i have both first gen and second gen clk , first gen is uncomparable to the 2nd gen , the desgin is nicer , the driving experience is way much better and smoother than the 2nd gen,i think first gen is one of the most underrated car of mercedes manufacturer history
I own a year 2000 CLK320 silver coupe (first-generation). It's OUTSTANDING and I've owned it since year 2003. I've experienced ZERO rust problems but this may be due to me living in the dry Los Angeles area. Mileage is 179K on the original engine. I use Mobil 1 synthetic oil. I take the car up to the Big Bear mountains throughout the winter ski season. It has rear wheel drive which is the least desirable for driving in snow. My favorite thing about this car is that it's light weight and FAST. The V6 engine can allow me to drive circles around the newer cars. Unlike a gas guzzling super powerful V8 engine, the powerful V6 is the sweet spot between a super powerful V8 and boring standard 4 cylinder engine. Like many luxury cars, it requires premium gas which is a negative. Most American cars have the gas cap on the driver side while German cars have it on the passenger side. By having the cap on the passenger side it's convenient for me to get gas at the crowded Costco gas stations. I hope my car continues to last and becomes a sought after collectible classic.
Great to hear you're enjoying CLK ownership. The fact you're living in dry area, would have definitely helped and hopefully you can continue to enjoy it for many years to come. Unfortunately, many here in Europe have succumbed to corrosion, even though mechanically they're strong.
2nd gen better looking. Especially the rear. Had an 09 320 CDI AMG Sportpack. Had a remap adding 60 - 70 bhp AND 3-4 mpg. Beautiful looking. Must be one of the prettiest Mercs ever. 2nd gen solved the rust issues of 1st gen and built very solid. Truly a great long distance mile eater. Could do 40 mpg on a long run. Defo a future classic.
This one is in beautiful condition. My dad has one of these, a 99 model owned since 2010 - the arches unfortunately have rusted terribly like you say but mechanically it’s very solid
Rust unfortunately is this era of CLK biggest problem. The secret is try and keep on top of it, but that's often easier said than done, especially if the car is used throughout the winter.
Loved the summery vid! This car is a beauty. The driving experience is outstanding, so comfortable you barely even feel you’ve moved. The whole car just feels solid and well built, with a very satisfying quality all round.
Good video and fair summary. Yep - its the rust that's the problem so unless sorted / pristine original the later model is better. At the start of first lockdown I bought at 2007 CLK Cabriolet with all the factory AMG stuff and 7 speed gearbox with F1 paddles. It was clear that holidays abroad weren't going to happen so I bought it for pleasure trips days out weekend away etc. and it's been perfect for that yes including 4 adults on a day trip comfortably. It's even ULEZ compliant. I thought I'd just keep it for a year but it's been "pleasant" to use your word to own.The rust proofed ones can be used as a daily driver. The roof is so incredibly good it's just like a regular car in winter conditions. There's little point getting a true sports car given the state of the roads, traffic, cameras, hoards of cyclists everywhere, so i use it as a smooth Summer GT type and it's perfect for that and, using the paddles ,you can really stretch that smooth creamy urge in the v6 and get the revs up between gears nicely when there's a clear road ahead. Will the CLK (not the AMG versions - they'll always be rare ) ever be a classic? Possibly. Mine seems to be worth maybe 20% more than I bought it for 3 years ago but that's just inflation I think still it has held its value at least and I've enjoyed it.
I have a 2nd gen CLK320 2004, bought it at 114k miles with 3 owners. Bought it as a daily driver and genuinely a great buy! Extremely reliable have had to change the alternator in the first year but for a 20 year old car that is nothing and for a 20 year old car I get everything a modern car has except for a tablet! Great car buy it if you want one!
When ever I am asked what is the best used car to buy I say an older Mercedes. They are so well made and specified and were expensive cars when new. As they always sell well there are plenty of used examples to choose from, so be patient and source a loved and well looked after example, they are out there, and cost only a little more than the more widely available tired examples.
