The Notorious AMG The 2001-02 clk430 received major upgrades : a new engine management system, new injectors and the larger, CLK55 sized, throttle body. Though still listed as 275hp on paper these upgrades bumped it up to around 291hp.. Add a cllk55 airbox and exhaust and your over 300hp. All w208s suffer from rust issues in northern climates. Areas to look out for: behind rocker panels, behind fender and rear quarter panel trim, wheel arches and behind rear bumper. The area that will rust the fastest is where the top front of rear bumper meets the quarter panels. Mercedes decided that a Metal bolt clip would be the the best, cheapest, solution to secure the bumper. The clip sits in between the polyurethane bumper and the metal quarter panel. Over time the clip digs into the quarter panel causing rust issues on both sides.
What an excellent review without stuttering and all the points explained perfectly. I learnt more from this review about this car than all the put together. Thank you😊.
Hi I just reviewed this video today was on my playlist for a while , and before review it I went reading comments but what impressed me is that you are taking time to respond to all comments as much as you can that is amazing !!!!!!! : I subscribed ! I bought a 2000 clk200 convertible in 2007 and I loved the car until now am going to sell it next month // meantime I did buy another 2001 clk 320 convertible in 2017 with 51000 miles ( just drove 1000 miles since ) . Fabulous and smooth engine ! I have sometimes the engine light pop in up . Likely a sensor .... !!!
First off, I love your Kassius Klay handle...when I was 8 my dad took me to a bar an hour away to see the close captioned fight between he and Ernie Shavers and I was a big fan of his my entire life. I ended up selling that CLK and replacing it with one that will be shipped here in a couple of weeks...a 2007 550 convertible with 52k...so we'll see how that one goes. I like the look of yours better but I'm curious about the horsepower of the 550... Those d**n check engine lights. Other countries don't even have the dang things and they rarely come on for anything that affects the actual performance of your car but sure enough there will be a sad parting of some hundred dollar bills...it stinks
Yes Sir. I agree. Had a 2002 CLK320 for a short time. Sorry I got rid of it. Had a local German specialist, routine maintenance was not expensive at all. The most was the spark plug change, only because it has more than one plug per cylinder. As well, the hydraulics for the vert top went out, 600 buck repair. But that’s it. The engine was butter and strong, drove as solid as a tank, the 5 speed trans is virtually bullet proof, same trans as in the CL and SL Class at the time. All the electronics was as new. And the car had over 100,000 miles on it. Would definitely do another in the future.
They are surprisingly nice cars...I've had this one for the past 2 years here in Hawaii (which is murderous on cars) and despite the neighbor's dog clawing it it to pieces trying to get food out of the back, it's been awesome.
Great review! I am looking at a 2003 clk 200 convertible. I have no past experience with MB, and MB dealers are scarce in our country. What are the checks and questions I should be looking to address?
i got a 1998 clk 320, great car had it for about a year. I had two main issues, first the mercedes smart keys, mine stopped working and had to pay a pretty penny to get a new one programmed, wish it was just a regular old key. Second these cars are notorious for having the crankshaft position sensor go bad. had to replace that aswell, other than that it's been great, minor oil leaks here and there but that's about it. happy driving!
I'm convinced Hussain that manufacturers knew those keys would break and just guaranteed themselves a lifetime of free income replacing them in the future...they never actually stopped break-ins or car thefts, but they sure set customers back several hundred dollars over a lifetime of ownership. Those crankshaft position sensors are also a common issue, not super expensive and not in a crazy location either, but the service manual calls for an hour or so to replace one and so you're paying today's shop rate of about $165 an hour plus the part...it's a good gig, servicing cars at $165 an hour
99 Clk 320 coupe with 65,000 miles here... changed my crankshaft position sensor myself so I only paid $60. It was easy. I’ve had the car going on 2 years and no major issues so far *Knocks on wood*.
Hi ur info on this car was grt. ty Maybe u can help me. I am considering buyng one all looks grt except owner tells me mecanism for window on passenger side is not working. am i looking at something difficult to fix?
