Mercedes clk c209/w209

[rolo0151]

Looking at getting a clk 320 or 280 (poss 240)

They seem great value at the moment & tick most of boxes for me.

Any major issues to be aware of & look out for? Seen a nice cabriolet local to me so not adverse to going down that route.
Is the 280 (7sp auto) worth the extra investment?

Cheers

[ZX10R NIN]

The pre 2005 cars had a small issue with the vents the tell tale sign is a clicking noise from behind the dash on start up, it's not a big thing but it is a dash apart job.

The front suspension can wear but good quality replacements will cost around £250 but it's not a labour intensive job.

There were a few issues with 280/350 engine but those will have shown themselves by now also depending on your budget then also consider a 500 there really isn't a lot in it fuel wise, I prefer the look of the coupe.

If there's anything you'd like to know just ask as I have had a fair few of them so I've pretty much dealt with the most common problems but to be honest I really haven't had any big dramas which is why I'd happily recommend a CLK.

[rolo0151]

If I could find a tidy 500 locally I'd be interested.

Have you had a cabriolet? Is there a noticeable difference between the 240 & 320?

ZX10R NIN said:

The pre 2005 cars had a small issue with the vents the tell tale sign is a clicking noise from behind the dash on start up, it's not a big thing but it is a dash apart job.

The front suspension can wear but good quality replacements will cost around £250 but it's not a labour intensive job.

There were a few issues with 280/350 engine but those will have shown themselves by now also depending on your budget then also consider a 500 there really isn't a lot in it fuel wise, I prefer the look of the coupe.

If there's anything you'd like to know just ask as I have had a fair few of them so I've pretty much dealt with the most common problems but to be honest I really haven't had any big dramas which is why I'd happily recommend a CLK.

[ZX10R NIN]

I've never owned a cabriolet I've driven a few & didn't like the scuttle shake that you'd feel every now & then both, the 240 will feel a little underpowered with the extra KG's the cabriolet carries.

I'd tend to go for a 320 over a 240 but you won't regret getting either.

If you don't mind heading to the Birmingham area then there's a 500 for sale.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2002-MERCEDES-CLK-500-AV...

Also some 280/350's are £500 road tax

Edited by ZX10R NIN on Monday 2nd January 20:43

[qska]

I had a 240, it was a tad slow.

Lovely noise, but only in the higher end of the rev range, around dangerous speeds.

Avantgarde had a very stiff suspension which I hated.

Elegance much better comfort wise.

[qska]

Check out my thread about a 4 month ownership of one here:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=159...

[rolo0151]

Thanks for the advice.

Hopefully going to look at a 320 this week sometime 👍