RGHessel

I'm about ready to place an order for a CLK, but I remain "concerned" about the car's predicted reliability.

The current CLK has a LOUSY repair record as listed in Consumer Reports. I also have a close friend who had a CLK430 and finally got rid of it cuz it was so trouble prone (primarily in regard to the electrical system).

I'm in love with the appearance (in and out) of the 2003 CLKs and I cant find anything I like nearly as much. Having said that, though, I'm a little paranoid about the CLK.

Admittedly, no body really predict how the new car will be reliability-wise...but does anyone have any thoughts on this matter? Is Mercedes still on the decline, or are they moving back in the direction of reliability.

Help! Someone put my mind at ease...

Benzo

I have had a 1998 clk320, 1999 clk430, 2000 clk430, 2001 and a 2002. Now I just bought the 2003 CLK500- I have had no real problems. The largest problem I had was w/ my 2002 where the toe hitch cover fell off twice and they had to strap it in. I also had a slight cracking noise near my windshield and I put felt between the windshield and the dash and that was gone. Every car will have inor problems. Some poepl edo get lemons. I would say it is far from the norm with a benz. I would buy VERY confidently.

stockseer

my new CLK500 is the 3rd CLK in 3 years; no meaningful trouble in any; a couple squeaks and rapid tire wear (the latter the most bothersome). Absolutely fine service and reliability.. had equal reliability from an SC430 in the earlier '90's, much worse from a BMW 850 long ago and nothing but trouble with Porsches. For me nothing but MB; this one and if the market comes back next year (it will..the bottom was July with pauses along the way) we can talk about the SL 55 .. hah... actually I'm happy with this one, and heard about the Consumer Reports story; made no sense to me.

cheers..

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2003 CLK500; black/charcoal (all but distronic)