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[EMD]

Convince me to buy this or not  Its looks too good to be true and the ad dont explain much  I know Tilbo has a similar car .. cant remember if he has the soft top one though 

430

A lot of car for the money or run away from this particular one 

[Mr.OmegaMan]

Just get a V12 it'll be one fun ownership experience 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/162401842395

Weren't these around £80k - £100k new back in the day?

Riddled with expensive problems wherever you look no doubt... Always have liked the S class, Just not the potential ownership cost / misery.

[EMD]

Think the 430 was around £50k new 

Hope that V12 has parking sensors cos it looks bloody massive , mind you its got decent brake calipers " 8pot front brembos " 

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

Buy it.

What's the worst that can happen?

[Kevin Wood]

Buy it.

What's the worst that can happen?

You bankrupt yourself pouring petrol into it on the way home.

[EMD]

Buy it.

What's the worst that can happen?

Please tell me of your past Merc ownership problems mr opti , i think you also had a V8 

[tunnie]

Opti had a CLS 500 V8, no big issues but he did not have it long 

[STEMO]

I just don't like 'motor dealers' who have 100% feedback but have never sold a motor and even their buying history looks suss.

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

Opti had a CLS 500 V8, no big issues but he did not have it long 

The tax man took it 

One of the airbags at the rear failed. Mercedes wanted £1100. An independent fixed it for about £600 ish.

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

The other three airbags were the same age so.........

Lovely looking car.

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

Buy it.

What's the worst that can happen?

You bankrupt yourself pouring petrol into it on the way home.
[/



But apart from that what's the worst that can happen?

[X30XE]

Opti had a CLS 500 V8, no big issues but he did not have it long 

The tax man took it 

One of the airbags at the rear failed. Mercedes wanted £1100. An independent fixed it for about £600 ish.

Sometimes it's just the cap on the top of the strut which can be repaired for just ££s. 

[X30XE]

Just get a V12 it'll be one fun ownership experience 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/162401842395

Weren't these around £80k - £100k new back in the day?

Riddled with expensive problems wherever you look no doubt... Always have liked the S class, Just not the potential ownership cost / misery.

Agreed 

Keira Knightley could probably bankrupt me in the space of a week... but you still would 

[Doctor Gollum]

Kiera Knightley couldn't possibly be high maintenance, she's far too gorgeous...

That Clk however...

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

Kiera Knightley couldn't possibly be high maintenance, she's far too gorgeous...

That Clk however...

A little on the skinny side for my taste. But if she begged I suppose I'd have to oblige her.

[EMD]

Opti had a CLS 500 V8, no big issues but he did not have it long 

The tax man took it 

One of the airbags at the rear failed. Mercedes wanted £1100. An independent fixed it for about £600 ish.

This is enough to scare me to buy any merc and bmw come to think of it Its a shame but i guess you would be lucky not to have something go wrong that was going to have to be bought from the stealers 
But we all know that its how the car has been looked after that makes a difference unless that particular car has known faults and best avoided 

[Migv6 le Frog Fan]

You only live once. Go for it.
I'm very tempted to buy a CL500 in the near future. 

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

You only live once. Go for it.
I'm very tempted to buy a CL500 in the near future. 

Yes....You're a long time dead.

[Migv6 le Frog Fan]

True.........and Ive got this far being this stupid and I'm still almost in one piece, not starving to death, and have a roof over my head - so may as well carry on regardless. 

[2boxerdogs]

The 4.3 engine is the M113 type which in MB circles is considered one of the best, mine is an E class year 2000 , it has full MBSH I have all the receipts/bills none are frightening . The mileage of the CLK would put me off but if it has a full MBSH you could take a chance, mine has covered less than 35,000 miles as for MPG I do no town driving in it at all the least has been 23mpg the best 30mpg.  I have replaced a couple of tyres on it due to age not wear also had an oil & filter change it had just had a major service before I purchased it , it always brings a smile when  I drive it the power is phenomenal  the original bill of sale is £54,937  . I purchased it from MTSV it was up for £5995 I paid £5250 sold the Mig for £750 so for £4500 I was quite happy, the MB owners club have confirmed that it is probably one of the best examples in the UK. Don't bother with a V12 the V8 is more than adequate.

