chutney

I have just purchased a 2001 CLK 320. How do I tell if it is a W208 or W209 (or some other)

etownbala

It's a W208. W209's are 2003 and up. Although I was told there is some W208 models manufactured into 2003.

KRis

MagmaRed55

I believe this would be the convertible.

FinnAussie

if it looks like hairdressers cars, then it 209 otherwise its 208

dlbehrns

You are correct. Only the w208 cabriolet was sold in 2003. If you park a 208 beside a 209 the later is much bigger and much "prettier"

jonUF02

etownbala

Hahahaha excellent!

beefstallionAMG

It's hilarious and true... but we shouldn't bash our w209 brothers.

Josh K

***sisters

FTFY

MagmaRed55

Hahaha. The 208 is a classic, the 209 should have taken a few more notes. Especially in the hind quarters.

chutney

Thank you for the help, out of curiosity why are some spares prefaced C instead of W?

GatorMB

The C indicates the car model on the outside. The W indicates the Chassis type the dealer utilizes for parts.
The best way to identify is by the headlights. The 208 has separate Park/head and the 209 has integrated park/head. The taillights are on the 208 are different as well.
I have not seen a 2003 cab to verify the 208/209 name but have read about it in other posts.
I thought hairdressers drove caddy's n souls. LOL

Cheers, Gator