I am looking at a low mileage 2001 CLK320. Is there anything I should look out for specific to this model and year? Are these cars impacted by the radiator/glycol in the transmission issue?


IS the consensus this is a dependable car assuming it was cared for properly?

 

I have a 99 and have no issues. rfluid in the trans? not to my knowledge. Use the Search on this forum. Yes

 

I recently bought my first MB; a 2001 CLK 320 like yours. I've poured
over this and other MB websites to find answers to the same
question you are asking. My impression is that the 2001 model was
a good one, and with the exception of things to watch for on most all
older cars, there isn't any one ( or few ) potential problems with them.
If yours is typical however, the headlight lenses will be a bit frosted over, and
in need of restoration. The time and temp pixels in your instrument panel
will have gone wonky, but with any luck, that's all that you'll find typically
not perfect or at least functional. As I've said before, any car of that vintage
will have issues, but once you've fixed yours, it'll be a Mercedes-Benz in the end and not some run of the mill cookie cutter car. Drive it, enjoy it.

 

The issue where the radiator failed and damaged the transmission occurred in later CLKs, the W209 model.

This question comes up all the time. The 2001 and 2002 CLKs are incredibly well built automobiles. Notwithstanding, I recommend you take the prospective vehicle to a dealer for a PPI (prepurchase inspection) before you purchase the car. The dealer will charge a between $100 and $200 dollars for the inspection - although Mercedes-Benz of Valencia charged us zero dollars for a PPI in 2012 and this was for a car that we bought from someplace else.

If the dealer finds nothing wrong, great you have a good car. If they do find something wrong, you can use that to negotiate a better price, or walk away, depending on the issue. BTW, there is a long list of maintenance that should have been performed by now.

 

Thank you for all of the feedback.

This car is a vert, are there any known issues with the top? I have never owned a vert before and quite frankly I would prefer the hard top version. My biggest concern is leaks, followed by expensive replacement.


As for the PPI, in you experience do most used car dealers agree to take the car to a Merc dealer for you?

 

If you prefer a coupe, you may want to consider buying one. There are plenty of coupes available. Not owning a convertible, someone else would probably be a better resource to discuss whether the tops have known issues or flaws. All I know is they have seven hydraulic cylinders, a pump and several lines. The parts all need some degree of service from time to time (fluid change?, lubrication?), and are normal wear items. Occasionally lines have to be replaced, and pumps and cylinders have to be rebuilt.

My PPI experience is simple. You and the seller will agree which dealer they will take the car to. You will contact a service writer at the dealer and make an appointment. The service being performed is for "you". "You" will pay for it. The service writer is not to share information about your service with anyone else, especially the seller, until you say so. I typically tell the writer this in advance so as not to sound like a jerk to the seller when the car is being dropped off. When the inspection is complete you and the seller can meet at the dealer and the service writer will then go over the written itemized description of their findings. If the dealer discovers some of the things listed here, or here, great. The seller may be more inclined to lower their price. BTW, most of the things listed at my website will not occur on a well kept car. They "could" occur and if you did a PPI on ANY car (BMW, Porsche, Audi) similar items could be found. Some sellers may say they don't care what the dealer finds, the price is firm. To me, that doesn't matter. The PPI is insurance that I'm not surprised two weeks after buying the car. Obviously, you're not performing a PPI on every car in the classifieds. It's one of the last things done after you decide it's the right car.

Lastly, here are the Specifications, Available Equipment, and Prices for the 2002 Model Year CLK. That way you don't find out two weeks after you've bought the car that you really wanted some option that you didn't get. Need the similar info for a W209 CLK? Go here, scroll down, and look at the later CLKs.

Absolute lastly - congrats on choosing a Mercedes-Benz. They really are the world's premier auto manufacturer.

 

Convertibles are going to have more points of failure over coupes. That being said, they are beautiful. I still prefer the hardtop... My 430 has been a fantastic car, actually, the best car I've had so far if that makes you feel better. They really are built very well compared to the other vehicles I've owned.

 

I've bought paid off and resold all my other vehicles but my CLK 430 has stood the test and been a solid vehicle. I still love the looks of it and the V8 is still enough to put a smile on my face. The only way I would sell my baby would be to buy another Mercedes (G500 or G55) but I'm still debating if the G wagon is worth all the issues I see on the forum...oh and it will have to wait until I finish modding my Harley lol. I say go for it and buy the clk, learn how to fix most issues on your own and the enjoyment will be even greater.

Greg

 

Just wanted to reply as long tine owner of a 2001 CLK320 cabriolet and have no problems with the power roof.

Understood, that the roof mechanism is a bit complex (e.g. hydraulic cylinders, position and limit switches etc.) and at times can be problematic however, there are numerous DIY solutions on this board.

Not sure of your climate, but my CLK320 Cab has been as a daily driver (in the Northeast US) since new.

While mechanically, the CLKs have been pretty solid, any weakness seems to be in the electrical systems.

The roof is fits tight, is insulated and there are no leaks or drafts. Additionally, there is no cowl shake (as experienced in prior my 3 series BMW).

The cabriolets came with the Sport package (same as the AMG) and are true head turners.

I'm a do-it-yourself person and the 320 provides the room/clearances needed easy serviceability.

Additionally, with my CLK 320, I get 27 MPG in mixed driving and 33 MPG highway.

While the W208 is of timeless design, the cabriolets will hold much higher value over time.

However, if you're happy with a coupe, while you'll not turn as many heads, you'll save a very good sum some of money.

PS: No matter what the owners manual states about the transmission fluid being a lifetime fill, MB has since changed their mind and now recommends that it be changed every 39K mikes. If the car is from a hot weather area, beware hydraulic seal leaks and/or battery condition. Lastly. if you decide to purchase a cabriolet, make sure the complete factory provided wind screen is included (e.g. makes a huge difference on the highway).

 

The best car I've ever owned. 225k miles, still drives like new.
Parts are inexpensive since it's an 01. Never really replaced much except for alternator ($180)
Lost my keys ones ($225). Added 46k miles in a year and a half. I can't complain. Comfortable ride, powerful V8, full control and safe, luxurious and sporty.
I wouldn't got for a cabrio though.