Unlucky with CLK?
Discussion
Last year we bought a 2001 W208 CLK 320 Avantgarde with all the toys for my other half, to replace her Audi. This is the first, and from this experience quite probably the last Merc I ever buy again - its been a total nightmare.
I LOVE the look of the CLK, and always wanted one so didnt need much convincing when we came across a lovely 2 owner Tatanite Red 320 with masses of history (all main dealer) and low miles (70k) So Audi was sold and CLK acquired.
Problems in 8 months of ownership:
New MAF meter (car running like a dog)
New crankshaft positioning sensor (car cutting out all the time)
Heater unit replaced, still doesn't work all the time
Both keys work when they want to to (batteries replaced) This is VERY annoying
Alarm going off whenever it likes (now sorted with new alarm sensors)
Passenger window doesn't shut and door needs to be opened to close it properly
Boot hatch wouldn't open - had to force back seats down and remove lock from inside
Door rubbers both needing replacing
Traction control sensors on NSR needing replacing
Brake pedal sensor needed replacing
Various errors light dash up like a Christmas tree every now and then
Thats all I can think of, the car has cost me a pretty penny in this short time, and my local Merc specialist says most of these are common CLK problems! We are now cutting our losses and trading it in for a Mini Cooper S for her, as I just cant spend any more money on it. I love the car when it works, drives very well and looks fantastic - its just a lemon! I used to work in the trade and have had many, many cars - this has a great history (all MB dealer) with invoices, and was purchased from an older guy who lived in a huge house - all that doesn't mean anything!
So, have I been unlucky or Mercedes of this era just not up to much? I am now looking for a new car and the 209 55 AMG is on my list - but I am VERY hesitant after what this 320 has cost me! Having had numerous fast Audi's and BMW over the years and having pretty much no issues out of the ordinary, I am a little worried about moving to Mercedes......
Anyone else had any nightmares?
I LOVE the look of the CLK, and always wanted one so didnt need much convincing when we came across a lovely 2 owner Tatanite Red 320 with masses of history (all main dealer) and low miles (70k) So Audi was sold and CLK acquired.
Problems in 8 months of ownership:
New MAF meter (car running like a dog)
New crankshaft positioning sensor (car cutting out all the time)
Heater unit replaced, still doesn't work all the time
Both keys work when they want to to (batteries replaced) This is VERY annoying
Alarm going off whenever it likes (now sorted with new alarm sensors)
Passenger window doesn't shut and door needs to be opened to close it properly
Boot hatch wouldn't open - had to force back seats down and remove lock from inside
Door rubbers both needing replacing
Traction control sensors on NSR needing replacing
Brake pedal sensor needed replacing
Various errors light dash up like a Christmas tree every now and then
Thats all I can think of, the car has cost me a pretty penny in this short time, and my local Merc specialist says most of these are common CLK problems! We are now cutting our losses and trading it in for a Mini Cooper S for her, as I just cant spend any more money on it. I love the car when it works, drives very well and looks fantastic - its just a lemon! I used to work in the trade and have had many, many cars - this has a great history (all MB dealer) with invoices, and was purchased from an older guy who lived in a huge house - all that doesn't mean anything!
So, have I been unlucky or Mercedes of this era just not up to much? I am now looking for a new car and the 209 55 AMG is on my list - but I am VERY hesitant after what this 320 has cost me! Having had numerous fast Audi's and BMW over the years and having pretty much no issues out of the ordinary, I am a little worried about moving to Mercedes......
Anyone else had any nightmares?
I think your find for every different type of car there is someone that has experienced many problems during there ownership only to sell it on and the next owner have a trouble free time. We had a Cooper S from new and that had its fair share of problems that would have totalled over £4000 if not covered by warranty. I guess luck plays it's part as to whether you get a good one.
How many other 6-7 yr old cars of similar complexity have you owned to compare it with? How old will the Mini be that you're replacing it with?
I would say on any modern complex car, 6-7yrs is the point at which a lot of stuff will start to go wrong. It's a good time to be selling the car, not buying it. The issues you've had are all pretty minor but the problem with anything "prestige" is that it becomes relatively expensive to get it fixed.
I would say on any modern complex car, 6-7yrs is the point at which a lot of stuff will start to go wrong. It's a good time to be selling the car, not buying it. The issues you've had are all pretty minor but the problem with anything "prestige" is that it becomes relatively expensive to get it fixed.
Deva Link said:
How many other 6-7 yr old cars of similar complexity have you owned to compare it with? How old will the Mini be that you're replacing it with?
