advice on purchasing CLK Cabriolet ??
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 47
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From: California central coast
2001 E320 4matic wagon and 2000 E320 sedan
advice on purchasing CLK Cabriolet ??
I'm a proud owner of 2 E320 W210's (2000 and 2001). I love both of these cars and now I'm in the market for a convertible CLK. I'm considering the years 2000 to recent years. My budget is 30K or less. I want low miles (under 40k is preferable) and color is,well, to be determined. It can be either a V6 or V8.
What I would like advice on is what years or models are more problematic and to be avoided and what to look for in checking a CLK out when I finally find one. The w210's are pretty trouble free and that's a priority for me.
Thanks to all who take the time to answer this thread.
What I would like advice on is what years or models are more problematic and to be avoided and what to look for in checking a CLK out when I finally find one. The w210's are pretty trouble free and that's a priority for me.
Thanks to all who take the time to answer this thread.
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2008 CLK550 Cab
If your budget is that high, you can even get an '09 with pretty low miles - the last year they were made. Basically, you want to avoid two things: First, both the V6 and V8 have problematic timing/balance shaft gears that wear prematurely in a certain VIN range. There are lots of posts here on the subject. But any '09 and I think any '08 are all safe.
Second, the early version of the 7 speed transmission was a bit more problematic. But again, by '08 or '09 it was solved.
If you get an older car (and 2000-03 is a W208) you get some older technology as well - especially the NAV and sound system. All CLKs have antiquated systems by today's standards, but pre-05 they were even more antiquated.
Some older models also have trouble with the radiator leaking into the tranmission.
My botton line is if you are willing to spend 30k, then unless you must have an AMG (CLK55 AMG) then get an '08 or '09. Whether you get the V6 or V8 just depends on whether the V8 fun factor is important to you, and is worth the extra fuel cost.
Second, the early version of the 7 speed transmission was a bit more problematic. But again, by '08 or '09 it was solved.
If you get an older car (and 2000-03 is a W208) you get some older technology as well - especially the NAV and sound system. All CLKs have antiquated systems by today's standards, but pre-05 they were even more antiquated.
Some older models also have trouble with the radiator leaking into the tranmission.
My botton line is if you are willing to spend 30k, then unless you must have an AMG (CLK55 AMG) then get an '08 or '09. Whether you get the V6 or V8 just depends on whether the V8 fun factor is important to you, and is worth the extra fuel cost.
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I think if you stick with a MY2008 or MY2009 W209, you'll be fine. If you find a deal you can't refuse on a MY2007, have us check the VIN for the engine serial number to make sure it's out of the range for potential balance shaft issues. I'd avoid all MY2006's (if not 100%, it's 99.999% sure they will be in the bad balance shaft range) and MY2005 CLK500s (due to having the early 722.9 transmission which tends to be more problematic). For a bargain, look for a MY2005 CLK320 - it's post "facelift" so you get the more updated interior, and you also get the practically bullet proof 3.2l V6 M112 engine and 722.6 transmission.
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 488
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From: Albuquerque, NM
2014 e350
I agree with the two previous posts.
OK, so I purchased my first Mercedes after much review and was very lucky to find a 2005 CLK 320 convertible last January with only with only 23,000 miles. Fixed a few small maintenance issues and have now put 10,000 miles (drove all over the western US and around) on the car since with no problems. It's a wonderful car - except - it was my first BLACK car. Never again. So now, I'm on the lookout for a 2009 CLK 350 convertible in a more appropriate color and low mileage. I'm in no hurry as I'm very much (almost) enjoying my CLK320. Good luck.
OK, so I purchased my first Mercedes after much review and was very lucky to find a 2005 CLK 320 convertible last January with only with only 23,000 miles. Fixed a few small maintenance issues and have now put 10,000 miles (drove all over the western US and around) on the car since with no problems. It's a wonderful car - except - it was my first BLACK car. Never again. So now, I'm on the lookout for a 2009 CLK 350 convertible in a more appropriate color and low mileage. I'm in no hurry as I'm very much (almost) enjoying my CLK320. Good luck.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: California central coast
2001 E320 4matic wagon and 2000 E320 sedan
CLK advice on purchasing
Many thanks to the replies to my post. I now know what to look for and what to avoid. I am confused about one thing--does a CL55 ever come equipped with a V6? I thought they only came with V8's.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: California central coast
2001 E320 4matic wagon and 2000 E320 sedan
CLK advice on purchasing
I agree with the two previous posts.
