2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK 240 Avantgarde 2.6

Summary:

Could be great, but falls FAR short

Faults:

Coolant pipes leaked into the gearbox and practically destroyed it.

Multiple ECU faults, which MB dealers appeared unable to fix.

Seat belt presenters failed, because of cheap wiring.

Airbag light on due to failed occupancy sensors in the front seats.

Motors for A/C failed behind dash. Cheap parts that necessitated the dash being removed to fix.

Irish MB dealers to not appear to employ trained or interested mechanics. Service and knowledge in dealers is appalling.

General Comments:

I loved how this car looked, felt and drove... WHEN it worked properly.

Decent power, smooth ride, svelte pillarless coupe styling.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 17th October, 2010

2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK 240 2.6 petrol

Summary:

Quality befitting this famous marque

Faults:

There is some unexpected corrosion on the alloy wheels.

The paint chips far too easily.

There is more wear on the leather seats than I was expecting from a Mercedes.

Otherwise faultless. Not even a squeak from the leather.

General Comments:

The car seems to hesitate for a fraction on the accelerator and this is very disconcerting, especially when reversing.

I'm very impressed with the quietness, and performance - the CLK manages to be far more 'sporting' to drive than my BMW 740 was yet without losing too much refinement. Seating position is excellent and flexible.

Hardly any oddments space becomes a pain so buy one with a built-in 'phone.

Lots of programmable options so take time to read the 500 page owners manual.

Gorgeous lines are enhanced in summer when you can drop all windows - because doors are frame-less it feels like a convertible. This feature is why I bought the car as I once had a 500 SEC to which it compares well.

I'm proud to own the car, it's good looking and works out to be pretty good value as it's been cheap to run and although expensive to buy it has held its value well. I'd have lost more by buying a coupe for half the price.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th November, 2003

2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK 320 Avantgarde Cabriolet 3.2 petrol

Summary:

A fun Merc that's practical too

Faults:

Nothing yet.

General Comments:

Practical family car, as well as fun, with reasonably roomy cabin, and good sized boot.

I expect to keep this car for a number of years, hence the importance of a Merc badge to me as I've owned good high mileage ones in the past.

A "classy" looking car.

Sports suspension and firm seats sometimes unconfortable on 3-4 hour trips.

Over the shoulder visibility is poor with roof closed.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th November, 2002

9th Jan 2008, 06:12

I agree it has terribly poor visibility over both shoulders and just as well it has reverse sensors. A quick fix is to drop the top which I try to do every time I'm driving, that's what this car is all about anyway.

Still, the best all round car I've owned to date.

Tiptronic gearbox is a little slow between changes.