The sunroof malfunctioned twice.
The right headlight and foglights have blown out.
The brake rotors needed to be replaced.
There is a nasty rattle emanating from the driver's side door.
The car handles and accelerates as well as many high-priced sports cars. However, the reliability is horrible and maintenance is ridiculously expensive.
Do you have any problems when raining with the wipers (not cleaning well etc..?)
I have a 1999 CLK320 which has been in for nuisance repairs I believe about 12 times under warranty: I'm looking at getting out of the car right now...
Ignition wouldn't release key, 2 faulty replacement parts sent and I wasted 3 trips to dealership to replace.
Windshield wipers blades pathetic replaced 3 times.
Tremendous rattles in driver door, passenger front seat, dash, center console, rear deck.
Sunshade flew apart in 6 pieces when brought into up position.
Hood would not open when popped.
Driver side door window developed deep pitted scratches from molding being too tight (replaced under warranty)
One good thing is that NOTHING mechanical has gone wrong.
I finally gave up getting Xenon headlights adjusted correctly.
I now have new rattles and I'm just going to give up on them.
But...the car drives like a dream, women absolutely love it (they won't admit it but they do), and it is really beautiful.
I hear the newer models have resolved MANY of these problems... or so I'm told at my dealership which admits problems with 1st 2 model years.
Hey,
to the owner of the bad clk320. I just purchase a brand new 2003 clk 320 cabriolet. so far everything has been good. however, I did notice that the car does make noises as well. and it seems if its coming from the dashboard. I guess I'm not the only experiencing this problem. thanks for the comments about your car. I hope things can only get better for you.
I have a 2001 clk 320 with 27k miles. Have blown fog lights out 8 times and a headlight once. Other annoying electrical problems a swell. I have had many problems with the power windows as well. Now have a rattle in the drivers side door. Car drives great, but these problems are inexcusable and are driving me crazy.
I lease an 01' clk 320. It has 50K miles- ouch! Just got back from the shop and had the motor mounts replaced. Other problems were relatively minor so far. The key went bad, and required two days to reprogram. Otherwise, great car, great looking, just hope it doesn't fall apart in the next two years!
I was thinking about trading in my 1995 BMW 525i on a 1998 CLK 320 with 54,000 miles on the odo. After reading everyones impressions I am starting to get skeptical. I'd like some owners feedback if you would. Thanks, Bill from Chicago.
I own a 1998 CLK320 coupe.
From day one I felt vibration at speeds of 38 mph
and higher. The dealer replaced the drive shaft at
10,000 miles. No difference. I bought new tires,
$750.00 wasted. Now it only has 13,000 miles on
speedometer. The car would be great if it only ran
without the chassis vibrating. The dealer won, t
do no more. I can't enjoy driving it. So much
for spending $46,000.00 plus.
I bought a 1998 clk320 at 80,600 miles...I've done 6000 miles and the car has been perfect. in 98 they sold +5000 in the US alone so don't let a few problems here and there spoil the picture.
I have a 1999 clk 320 coupe with all of the aftermarket Brabus goodies. Black beauty. The car runs great, but it has the squeaks in the seats, driver and passenger side panels and center console. I know that there must be place to take your car to get this fixed, but where? Help me please?
I have a 1999 CLK 320, Fully customized with 19' Giovanna Rims, Chrome Trims all over and many other amenities. This is the greatest car on earth. I have had little or no problems ever since I purchased it in January of 2004 with only 44,000 Miles a steal at only $22k. Truth is my biggest problem is now it needs servicing and I have been to the dealer once already - $900 for breaks. I won't make that mistake again. I am looking for anyone that can refer a reasonable dealership or a certified mechanic for mercedes in the NY and NJ area!
P.S. Lets not forget we are driving a beautifully made car and despite all our complaints we are priviledged to be in the position we are in. with all the people barely making their honda and kia payments we are doing quite Well!!
Hello,
I just purchased a 2000 CLK320, The price was excellent, I knew when I bought it that a bulb was blown on the side running light, and the drivers door window does not seal perfectly, and wind is an issue...How can I fix the door window? Someone told me it was just a couple of minutes work is this so?
I work at the delaership where I purchase it, and I paid only for what they had in it, and I agreed to repair these few items, I did purhcase an exteded 3 yr warranty. I am new to the MB, I have always driven a car for transportation and not for the luxury of a nice ride, being a gramma at 49, I have a little fun left in my spirit and want to show it!! THIS CAR SURE FEELS GOOD TO DRIVE I LOVE IT SO MUCH I CAN'T SLEEP AND I KEEP GOING TO LOOK OUTSIDE TO SEE IT, JUST GETTING A LOOK AT MY CAR FIX!! lol
I know very little about this car, I did not even get a manual and there are buttons inside that I am not even sure how to use or what they mean... I even scared myself when I pushed a button and the rear passengers head rest fell back... LOL if anyone can help me, to learn about this car, I would appreciate it. I have only just bought it last night.
I would also like to know where I can purchase a used manual. We do not have any at the delaership, it is not a Mercedes Dealership and we seldom bring in this type car.
Thank you and Best regards,
Sherry (No longer Wilma Flinstone in a Suv)
I am looking at the CLK 320 or CLK 430. I've always had vehicles for transportation/family use only and am now at the point in my career I can look for something for me. I've heard a lot of problems in the 2000-2001 models. Is this accurate? I'm specifically looking for GOOD comments to 'convince' me that all the negative I've heard are random and not indicative of the vehicle in general. Thanks!
I think that the CLK would be a very reliable car for people like me because such horror stories of blown bulbs do not scare me. Learn to use a screwdriver and replace the bulbs yourselves instead of relying on the dealer for EVERYTHING. Anyone had engine/transmission problems? I haven't read of any. Do not give the car a bad reliability rating because of a couple of blown bulbs. You haven't experienced blown bulbs until you have owned a Jaguar XJ6. Still, we are very happy with the Jag. Also, the CLK is supposed to be a sporty car, which means it will not ride like an S600.
I am looking into trading my 2000 Mazda 626 for a 1998 MB CLK 320 with almost 80k miles. I'm young and am not rich by any means. Lol. I love the car, but am worried about the expenses for normal maintenance and problems with the car. Any advise?
I was wondering... What is the difference between the CLK 320 and the CLK 430? I love the body style I just wanted to know so I could determine which one to buy. I am not rich so I was looking at maybe a 1998 CLK 430. Any suggestions?