[xHeisenberg]

Hi,

New to the forum so if this is in the wrong section I apologize.

I am looking for a nice second car. Not looking to spend a boat load, and hoping to find something reliable or at least know what major issues to look out for. Not going to be used for anything in particular.


I've had my eye on 98-03 CLK's. The 500 and the 55 AMG are what I have been looking at closely, but I'm open to anything over 300 horses. I'm not against going with something newer, but I do look the body style and stock alloy rims on these particular vehicles.


Do you guys have any advice on CLK's around these years, and what I should be looking for as a buyer?

Thanks in advance.

 

[DeutscheFahrer]

The W208 CLK coupes were made thru 2002, the convertible thru 2003. The W209 picked up after that. You should review those forums first and potentially post to them.

 

[keyhole]

If it will help you decide whether to look for a W208 or a W209, let me highlight some significant differences between to two models. I'm not going to state my preference here as we have both W208 and W209 members who are very happy with their choice of ride.

1. Choice of models: W208 = 16, W209 = 25, including several Kompressor models. (in Europe)
2. Central locking: W208 pneumatic. W209 all-electric.
3. Steering: W208: recirculating ball with pitman arms, drag links, steering damper, etc. W209 rack & pinion.
4. Battery location; W208 in the trunk. W209 in the engine bay.

The top end engines in the two models are bullet-proof. CLK 430 in W208, and CLK 500 in W209 and both will give excellent performance.:thumbsup:

 

[bjwarren]

I have a W208 with 224k after replacing the front end (all of it) at 160k it still feels like new. Other then that lots of oil changes and lots of tires, no real other problems to talk about.