CLK320CDi - Buying advice

[TiminYorkshire]

I'm potentially considering a CLK320 CDi, these are I believe fitted with the OM642 engine, and the 7G auto.

With regards to the engine itself I've read a few typical issues that they can suffer from, did they improve as years went by and if so is there a model year that is better than others, or a a date to buy after?

Typically how often are there major issues with this engine, and what type of life would one expect out of one in a CLK?

Also how good/bad is the 7 g gearbox if it has been serviced to schedule?

Would I be better off with a CLK350 (petrol) given I'm on the edge of diesel ownership (10k miles a year)? Or are do the balancer shaft issues etc count against this engine? And are there any issues on the later 350 engines (post 07/08 I believe, but VIN specific)?

[tobinen]

I don't know what is the 'edge of ownership', but at 10,000 miles it's petrol for me.

Search for M272 balancer shaft issues and you'll find the engine number cut-off. Or go for the 302 BHP 5.0 petrol and have no such worries. Overall though I think they're good cars, I had a pre-facelift 270Cdi.

[Bazza 2174]

I bought a 2005 CLK 320 CDI 3 years ago at 116k miles. It now has 170k miles. No problems with the engine at all. Not sure if mines standard but it feels like an amazing engine. Super smooth, very powerful and almost silent. I kid you not, absolutely love it.

[TiminYorkshire]

Thanks for that. Still considering CLK320 cdi coupe vs CLK350 convertible, I need to sell some existing vehicles first I think and then see what the piggy bank is looking like to help my decision making...