I bought a new '99 CLK320 in southern California and drove it for 245,000 miles. It was a fun car - I went through two convertible tops and loved it. There was a 2-year waiting list @ a $10,000 premium. My vehicle was loaded and quite comfortable. Rust was never an issue but the top coat on the paint did begin to fade... bear in-mind I was driving a lot of miles near the ocean in direct sunlight. My CLK loved to be driven long distances. The dashboard was subject to cracking which led to a factory recall. The rear visibility is not that that good with the top raised... but who drives a convertible in southern California with the top up? Bear in-mind, due to the low profile, the tires had to be changed every 25-30K miles. I preferred the feel of Michelins. After about 150,000 miles I noticed several systems were beginning to fail (including electronics, lights, sensors, insulation). In my opinion the first generation CLK is the best looking of all CLK's - ESPECIALLY with the classic grille and 3-pointed Star. The first generation Mercedes CLK went through two "refreshes" during its lifetime - largely due to some of the system failures I described and to enhance the overall styling. I own a 2002 CLK430 Roadster which is unbelievable. I would strongly suggest an 8 cylinder (430 or 55) model...
Great to hear your ownership experience has been such a positive one, and 245,000 miles is good going. Here in the UK, rust tends to kill them off at a much lower mileage and V8 models are rare. Nonetheless, it's still just about the only four seater convertible you can still pick up for a bargain price.
Definitely from te Mercedes Dark Ages, I only drive Mercedes. I have a SLK from the same era in my garage which has cost me a fortune to have rotten body panels replaced because of the MB painting techniques of that period. and bio degradable wiring harness. Like my SLK I feel in time the CLK will appreciate. My SLK only comes out on dry days in the summer and spend the winter tucked up in it's garage.
Absolutely! Certainly best to go into any Mercedes ownership from that era with your eyes wide open, but I think we will start to see the CLK and SLK start to appreciate, especially the really good examples. Thank you watching. Matt
How have you been fixing the rust? I got an -97 CLK, and it has had visible rust on wheel arches etc for a year now. Have to do something about it next summer. Have you just got new body parts for your SLK or fixed the rusted one?
@@Vince_uk Alright, thank you. Gonna have to take a lot of money aside for the project. Those wings aint cheap today. I think that is the way i might have to handle the rust too.. Ofcourse there is other places where it has rust also, but... Well, gotta fix it somehow.
I had the 230K for 6 years and it never missed a beat. It was a perfect combination between performance and economy compared with other versions, a superb eager, smooth and reliable supercharged 4 cylinder that was sadly discontinued on the next model. There is however a valid reason why these cars are so cheap, and the reason why I replaced it with the later w209. Rust, as mentioned, is almost as bad as the Italian cars of the 70s. To drive they are better than their replacement, partly due to the double wishbone front suspension layout compared to the more primitive McPherson struts on the later cars. They also have a superior sound system compared with that on the w209s. The interior quality also feels better on these cars with more supple leather, common problems are the disintegration of the seat bolsters and the malfunctioning LCD displays on the instrument cluster.
Thanks .I had a first gen CLK open top. many yrs ago. It was my first Mercedes . It only had 4 cylinders. but I really liked it . A pleasure to drive . About ? 15 years ago I swapped it for a second generation CLK cabriolet . I still have this CLK. I missed the head rests in the first car. They raised automatically . I also missed the raised Merc roundel on the bonnet and I think that first car had heated seats But after many years I now really like my current car . I think the best thing in my current series 2 CLK is the 6 cylinder engine . Driving gives me pleasure in the CLK. I have another smaller car for local journeys . But I like driving the Mercedes. I have always garaged my CLKs. . But be aware the mpg or miles per litre are not good. I would recommend a GOOD CLK. They look good and give me pleasure
Ich habe auch einen 320er Cabrio W208.Beautiful Car! Nach 365.000 Km. muß die Steuerkette und die Schienen usw. gewechselt werden.Aber das darf er auch bei der Km.-Leistung.