[tunnie]

Merc's of that vintage generally are poor and suffered corrosion issues, the bean counters got in control and quality dipped from the 80's Merc.

I'd personally consider older ones, such as W126 V8's if I was in the market.

[2boxerdogs]

Merc's of that vintage generally are poor and suffered corrosion issues, the bean counters got in control and quality dipped from the 80's Merc.

I'd personally consider older ones, such as W126 V8's if I was in the market.

.   



A lot did suffer the dreaded tin worm, fortunately mine was treated to Dinitrol protection by the first owner , who was a bit of an MB nut he bought five different models to celebrate his retirement mine being one of them ,after his death in 2008 it went to its second owner having only covered 4,700 miles.After I purchased it in 2015 I took it to Rustbuster in Spalding for inspection but no further work was necessary.

[tunnie]

Merc's of that vintage generally are poor and suffered corrosion issues, the bean counters got in control and quality dipped from the 80's Merc.

I'd personally consider older ones, such as W126 V8's if I was in the market.

.   



A lot did suffer the dreaded tin worm, fortunately mine was treated to Dinitrol protection by the first owner , who was a bit of an MB nut he bought five to celebrate his retirement mine being one of them ,after his death in 2008 it went to its second owner having only covered 4,700 miles.After I purchased it in 2015 I took it to Rustbuster in Spalding for inspection but no further work was necessary.

Sounds like yours was a bit of an exception 

I don't think very many others would have that kind of treatment, especially that eBay example.

[2boxerdogs]

You have to do your homework Tunnie , also a bit of luck helps ! When I saw this one I couldn't believe my eyes even came with every previous tax disc preserved in a ring binder.

[X30XE]

The 4.3 engine is the M113 type which in MB circles is considered one of the best, mine is an E class year 2000 , it has full MBSH I have all the receipts/bills none are frightening . The mileage of the CLK would put me off but if it has a full MBSH you could take a chance, mine has covered less than 35,000 miles as for MPG I do no town driving in it at all the least has been 23mpg the best 30mpg.  I have replaced a couple of tyres on it due to age not wear also had an oil & filter change it had just had a major service before I purchased it , it always brings a smile when  I drive it the power is phenomenal  the original bill of sale is £54,937  . I purchased it from MTSV it was up for £5995 I paid £5250 sold the Mig for £750 so for £4500 I was quite happy, the MB owners club have confirmed that it is probably one of the best examples in the UK. Don't bother with a V12 the V8 is more than adequate.

If you're used to the Omega the V6 merc is more than adequate.    However, as any 4 yr old will tell you moar = moar better 

[Mr.OmegaMan]

If you ever wanted a car that sounds like a F1 racing through everywhere. The s600 is for you.

https://youtu.be/D-iV59F7E7s

 

[tigers_gonads]

Going back a few years now, iirc you was skint 

Looking at the amount of times you have changed your cars in the last few years, I take it your fortunes has changes a little   

[anV6]

Merc's of that vintage generally are poor and suffered corrosion issues, the bean counters got in control and quality dipped from the 80's Merc.

I'd personally consider older ones, such as W126 V8's if I was in the market.

Yep. I can't believe it went to page 2 before somebody mentioned it. I guess it shows we are not in a Mercedes forum.

Basically you don't want a 2000's Mercedes. Specially not early 2000's and definitely not a W210 and W208, which this CLK430 is. You will find the odd individual who will say he has one without any problems. But he is the absolute exception to the rule. The consensus by several people who have owned them seems to be, it's not a matter if it will have the known problems all of them are known to have, it's a matter of when. Even if you are lucky enough to find one which still hasn't shown the problems yet, IT WILL! It's just a matter of time. The problems are not caused by bad luck or even by only piss-poor quality control. They are caused by piss-poor design and manufacturing, which means they are built in. They will happen.

[X30XE]

Sometimes the point is not whether it will break, but whether it's worth owning when it is working. 

You could give me a BMW X6, a lifetime warranty, roadside assistance AND a like for like courtesy car... I still wouldn't drive the steaming heap of dog shit!

[Doctor Gollum]

Sometimes the point is not whether it will break, but whether it's worth owning when it is working. 

You could give me a BMW X6, a lifetime warranty, roadside assistance AND a like for like courtesy car... I still wouldn't drive the steaming heap of dog shit!