Hi Erik. The big things are oil leaks and check engine lights...the usual suspects. Brakes are replaced as a package with rotors, so if it needs brakes, it's going to be a bit spendy. Convertible tops get sticky so play around with that a few times. Stereo amplifiers go bad, motor mounts go bad, so do some power runs from 0-60. Just normal stuff. If you get a nice one you are in for a real treat.
You will have to replace the brake light switch over time. Transmission shifting issues will be the conductor plate, not the whole transmission. But always try the brake light switch first b4 conductor plate as switch can cause similar problems
I just picked up a 04 CLK500 coupe with 64k miles for 6500!. Screaming deal on a 1 owner Penske MBZ maintained vehicle. They re great cars- I agree with you on the car fax deal..it is only good as the insurance company reporting it. Not all do and not all shops report either.
I have a 2003 clk320, basically same car as this. A the bottom of the back seat, there is a curtain. I can pull it out but no idea where the curtain attaches and or what it's purpose is. Much approached if you know what it is? Thank you.
There's a windbreak that installs into the two slots next to the rear windows. That secondary wind break connects to that and makes the car super quiet even with the top down
Joe thanks for them video on the CLK 320 CABRIOLET . I bought a 2001 CLK 320 CABRIOLET with only 44K miles . The CLK has a clean carfax . There are two issues , the driverside door leaks . Where can I find the correct weather strip for it ? The second issue is I found a windscreen that pulls up in rear seats . I don't know what , I guess what two call the two parts that connect to screen and into the two openings that are behind driver and passenger . love the Benz .
Hi, Joe. I have a 1999 CLK 320 Brabus. Any idea on value or cost of the Brabus Performance Package. Impressive video by the way. Gorgeous car. Thank you.
We never handled a 1st-gen Brabus, but I found a cool article about the next-gen Brabus. I have a feeling your car is pretty awesome! autoweek.com/article/car-news/brabus-mercedes-benz-clk500-brabus-does-things-mercedes-mean-desirable-things
I just bought an 02 clk 55 convertible in mint condition with 30kms on her ( canadian car) been looking for a nice one for a while and finally found one! I use to have a clk 430 when it came out and now have a maserati granturismo convertible but still love the clk! I think i will keep this as a collectible as i think values will shoot up on nice examples of the 55
What a dynamite find Robert! If you have the means, that is definitely one to hang on to over the next 10-20 years...that car was a high point of sorts of a great era for German cars along with the 540i 6 speed, the S6 wagon and other limited production dream cars.
@@everycarSeattle agreed! I personally think its from the best benz era and i love the fact that its all analog..it will age very well and there is nothing on the road that looks like it...pure classic benz! In 2002 it was the fastest road car benz made i believe
A low mile version of either car is a great car...the main difference between the two is the look is different enough that they have 2 different personalities.
Manuel 510 the miles are great, just the year is affecting the price. It basically depends on the drivability of the car and cosmetics. If you're gonna pay $3800 to have something drive horrible and the electronics are shot, its really not worth it at all. But if it drives good, looks good, no major cosmetic issues and the top works, i would say $2500-$3000 would be fine.
Manuel 510 ive had 3 so far. All 2002 clk430 convertibles. First one was a tragedie, payed 2500 and the top didnt work. Also had a radiator problem. Second was ok, didnt make it to summer. Payed $2000 after 2 months the ball joints broke. Repaired, 2 months later, same radiator problem.
Hey joe great video im looking to purchase a clk 320 my only issue is the space , its been a dream car of mine since i was about 15 (im 27) , space is my only issue i have 2 children which require car seats .. im not sure if it would fit .. whats your thoughts ? do i need a second care ? more family like ? Thanks in advance
Although it could be done, make sure you test drive the CLK you're planning to buy with the exact car seats you intend to use. Car seats are going to be a snug fit and little differences between brands will be the difference between working out just fine and not working out at all. My kids are between 9 and 15 and any 2 of them fit just fine in the back.