Very good video. I have a 2000 clk320 with 59K miles and it's in excellent condition. I'm the second owner. Everything is original and everything works including the CD changer. Question; when you say wings what do you mean? Also, you suggested a set of AMG wheels. My car came with 16 inch 7 spoke bright chrome wheels with ET37. What size rims would you recommend with an ET that would be compatible. Would you recommend all 4 be the same size or the rear being a different size. The ET is my biggest concern. Thxs. Tom
Glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for watching. Wings is what you may call 'fenders' depending on where you are in the world? Whatever you call them (wings, fenders etc..) the CLK or any Mercedes of this era have a bit of a reputation for rust, so it's important to check them regularly. When it comes to wheels, a good pair of AMG Monoblocs (genuine or replica) always suit this era of Mercedes really well in my opinion. I hope you continue to enjoy your CLK for many years a miles to come. Matt
Mechanicals on these are generally strong and if it has extensive history to back up the mileage, even better. Depending on where you are located it's rust that is the main thing to look out for.
Would any of you have opinions regarding preference of buying an old CLK320 or a CLK500 convertible or a Saab 93 of similar age? I am actually considering each trying to decide which to buy. The CLK500 is a little bit more expensive. Why do you keep saying they are cheap? They’re still a Mercedes. They’re inexpensive compared to how crazy expensive new cars are. What’s wrong with having one of these as a persons main vehicle to drive around to the store, work etc? I think the poo poo attitude is underserved.
CLK500 is a great all-rounder and probably worth the extra over a six cylinder model just to have that V8. The reason I say they're cheap, is because they are incredibly cheap to buy (at least that is the case here in the UK) and represent a great deal of car for little money, but that's mostly because this model in particular is so often overlooked in favour of the earlier or later models. It isn't meant in a derogatory way at all, it's just a fact. There's no reason at all why you couldn't comfortably use one everyday if necessary and obviously it's going to be much cheaper to purchase than any new car. Saabs of the same era lost some of their magic compared to the older 900 in my eyes, and unless it's a Turbo 93, it's not going to excite you on a twisty back road. Having said that, they are great cruisers and still have a certain unique charm all of their own. My mum loves them and has owned pretty much every model of Saab you can think of.
Rusr. Rust. Rust. If you can get one without rust then you'll have oodles of fun. You'll feel like a millionaire. Unfortunately, they are mostly rust buckets.
I have a 2004 CLk 320 Avantgarde, purchased new in 2004, still going strong after 20 years. Its a special feeling wjen you have been the only owner
Absolutely! You're obviously very happy with it if you have kept it for 20 years. Enjoy :)
i have both first gen and second gen clk , first gen is uncomparable to the 2nd gen , the desgin is nicer , the driving experience is way much better and smoother than the 2nd gen,i think first gen is one of the most underrated car of mercedes manufacturer history
you are right,, everyone raves about w124 but w208 is just as tough infact it is tougher.
Totally agree!
I have a 2001 clk320. Excellent condition. High miles but runs strong.
Daily driver? Any issues to look out for? Looking to buy a 2001 in 2024
Have a 2002 CLK55 AMG v8 and absolutely love it. Excellently maintained and easy to work on yourself.
Good to hear!
I own a year 2000 CLK320 silver coupe (first-generation). It's OUTSTANDING and I've owned it since year 2003. I've experienced ZERO rust problems but this may be due to me living in the dry Los Angeles area. Mileage is 179K on the original engine. I use Mobil 1 synthetic oil. I take the car up to the Big Bear mountains throughout the winter ski season. It has rear wheel drive which is the least desirable for driving in snow. My favorite thing about this car is that it's light weight and FAST. The V6 engine can allow me to drive circles around the newer cars. Unlike a gas guzzling super powerful V8 engine, the powerful V6 is the sweet spot between a super powerful V8 and boring standard 4 cylinder engine. Like many luxury cars, it requires premium gas which is a negative. Most American cars have the gas cap on the driver side while German cars have it on the passenger side. By having the cap on the passenger side it's convenient for me to get gas at the crowded Costco gas stations. I hope my car continues to last and becomes a sought after collectible classic.
