Living with a 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK 430 convertible brings a unique blend of classic charm and open-top freedom. For over nine months, ownership of this particular model has been an engaging experience, filled with both the joys of cruising and the realities of maintaining a vehicle of this age. The time has flown by, punctuated by delightful drives and opportunities to truly appreciate the character of this Benz 2000. A memorable road trip stands out as a highlight, showcasing the enduring appeal of this convertible.
However, the journey hasn’t been without its minor hiccups, as is expected with any car entering its third decade. This CLK, a 23-year-old Mercedes-Benz, presents a mix of quirks and sophistication, all wrapped in a timeless Brilliant Silver Metallic finish. While initial optimism suggested a sound purchase at a fair price, the expectation of a few surprises proved accurate. In retrospect, both the positive aspects and the minor challenges have balanced out in a rewarding ownership experience.
The Allure of a CLK 430
The desire for a Mercedes-Benz convertible had long been present. Initially, the iconic R107 or R129 SL Class models were considered, but their escalating prices placed them beyond immediate reach. The need for four-passenger capacity, combined with a preference for a robust V8 engine, naturally led to the CLK as a compelling alternative.
Last year, a local dealership listed a 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK 430 convertible, notably equipped with the desirable AMG package. As the summer transitioned into fall, the price of this particular Benz 2000 gradually decreased. By late October, a shift to fully remote work created an opportunity. With the previous commuter car sold, attention turned to the CLK. Boasting a relatively low 74,000 miles and a meticulously documented service history, it comfortably accommodated four occupants. Crucially, the 4.3-liter M113 V8 engine promised effortless power and a satisfying engine note. An offer matching the proceeds from the sale of the previous car was made and accepted, solidifying the acquisition of this Benz 2000.
The feeling remains that this purchase was a favorable one, securing a well-maintained example of a Benz 2000 convertible.
Early Days and Minor Setbacks
During the initial two months of ownership, the convertible top was lowered at every opportunity, any time the temperature rose above freezing. Whether for a brief errand or a leisurely Sunday drive, the open-air experience was prioritized. December proved surprisingly mild, with Christmas Day reaching a pleasant 60 degrees. The CLK was frequently driven, almost always with the top down. Even in cooler conditions, the combination of a warm jacket, gloves, and the car’s effective heated seats made open-air motoring thoroughly enjoyable in this Benz 2000.
Then, winter arrived with a snowfall. After letting the car sit idle for a week, a flat battery was discovered.
Jump-starting a CLK presents a somewhat complex procedure. The battery’s location in the trunk proved inconvenient as it was inaccessible with just the key due to the dead battery. The workaround involved opening the hood, energizing the car’s electrical system via the positive terminal in the engine bay, and then accessing the trunk. However, jump-starting proved unsuccessful as the battery was completely depleted and beyond recovery through charging. Being two years past its warranty, a replacement was necessary. A new AGM battery was sourced from a local auto parts store and installed, resolving the immediate issue with this Benz 2000.
Since this incident, lessons have been learned. Regular driving every 2-3 days or the use of a battery tender is now routine practice. The car exhibits a slow battery drain, a known issue that hasn’t yet been addressed as a priority. Like any classic vehicle, this Mercedes-Benz CLK has its share of minor imperfections. Besides the battery drain, an oil leak from one of the valve covers has been noted. The original stereo head unit refuses to play CDs. And an intermittent warning light incorrectly indicates a burned-out bulb. These are all relatively minor issues, considered manageable and livable within the overall enjoyment of owning this Benz 2000.
Ongoing Enjoyment and Practicality
Compared to contemporary vehicles, the CLK is notably compact. This is still somewhat surprising, as its driving feel is more akin to a larger car. From behind the wheel, the height of modern Honda Civics becomes apparent. Dimensionally, it’s shorter and narrower than a Mini Countryman. Yet, it retains a surprising degree of practicality. As spring arrived, driving frequency increased, further enhancing the ownership experience of this Benz 2000.
The CLK unexpectedly demonstrated its versatility as an impromptu utility vehicle. It successfully transported an evergreen tree and four boxwood bushes during one of many trips to Costco. The cargo capacity is surprisingly generous. A considerable amount can be accommodated in the trunk, even with the convertible top stowed. Transporting taller items, like five-foot trees, is actually easier with the top down in the CLK than in a typical SUV owned by the author’s wife.
It’s been observed that the CLK undergoes a remarkable transformation when the top is lowered. It’s as if driving in a parade. The car attracts attention; people notice it. The CLK’s distinctive styling allows it to stand out amidst a sea of ubiquitous crossovers and trucks. Its aesthetic is genuinely appealing in person, a subtly refined design that grows in appreciation over time. Photographs often fail to fully capture its visual charm.
What might appear somewhat blocky or slab-sided in two-dimensional images reveals a subtly sculpted form in reality. The front end design effectively bridges classic and contemporary automotive eras. A formal grille is subtly inclined rearward, acknowledging aerodynamic considerations. The oval headlights incorporate integrated turn signals, a design cue reminiscent of the stacked headlamp arrangement of the classic 300SEL. The AMG package, with its more assertive front fascia, side skirts, and iconic Monoblock wheels, further accentuates the CLK’s clean and elegant lines, enhancing the overall appeal of this Benz 2000.
Speaking of those Monoblock wheels, recent maintenance became necessary. Prior to a road trip, a visit to the mechanic revealed the need for two new rear tires and, unexpectedly, that two of the Monoblock wheels were bent. This is apparently a common enough issue that the mechanic’s shop offers a wheel reconditioning service. Repairing the bent wheels cost $200 each. The car also required a new steering damper. The total expenditure, including a routine oil change, amounted to $1,280.
While not insignificant, this cost could have been considerably higher.
Nine months into ownership, the enjoyment of driving the CLK remains strong. Peter Egan, a long-time editor at Road and Track, famously wrote about “Cars of Occasion.” These are vehicles driven purely for pleasure or reserved for special events. In Egan’s words, they are cars “whose emergence from the garage makes us feel as if we’re rolling out the big guns.” Eventually, addressing the valve cover leaks and resolving the battery drain will be undertaken. However, for now, the focus remains on creating and enjoying those special driving occasions with this cherished Benz 2000.
Photos: Mark Webb
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Tags: 2000 Mercedes CLK 430, CLK 430
