6th Dec 2003, 01:13
I have an E320 cdi (year 2000). About once a week the car (while moving) completely cuts out. This is very dangerous, as there is a complete loss of power to drive, brake and steering systems. My local service branch is basically unable to find the fault. Does anyone out there have any information regarding this type of electrical fault on the E320 cdi and similar vehicles?
16th Dec 2003, 12:31
Every car built on a Monday morning is very unreliable as they say! I agree with the gentleman above, from each 1000 cars, about 2-10 are poorly made. You just ran out of luck buying a V8 Benz.
About the E320CDI. CDI engines are the most economical diesel engines I know (together with the Volvo D5 engines), if you get an electrical error while driving, this can mean only 1 thing: YOUR CAR IS A GREY CIRCUIT CAR.
Your car (320cdi) was never supposed to leave the factory in Sindelfingen, because it could never have passed the tests. Your car has been bought up by a very unreliable dealer, who charges the full price for your vehicle. I speak for myself, because I had a 300 Turbo (1998) with the same problems. I bought the car while I knew it was a grey circuit car. But it sometimes completeley blacked out while doing 70 mph on the highway.
7th Jul 2004, 00:32
Have owned a CLK 430 now for 3 months after trading my '93 E280 which I drove for 10 years and loved. Also have owned a '71 350SL which was my first Benz after switching from Volvos.
Have to say that the CLK is the most fantastic car I've driven ever. My only dislike was the over firm ride on my aging bones, but that was rectified by swapping the seventeen inch wheels with the sixteen inch wheels from a mates CLK 230. The ride now is in my opinion superb and I think the car looks better too as the 17 inch wheels just looked too big for the car in my opinion. My wife LOVES it too. She says it's the only car she's ever been interested in and just loves driving it.
31st Mar 2005, 20:29
My dad bought a 2002 CLK430 with only 1000kms on it in October 2004. I often take the car on weekend drives. We have found it to be superb, especially as we have AMG mags. We've only had one fault which was a temporary stall (and with the electricals, car cannot be turned off and restarted) within about 20 seconds of starting cold. The stall lasted a couple of seconds and then disappeared. Apart from that tiny hiccup, it's just an awesome car. I have to agree with other reviewers, and you see it in relation too many makes and models on this website: otherwise fantastic models are marred by a tiny fraction that are absolute lemons. Would love to know how that can happen.
20th Aug 2005, 20:24
I have owned a 1999 CLK 230K for 6 months, it shows 161000 miles on the clock!! Still drives and looks like a new car, so far no problems at all, not a one!..Full servicing from new is a must with these cars. Must go now as I want to get back into the drivers seat A.S.A.P!
28th Jan 2006, 21:40
Either you are one of the unfortunate few (very few), or you bought it used and didn't do your homework. By the way, they are roll bars, not row bars - it's a car not a boat.
How do you think people are getting $30K for these cars after 7 years and 80,000 miles.
6th Feb 2006, 03:35
I owned since new and recently sold my 1992 S500. I sold having done only a little over 64,000 miles. It was my 8th Benz and my 3rd 500. It will be my last. Benz needs to sort out very basic quality problems. I had to change the gearbox, 2 of the 4 window electrics, both side mirror motors, the computer and connections (12K), both inner front suspension joints, the fuel pump and wiring, both front visor light pairs (L&R), rear seat heater water pipes (engine out as the pipes enter the firewall behind the motor). The head lining had to be re-glued twice (the car was always garaged). All in all the car was a sad shadow of former Benz's that gave years of faithful solid performance. My cure, bought a Lexus. Far far better Benz than my last one even though its made by Toyota.
22nd Feb 2007, 17:14
I also own a 2000 CLK 430, original owner, and had many problems with the car during the warranty period. I still have the car, but will consider getting rid of it this year. I have very low mileage (about 38K miles) and I had been spending $1000 per year fixing this car since 2004, after the warranty expired. Sensors (oxygen sensors, brake switch sensors) are breaking left and right. Broken seals resulted in oil leaks. Benz are not as they used to be. My family has a 20 yr. old 420SEL and NOT A LEAK anywhere. It's my first Benz and it will be my LAST!
24th Jun 2007, 16:02
I've owned my CLK430 for 9 months and I have not found a finer car. (and I've tried).
I spent "the day" at a Mercedes dealership last week trying to find a suitable replacement for it incase the wife wanted a different color, or style when I pass it to her and there was nothing there that gave as much soul.
I have only had the standard MAF replacement and brake switch replacement that all CLK owners will go through, which is about $250 of maintenance. No big deal for a newer benz owner.
5 of 5 stars for soul, power, looks, and overall perfection.
13th Sep 2007, 02:40
I have had Mercedes vehicles for 15 years+. Every time I buy a new one, the problems seem to increase and so do the repair bills. My latest model, a 2001 CLK 430 cabriolet, as much as I love the performance, looks, and prestige, this car has just left me with a $2,500 bill for an ESP computer module. This is ridiculous, I am sick of this.
18th Sep 2007, 11:53
I was considering buying a 430 CLK. From my research and also above comments I think it will be an expensive mistake. I will go with the Lexus IS350 or SC430 instead.
27th Mar 2008, 06:18
My last comment was in July 2004. I still have my CLK 430 and it now has 52000 klms on it. It still goes beautifully and I have not ever had one problem with it. Have since also bought an ML500 to chase my cattle through the paddocks, as the CLK was a bit low for that. Both superb vehicles and have tried other later different models, but can't find anything as good, so will keep driving the CLK & ML till the cows come home. Think the w208 CLK looks so much better than the later W209 model also. My wife still loves it (the CLK) to bits also.
5th Dec 2003, 06:03
I drive a 2001 Mercedes CLK 430 AMG and found the car to be very reliable. Only concern was that the rear tyres did not last. It is a fun car to drive and I am of the opinion that you bought someone's abused vehicle and maintain that Mercedes Benz is still one of the better vehicles to own.