1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK 320

Summary:

I miss my old '98 CLK..

Faults:

A lot of things : (

General Comments:

As I mentioned above, I had many, many problems, but I loved my '98 CLK. I got a new one, which is nice and very reliable, but it just doesn't look as good as the old one...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th March, 2006

8th Mar 2006, 01:18

A lot of problems such as...??? Please try to be precise in your writing; share your experiences so that many prospective buyers may benefit from our (bad or good) experiences.

8th Mar 2006, 04:15

Very interesting and informative!!

Not.

8th Mar 2006, 09:46

The CLK is an odd duck in the car world. It has some of the worst reliablity of any Mercedes ever, yet it has one of the highest resale values today and its owners are fanatic about the car.

It offers that great Mercedes feel, but you will certainly pay for it in maintenance costs.

1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK 320 3.2 liter V-6

Summary:

Fun but unreliable

Faults:

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.

General Comments:

The car handles and accelerates as well as many high-priced sports cars. However, the reliability is horrible and maintenance is ridiculously expensive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 19th September, 2000

30th Jan 2001, 13:57

Do you have any problems when raining with the wipers (not cleaning well etc..?)

5th May 2001, 19:16

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.