OK, so I purchased my first Mercedes after much review and was very lucky to find a 2005 CLK 320 convertible last January with only with only 23,000 miles. Fixed a few small maintenance issues and have now put 10,000 miles (drove all over the western US and around) on the car since with no problems. It's a wonderful car - except - it was my first BLACK car. Never again. So now, I'm on the lookout for a 2009 CLK 350 convertible in a more appropriate color and low mileage. I'm in no hurry as I'm very much (almost) enjoying my CLK320. Good luck.
OK, so I purchased my first Mercedes after much review and was very lucky to find a 2005 CLK 320 convertible last January with only with only 23,000 miles. Fixed a few small maintenance issues and have now put 10,000 miles (drove all over the western US and around) on the car since with no problems. It's a wonderful car - except - it was my first BLACK car. Never again. So now, I'm on the lookout for a 2009 CLK 350 convertible in a more appropriate color and low mileage. I'm in no hurry as I'm very much (almost) enjoying my CLK320. Good luck.
MBworld Guru
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There are no "55" cars with V6 engines - they are all V8s. The CLK55, C55, SLK55 and ML55 used a naturally-aspirated 5.5l AMG-tuned version of the M113 engine with about 360hp. The CL55, E55, S55, SL55, and G55 used the same engine, but supercharged putting out around 490hp. I believe the only AMG vehicles that used a V6 are the C32 and the SLK32 - both using supercharged version of the 3.2l M112 V6.
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2009 CLK350 Convertible
If you can stretch your budget, you can get a CPO '09 CLK350 Cab for the low 30's. I paid just less than $35 for mine with under 31K miles, 3 years of maintenance and financed via MBF. Of course, finding one that wasn't Silver, White or Black was the trick. 
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: California central coast
2001 E320 4matic wagon and 2000 E320 sedan
A white car would not be a problem for me. You got 3 years of maintenance,too? That sounds like a very good deal.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2013
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2009 CLK350 Convertible
If you can do Black - This one looks like a steal at under $30 for under 28K miles:
http://www.mypreownedmercedes.com/us...tk56f99t110149
It's in San Luis Obispo.
There's also a White/Black for a bit more closer to LA - just use the CPO search site:
http://www.mypreownedmercedes.com
http://www.mypreownedmercedes.com/us...tk56f99t110149
It's in San Luis Obispo.
There's also a White/Black for a bit more closer to LA - just use the CPO search site:
http://www.mypreownedmercedes.com
Last edited by BEPSF; Jul 7, 2013 at 12:37 PM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: California central coast
2001 E320 4matic wagon and 2000 E320 sedan
If you can do Black - This one looks like a steal at under $30 for under 28K miles:
http://www.mypreownedmercedes.com/us...tk56f99t110149
It's in San Luis Obispo.
There's also a White/Black for a bit more closer to LA - just use the CPO search site:
http://www.mypreownedmercedes.com
http://www.mypreownedmercedes.com/us...tk56f99t110149
It's in San Luis Obispo.
There's also a White/Black for a bit more closer to LA - just use the CPO search site:
http://www.mypreownedmercedes.com
MBworld Guru
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 10,782
Likes: 1,011
NO LONGER ACTIVE
LOL! You just have to learn to fold the seats forward when parking in the sun and leaving the top down. Or, install a SmartTop module to make it easier to raise and lower the top so you don;t park and leave it open. I love my black interior, leg burns and all.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 27
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Mercedes CLK 350 Convertible
Any advice on my latest Merc...? 2006 CLK 350 Sports Convertible 62k's. Full AMG pack on 19" and as much fun as expected! A few expenses come along as one would expect.. I paid 21k usd and sadly brought from a Volvo dealership.. Sadly as they cannot help with anything! however was the only place in Cape Town I could find such a car.. I now have a few questions!
I have taken out the mid cats and found a significant increase in sound with ss replacement pipes.. AMAZING!
Should I expect any danger to the engine long term.. Laws don't really apply in Cape Town and I doubt any other owners are concerned with economy as it really doesn't have! Other than from a pollution stand point and there are much worse on the roads here but should I have anything to worry about?
Is it normal to need new rear tyres.. brake pads and disks not to mention a full mbsh at 60k.. first of this age so unsure?!
I have so many questions but also find it a rare car and difficult to get the right advise.
Can anyone advise on a big brake kit? ECU Chip.. AMG Steering Wheel installation.. Latest Key upgrade. Again so many questions!
So many thanks for any help.. Advice and attention.
I have taken out the mid cats and found a significant increase in sound with ss replacement pipes.. AMAZING!
Should I expect any danger to the engine long term.. Laws don't really apply in Cape Town and I doubt any other owners are concerned with economy as it really doesn't have! Other than from a pollution stand point and there are much worse on the roads here but should I have anything to worry about?
