Mercedes CLK 2003 - 06 what to watch out for

the culture of deference

I have been looking at the 1.8 petrol Clk's and just would like peoples opinions who have owned them. Whats breaks in them and what are the most common failures.

There is a huge choice out there ranging from 30,000 miles upwards. Some of the lower mileage ones state they have Merc FSH but what they mean is the car was serviced twice in 8 years because of mileage. Also the convertible version looks good.

the culture of deference

anyone

Kid Nothing

Timing chains tend to go so make sure that's been done, that's the main thing about the 271 engine. Other than that, suspension arms & door locks give trouble.

There's a huge amount of electronics onboard which can cause trouble as well.

Not to be super negative though! They're a nice enough car to drive but just be prepared to spend a few quid if problems do pop up.

anthony4335

Electrics, just like previously stated the door locks can go crazy popping all by themselves . Gearboxes ,sealed for life units are advised to have the gear oil changed at the 60k mile stage at least. I was temped a few years ago but they were too pricey back them.

mitosis

Check the cam sensor magnets. Thay can leak oil into the wiring loom which is what causes the electrics problems.

On the auto check the gearbox adapter connector has been changed, as the rubber sealing ring can perish and allow oil into the loom.

Timing chain can stretch and may need replacing.

Test all the seatbelts, check the winscreen washers.

jimgoose

The brother had a 2005 CLK320 for a few years. Good machine, some weapon to go and talk about solid on the road. It did break a spring after about three years, but I blame the East Limerick roads.

Max Power1

What's the budget?

If you are considering the Clk320, you may as well look at the CL500. it's the same motor tax but much better performance and a nicer place to be too spec wise.

jimgoose

Max Power1 wrote: »

...If you are considering the Clk320, you may as well look at the CL500. it's the same motor tax...

Oh Cheeses don't talk to me about the tax. For some reason the brother forgot to re-register it here after buying it up North...

the culture of deference

Max Power1 wrote: »

What's the budget?

If you are considering the Clk320, you may as well look at the CL500. it's the same motor tax but much better performance and a nicer place to be too spec wise.

Tax is 1150 ish per year, lost someone close recently so I have decided no point is saving for a rainy day anymore, fcuk it



http://www.adverts.ie/car/mercedes-benz/240/mercedes-benz-clk-convertible/3182187

Max Power1

Yes but for 1.75 a day more in tax you could have a CL500!

I really don't like that CLK model at all tbh, I think the styling is dated and un-imaginative. It looks to me like the saloon with the middle bit melted off!

I got a 535d recently, the tax is 1494 p/a, but sure I was paying almost half that for a feckin 1.9 TDI golf!

Wicklowandy

A guy I knows roof on his 06 clk has been giving some serious electrical trouble, sorted now, but a headache that took a good specialist and €€€ to fix. He also has had to replace a timing chain in the last year. (only 120km up)

It looks nice, but I think a 124 cabrio has a lot more presence:)

the culture of deference

Max Power1 wrote: »

Yes but for 1.75 a day more in tax you could have a CL500!

I really don't like that CLK model at all tbh, I think the styling is dated and un-imaginative. It looks to me like the saloon with the middle bit melted off!

I got a 535d recently, the tax is 1494 p/a, but sure I was paying almost half that for a feckin 1.9 TDI golf!

I would love a CL500, hows the 535d working out.

ShadowHearth

Max Power1 wrote: »

Yes but for 1.75 a day more in tax you could have a CL500!

I really don't like that CLK model at all tbh, I think the styling is dated and un-imaginative. It looks to me like the saloon with the middle bit melted off!

I got a 535d recently, the tax is 1494 p/a, but sure I was paying almost half that for a feckin 1.9 TDI golf!

I Love the older one. I personally think it has a lot more character then the newer version. It is simplier and still has a little bit better built quality.

Though I agree about cl500 lads. It would be even cheaper and way better machine. If OP does go the big TAX band, might as well get the top of the food chain!

lomb

I drove a CL500 and it was very wooley and not what I would regard as a good car or even a car. More a yacht and handled like one. Not fast either considering the 5l v8 powering it.