Both good points well made

[EMD]

Going back a few years now, iirc you was skint 

Looking at the amount of times you have changed your cars in the last few years, I take it your fortunes has changes a little   

It was sad to see my aunt pass away a few weeks ago , she was 94.. we will miss her so much she was like a grandmother to me    But she always said live each day the way you want to ... your only here once .Lets just say she left the family a few pennies .

[2boxerdogs]

Sometimes the point is not whether it will break, but whether it's worth owning when it is working. 

You could give me a BMW X6, a lifetime warranty, roadside assistance AND a like for like courtesy car... I still wouldn't drive the steaming heap of dog shit!

.   



Quite agree with you. I like having a car that you don't see many of I know a lot have had numerous problems , but I love this 17 year old Mercedes it has been checked by MB who have given it a clean bill of health, if any problems crop up  they will be rectified fortunately I know an excellent specialist , it's all about enjoying the car it looks great drives superb and has been cherished by its previous owners. If you want a Merc just look for the best example for your budget they are around. At the end of the day if you have the cash most things can be put right. 😉

[tigers_gonads]

Going back a few years now, iirc you was skint 

Looking at the amount of times you have changed your cars in the last few years, I take it your fortunes has changes a little   

It was sad to see my aunt pass away a few weeks ago , she was 94.. we will miss her so much she was like a grandmother to me    But she always said live each day the way you want to ... your only here once .Lets just say she left the family a few pennies .

 


That lot came about because I was cleaning up some old emails about some stuff yesterday 

94 is a great innings mate 
Hopefully she had a good life and you all have plenty of great memories 

I can fully understand her sentiments about living life as you want too because you never know what is around the corner so in that case, 'dangle berries' to the C43 and get a AMG instead 

[2boxerdogs]

Going back a few years now, iirc you was skint 

Looking at the amount of times you have changed your cars in the last few years, I take it your fortunes has changes a little   

It was sad to see my aunt pass away a few weeks ago , she was 94.. we will miss her so much she was like a grandmother to me    But she always said live each day the way you want to ... your only here once .Lets just say she left the family a few pennies .

 


That lot came about because I was cleaning up some old emails about some stuff yesterday 

94 is a great innings mate 
Hopefully she had a good life and you all have plenty of great memories 

I can fully understand her sentiments about living life as you want too because you never know what is around the corner so in that case, 'dangle berries' to the C43 and get a AMG instead 

.       







Yep quite agree, no good worrying about might happen if you've got the cash & it feels right do it. 😉😉😉

[belldarr2]

I have had a couple of CLK's and they have been very nice cars, no major problems with either of them.  As mentioned though mercs of this vintage will likely have rust and it will be in the wheel arches and where the bumpers meets the wings front and back.  The one you have posted up looks ok but could have been tarted up to sell and it will bubble back through if it has only been filled.  Also the dash around the radio looks like it has been damaged - that would get annoying - and as for AMG edition the wheels are the only AMG thing on the car and I would have expected the full AMG bumpers and side skirts if this was a factory AMG, but otherwise it looks like it has a lot of options (full electric memory seats, parking sensors, command/sat nav, wooden steering wheel, digital climate control and heated seats) but a lot of money for a convertible merc that old in the middle of wnter with that mileage. I would have said it was worth £1800.  The later shape CLK's are not a lot more (2002 onwards) and they are a much better car.

I hope that helps.

Darren.

[EMD]

I have had a couple of CLK's and they have been very nice cars, no major problems with either of them.  As mentioned though mercs of this vintage will likely have rust and it will be in the wheel arches and where the bumpers meets the wings front and back.  The one you have posted up looks ok but could have been tarted up to sell and it will bubble back through if it has only been filled. Also the dash around the radio looks like it has been damaged - that would get annoying - and as for AMG edition the wheels are the only AMG thing on the car and I would have expected the full AMG bumpers and side skirts if this was a factory AMG, but otherwise it looks like it has a lot of options (full electric memory seats, parking sensors, command/sat nav, wooden steering wheel, digital climate control and heated seats) but a lot of money for a convertible merc that old in the middle of wnter with that mileage. I would have said it was worth £1800.  The later shape CLK's are not a lot more (2002 onwards) and they are a much better car.

I hope that helps.

Darren.