I would say on any modern complex car, 6-7yrs is the point at which a lot of stuff will start to go wrong. It's a good time to be selling the car, not buying it. The issues you've had are all pretty minor but the problem with anything "prestige" is that it becomes relatively expensive to get it fixed.
Mini will be 04 / 54 reg maybe newer. I would say on any modern complex car, 6-7yrs is the point at which a lot of stuff will start to go wrong. It's a good time to be selling the car, not buying it. The issues you've had are all pretty minor but the problem with anything "prestige" is that it becomes relatively expensive to get it fixed.
I see what your all saying, think to be honest I have just picked up a bad one. I have had loads of old Audi's and BMs and have had little grief with them - I ran a 98 A6 2.8 Quattro as an everyday car for nearly 2 years with almost no expense on repair - but suppose the next owner could have got a load of problems, just your luck I suppose.
I was kind of looking to see if this is a common Mercedes trait these days - as I really do want another but pockets is just hurting a bit from the current CLK. I am now thinking do I take the chance and get another....
TomM said:
I was kind of looking to see if this is a common Mercedes trait these days - as I really do want another but pockets is just hurting a bit from the current CLK. I am now thinking do I take the chance and get another....
You could buy a brand-new one and pay nothing in repair bills for 3 yrs - but you'll probably lose way more in depreciation that you paid out in repair costs on your current car.Having paid out a fair bit of money on the car and got on top of it, hopefully, then maybe you should keep and try and get some value back - unless you think it's going to keep going wrong?
I have Mercedes ServicePlus on my car, which covers all servicing and wear and tear repairs for up to 6 yrs / 120K miles. MB seem pretty generous in their definition of "wear and tear" and it effectively offers similar coverage to a 6 year warranty, but with service and brake pads etc thrown in.
It's not cheap - just under £80/mth on my 3yr old C270Cdi based on 12K/yr. However I wouldn't dream of running a Merc without some kind of coverage - as you've found, a few things going wrong can soon add up, and anything fairly major could be extremely expensive.
Overall I dont mind deprciation so much, I have had a few new cars over the years and experienced the loss.
The biggest problem with the CLK is the unreliability, I fully expect older cars to need stuff over time - but this car has left my partner stranded 4-5 times, once at night - and the AA had to recover the car, I know this is part of motoring life every now and then but every time we get it back it seems only a matter of days before something else has stopped working or is annoying us.
When we got back from a holiday we went to the car park at Gatwick, niether key would work and it ws 2am - after 15 mins we got in and then had to wait for 25 mins until the heaters decided to work. Not what you need after a days travelling and lets be honest, not what you expect from a Mercedes.
The reason I am getting rid is that it still has issues, and latlely its been knocking from the OSF, and it just doesnt feel right. I drive a few different cars day to day and the CLK just feels wrong - maybe now a mental thing but all the same we have both had enough.
Just hope the dealer we chop it in with doesnt notice the issues!
Cheers all.
The biggest problem with the CLK is the unreliability, I fully expect older cars to need stuff over time - but this car has left my partner stranded 4-5 times, once at night - and the AA had to recover the car, I know this is part of motoring life every now and then but every time we get it back it seems only a matter of days before something else has stopped working or is annoying us.
When we got back from a holiday we went to the car park at Gatwick, niether key would work and it ws 2am - after 15 mins we got in and then had to wait for 25 mins until the heaters decided to work. Not what you need after a days travelling and lets be honest, not what you expect from a Mercedes.
The reason I am getting rid is that it still has issues, and latlely its been knocking from the OSF, and it just doesnt feel right. I drive a few different cars day to day and the CLK just feels wrong - maybe now a mental thing but all the same we have both had enough.
Just hope the dealer we chop it in with doesnt notice the issues!
Cheers all.
Sorry to hear about your CLK probelms. I have a 2001 320 covertible from nwe and have done just on 50K. I have had no problems at all with mine and I love it.
The only issue I have is stone chippings on the front end where the paint may not be as good as previous Mercs.
I am seeing however a problem with my dashboard clock and temperature guage. Almost half of them have disappeared and my Merc specialist tells me this is a common problem. Replacement is £500, a lot for a clock and outside temperature guage.
Anyone else seen this problem and solution.
The only issue I have is stone chippings on the front end where the paint may not be as good as previous Mercs.
I am seeing however a problem with my dashboard clock and temperature guage. Almost half of them have disappeared and my Merc specialist tells me this is a common problem. Replacement is £500, a lot for a clock and outside temperature guage.
Anyone else seen this problem and solution.
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