Comments on: Mercedes-Benz CLK 320 reliability?

By: TDonn

TDonn — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:29:59 +0000

We have had a 2003 CLK 320 Cabriolet, and have had VERY little problems with it….

Although it shares a platform with the C Class….It is considerably more similar to the E class…

That is a fair price, actually seems a little low….
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By: NoMoreEmails

NoMoreEmails — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:00:59 +0000

I had tons of electrical problems with my 2001 CLK 320. Everything from the headrest, convertible top (seemed to only go down when it rained), temp/clock display, windows (spontaneous opening/closing), and it got stuck in park once and the tow truck popped it back into gear. If you are not buying directly from the MB dealer I would investigate the warranty comp...the MB dealer here (San Diego) will only honor if it is bought from them. And of course, MB is not a car you can take anywhere!
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By: Doc. justasinner111

Doc. justasinner111 — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:21:59 +0000

Timing chain every 200,000 miles.VWs,and BMWs use belts.
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By: h_charles

h_charles — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:12:59 +0000

Timing belt I cannot speak to.

Reliability I can. The CLKs and C-classes of this year are NOT very reliable (they are based on the same platform and share a lot of parts). Electical problems and transmission problems are very common.

Generally, the cars won’t leave you stranded as the mechanicals are mostly sound and the engine is bulletproof, but problems with electrical systems are very common.
Check consumer reports for confirmation here — the CLK is gets a lot of those dreaded "black circles" in their report

I personally wouldn’t but any used C class or CLK class from 2003 through 2005 — by 2006 some of the bugs have been worked out.
The good news is that because reliability is so bad, used prices are dirt cheap. If you are dead set on a used CLK cab, I would certainly get one with original warranty or Starmark warranty. Repairs are simply too expensive and too common to do otherwise. You will pay a bit more up front, but it will save you money in the long run.
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E55 AMG owner, former 2004 C320 owner