Thanks for that darren . Glad you pointed the dash out , looks like it had been crow barred out ! As we all know there are all sorts of risks in buying a used car but ive been looking at a few that give 12 months warranty parts and labour free .. just used the first car as an example of what you can get for your money . Plenty mercs out their with full service histories . I shall search a bit more 

[2boxerdogs]

I have had a couple of CLK's and they have been very nice cars, no major problems with either of them.  As mentioned though mercs of this vintage will likely have rust and it will be in the wheel arches and where the bumpers meets the wings front and back.  The one you have posted up looks ok but could have been tarted up to sell and it will bubble back through if it has only been filled. Also the dash around the radio looks like it has been damaged - that would get annoying - and as for AMG edition the wheels are the only AMG thing on the car and I would have expected the full AMG bumpers and side skirts if this was a factory AMG, but otherwise it looks like it has a lot of options (full electric memory seats, parking sensors, command/sat nav, wooden steering wheel, digital climate control and heated seats) but a lot of money for a convertible merc that old in the middle of wnter with that mileage. I would have said it was worth £1800.  The later shape CLK's are not a lot more (2002 onwards) and they are a much better car.

I hope that helps.

Darren.

Thanks for that darren . Glad you pointed the dash out , looks like it had been crow barred out ! As we all know there are all sorts of risks in buying a used car but ive been looking at a few that give 12 months warranty parts and labour free .. just used the first car as an example of what you can get for your money . Plenty mercs out their with full service histories . I shall search a bit more 

.   





You're right there are loads about definitely go for one that's got a good service history. 😉

[EMD]

Something like this 1 owner full service history 

E500


There is a few mercs with Tiptronic ..sounds as though it would be costly gadgetry to put right if any faults occur  Oh and wont be interested in any soot chucker 

[2boxerdogs]

Very nice , lovely engine that.😉

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

Something like this 1 owner full service history 

E500

Are you seriously looking or merely window shopping, Mr EMD?

This car has a certain understated sleeper appeal.

Time to put your hand in your pocket.

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

Something like this 1 owner full service history 

E500


There is a few mercs with Tiptronic ..sounds as though it would be costly gadgetry to put right if any faults occur  Oh and wont be interested in any soot chucker 

That's the spirit.

[EMD]

Something like this 1 owner full service history 

E500

Are you seriously looking or merely window shopping, Mr EMD?

This car has a certain understated sleeper appeal.

Time to put your hand in your pocket.

Well yes window shopping to get an idea .

Yes seriously looking to buy in about 2 months time .. it does look a nice motor indeed 

[2boxerdogs]

Something like this 1 owner full service history 

E500

Are you seriously looking or merely window shopping, Mr EMD?

This car has a certain understated sleeper appeal.

Time to put your hand in your pocket.

Yes seriously looking to buy in about 2 months time .. it does look a nice motor indeed 

. 



That's how I started just looking!  You won't regret it EMD they are understated but that's the fun 😂😂

[EMD]

Something like this 1 owner full service history 

E500

Are you seriously looking or merely window shopping, Mr EMD?

This car has a certain understated sleeper appeal.

Time to put your hand in your pocket.

Yes seriously looking to buy in about 2 months time .. it does look a nice motor indeed 

. 



That's how I started just looking!  You won't regret it EMD they are understated but that's the fun 😂😂

I guess the interesting part will come when its time to haggle tilbo  No doubt a 1 owner car with full history will sell itself during the test ride . I like the shape of the E class though 

[2boxerdogs]

Something like this 1 owner full service history 

E500

Are you seriously looking or merely window shopping, Mr EMD?

This car has a certain understated sleeper appeal.

Time to put your hand in your pocket.

Yes seriously looking to buy in about 2 months time .. it does look a nice motor indeed 

. 



That's how I started just looking!  You won't regret it EMD they are understated but that's the fun 😂😂

I guess the interesting part will come when its time to haggle tilbo  No doubt a 1 owner car with full history will sell itself during the test ride . I like the shape of the E class though 

. 





Once you use kickdown your mind will be made up !

[X30XE]

Try and find one with air suspension to test drive as well. 

FYI, Pre 2006 had sensotronic brakes... http://autoweek.com/article/car-news/mercedes-cancels-wire-brake-system-decision-blow-technologys-future