BMW guy looking to buy a used CLK, please help
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
2008 C300 Sport
BMW guy looking to buy a used CLK, please help
So I may have caught the bug, I've only ever owned 3 series BMWs and most recently bought an M3 back in 2014...
However I am looking for a second car for the weekend to keep the mileage lower on my daily and want to buy a Mercedes Benz CLK. The problem is I really don't know anything about these cars let alone what to look for when buying used vs. new.
Cars.com has been my main search tool, I am wondering not just for tips on what to look for as problem areas and maintenance items to check for when buying but options and features that are better to have and really any opinions that may benefit my buying experience.
I don't want to spam the boards here as I'm sure there are plenty of "what tips do you have" threads for prospect CLK buyers already but if you guys don't mind please don't hesitate to post your experiences and what you might do differently than when you bought your cars if anything.
I wanna go cheapy but am willing to spend more, my budget for the car purchase is 4-6 grand, willing to wiggle but this is going to be a car I am willing to do work on and don't mind getting something a little beat up...
Here are a few I have found so far, what do you guys think?
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...0700/overview/
and
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...6521/overview/
Thanks.
However I am looking for a second car for the weekend to keep the mileage lower on my daily and want to buy a Mercedes Benz CLK. The problem is I really don't know anything about these cars let alone what to look for when buying used vs. new.
Cars.com has been my main search tool, I am wondering not just for tips on what to look for as problem areas and maintenance items to check for when buying but options and features that are better to have and really any opinions that may benefit my buying experience.
I don't want to spam the boards here as I'm sure there are plenty of "what tips do you have" threads for prospect CLK buyers already but if you guys don't mind please don't hesitate to post your experiences and what you might do differently than when you bought your cars if anything.
I wanna go cheapy but am willing to spend more, my budget for the car purchase is 4-6 grand, willing to wiggle but this is going to be a car I am willing to do work on and don't mind getting something a little beat up...
Here are a few I have found so far, what do you guys think?
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...0700/overview/
and
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...6521/overview/
Thanks.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,085
Likes: 59
From: Los Angeles
2009 SL550 Roadster Diamond White, 2008 CLK550 Coupe Obsidian Black
Welcome. If you're looking for keeping the budget low, I'd go with one of two options: Either an 05 CLK320 or 04 CLK500:
2005 CLK320 (solid m112 v6 engine, solid 722.6 5-speed auto, facelifted interior)
2004 CLK500 (solid m113 v8 engine, solid 722.6 5-speed auto, very low chance of glycol / valeo radiator issue, downside is it has the prefacelift interior)
2003 is the first year and I try to avoid first year models, even though they would be the least expensive. The CLK500 in 2005 received the 7-speed for the first time and there were known issues with the valve body on early MB models with this 722.9 unit, up to some 07s.
2005 CLK320 (solid m112 v6 engine, solid 722.6 5-speed auto, facelifted interior)
2004 CLK500 (solid m113 v8 engine, solid 722.6 5-speed auto, very low chance of glycol / valeo radiator issue, downside is it has the prefacelift interior)
2003 is the first year and I try to avoid first year models, even though they would be the least expensive. The CLK500 in 2005 received the 7-speed for the first time and there were known issues with the valve body on early MB models with this 722.9 unit, up to some 07s.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 488
Likes: 37
From: Albuquerque, NM
2014 e350
My recommendations: 2005 CLK320 or 2005 CLK500 - I have owned several. Find the right seller - took care of the car - knows the history - sensible. Have a competent local indie mechanic do a prepurchase inspection and expect to spend some money to cure minor ills. If there is a local Mercedes Chapter - a member can steer you to the mechanic.
My experience is that these are great cars after the deferred maintenance is taken care of. Good luck - the hunt is half the fun.
My experience is that these are great cars after the deferred maintenance is taken care of. Good luck - the hunt is half the fun.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 784
Likes: 29
From: NYC
2004 CLK 500
I have an 04 I just bought under a year ago and so far so good . like the posts before get the 5 speed as it tends to have less issues . The one thing to look out for is transmission . Pay to have it checked before you buy . Don't go for an 03 to many problems .
MBworld Guru
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 10,782
Likes: 1,011
NO LONGER ACTIVE
I'd avoid the MY2005 CLK500 as it was one of the first years for the 722.9 transmission. The early versions of that suffer from torque converter, issues, fluid pump failure, and conductor plate failure. The MY2005 CLK320 still had the 722.6.
