and that’s about it. Everything seems to work (Some better than others) the radio works but sounds terrible. I haven’t gone speaker by speaker but there is definitely one or two blown. The passenger window goes up and down fine but doesn’t like the auto up when you push the button to the second ‘click’. I like to think of these things as my cars charterer.
3 1/2 weeks ago I knew very little of Mercedes in general. I've been digging in ever since, especialy on the CLK 430.
Just wanted to say hello and introduce my car.
My two K&N air filters were delivered which I hope to get in tomorrow. I went with K&N out of personal preference, no illusions of some major HP gain. I also ordered a cabin filter. There’s a slight odor in the car and I’m guessing/hopping the filter is a bit nasty and just needs a change. I have to replace a blown side marker bulb and that’s about it. Everything seems to work (Some better than others) the radio works but sounds terrible. I haven’t gone speaker by speaker but there is definitely one or two blown. The passenger window goes up and down fine but doesn’t like the auto up when you push the button to the second ‘click’. I like to think of these things as my cars charterer.
3 1/2 weeks ago I knew very little of Mercedes in general. I've been digging in ever since, especialy on the CLK 430.
Just wanted to say hello and introduce my car.
Banned
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 63
Likes: 8
2001 MB CLK55 AMG [gone]
Welcome!
I'm new to the site and Mercedes as well. Picked up a CLK55 AMG from a family friend a few weeks ago. Near mint condition and only has 40k miles on it. Excellent maintenance history as well.
Needs new tires. Which ones did you end up with for your car? The previous owner had the ball joints replaced last year, though it feels like it needs an alignment still.
I'm new to the site and Mercedes as well. Picked up a CLK55 AMG from a family friend a few weeks ago. Near mint condition and only has 40k miles on it. Excellent maintenance history as well.
Needs new tires. Which ones did you end up with for your car? The previous owner had the ball joints replaced last year, though it feels like it needs an alignment still.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,022
Likes: 231
From: In the minds of others rent free.
SL 400
Welcome to the site and to Mercedes!
Nothing contavercial about a 430 with the AMG package (wheels and kit) it comes that way, it's just not an AMG. (Enter the debate lol)
The cars are great if you stay on top of the service, you will need to do work over time as you now know but you will with any car. Thankfully you will look better driving the coupe than they will lol. FYI I have a side marker and the speakers if you want to replace them. I sawse you mentioned them in your post.
So congrats on the Benz and all the joy it will bring you.
Nothing contavercial about a 430 with the AMG package (wheels and kit) it comes that way, it's just not an AMG. (Enter the debate lol)
The cars are great if you stay on top of the service, you will need to do work over time as you now know but you will with any car. Thankfully you will look better driving the coupe than they will lol. FYI I have a side marker and the speakers if you want to replace them. I sawse you mentioned them in your post.
So congrats on the Benz and all the joy it will bring you.
Hello everyone, I’m brand new to the site and new to Mercedes as well. I just purchased my first one, a 2000 CLK 430 (with what I’m learning is the ever controversial AMG package). It has 128,000 miles. I bought the car to be a commuter car and have something different to tinker around with. I’ve only had it for 2 week but starting to be impressed by it. I was surprised by the power the car had. Even more surprised that at 128,000 it still ran and shifted very smooth. I’ve already addressed a couple of issues it had when I bought it. I put on new rubber all around staying with the recommended size on the AMG rims, 225/45/17 up front and 245/40/17 in back. I also replaced the rotors and pads with custom made drilled/slotted rotors and high performance pads – now it stops nice. I was able to get a folder of maintenance records from the owner, which I went through and documented for myself, however, it was incomplete. So I had the transmission fluid changed and oil/filter changed.
My two K&N air filters were delivered which I hope to get in tomorrow. I went with K&N out of personal preference, no illusions of some major HP gain. I also ordered a cabin filter. There’s a slight odor in the car and I’m guessing/hopping the filter is a bit nasty and just needs a change. I have to replace a blown side marker bulb and that’s about it. Everything seems to work (Some better than others) the radio works but sounds terrible. I haven’t gone speaker by speaker but there is definitely one or two blown. The passenger window goes up and down fine but doesn’t like the auto up when you push the button to the second ‘click’. I like to think of these things as my cars charterer.
3 1/2 weeks ago I knew very little of Mercedes in general. I've been digging in ever since, especialy on the CLK 430.
Just wanted to say hello and introduce my car.
My two K&N air filters were delivered which I hope to get in tomorrow. I went with K&N out of personal preference, no illusions of some major HP gain. I also ordered a cabin filter. There’s a slight odor in the car and I’m guessing/hopping the filter is a bit nasty and just needs a change. I have to replace a blown side marker bulb and that’s about it. Everything seems to work (Some better than others) the radio works but sounds terrible. I haven’t gone speaker by speaker but there is definitely one or two blown. The passenger window goes up and down fine but doesn’t like the auto up when you push the button to the second ‘click’. I like to think of these things as my cars charterer.
3 1/2 weeks ago I knew very little of Mercedes in general. I've been digging in ever since, especialy on the CLK 430.
Just wanted to say hello and introduce my car.
Last edited by ThatsMyDawg; Jun 4, 2013 at 07:08 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 445
Likes: 11
From: Washington, DC Metro Area
Currently: 2019 E450 AWD, Previous: 2002 CLK55 Cab
Congratulations on your new ride and welcome to this site. Nice folks here and the best is the search function as if you stick with it you can get at least a head start on an answer to most of your questions. Sooner or later you should post up a pic or two of your new to you ride. Enjoy!
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
2000 CLK430
Thanks everyone. Thatsmydawg - What speakers do you have. The sound right now is awful. I had my first taste of maintenance. I put in my K&N filters, sheesh 9 screws to get the cover off. I never had a airfilter change take 25 minutes, haha. But I have to say the air intake design is pretty sweet. Kind of like a ram air style. Much better design than all my American cars/trucks I've owned.
I also hit the head lights with the 3M restore / polish kit. For $20 bucks I figured I would give it a try before spending a bunch on new lights. It came out pretty good, I'm happy with it.
I'll get some pics up soon.
I also hit the head lights with the 3M restore / polish kit. For $20 bucks I figured I would give it a try before spending a bunch on new lights. It came out pretty good, I'm happy with it.
I'll get some pics up soon.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,022
Likes: 231
From: In the minds of others rent free.
SL 400
Yeah that filter swap is a trip, had to flip mine over in the grass so that huge cover would not get scratched on the concrete.
I have all the factory door speakers. 2 + 2.
I have all the factory door speakers. 2 + 2.
Thanks everyone. Thatsmydawg - What speakers do you have. The sound right now is awful. I had my first taste of maintenance. I put in my K&N filters, sheesh 9 screws to get the cover off. I never had a airfilter change take 25 minutes, haha. But I have to say the air intake design is pretty sweet. Kind of like a ram air style. Much better design than all my American cars/trucks I've owned.
I also hit the head lights with the 3M restore / polish kit. For $20 bucks I figured I would give it a try before spending a bunch on new lights. It came out pretty good, I'm happy with it.
I'll get some pics up soon.
I also hit the head lights with the 3M restore / polish kit. For $20 bucks I figured I would give it a try before spending a bunch on new lights. It came out pretty good, I'm happy with it.
I'll get some pics up soon.