Great to hear you're enjoying CLK ownership. The fact you're living in dry area, would have definitely helped and hopefully you can continue to enjoy it for many years to come. Unfortunately, many here in Europe have succumbed to corrosion, even though mechanically they're strong.
I bought a 2002 clk 320 3 months ago, beautiful car to drive absolutely love it
Good choice!
this CLK is a classic. there are almost no good used cars from this series,💪
Yeah, I’d snap up something like this in a heartbeat….
Anything less is just a terrible gamble.
@monk3yboy69 you're talking about 2500 for a decent one
2nd gen better looking. Especially the rear. Had an 09 320 CDI AMG Sportpack. Had a remap adding 60 - 70 bhp AND 3-4 mpg. Beautiful looking. Must be one of the prettiest Mercs ever. 2nd gen solved the rust issues of 1st gen and built very solid. Truly a great long distance mile eater. Could do 40 mpg on a long run. Defo a future classic.
Thanks for sharing!
This one is in beautiful condition. My dad has one of these, a 99 model owned since 2010 - the arches unfortunately have rusted terribly like you say but mechanically it’s very solid
Rust unfortunately is this era of CLK biggest problem. The secret is try and keep on top of it, but that's often easier said than done, especially if the car is used throughout the winter.
Loved the summery vid! This car is a beauty. The driving experience is outstanding, so comfortable you barely even feel you’ve moved. The whole car just feels solid and well built, with a very satisfying quality all round.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Good video and fair summary. Yep - its the rust that's the problem so unless sorted / pristine original the later model is better. At the start of first lockdown I bought at 2007 CLK Cabriolet with all the factory AMG stuff and 7 speed gearbox with F1 paddles. It was clear that holidays abroad weren't going to happen so I bought it for pleasure trips days out weekend away etc. and it's been perfect for that yes including 4 adults on a day trip comfortably. It's even ULEZ compliant. I thought I'd just keep it for a year but it's been "pleasant" to use your word to own.The rust proofed ones can be used as a daily driver. The roof is so incredibly good it's just like a regular car in winter conditions. There's little point getting a true sports car given the state of the roads, traffic, cameras, hoards of cyclists everywhere, so i use it as a smooth Summer GT type and it's perfect for that and, using the paddles ,you can really stretch that smooth creamy urge in the v6 and get the revs up between gears nicely when there's a clear road ahead. Will the CLK (not the AMG versions - they'll always be rare ) ever be a classic? Possibly. Mine seems to be worth maybe 20% more than I bought it for 3 years ago but that's just inflation I think still it has held its value at least and I've enjoyed it.
I have a 2nd gen CLK320 2004, bought it at 114k miles with 3 owners. Bought it as a daily driver and genuinely a great buy! Extremely reliable have had to change the alternator in the first year but for a 20 year old car that is nothing and for a 20 year old car I get everything a modern car has except for a tablet! Great car buy it if you want one!
When ever I am asked what is the best used car to buy I say an older Mercedes. They are so well made and specified and were expensive cars when new. As they always sell well there are plenty of used examples to choose from, so be patient and source a loved and well looked after example, they are out there, and cost only a little more than the more widely available tired examples.
Absolutely! Buying the best example is key with one of these. It just isn't worth buying a ropey and rusty example. Thank you for watching. Matt
I bought a new '99 CLK320 in southern California and drove it for 245,000 miles. It was a fun car - I went through two convertible tops and loved it. There was a 2-year waiting list @ a $10,000 premium. My vehicle was loaded and quite comfortable. Rust was never an issue but the top coat on the paint did begin to fade... bear in-mind I was driving a lot of miles near the ocean in direct sunlight. My CLK loved to be driven long distances. The dashboard was subject to cracking which led to a factory recall. The rear visibility is not that that good with the top raised... but who drives a convertible in southern California with the top up? Bear in-mind, due to the low profile, the tires had to be changed every 25-30K miles. I preferred the feel of Michelins.
