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Mercedes-Benz CLK (2005 and earlier)
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Extended Warranties
Best of luck!
First was the on-board computer suddenly shut-off after a stop in front of the red light, took it back but the MB dealer couldn't diagnose the problem, told me it's been fixed, happened again. After several attempt. They found out it's the fuel pump sensor that's not enough fuel(half tank), change the fuel pump.
Then it's the ESP, always beeping(failure), took it back. Diagnosed for software update. Ok afterwards.
Then it's the battery alternator, suddendly stop working oneday morning when I have to go to work. Nice!! I had to call Road Side and tow the car out of my own garage. MB could not diagnose the problem, just replaced a new battery alternator and gave me a detail report saying that the voltage in my car is higher than normal, but why? no answer!!
Recently, the front disc brakes are squeaking like hell, took it back to MB, told me not to replce them now because there's still a bit left on the fronts. disc brakes came with package of 4. almost $800!! not covered by warranty!!
I'm a very slow and patient driver, handling the car and engine really well, but still....All the problems I mentioned above was extra besides regular maintaince which they called service A and service B. I never missed 1 service day but the car has way too many problems that anyone can handle. I admit that it's a very good looking car but you have to take the risk that the Kompressor starts to deteriorate after 4 years like mine, getting slower and slower to kick in when you need it!!
My other 2003 Toyota Highlander never had a problem since we bought it, same time as the C230K coupe already went back to the dealer for 11 times for total of more than 1 month of service time!! Every failure took more than a week to diagnose and fix!!
I can't decide between the 2002 or 2003 models. They seem identical except the 02 has a 2.3L engine while the 03 has a 1.8L. From what I gather in the end there isn't much of a difference but I was concerned about one person saying that the 2.3L version is much more louder. Is it only on a cold start or overall compared to the 1.8L? The 1.8L my friend has is really loud on a cold start but then it gets nice and quiet.
Well anyway I can't decide between the two year models. I can save quite a few K going with a 02 but I'm worried about the engine. There must have been some obvious reason why Mercedes changed the engine.
This will be my 3rd car by now and I must say I'm awaiting it with great anticipation.
As for the reason that Mercedes dropped the 2.3 liter, I'm guessing it's partly because of that engine's noise. I'm not sure of any common problems that engine may have. My friend's 02 C230k is nearing 40,000 miles and she hasn't had any problems with it. At least not with the engine.
Anyone with info or experience would be gratefully appreciated.
Thanks
Rich
1. reliability: do i worry about this car's reliability as its mileage going up ? I plan to keep this car for at least another 4 years (or upto 100k miles). Anyone has experience with the reliability history of this model year 2000 ? please share.
2. extended warranty: if reliability is a known issue and for peace of mind, my back-up plan is to get extended warranty covering another 4 years ( or 48k miles more ). I asked around a couple local SanJose/CA Mercedes Benz dealerships for a quote of an extended warranty
( good for 4 years or 48k future miles, not quite
equivalent to factory bumper-to-bumper coverage ) and the quote given around $3100. Is this a consistent/similar quote ($3100) with others who had purchased it before. And this quote is not for a MB factory warranty, it's for some after-market warranty underwriter, and the dealers happen to resell it. Or if you know of any reputable extended warranty seller/underwriter please share with me.
Thanks much in advance!
car lover-
clk320, Toyota FJ cruiser, Miata
CAN SOME PLEASE HELP!!!
Can anyone give me a suggestion?
Thanks
Today it has 136,000 mi runs great. Love the car. Have thought about trading it in but cant seem to part with it. People always give me compliments on the car.
Only had a few maintenace repairs.
Purchased the used 2000 C230K in 2003 (following is maintenance done)
2005: 4 new tires
2006: new battery: 110,000
new brake shoes & pads
motor belts replaced
2006: gas gauge sensor replaced 115,000 mi
2008: windshield wiper relay and combo switch replaced : 128,000 mi
2008: Front flex disc replaced : 131,000 mi
I keep the oil changed and tires rotated/balanced at required times. Have other fluids/filters changed at required time intervals stated in manual.
Car has always started up on first turn. Never had any engine problems. I get approx 25 mi city/28 mi hwy currently.
I am typical driver, drive alot in city back and forth to work. Then travel hwy 6 times yr between kansas city Mo and St. Louis Mo.
For a soon to be 9 yr old car runs very smooth and engine reliable.
Last maintenance check the mechanic said lower control arm bushings are starting to look warn. Probably typical with the number of miles on the car. So, those may need to be changed in near future.
I love the way the car handles and am happy with reliability.
I dont know if this is typical repairs for MB but I am happy with such few repairs.
Seats for this yr and model a little hard/could use more padding but they are heated seats so maybe that is why.
Overall very happy with car and will give update when hit 150,000 miles
Thanks!
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Brake fluid
Power Steering Fluid
Transmission fluid
coolant flush
Spark plugs
some carbon filter for the A/C
and perhaps differential fluids.
Independent shop said brake fluid based on time, coolant based on time, and PS fluid maybe.
My question is Do I really need all these fluid changes if the car is used as a summer vehicle and only has 22,000 miles on it?
Thanks for the help.
As for brake fluid, I do not know what is going on now. Going way back - I started driving in 1963 - brake fluid would absorb water and corrode brake parts from the inside, causing leaks and eventual brake failure if not repaired quickly. Now, I've been told this is not the case with modern brake fluid. It does not absorb water, so corrosion is rarely seen. This is from my neighbor across the street who has his own Mercedes shop. Hope all this helps.
bought a 2002 CLK-320 convert. w/ 85,000 miles. Dealer offered ext. warrty 3 yr/45K for $2000. 85,000 is getting up there and reliability is a question. So, is it a good investment or not? Hope someone can offer some insight. Thanx in advance. DKB