You all probably dont give a shit but does anyone know of a tool to get back into an instagram account?? I somehow forgot the login password. I appreciate any tips you can give me.
@Sincere Harrison Thanks so much for your reply. I got to the site on google and I'm waiting for the hacking stuff now. I see it takes quite some time so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
That came out with the next generation of CLK's in 2003 and is one of the single most undervalued coupes of the decade. Just an awesome car for the money.
The Notorious AMG
The 2001-02 clk430 received major upgrades : a new engine management system, new injectors and the larger, CLK55 sized, throttle body. Though still listed as 275hp on paper these upgrades bumped it up to around
291hp.. Add a cllk55 airbox and exhaust and your over 300hp.
All w208s suffer from rust issues in northern climates. Areas to look out for: behind rocker panels, behind fender and rear quarter panel trim, wheel arches and behind rear bumper. The area that will rust the fastest is where the top front of rear bumper meets the quarter panels. Mercedes decided that a Metal bolt clip would be the the best, cheapest, solution to secure the bumper. The clip sits in between the polyurethane bumper and the metal quarter panel. Over time the clip digs into the quarter panel causing rust issues on both sides.
Thanks for the great information Notorious, I appreciate you sharing such good stuff!
Did these changes take place for the 01 or 02 model year?
What an excellent review without stuttering and all the points explained perfectly. I learnt more from this review about this car than all the put together. Thank you😊.
Hi I just reviewed this video today was on my playlist for a while , and before review it I went reading comments but what impressed me is that you are taking time to respond to all comments as much as you can that is amazing !!!!!!! : I subscribed ! I bought a 2000 clk200 convertible in 2007 and I loved the car until now am going to sell it next month // meantime I did buy another 2001 clk 320 convertible in 2017 with 51000 miles ( just drove 1000 miles since ) . Fabulous and smooth engine ! I have sometimes the engine light pop in up . Likely a sensor .... !!!
First off, I love your Kassius Klay handle...when I was 8 my dad took me to a bar an hour away to see the close captioned fight between he and Ernie Shavers and I was a big fan of his my entire life. I ended up selling that CLK and replacing it with one that will be shipped here in a couple of weeks...a 2007 550 convertible with 52k...so we'll see how that one goes. I like the look of yours better but I'm curious about the horsepower of the 550... Those d**n check engine lights. Other countries don't even have the dang things and they rarely come on for anything that affects the actual performance of your car but sure enough there will be a sad parting of some hundred dollar bills...it stinks
By 2001 they had worked the quality control issues out. I have a 2002 clk 430. 3 years and no major problems at all....solid and reliable
I'm enjoying my 2001. The neighbor's dog scratched it up trying to get into it, but other than that, no problems.
1. Is it your daily? 2. Curious as to your mileage on it?
Do u have rust on yours?
around the bottom half of the doors, thats it
Yes it is, but i may change that,,,,,about 130,000
Great video I have a 2002 CLK55 AMG and love the car
You have great taste! I really like my CLK430, but the 55 is much nicer for a variety of reasons.
Outstanding job of reviewing this vehicle.
Thank you so much Steve, I appreciate you taking a look!
Yes Sir. I agree. Had a 2002 CLK320 for a short time. Sorry I got rid of it. Had a local German specialist, routine maintenance was not expensive at all. The most was the spark plug change, only because it has more than one plug per cylinder. As well, the hydraulics for the vert top went out, 600 buck repair. But that’s it. The engine was butter and strong, drove as solid as a tank, the 5 speed trans is virtually bullet proof, same trans as in the CL and SL Class at the time. All the electronics was as new. And the car had over 100,000 miles on it. Would definitely do another in the future.
They are surprisingly nice cars...I've had this one for the past 2 years here in Hawaii (which is murderous on cars) and despite the neighbor's dog clawing it it to pieces trying to get food out of the back, it's been awesome.
Great review!
