Streetcid00

I am going to purchase a 99 or 00 CLK within the next few weeks. I have not decided between a 99 and 2000 and 320 and 430. I am trying to way the pros and cons.
Other than the obvious horsepower issues, is there anything I should consider about the 99/00 320/430? Did either of these vehicles have trouble?
Thanks in advance.

mmgrad

00+ model years have many aesthetic improvements, so I would encourage you to get the '00 model. plus, it would most likely have less problems as i hear many people complaining about the issue with their '98-'99 CLKs...

in terms of 320/430.... HP, wheels/tires, bodykit, suspension, brakes.... thats about the only main differences.

search the forum, there are plenty of threads asking the same questions you asked.

kimber45

I drove the 320's and 430's this week and if you can only afford a 320 then do yourself a favor and dont even test drive a 430. Once you put the pedal to the metal in the 430, your never going to be happy with the 320's performance unless you mod the engine.

And for those of you wondering about the WRX vs the 430...

I had the salesguy that I traded my WRX (02) to for the CLK, get it out from the back this afternoon and we raced from a deadstop. He seems to know how to drive/shift and my 430 WASTED HIS ***!

I actually felt sorry for the WRX and gave her a pat on the hood since she was so good to me for the last 2 years.

RK

clkal

must not have been an STI model, cuz my friend has one and that thing is fast as hell.

Randy B

The 430 will come with most options already on it. Usually the phone and or command is about the only ify's Heated seats, cd changer, moonroof, AMG Package on wheels and bumpers and side skirts, rear sunshade, and Bose system. I have not seen very many 00 and up go through the dealer auction with out this equipment as a base. The 320's are pot luck with options and will be much cheaper .

ELENI

I would have to agree that I would rather go with the 430 becuase of the engine and the AMG bodykit and rims coming stock on it.

As far as 99 or 00, I have to stick up for my 99 430 and say that I have been very lucky with no major problems. I was concerned about the differences between a 99 or 00+ model as well but after reading posts on this forum the problems with CLK's seem to go through every years model.

Some pluses for a 00+ that I wish I could have had are the blinking mirrors, command steering wheel, and black trim around the windows.

But overall I am very happy with my 99, no complaints.

Good Luck!!

Daveskee

I have to agree with Eleni. My MY99 430 has had fewer problems than many newer CLKs. Definitely recommend the 430 over the 320 if you can afford it.

The only things my '99 didn't have available that I wanted that's available on a '00 and newer were the Comand, multifunction steering wheel, multifunction dash display and V60 phone (All I had retrofited anyway. Comand would be an option and the V60 would be a retrofit on a '00). The touch shift (never use), tele aid (wouldnt pay for) and the blinking turn signal mirrors (cool but not that big of a deal) are the '00 options I can do without. The other '99 difference I like is the Burlwood trim. Personally I like it better than the black birdseye. The last thing I can think of is the chrome window trim which looks nice but I decided to change out since I'm kinda going for that blacked out look anyway.

So if you can find a low mileage '99 CLK430 in good shape with the options you want, I think its a definite option for you. The only thing, everthing else being equal is whether you have the regular or an extended warranty on the car or not. That could tip the scales for me.


Good luck!

rval_1999

IMHO it seems you are not looking for a MB CLK with a warranty, which is not necessarily a bad idea if you buy right. Consider a 2000+ CLK320, it is basically the same as the 430, just with a smaller (but, I think, more responsive engine). I think the difference in 0-60 is .9 secs., no big deal, besides a MB is for cruisin', not racing. I have a 1998 (CLK320), and though I have problems, I belive the 2000+ solved those mostly.

brianw430

Another 99 clk430 chimming in. The only problem I have had is the starting problem. When I first bought it, used, periodically it would not start. I ran a search on Google and found the "starter ring" needed lubing. Told my mechanic, and viola, no more problem...about 15 months now.

Other than that, my interior seemed to really "squeek" when I first got it, but the more I drive it, the more it seems to quiet down. I have 82, 200 miles and really enjoy driving it. The car has umph and feels very nimble...but I have a Carlsson suspension and it did make a difference.

I enjoy this car so much, I am now looking for a '00 or '01 clk55 just to see what a difference there is.

Good luck!

ldangeli

The 430 does not come base with all the items listed above. Every item in a MB, when purchased new, is plug and play packages. Yes the 430 comes with certain pre-configured packages, but not the Changer, not the heated seats, not the sunshade, and not the command system. Yes you may find or see them like that, due to the fact that is how they are ordered. When purchasing my 02 2 years back, I had to request packages K1-K4. The one thing about MB is that there are so many extras for the car, that it can become very pricey. At least that is how it is here on the right coast.

The 320 will definitely not meet your expectations with style, handling, or performance. Try and get an 01 or better if you can. They improved the electronics in 01 and seem to have less complaints than 99-00 owners. Look far and wide, they are out there and are now fairly cheap. How much are you looking to spend?

gabby

Hi all,

I have test driven the 320 as well as the 430, and have decided to go for the 320. Power and torque are not that important to me, and I don't see the need to spend more for something that I don't really care about. I just love the way the clk looks

I am currently looking for a '01 or '02 clk, but am concerned about some of the reliability issues (electrical problems, squeaks, engine stalling, etc...) that I have read in this forum. Is there really cause to be concern, or am I just being overly worried?

I would appreciate any comments that you might have. Thanks!