clkcadet

Hey all,

I was looking to pick up a W209 for my sporadic use of around 2k miles per year. I am leaning towards the 500, but of course I would look at a 320. I can't find much for sale here, so I am searching on Craigslist, etc. I have also been hunting for an E46 330ci, and having owned both cars when new the Benz has much less problems to deal with.

Beyond the obvious things to look for while buying a used car I was looking to see if there were any specific things to look for on a W209. I fully understand the engine/transmission are solid on these cars but are there any common issues or specific things to look at on a W209 when buying?

Thanks in advance, and hope to show you a new (to me) car soon!

Rudeney

The the C320 is fine. The M112 engine 722.6 transmission is a solid combination. MY2005 saw a "facelift" that freshened the interior and updated some of the cars electronic systems. MY2005 also saw the introduction of the 722.9 transmission, but only on the V8 CLK500 - the CLK320 still used the 722.6. Early 722.9's tend to be more troublesome. I'd not buy one prior to MY2008.

MY2006 say the introduction of the M272 V6 in the CLK350. Avoid it! All M272 V6 engines and M273 V8s (i.e. CLK550, introduced in MY2007) prior to about mid-MY2007 may have a defect in the balance shaft sprocket that requires major repairs. Only a small percentage fail, but why take chances?

Otherwise, the W209 is a good car. Just expect new rear tires every 20K miles, especially on the V8. The M112 and M113 engines often develop leaky valve cover seals, but that's an easy and cheap fix. Crankshaft position sensor failures are not uncommon, but also a cheap repair. Catalytic converters are good for about 100K, maybe more. MAF sensors sometimes fail, as do things like window regulators and trunk latches, but most of those problems are anecdotal.

gaazmon

Your best bets would probably be an 05 320 (facelifted interior and 5 speed tranny) or 04 500 (5 speed tranny).

clkcadet

I actually prefer the 03-04 interior!

Any reason to stay away from the '03 model?

mguerrero

most people go with the 04 because of the face-lifted interior such as audio - I'd go with the 03 as its quite a bit cheaper!

clkcadet

Thanks- good to know.

I will continue searching for an 03/04 CLK500

If anyone knows of one for sale in the NY/NJ or neighboring areas please let me know!

gaazmon

Many 03s had the dreaded valeo radiator (newer ones are behr) which cause a leak into the transmission fluid and can destroy your tranny. Happened on my e320 and that was an 04 thank God for CPO. 04s are much safer than 03s (and 03 was the first year). My general rule usually is to go 3rd year of model being out at minimum.

04 is not facelifted interior. 05 is.

mguerrero

how do you know if its a Valeo? where are the markings?

Rudeney

Visual identification of Valeo vs. Behr:

http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/sh...42&postcount=3

mguerrero

well that sucks - I have the Valeo! what is the likelihood of failure? where's a good place to find a replacement cheap?

Rudeney

I think they all eventually fail. It's the rubber seals on the inlets. I recall a guy once took his apart to see what was going on and found they were just brittle and crumbled. I guess they use a material that was not compatible with the transmission fluid. Anyhow, as for the replacement, parts.com sells through dealer networks at negotiated discount prices. I would also check places like autohauzaz, Rock Auto and RM European.

clkcadet

To update, I found a nicely maintained 2003 CLK500 which I am checking out over the weekend. Black on black, 105k miles.

I now know the issues to look for (mainly the transmission and check if it has the Valeo radiator) The current owner did do a trans service about 25k miles ago, so I am very happy they were on top of that. Another good thing, is that I noticed in the carfax that the radiator was replaced about 5 years ago. Would it be possible that Mercedes replaced it with the Behr radiator? Or would they go with whatever the car originally had?

PS Build date is about 6/03 as per a vin decoder... they got rid of the Valeos around 9/03 if I recall correctly.

omega48er

you should buy my clk! lol

clkcadet

Bump... can anyone advise as I do not want to have any issues once I buy.

Rudeney

It is entirely possible that the dealer replaced the Valeo radiator with the revised Behr. My dealer actually did this proactively on my ML320, before there were any symptoms. You can do a visual check for yourself:

http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/sh...42&postcount=3

As for not having any other issues, you are looking at an 11 year old car. It will have issues. Parts wear, things break.

clkcadet

Thanks for the link! Of course I know it's an old car and things will happen, I was just looking for mechanical items I could look for to be proactive.

I had an 04 320 coupe when it was new, and it was extremely reliable not one issue I could think of so I am glad the clk is still a solid car after all these years.

nutrunner

i have a 03 clk convertible and the only trouble so far is wheel arch rust drivers side front & passenger side rear , its fairly common or so im told getting the problem fixed shortly

gaazmon

The 03 convertible is actually a w208 (idk why MB did it like that ) with the coupe only being a w209

nutrunner

The C209/A209 is available in two body styles, a coupe (C209) and a cabriolet (A209),maybe its different in the UK

Rudeney

In the UK, the "plate year" and "model year" are not the same thing. MY2004 W209 cabriolets began to ship in calendar year 2003, so your UK "plate year" could be 2003.

nutrunner

it is

Rudeney

Actually, looking at your avatar photo, that is a "208" chassis - not a 209.

nutrunner

how can i find out for sure but dont really bother me if its 208 or 9 im just happybthat i have finally got a MB after 3 beemers over the vyrs

nutrunner

Rudeney

That is a W208.