I am looking at a 2003 clk 200 convertible. I have no past experience with MB, and MB dealers are scarce in our country. What are the checks and questions I should be looking to address?
i got a 1998 clk 320, great car had it for about a year. I had two main issues, first the mercedes smart keys, mine stopped working and had to pay a pretty penny to get a new one programmed, wish it was just a regular old key. Second these cars are notorious for having the crankshaft position sensor go bad. had to replace that aswell, other than that it's been great, minor oil leaks here and there but that's about it. happy driving!
I'm convinced Hussain that manufacturers knew those keys would break and just guaranteed themselves a lifetime of free income replacing them in the future...they never actually stopped break-ins or car thefts, but they sure set customers back several hundred dollars over a lifetime of ownership. Those crankshaft position sensors are also a common issue, not super expensive and not in a crazy location either, but the service manual calls for an hour or so to replace one and so you're paying today's shop rate of about $165 an hour plus the part...it's a good gig, servicing cars at $165 an hour
99 Clk 320 coupe with 65,000 miles here... changed my crankshaft position sensor myself so I only paid $60. It was easy. I’ve had the car going on 2 years and no major issues so far *Knocks on wood*.
I had the ignition go also
I have the 2001 and 2002 Clk 430 Super very good car , very powellful engine for very Small body. Love it
Hi ur info on this car was grt. ty Maybe u can help me. I am considering buyng one all looks grt except owner tells me mecanism for window on passenger side is not working. am i looking at something difficult to fix?
Thinking about getting a 2002 clk320 convertible 100,000mi. What are the notorious maintenance problems with these models?
Hi Erik. The big things are oil leaks and check engine lights...the usual suspects. Brakes are replaced as a package with rotors, so if it needs brakes, it's going to be a bit spendy. Convertible tops get sticky so play around with that a few times. Stereo amplifiers go bad, motor mounts go bad, so do some power runs from 0-60. Just normal stuff. If you get a nice one you are in for a real treat.
You will have to replace the brake light switch over time. Transmission shifting issues will be the conductor plate, not the whole transmission. But always try the brake light switch first b4 conductor plate as switch can cause similar problems
How do the rowbars go back down after they have popped up
I just picked up a 04 CLK500 coupe with 64k miles for 6500!. Screaming deal on a 1 owner Penske MBZ maintained vehicle. They re great cars- I agree with you on the car fax deal..it is only good as the insurance company reporting it. Not all do and not all shops report either.
6500 is an insanely good buy for a 500...I bet you could drive that for years and still sell it for more than 6500...great job!
Excellent review, great car🚘
Thank you so much for taking a look Aldo!
I have a 2003 clk320, basically same car as this. A the bottom of the back seat, there is a curtain. I can pull it out but no idea where the curtain attaches and or what it's purpose is. Much approached if you know what it is? Thank you.
There's a windbreak that installs into the two slots next to the rear windows. That secondary wind break connects to that and makes the car super quiet even with the top down
Thank you, now it makes sense.
I have one it's really nice
You have great taste Felix. Thanks for taking a look and have a wonderful 2019!
This is a great review! Thanks!
Thank you so much for taking a look Mikael, I appreciate it!
Joe thanks for them video on the CLK 320 CABRIOLET . I bought a 2001 CLK 320 CABRIOLET with only 44K miles . The CLK has a clean carfax . There are two issues , the driverside door leaks . Where can I find the correct weather strip for it ? The second issue is I found a windscreen that pulls up in rear seats . I don't know what , I guess what two call the two parts that connect to screen and into the two openings that are behind driver and passenger . love the Benz .
the classic from tomorrow
Hi, Joe. I have a 1999 CLK 320 Brabus. Any idea on value or cost of the Brabus Performance Package. Impressive video by the way. Gorgeous car. Thank you.
We never handled a 1st-gen Brabus, but I found a cool article about the next-gen Brabus. I have a feeling your car is pretty awesome! autoweek.com/article/car-news/brabus-mercedes-benz-clk500-brabus-does-things-mercedes-mean-desirable-things
I just bought an 02 clk 55 convertible in mint condition with 30kms on her ( canadian car) been looking for a nice one for a while and finally found one! I use to have a clk 430 when it came out and now have a maserati granturismo convertible but still love the clk! I think i will keep this as a collectible as i think values will shoot up on nice examples of the 55
What a dynamite find Robert! If you have the means, that is definitely one to hang on to over the next 10-20 years...that car was a high point of sorts of a great era for German cars along with the 540i 6 speed, the S6 wagon and other limited production dream cars.
