MB is better now?
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
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2004 CLK320
MB is better now?
I have a discussion with my service manager the other day. He said that the newer MBs are better built than a few years ago. Is this a correct statement?
I did have my share of problems with my 2004 CLK320 in the first 2-3 years.
My car now has alomost 200K KM and I will be looking for a new car next year. I am thinking of a E-Coupe or a Bimmer 3-coupe. I know that the re-designed 3-series are coming out soon.
I did have my share of problems with my 2004 CLK320 in the first 2-3 years.
My car now has alomost 200K KM and I will be looking for a new car next year. I am thinking of a E-Coupe or a Bimmer 3-coupe. I know that the re-designed 3-series are coming out soon.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: SF
2003 CLK 320
if i am not mistaken. a couple of years back, merc and chrysler was a joint company. my 03 clk said daimler-chrysler on the side. i think my buddy has only daimler written on his. but i also read that when the merger between the two companies broke off, and the new C class came out, it went from like a rank 20 to a top 10. haha
maybe someone can verify but i am sure its built better now than before.
maybe someone can verify but i am sure its built better now than before.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Oakland
2018 E43 | 2017 GLS450 | 2004 CLK 500
I think it was 05 without looking it up. I know that in 04 they gave you a redesigned transmission which addressed some known issues. My 03 transmission went out on me and was based on the w208 transmission. At least that's what the tech told me back then.
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Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Lower Hudson Valley, N.Y.
2012 CLS550 4MATIC, 2009 CLK550 Cabriolet, 2002 E320 4MATIC Wagon
Im not sure if i would say "built beter". My 2002 E320 is has just as good build quality, fit/finish, and solidity as any new Benz ive ever sat in.
However, if by built better you meant "more reliable", then absolutely YES. My w210 Benz is an electrical nightmare, meanwhile the electronics in my w209 are as trustworthy and dependable as can be.
In model year 2007, Benz's reliability and dependability ratings and scores SKY-ROCKETED. Pick up a Consumer Reports magazine or browse JD Power and Associate's studies and you'll notice the reliability trend pattern over the past 10 years. It's quite striking.
My advice for anyone in the market for a used Benz, steer clear from model years 1998 to 2006.
However, if by built better you meant "more reliable", then absolutely YES. My w210 Benz is an electrical nightmare, meanwhile the electronics in my w209 are as trustworthy and dependable as can be.
In model year 2007, Benz's reliability and dependability ratings and scores SKY-ROCKETED. Pick up a Consumer Reports magazine or browse JD Power and Associate's studies and you'll notice the reliability trend pattern over the past 10 years. It's quite striking.
My advice for anyone in the market for a used Benz, steer clear from model years 1998 to 2006.
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Joined: May 2009
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From: Chicago (Palos Park)
2023 CLA 250, 2021 GLC43, 2003 CLK320
I think its more to do with a new redesigned model out in 2003. There are always some issues with new models until they iron out the bugs. As a rule I try to avoid buying first year versions although my CLK is 03 
My wifes Lexus RX330 was also brand new redesign when we got it in 04 and overall all that car had no issues other then some small fix they had to do. The CLK on the other hand had a few issues, biggest the faulty radiator cooler tank resulting with replacement of the radiator, transmission and torque converter. Issue with the turn signals needing replacements of control units(?), headrest motor going bad and the auto-wipers acting up as in going nuts 
Thats all with 03 but only 35k miles on it now. The radiator issue was at 30k. Other then that it runs great.
My wifes Lexus RX330 was also brand new redesign when we got it in 04 and overall all that car had no issues other then some small fix they had to do. The CLK on the other hand had a few issues, biggest the faulty radiator cooler tank resulting with replacement of the radiator, transmission and torque converter. Issue with the turn signals needing replacements of control units(?), headrest motor going bad and the auto-wipers acting up as in going nuts Thats all with 03 but only 35k miles on it now. The radiator issue was at 30k. Other then that it runs great.
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