por2gezo

Okay guys. Just picked up a 2003 clk320 convertable. Question is, do I have a 208 or 209 ? The body styling seems to be 208 (headlights) but are all the internals .... Engine .... Tranny 209 ?

Please help with clarifying n

Peydidy

w209

por2gezo

So why did not mb change the headlights and tail lights on the convertable model ?

Peydidy

I just googled it and now I am confused about this too.
I thought 2003-2009 CLKs were all w209 but now I am a little confused
Someone Please chime in and correct me

por2gezo

Here are some pictures of my "2003" clk320

Gary C

2003 convertible is w208. 2003 coup is first year w209. Then 2004 first year for w209 convertible

Rudeney

Yep, the MY2003 CLK cabriolet was a carryover of the W208, where the MY2003 CLK coupe was the new W209. Keep in mind that the idea of "model year" is a somewhat foreign concept outside of the US. In many countries, the "year" of the car is considered the year it was registered, but in manufacturing terms, there is always a "model year" and it can be determined by the VIN - look at the 10th position from the left, right before the letter. "3" would me MY2003, "4" = MY2004, "A" = MYT2010, "B" = MY2011, etc.

By the way, if you want to understand the VIN format:

Positions 1-3: Manufacturer code - WDB for "Daimler-Benz", 4JG for MBUSI (the Alabama company that runs the factory here), WDC for "Daimler-Chrysler" and WDD for the McLaren plant that builds come cars for MBZ.

Position 4: Series code - T = W209, R = W203, L =W208...

Position 5: Body Style - K = Cabriolet, J = Coupe, F = Sedan, H = Wagon...

Position 6-7: Model within series - 56 = 350, 72 = 550, 52 = 230, 65 = 350 4MATIC...

Position 8: Safety System - E = seatbelts with emergency pretensioners, driver and passenger front side airbags, F = E + drive and passenger side airbags...

Position 9: Check digit

Position 10: Model year - 0-9 = 2000-2009, A=2010, B=2011...

Position 11: Plant code - A-E = Sindelfingen, F-H = Bremen, X=Graz

Position 12-17: Chassis serial number

mis3

This is common practise for other car manufacturers as well. The coupe verison usually comes out 1-2 years after.

Look at BMW, the 3-Coupe did not come out yet. BTW, they are calling it the 4-Series.

Yidney

Rodney, what's "T" at position 11? I assume that is what you too, no?

Rudeney

T = Karmann, as in "Karmann-Ghia". MBZ subcontracted with them to build cars, just as they did with Maga Steyr in Graz, Austria (code X). Mine is an "F" - built in the MBZ Bremen plant.

por2gezo

Looks like its a 2003 w208

por2gezo

Does anyone have a way to check my vin for any problems with this car ?

Rudeney

You have an M112 engine and 722.6 transmission, which with proper maintenance (and maybe fixing some minor leaks on the valve covers and transmission electrical connector) should be practically bulletproof. The balance shaft issues only affected the M272 and M273 engines (CLK350/550).

BTW - War Eagle!

ahmadnt

Hi Rudeney, can you tell the same regarding my car transmission and engine?

mis3

Agreed. My 2004 CLK320 Coupe has over 160K miles and it drives great.

Rudeney: For the transmission electrical connector, are you referring to the 13-pin connector? I did have a small leak there and I replaced it with my last ATF pan-flush. The part was surprising cheap from the dealership.

Rudeney

Sure - you have an M112 engine (serial number 31-607809) and a 722.618 transmission (serial number 04-663076). A good combination - just keep up with maintenance and you should be in for the long haul.

ahmadnt

Many Thanks, I'm planning to buy another CLK w209 for my colleague so which year model came with the best/succcessful (engine & transmission).
I heard that the 320 is the most reliable engine size, is that correct?

Rudeney

Probably the best is a MY2005 CLK. It has the 3.2l M112 V6 and the 722.6 5-speed transmission. With proper maintenance, this is a solid drivetrain for the long haul. There is nothing wrong with earlier models, but MY2005 was the first year for the "facelift" which updated some of the interior switchgear, and changed some of the internal electrical bus systems to be more reliable. If you want the V8, then look for a MY2004 or earlier CLK500. You won't get the facelift, but you avoid the early 722.9 7-speed transmissions which can be more problematic. If you want more power, then I'd look at nothing earlier than a MY2007 CLK350 or CLK550, but check that the engine serial number is beyond the range for potential balance shaft problems.

ahmadnt

Many Thanks

por2gezo

Does anyone have a way to check this VIN for me ?

WDBLK65G33T131117

would do a carfax, but its like $50

Rudeney

That's a W209 CLK320. What we can do with the VIN is check the engine serial number for the balance shaft issues. The M112 engine in the CLK320 wasn't affected by that. If you are really considering the car, I'd pay the money for a Carfax or AutoCheck report. In fact, if you are shopping, some of those services offer "unlimited" checks for 30 days for a flat fee.

cantcatchme2

Hello everyone.New to the MB owners world. I picked up a 2002 clk320 convertable last year and had to replace the trans pan gskt,oil pan gskt, motor mts,new brakes all around,and the convt fop cylinder.So had to put some money into it. Had to replace the battery a few days ago. Now it wont come out of the safe second gear mode. Doing some research on the repair for it. Might be the connector for the trans but was hoping it might have to do with computer. Maybe a quick simple fix?And ideas? I think its an W208 for my vin is WDBLK65GX2T126074. Had 87k when I bought it now 112k. Live north of New Orleans and took it without any problems to Chicago and Tampa a few times.Thanks