After about 150,000 miles I noticed several systems were beginning to fail (including electronics, lights, sensors, insulation). In my opinion the first generation CLK is the best looking of all CLK's - ESPECIALLY with the classic grille and 3-pointed Star. The first generation Mercedes CLK went through two "refreshes" during its lifetime - largely due to some of the system failures I described and to enhance the overall styling. I own a 2002 CLK430 Roadster which is unbelievable. I would strongly suggest an 8 cylinder (430 or 55) model...
Great to hear your ownership experience has been such a positive one, and 245,000 miles is good going. Here in the UK, rust tends to kill them off at a much lower mileage and V8 models are rare. Nonetheless, it's still just about the only four seater convertible you can still pick up for a bargain price.
Definitely a 430 or a 55 otherwise don’t bother .
i am driving 1999 CLK 320 convertible. i love it. it costs me a little but still love it. it is still my first car.
Great to hear you're still enjoying it.
Definitely from te Mercedes Dark Ages, I only drive Mercedes. I have a SLK from the same era in my garage which has cost me a fortune to have rotten body panels replaced because of the MB painting techniques of that period. and bio degradable wiring harness. Like my SLK I feel in time the CLK will appreciate. My SLK only comes out on dry days in the summer and spend the winter tucked up in it's garage.
Absolutely! Certainly best to go into any Mercedes ownership from that era with your eyes wide open, but I think we will start to see the CLK and SLK start to appreciate, especially the really good examples. Thank you watching. Matt
I got rid of my 95 c220 for the biodegradable harness issue, haven't had any issues with my 99 CLK harness.
How have you been fixing the rust? I got an -97 CLK, and it has had visible rust on wheel arches etc for a year now. Have to do something about it next summer. Have you just got new body parts for your SLK or fixed the rusted one?
@@evokki0075 I replaced the wings and inner wings then had it repainted. It was the only way .
@@Vince_uk Alright, thank you. Gonna have to take a lot of money aside for the project. Those wings aint cheap today. I think that is the way i might have to handle the rust too.. Ofcourse there is other places where it has rust also, but... Well, gotta fix it somehow.
I had the 230K for 6 years and it never missed a beat. It was a perfect combination between performance and economy compared with other versions, a superb eager, smooth and reliable supercharged 4 cylinder that was sadly discontinued on the next model. There is however a valid reason why these cars are so cheap, and the reason why I replaced it with the later w209. Rust, as mentioned, is almost as bad as the Italian cars of the 70s.
To drive they are better than their replacement, partly due to the double wishbone front suspension layout compared to the more primitive McPherson struts on the later cars.
They also have a superior sound system compared with that on the w209s.
The interior quality also feels better on these cars with more supple leather, common problems are the disintegration of the seat bolsters and the malfunctioning LCD displays on the instrument cluster.
I've had my 99 CLK320 Cabriolet California Car for 20 years (2004) and I'm holding onto it, I have feeling the prices will be going up soon!
Going to look at one these tomorrow, with the petrol v6 always had a soft spot for these.
Good luck!
Thanks .I had a first gen CLK open top. many yrs ago. It was my first Mercedes . It only had 4 cylinders. but I really liked it . A pleasure to drive . About ? 15 years ago I swapped it for a second generation CLK cabriolet . I still have this CLK. I missed the head rests in the first car. They raised automatically . I also missed the raised Merc roundel on the bonnet and I think that first car had heated seats But after many years I now really like my current car . I think the best thing in my current series 2 CLK is the 6 cylinder engine . Driving gives me pleasure in the CLK. I have another smaller car for local journeys . But I like driving the Mercedes. I have always garaged my CLKs. . But be aware the mpg or miles per litre are not good. I would recommend a GOOD CLK. They look good and give me pleasure
Great to hear you're enjoying CLK ownership.
