Axtell

I just wanted to post a quick note introducing myself as I am brand new to the boards. My name's Brian, and after doing a lot of long hard searching, I've decided a CLK430 coupe is the way I want to go for my next ride. However, a new one is far out of my price range, but the power of ebay has shown me a very nice condition 1999-2001 one can be had for my price range.

I've done some searching, but haven't seen any threads here on the particular strengths or weaknesses on the varying years. I've even gone to sites like edmunds.com and kbb.com to search for information, but unable to find information.

Any hints on where to find the information would be greatly appreciated...I don't mind digging for my info, just need to find the right garden to start digging.

Thanks in advance!

JohnAMG

This had a ton of information both pros and cons until the system crash last week I guess the data base was corupted and not retrievable. Another place you can search is www.benzworld.org Here is my personal experience. My wife's first Benz was a 1998 CLK320. It was almost flawless except the Mass-Air-Sensor and slight drifting to the right. We had it until this march and we traded in for a 2001 CLK55. The 2001 is better in built quality and so far no problem

John

3 bAn 2 PoW 0

i think you should get the 2000+ models, it has the blinking mirror, different rims, steering wheel controls, and tons of other things which i don't remember. don't get the 98 or 99 unless u have to. good luck on finding a CLK...their great!

-Greg

Josh K

Welcome to the boards! I would have to agree that 2000+ is definitely the way to go....

Brian_I.

Welcome to the forums. I would definitely recommend going with the 2000+ model. Like previously mentioned you get the blinking mirrors, the steering wheel controls, the multi-display console, color matching lower body panels (on the 320) and birdseye maple wood trim (not that the burlwood is bad though).

BTW, nice name.

charliev68

2000-2002

upgraded model...it's awsome!

side markers in the mirror, ant. on the roof, light grey gauges, in-dash screen, multi-funtion steering wheel, step-tronic shifter, black bird's eye wood, blue tinted windows, sos button (i think it is new for the 2000, but not sure), and upgraded harmonic balancer.

guys correct me if i am wrong!

benzinoben

With all this talk of the 2K+ cars, I feel like I need to give me 1999 CLK Cabrio a hug. My two cents is go with what you can afford. Dont stretch yourself out so much that you cannot afford to eat. I would rather have a tricked out 99 then a stock 2K. If you catch my drift.

funky102

2000+ Easier to integrate a COMAND if it doesnt have it and you want it. You also get color matched body panels (skirts, front chins, rear chins) if its a 320. Better stock rims on the 320 also. As everyone else mentioned, blinking mirrors, multi-function steerign wheel, in-dash display, SOS if thats your thing, and most likely better resale value .

Axtell

Thanks for all the great replies...I think I have narrowed it down to either a 2000 or 2001 430. Nothing against the older cars, but the pricing I've been seeing isn't that much more for the 2000-01, and if they have several more options, I'd prefer to spend the extra dough on it.

When I finally get one parked in my driveway (can't wait....and don't know how much parking it will do hehe) I'll be here

Thanks again!

Brian