Looking at a 2002 CLK320 -- High upkeep?
#1
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Looking at a 2002 CLK320 -- High upkeep?
Its got 100k miles on the clock...
Are these cars upkeep costs high? I can do almost any repair, but its for my GF so I don't want to be under the car much, and she can't afford it if the expenses are high so I want to check before we go look at it.
Anything particular I should check out common-problem wise?
Thanks guys,
Are these cars upkeep costs high? I can do almost any repair, but its for my GF so I don't want to be under the car much, and she can't afford it if the expenses are high so I want to check before we go look at it.
Anything particular I should check out common-problem wise?
Thanks guys,
#2
MBworld Guru
Other than the normal issues with a 100K mile car (belts, plugs, suspension, battery, etc.) check to make sure that it doesn't have the Valeo radiator - it was prone to leaking and mixing transmission fluid and coolant. The revised Behr radiator fixed that.
#3
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
So no real common transmission explosions, head gasket explosions, timing chain explosions etc?
Belts radiators etc don't scare me. I just don't want anything "big". I heard something about timing chain issues on some of the 320's?
Currently swapping in a new transmission on my 300TE...so no more back-on-cold-ground time!!
Engine is the M112 right?
Belts radiators etc don't scare me. I just don't want anything "big". I heard something about timing chain issues on some of the 320's?
Currently swapping in a new transmission on my 300TE...so no more back-on-cold-ground time!!
Engine is the M112 right?
Last edited by ps2cho; 02-09-2012 at 11:44 PM.
#4
MBworld Guru
The timing issues are on the M272 and M273 engines (CLK350/550). The M112 in the CLK320 is a good engine. The 722.6 transmission has also proven to be very reliable, albeit with the now recommended 39K mile interval partial fluid/filter change ( as opposed to the original "sealed for life" schedule).
#5
Super Moderator
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The M112 engine is as tough as nails as is the 722.6 transmission if properly maintained.
At very high mileage the only issues with the M112 are minor external. e.g. The odd coilpack, sparkplug wire & CPS (Crankshaft Position Sensor).
A weakness on the 722.6 transmission is the electrohydraulic bush O Rings. Another external repair with a parts cost of $12.
Only suspension weakness is the silicone filled front caster bushes. They crack, leak & finally effect wheel alignment. They have been improved. All cheap & easy to replace.
Listen to Rodney regarding damn Valeo radiators. A good SA made Behr will fix.
I consider everything else to be standard maintenance.
I have seen a number of M112/722.6 combinations do over a million kilometres with no major repairs.
Good luck!
At very high mileage the only issues with the M112 are minor external. e.g. The odd coilpack, sparkplug wire & CPS (Crankshaft Position Sensor).
A weakness on the 722.6 transmission is the electrohydraulic bush O Rings. Another external repair with a parts cost of $12.
Only suspension weakness is the silicone filled front caster bushes. They crack, leak & finally effect wheel alignment. They have been improved. All cheap & easy to replace.
Listen to Rodney regarding damn Valeo radiators. A good SA made Behr will fix.
I consider everything else to be standard maintenance.
I have seen a number of M112/722.6 combinations do over a million kilometres with no major repairs.
Good luck!
Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; 02-11-2012 at 10:30 AM.