[MATT32AMG]

Ok guys
my wife wants a CLK, it's her dream car and no matter what alternatives are out there to choose from, be it Porsche, BMW, SAAB or Audi she still hankers after the aforementioned, therefore I’m flogging a dead horse to even try to get her to drive any of the others, (No this is not instead of the SLK32AMG), this will be her car.

Next decision is that she wants a cabriolet; come to think of it that was her first decision!

So the above taken as read I have a few questions, (though I know this can be fairly subjective and a personal choice thing)

1) What are the CLK’s Achilles heel, or shortcomings that you know of?
2) What is the best engine package? I can’t help thinking the 200 Kompressor is going to be a bit lethargic (being the cars is a big old hector), though performance isn’t the main criteria for her.
3) Spec? Things to definitely include or look for in vehicle specification or things that are considered more trouble than worth. (e.g. SLK32AMG's heated seats- are absolutely rubbish!)

The car we’re looking for will not be brand new, but a low mileage Mercedes approved pre-owned vehicle with warranty.

Any help or advice appreciated.
Best Regards

 

[ThrillKill]

From what I've read on this board and others, the pump that controls the rag-top is notorious for problems, but then again 5 or 6 complaints among thousands should probably not be given "notorious" status. With the exception of a Corolla, my coupe has been the most reliable car I've ever owned.

As far as model. with prices dropping I'd go for the 55. You may be viewed as a gluttonous petrol pig in the UK but resale will be much higher.

 

[neilbo75]

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As far as model. with prices dropping I'd go for the 55. You may be viewed as a gluttonous petrol pig in the UK but resale will be much higher.

"With prices dropping ..." resale ain't so great for the 55 either. I've had mine a little more than a year now and I am splitting my monthly payments 50/50 against the depreciation. But that makes it a great car to buy used, and TK is right -- being a gluttonous petrol pig has it's pleasures!

 

[Euge]

I've had my CLK for a little over 2 months now and love it. Its a 2003 CLK 320 cab.

I'm not sure if it makes a difference to you, but the W208 vs the new W209's mattered a lot to me. I am not a fan at all of the new body style.

I'm not sure of the model differences in the UK, but I obviously have the basic model with the 320. It is certainly a capable enough car, and I didn't think having more power and lowering my gas mileage was that appealing. But all my previous cars were crap, and now that I have something with decent power I'm craving more. I know my next CLK will definitely have a V8 engine. I don't think I need to go up to the AMG, though.

On the W208 cabriolet's, the one thing I had to really get used to is the limited visibility because of its convertible top, high rear and small window. I think the W209's have a bit better visibility as the rear window extends further down the back, and the rear in general is not as high.

As far as specs and accessories, the optional navigation and COMAND system isn't something I requested, but now that I have it I'm glad I got it.

If getting phone integration is important, keep on the lookout of a car that already has a phone cradle. One without it will be very expensive to add phone integration. I will likely be getting the Argos bluetooth module. Getting OEM phone integration would otherwise cost me $2800 USD.

 

[Jennifer Shea]

I too think the W208's have a great looking body. I've had my 2002 CLK430 Since December, and love driving it. I like power, and it has plenty of that, and I don't find the gas mileage to be horrible, especially if you don't have to do a lot of starting and stopping, as we do a lot of in Los Angeles!.
A cabriolet is a must!. The lines of the car, coupled with the power of the 430 are truly the perfect match. Go test drive one, and you will be sold. Blind spots are a bummer, but when the tops down...you can see everything!! Good luck and Enjoy.