@@everycarSeattle agreed! I personally think its from the best benz era and i love the fact that its all analog..it will age very well and there is nothing on the road that looks like it...pure classic benz! In 2002 it was the fastest road car benz made i believe
Super very good review.
So what’s is the 2003 classified as 🤔
I want to buy one, but I am 5’10. My oldest son is 6’4. Can tall people sit comfortably in it?
They're really spacious with much more head room than most small convertibles. I'm 6 foot and have plenty of room to spare.
The Fast Lane with Joe Tunney Thank you for replying.🙂
Thank you for the video, I have choice between 2002 and 2003, both German built!! What about the 2003? Is it equivalent to reliability
A low mile version of either car is a great car...the main difference between the two is the look is different enough that they have 2 different personalities.
Great car. Great video.
Thank you so much for taking a look. I appreciate it!
You have to show when comes convertible
I was planning on doing a follow up video on that car next month and I will definitely show the top operation.
How much should i pay for 2000 clk430 convertible with 100k miles they want 3800$?
Manuel 510 the miles are great, just the year is affecting the price. It basically depends on the drivability of the car and cosmetics. If you're gonna pay $3800 to have something drive horrible and the electronics are shot, its really not worth it at all. But if it drives good, looks good, no major cosmetic issues and the top works, i would say $2500-$3000 would be fine.
Manuel 510 ive had 3 so far. All 2002 clk430 convertibles. First one was a tragedie, payed 2500 and the top didnt work. Also had a radiator problem. Second was ok, didnt make it to summer. Payed $2000 after 2 months the ball joints broke. Repaired, 2 months later, same radiator problem.
Ditto everything Sonny Iroc said. As always, a buyer's inspection at the Mercedes dealer before you buy is the best $200 you will ever spend.
Hey joe great video im looking to purchase a clk 320 my only issue is the space , its been a dream car of mine since i was about 15 (im 27) , space is my only issue i have 2 children which require car seats .. im not sure if it would fit .. whats your thoughts ? do i need a second care ? more family like ? Thanks in advance
Although it could be done, make sure you test drive the CLK you're planning to buy with the exact car seats you intend to use. Car seats are going to be a snug fit and little differences between brands will be the difference between working out just fine and not working out at all. My kids are between 9 and 15 and any 2 of them fit just fine in the back.
For sale ?
I think I'm going to hang onto it for awhile, just got new tires today and ready for a few more years with the top down.
Great car. Great video. Great stuff. Grrrrrrrr8!
Thabk you Michael, I appreciate you taking a look!
very good information
Joe ~ I hereby award you the coveted Eleventeen Point Review Award, which is extraordinarily difficult, as even those with boobage don't get a Ten.
There should be an Eleventeen Point Review Competition between reviewers on UA-cam...that would be dope.
You all probably dont give a shit but does anyone know of a tool to get back into an instagram account??
I somehow forgot the login password. I appreciate any tips you can give me.
@Sincere Harrison Thanks so much for your reply. I got to the site on google and I'm waiting for the hacking stuff now.
I see it takes quite some time so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
@Sincere Harrison it worked and I finally got access to my account again. I am so happy:D
Thank you so much, you saved my ass !
@Steven Roman happy to help =)
I could tell from the monkey pod trees in the thumbnail this was Hawaii !
You have a sharp eye Alien...we love our monkey pod trees.
You forgot about CLK 500
That came out with the next generation of CLK's in 2003 and is one of the single most undervalued coupes of the decade. Just an awesome car for the money.
@@everycarSeattle oh, I didn't realize they didn't have a first generation 500. Thanks for the info!
Tacoma over there
I love getting phtobombed in the videos.
You should invest in a real camera
mercedes makes nice chickenhouses