My 99 CLK430 is fast approaching 100,000 miles and just wanted to shed my experiences with the car. I have owned the car for about 2.5 years and when I got it I had my mechanic go through it, from fluids to tranny service, including a Carlsson suspension and new tires. The suspension/tire combination made a huge improvement overall for the cornering ability of this great car...I cannot express what a difference this made.

Initially I was very surprised at the interior sound quality, or lack thereof, not what I was expecting from such a marque. But this seemed rather small compared to the grin plastered on my face. I managed, over time, to isolate most of the annoying rattles and squeeks and the ride seemed to "settle" especially with breaking in of the new suspension.

Mechanically, as I read through my records, the car has had minimal "problems" with the first being the starter needing lubrication. This has happened twice and costs $60. I had to replace one a/c hose and will replace the wheel bearings this week. I now have the ESP/ABS/BAS light coming on intermittently but have not looked into this as of date. Will search the forum for possible culprits. The front airdamn piece that seems to fall off if you look at it wrong. I didn't bother buying a second one.

So essentially, all of my records indicate normal service, some excessive, some for performance/taste...UD pulleys, stainless steel brake lines, K&N filters, new speakers, amp, sub etc. I am also going to need new rotors soon, but the brakes have been fine at 100,000 miles.

So overall, this car has been an absolute dream to drive with the looks that say "this is something special." Minimal maintenance combined with excellent driving pleasure has brought me to really love this car. I can only imagine what a CL would be like to own/drive.

I would certainly steer anyone to one of these models without hesitation and until the CL's come down in price, may have another.

 

i had alot of the same problems as you. I have 110k miles nebody know how long until my head gaskets start going? thats what really concerns me the most?

 

BrianW- Excellent write-up! I'll link this thread when I try to sell my car!

 

3199 - head gasket failure? Oh no! As much as I love this forum it stinks when you find out about a new "commonly ocurring problem" with our cars. Are the head gaskets prone to failure in a certain accumulated mileage range? Man I'm blowing forced induction air through my cylinders - do I need to start adding my head gaskets to my Sunday prayers?

 

i really have no idea. I've seen these cars at 130,000 with no head gasket job. Im justwondering when its going to happen, its basically inevitable. My tranny is starting to be out too it gets real jerky until its warmed up but once its warm its nice and smooth.

I was told that the Mercedes antifreeze keeps the gasket in good condition but I wonder how much longer the timing chain and head gaskets can last in a car with 110K miles. I change all fluids except tranny fluid every 5K or less and the tranny fluid was just changed about 15-20K miles ago along with the valve body.

Hopefully heads hold up until I get rid of the car or get a new one to keep it company.

 

In my first post I stated I will be replacing the wheel bearings at 100,000 miles. It is not the wheel bearing but the front ball joints. Just an FYI! Found two interior lights burnt out, so maybe that will make the "lamp defective" light go out.

After looking at prices of other MB's and the prices of later model CLK430's I think I am leaning towards staying with the 430 or a 55 AMG.

 

All right, let's go to the bottom line here......maintenance.... is the name of the game!

My daily driver is a 1994 Acura Integra with 140,000 miles, besides the required oil changes every 2,500 miles, I have only change brakes twice, have done two major maintenance services, one every 70,000 miles, which includes changing all fluids, including transmission, checking all hoses, water pump, starter and flush the radiator.

My delivery van a 1990 Ford E-250 V-8 with 400,000 miles will be replaced in a month with a brand new guess what?...another Ford E-250

As for my car with 25,800 miles as of today, I wouldn't worry, even if it had 200,000 miles.

Cars are built to last, all they need is TLC

 

theine, I agree. My daily driver is my '88 300TE with 220,000 miles. Full synthetic oil changes at regular intervals makes a huge difference in how well these cars run at 200,000 plus miles. My first MB was an 87 260E which I traded in on my girlfriends CLK320 and it had 350,000 and was still running very strong. I'm certain that car is still serving someone very well. It is just that you read so much about the "troubles" with these cars, I just wanted to share my positive experience.

I also realize the reason for these boards is to share your "troubles" to better help others, so mostly what we read are the trouble areas of our autos.