2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK 430 from North America - Comments

My last comment was in July 2004. I still have my CLK 430 and it now has 52000 klms on it. It still goes beautifully and I have not ever had one problem with it. Have since also bought an ML500 to chase my cattle through the paddocks, as the CLK was a bit low for that. Both superb vehicles and have tried other later different models, but can't find anything as good, so will keep driving the CLK & ML till the cows come home. Think the w208 CLK looks so much better than the later W209 model also. My wife still loves it (the CLK) to bits also.

So, I guess the CLK430 is not so bad? I have an E500 and I have to say that it is perfect in everyway (so far). I was thinking of buying one for my wife. I found one with 33k on the clock and it is an 00 model. I wanted to know, how is the gas mileage? And what real problems come with it? I mean real bad problems, not like Maf, or switches. I'm talking about tranny, electrical shorts, etc...

Thanks.

Fuel consumption with the CLK 430 is excellent. Better than most 6 cylinder cars. The ML not so as you can almost see the needle moving downwards as you drive along but hey if you drive a benz who cares about the cost of petrol. Buy your lady a CLK430..she will love you for it..True..

I'm looking at a 2000 CLK 430. Is there anything I should know before I buy it? Basically what are the major problems?

I have had a 2000 CLK 430 for about two years. No problems whatsoever. Great car, great looks; it is not too bad on gas either, considering it's a V8. Great car.

I own a CLK-430, and let me tell you, save yourself the headache, just go and buy a BMW. This car has more problems than I can muster. Just save yourself the pain and suffering.

I have a CLK 430 2000. There was some cutting off initially, sensors were replaced a couple of times, now it's okay.

I purchased my 2000 430CLK AMG used (42,000 miles) about 2 years ago. Just recently problem with oil leak around head gasket and the water pump was replaced. I now have over 62,000 miles on the car and it's a pleasure to drive. The car is also a convertible, which is a big fat plus, living in Fla. Another saving factor was the fact that I had an extended warranty, which covered ALL the repairs ($1,8043.00) my cost $18.50. Life is good.

I owned a 2000 CLK430 for 3 years and it was total junk. I seems from this thread that the most useful thing if you buy one of these is to be lucky!

Mine needed new rear suspension, heater blower motor, instrument binnacle and considerable expensive work on the A/C and power hood between 20000 and 42000 miles.

Power hood??? Wow, that's a new one!

Maybe the 'nut' behind the wheel needed changing.

My wife's '99 CLK still drives like new and after 150,000 miles with regular services, it has needed nothing except a battery, a seat motor and a CPS sensor in 10 years.

Maybe our 'power hood' is not working properly either, but we still love it!

I just purchased a 2001 CLK 430 (67,000 miles) and I am sick. I was told by a benz mechanic that the wheels only needed balancing -- I have only owned it three weeks and have now discovered it needs a steering gear (I replaced damper, didn't fix the vibration, I also tried different set of tires and wheels and high speed balancing on everything, still vibration at 55-60). Estimated cost to fix is $1,000-$2,000.

Next, I am just told that the transmission is leaking!!!

I have all the receipts for repairs made by the previous owner and was shocked to see she already had to replace the valve cover gaskets! I know a lot about cars (and I'm a woman). I have done my own tuneups and replaced shocks on my Mustang when I was in high school. Valve cover gaskets shouldn't be going before 100,000K.

Judging by the other comments on this site, I have made a very bad choice.

I owned two 300Ds, a 300SD, a 500SEC, all 80's models and they were great cars. What has happened???