Ich habe auch einen 320er Cabrio W208.Beautiful Car!
Nach 365.000 Km. muß die Steuerkette und die Schienen usw. gewechselt werden.Aber das darf er auch bei der Km.-Leistung.
The band of wood at the base of the windshield is exactly like a first-generation C-class.
I own my clk 320 for 2 years .bought it for 2500€
Its been a Dream of a car... so smooth..
Fantastic! Luxury motoring on a sensible budget.
1st gen is best. A good condition 320 , low mileage, fully loaded coupe is hard to find without any rust. But I know of one. Mine!
Enjoy :)
Planning to get a model 2000 CLK 320.
Very good video. I have a 2000 clk320 with 59K miles and it's in excellent condition. I'm the second owner. Everything is original and everything works including the CD changer. Question; when you say wings what do you mean? Also, you suggested a set of AMG wheels. My car came with 16 inch 7 spoke bright chrome wheels with ET37. What size rims would you recommend with an ET that would be compatible. Would you recommend all 4 be the same size or the rear being a different size. The ET is my biggest concern.
Thxs. Tom
Glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for watching. Wings is what you may call 'fenders' depending on where you are in the world? Whatever you call them (wings, fenders etc..) the CLK or any Mercedes of this era have a bit of a reputation for rust, so it's important to check them regularly. When it comes to wheels, a good pair of AMG Monoblocs (genuine or replica) always suit this era of Mercedes really well in my opinion. I hope you continue to enjoy your CLK for many years a miles to come.
Matt
Gorgeous car!
Great vid!
This will be my first car. I cannot wait
Enjoy!
Got my eye on a CLK 200 Kompressor 2009. Is it worth it?
They are a good car! and terrific value Personally, I think a bigger six-cylinder engine suits them the best but that really is just personal choice.
go 6 cylinders to experience the silky smooth drive. not much difference on gas
I am thinking about getting a clk 320 with m112 engine and it has 150 000 kms only
Mechanicals on these are generally strong and if it has extensive history to back up the mileage, even better. Depending on where you are located it's rust that is the main thing to look out for.
Im thinking about buying a 2000
Enjoy :)
I like the first generation more than the second gen. Looks wise
better in build quality and engineering than the w209/a209
Would any of you have opinions regarding preference of buying an old CLK320 or a CLK500 convertible or a Saab 93 of similar age? I am actually considering each trying to decide which to buy. The CLK500 is a little bit more expensive.
Why do you keep saying they are cheap? They’re still a Mercedes. They’re inexpensive compared to how crazy expensive new cars are. What’s wrong with having one of these as a persons main vehicle to drive around to the store, work etc? I think the poo poo attitude is underserved.
CLK500 is a great all-rounder and probably worth the extra over a six cylinder model just to have that V8. The reason I say they're cheap, is because they are incredibly cheap to buy (at least that is the case here in the UK) and represent a great deal of car for little money, but that's mostly because this model in particular is so often overlooked in favour of the earlier or later models. It isn't meant in a derogatory way at all, it's just a fact. There's no reason at all why you couldn't comfortably use one everyday if necessary and obviously it's going to be much cheaper to purchase than any new car.
Saabs of the same era lost some of their magic compared to the older 900 in my eyes, and unless it's a Turbo 93, it's not going to excite you on a twisty back road. Having said that, they are great cruisers and still have a certain unique charm all of their own. My mum loves them and has owned pretty much every model of Saab you can think of.
rust is an issue with this model
It certainly is!
Rusr. Rust. Rust. If you can get one without rust then you'll have oodles of fun. You'll feel like a millionaire. Unfortunately, they are mostly rust buckets.
E38 728i all day no rot ,
I do love an e38 :) Hoping to feature one of the channel in the near future.
Never selling my clk55
A rare car, that's definitely worth keeping. Enjoy :)
Not good etiquette asking people to subscribe before they have even watched any content. Nice videos though, I like the channel.
Thank you for watching.