1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK 320 from North America

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 V6 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Well built with great performance

Faults:

Nothing to report.

General Comments:

The road holding of this car is tremendous. You can throw it round corners as tight as you like and it doesn't let go. It's as happy in traffic as it is on the open road and delivers a great 30 mpg from the gutsy 3.2 engine. The auto box is slick and fast to respond - dropping down to 3rd to overtake is a serious proposition and you need to watch out for the power coming on strong. I'm not too sure about what the auto box memory brings to the party; a drivers style of driving today won't be the same as tomorrow. That said, I can't exactly say it hampers activity at all.

Comfort is let down by the max height adjust being limited to a position I feel is too low. It took a while for me to find a comfortable position that didn't cause leg ache. Once achieved, all fine.

Finish in some places is not up to usual Mercedes standards, in most areas however it is excellent.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th October, 2003

1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK 230 Kompressor 2.3 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A solid performer with grace, style, and poke, definitely one to be seen in

Faults:

The most persistant problem is the rear left brake light. This has blown a number of times, this is a known problem apparently in the 98 model, and has been fixed since, but not in mine yet as the dealer hasn't had the car back since I bought it.

General Comments:

Quibs, driver and passenger door linings move when the windows are raised or lowered, this is because of the tight fit of the curved glass.

Have had some wind noise from the seal around the driver's mirror.

Because it's such a solid car, the heavy doors need to be closed well, otherwise they don't close first time.

The car is a solid performer, I have had the car for 10,000 miles now and on various motorways have reached 150mph. There is still more poke left, but this is quick enough for me.

A/C climate control works very well, the autobox is faultless, however, when it changes down at speed, i.e. 50-70mph, I would prefer a quicker changedown, and maybe a two gear changedown.

Acceleration from standing start to 60 is very impressive. I have held off a charging BMW 740il with a 4.4 litre V8 against my 2.3 Kompressor. Both from standing starts. He wasn't impressed!

Interior is solid, comfortable, more detail than a general Benz, not as spartan either. Seats four easily and no complaints from the rear passengers about head or leg room, although was told she felt the rear seats were a little firm, after 300 mile trip?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th September, 2001

9th Jun 2010, 10:18

Okay review, but do let me know who you are; if I look at buying yours, I will know it's been hammered.

1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK 320 3.2 liter V-6 from North America

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.

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