Is it normal to need new rear tyres.. brake pads and disks not to mention a full mbsh at 60k.. first of this age so unsure?!
I have so many questions but also find it a rare car and difficult to get the right advise.
Can anyone advise on a big brake kit? ECU Chip.. AMG Steering Wheel installation.. Latest Key upgrade. Again so many questions!
So many thanks for any help.. Advice and attention.
Last edited by Fergelicious; Jul 24, 2014 at 03:48 AM.
MBworld Guru
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 10,782
Likes: 1,011
NO LONGER ACTIVE
Expect maybe 20K miles out of rear tires. 40K out of fronts.
There is not much you can do for improving performance - ECU tunes are expensive and won't give you much unless you invest thousands of more dollars on headers and exhaust modes, and then the improvements are small.
Big brakes are an option - many people go with the AMG parts, or the Brembo kit.
There is not much you can do for improving performance - ECU tunes are expensive and won't give you much unless you invest thousands of more dollars on headers and exhaust modes, and then the improvements are small.
Big brakes are an option - many people go with the AMG parts, or the Brembo kit.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: California central coast
2001 E320 4matic wagon and 2000 E320 sedan
If your budget is that high, you can even get an '09 with pretty low miles - the last year they were made. Basically, you want to avoid two things: First, both the V6 and V8 have problematic timing/balance shaft gears that wear prematurely in a certain VIN range. There are lots of posts here on the subject. But any '09 and I think any '08 are all safe.
Second, the early version of the 7 speed transmission was a bit more problematic. But again, by '08 or '09 it was solved.
If you get an older car (and 2000-03 is a W208) you get some older technology as well - especially the NAV and sound system. All CLKs have antiquated systems by today's standards, but pre-05 they were even more antiquated.
Some older models also have trouble with the radiator leaking into the tranmission.
My botton line is if you are willing to spend 30k, then unless you must have an AMG (CLK55 AMG) then get an '08 or '09. Whether you get the V6 or V8 just depends on whether the V8 fun factor is important to you, and is worth the extra fuel cost.
Second, the early version of the 7 speed transmission was a bit more problematic. But again, by '08 or '09 it was solved.
If you get an older car (and 2000-03 is a W208) you get some older technology as well - especially the NAV and sound system. All CLKs have antiquated systems by today's standards, but pre-05 they were even more antiquated.
Some older models also have trouble with the radiator leaking into the tranmission.
My botton line is if you are willing to spend 30k, then unless you must have an AMG (CLK55 AMG) then get an '08 or '09. Whether you get the V6 or V8 just depends on whether the V8 fun factor is important to you, and is worth the extra fuel cost.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,109
Likes: 112
2008 CLK550 Cab
Any advice for my first Merc.. 2006 CLK 350 Sports Convertible 62k MILES.. Full AMG pack on 19" and absolutely love as its my first.. A few expenses come along as one would expect.. I paid 21k usd and sadly brought from a Volvo dealership.. Sadly as they cannot help with anything! however was the only place in Cape Town I could find such a nice car.. I now have a few questions!
I have taken out the mid cats and found a significant increase in sound with ss replacement pipes.. AMAZING!
Should I expect any danger to the engine long term.. Laws don't really apply in Cape Town and I doubt any other owners are concerned with economy as it really doesn't have! Other than from a pollution stand point and there are much worse on the roads here! But should I have anything to worry about?
How would I know if it has Keyless go..
Is it normal to need new rear tyres.. brake pads and disks not to mention a full mbsh at 50,000miles - 6k after purchase?
I have so many questions but also find it a rare car and difficult to get the right advise.
Can anyone advise on a big break kit? ECU Chip.. AMG Steering Wheel installation.. Latest Key upgrade. Again so many questions!
So many thanks for any help.. Advice and attention.
I have taken out the mid cats and found a significant increase in sound with ss replacement pipes.. AMAZING!
Should I expect any danger to the engine long term.. Laws don't really apply in Cape Town and I doubt any other owners are concerned with economy as it really doesn't have! Other than from a pollution stand point and there are much worse on the roads here! But should I have anything to worry about?
How would I know if it has Keyless go..
Is it normal to need new rear tyres.. brake pads and disks not to mention a full mbsh at 50,000miles - 6k after purchase?
I have so many questions but also find it a rare car and difficult to get the right advise.
Can anyone advise on a big break kit? ECU Chip.. AMG Steering Wheel installation.. Latest Key upgrade. Again so many questions!
So many thanks for any help.. Advice and attention.
You will know if it has keyless go by looking at the shift knob. If it has a Mercedes emblem is does not have keyless go. If it has keyless go, the shift knob will have a flat button that says Engine Start.
