Living with a 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK 430 convertible offers a unique blend of vintage Mercedes charm and the realities of owning a 23-year-old vehicle. My nine months with this car have been a fast journey, filled with both enjoyable drives and the occasional quirks that come with classic automobiles. There’s a special anticipation for sunny days, knowing this car is ready to embrace them.
Like any older car, especially a 2000 Mercedes-Benz, issues have surfaced. This CLK, now over two decades old, is a mix of classic Mercedes engineering and age-related eccentricities, all wrapped in a timeless Brilliant Silver Metallic finish. When I purchased it, I was optimistic that I had found a good car at a fair price, but I also anticipated some surprises along the way. As it turns out, my initial assessment was accurate on both fronts.
The Allure of a 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK 430
My desire for a Mercedes-Benz convertible has been a long-standing one. Initially, I considered the R107 or R129 SL Class models, but the prices for well-maintained examples were beyond my budget. I also needed a car with seating for four and a V8 engine, which led me to the CLK models. Specifically, the 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK 430 emerged as an appealing option.
Last year, a local dealership listed a 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK 430 convertible equipped with the desirable AMG package. Over the summer and into the fall, the price gradually decreased. By late October, my work shifted to fully remote, prompting me to sell my daily commuter car and seriously consider the CLK. This particular model had 74,000 miles on the odometer and a comprehensive, well-documented service history. It comfortably accommodated four passengers, and crucially, the 4.3-liter M113 V8 engine promised effortless power and a satisfying engine note. I made the dealer an offer equivalent to the proceeds from selling my previous car, and they accepted. Looking back, I still believe I made a sound decision.
Early Days with the CLK 430
During the first couple of months of ownership, any temperature above freezing was an excuse to lower the convertible top. Whether it was a quick trip to the store or a leisurely Sunday drive, the top was down. December was unusually mild, even reaching 60 degrees on Christmas Day. The 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK 430 convertible was driven frequently, almost always with the top lowered. Even on colder days, a warm coat, gloves, and the heated seats made open-air driving enjoyable.
Then winter truly arrived, bringing snow. After letting the car sit for a week, I discovered a drained battery. Jump-starting a CLK 430 is not straightforward. The battery is located in the trunk, which was inaccessible because of the dead battery and key system. Instead, I had to access the engine compartment, apply power to the car’s electrical system using the positive terminal under the hood, and then I could finally open the trunk. However, jump-starting proved equally challenging. The battery was completely dead and would not revive with charging. Being two years past its warranty, replacement was the only option. I installed a new AGM battery from a local auto parts store.
Since that incident, I’ve learned to drive the car every few days or keep it connected to a battery tender. There’s a slow battery drain, but addressing it hasn’t been a priority. Like many classic cars, my 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK 430 has its share of minor issues. In addition to the battery drain, one of the valve covers has a slight oil leak. The original stereo head unit refuses to play CDs. And there’s an intermittent warning light indicating a burned-out bulb, even when all bulbs are functioning. These are all minor inconveniences that I can easily live with for now.
Continued Ownership and Appreciation
The CLK 430, especially when considering modern car dimensions, feels surprisingly compact. Yet, its driving experience is more akin to a larger vehicle. From the driver’s seat, you find yourself looking down at occupants of Honda Civics. It’s actually shorter and narrower than a Mini Countryman. Despite its size, it remains a practical car. With the arrival of spring, driving became even more frequent and enjoyable.
The 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK 430 even unexpectedly transformed into a makeshift pickup truck on occasion. It effortlessly hauled an evergreen tree and several boxwood bushes during trips to Costco. It’s remarkable how much can be transported. The trunk offers ample space even with the convertible top stowed, and transporting taller items like five-foot trees is actually easier with the top down than in my wife’s SUV.
I’ve also observed a significant transformation in the CLK’s presence when the top is down. It’s as if you’re in a parade; people notice and stare. The 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK 430’s design stands out in a sea of modern crossovers and trucks. Its beauty is more apparent in person, a subtly elegant design that grows on you over time. Photographs often fail to capture its true essence.
What might appear somewhat blocky in pictures reveals a subtly sculpted form in reality. The front end design bridges classic and contemporary Mercedes styling. The formal grille leans back slightly for aerodynamic efficiency. The oval headlights, with integrated turn signals, subtly recall the stacked headlamp design of the classic 300SEL. The AMG package, with its more aggressive front fascia, side skirts, and iconic Monoblock wheels, further enhances the CLK’s clean and timeless lines.
Speaking of those Monoblock wheels, a recent pre-road trip inspection at my mechanic revealed the need for two new rear tires and that two of the Monoblock wheels were bent. Apparently, bent Monoblocks are a common issue, and his shop offers a wheel reconditioning service. Repairing them cost $200 per wheel. The car also required a new steering damper. The total bill, including an oil change, came to $1,280. While not insignificant, it could have been much worse considering the age and type of car.
Nine months into ownership, and the joy of driving this 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK 430 remains strong. Peter Egan, a long-time editor at Road and Track, famously wrote about “Cars of Occasion” – cars driven purely for enjoyment or reserved for special events. He describes them as cars “whose emergence from the garage makes us feel as if we’re rolling out the big guns.” Eventually, I will address the valve cover leaks and the battery drain issue. But for now, I’m content creating my own occasions to drive and enjoy this classic 2000 Mercedes Benz convertible.
Photos: Mark Webb
