Living with a 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK 430 convertible is an experience filled with unique quirks and the constant anticipation of sunny weather. After owning my Mercedes-Benz CLK convertible for over nine months, the time has flown by, punctuated by enjoyable drives and a memorable road trip. However, like any classic car, it hasn’t been without its minor issues. This CLK, now 23 years old, is a blend of charming characteristics coated in Brilliant Silver Metallic paint. I approached the purchase optimistically, hoping for a good vehicle at a reasonable price, while also anticipating a few surprises. As it turns out, my expectations were accurate on both fronts.
The Allure of the CLK 430
My desire for a Mercedes-Benz convertible has always been strong. Initially, I considered the R107 or R129 SL Class models, but their prices for well-maintained examples were beyond my budget. I also needed a vehicle with seating for four and a V8 engine. This led me to the CLK.
Last year, a local dealership listed a 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK 430 convertible equipped with the AMG styling package. Throughout the summer and into the fall, its price gradually decreased. In late October, my work transitioned to fully remote. I sold my commuter car and turned my attention to the CLK. It had 74,000 miles on the odometer and a comprehensive, documented service history. It accommodated four passengers comfortably. Most importantly, the 4.3-liter M113 engine delivered effortless power accompanied by a satisfying V8 rumble. I made an offer to the dealer, matching the proceeds from my previous car sale, and they accepted. I remain convinced it was a worthwhile trade.
Early Days of Ownership
During the first couple of months, the convertible top was down whenever temperatures rose above freezing. Whether it was a quick trip or a leisurely Sunday drive, the top was down. December was unusually mild and warm, with Christmas Day reaching 60 degrees. The CLK was driven frequently, almost always with the top lowered. Even in colder conditions, a warm jacket, gloves, and the heated seats made open-air driving enjoyable.
Then, snow arrived. After letting the car sit for a week, the battery was completely drained.
Jump-starting a CLK is not straightforward. The battery is located in the trunk, which was inaccessible with my key due to the dead battery. I had to open the hood, energize the car’s electrical system using the positive terminal under the hood, and then I could finally open the trunk. Jump-starting itself was equally challenging as the battery was completely depleted. No amount of charging could revive it. Being two years past its warranty, I replaced it with a new AGM battery from a local auto parts store.
Since this incident, I’ve learned to drive the car every two to three days or connect it to a battery tender. It appears to have a slow battery drain, which I haven’t prioritized fixing yet. Like any older vehicle, my Mercedes-Benz CLK has its share of minor issues. Besides the battery drain, one of the valve covers has a slight oil leak. The original stereo head unit refuses to play CDs. And a persistent warning light indicates a burned-out bulb, even though all the lights are functional. These are all minor issues that I can easily live with for now.
Current Ownership Experience: Practicality and Charm
The CLK feels compact compared to today’s larger vehicles, which is still somewhat surprising because it drives with the solid feel of a larger car. From the driver’s seat, you find yourself looking down at people in modern compact cars. It’s actually shorter and narrower than a Mini Countryman. Yet, it remains surprisingly practical. As spring arrived, driving became even more frequent and enjoyable.
The CLK even unexpectedly doubled as a pickup truck, effortlessly hauling an evergreen tree and four boxwood bushes during a trip to Costco. It’s remarkable how much you can actually transport. A significant amount of cargo fits in the trunk, even with the convertible top mechanism, and transporting taller items like five-foot trees is easier with the top down than in my wife’s SUV.
I’ve also observed a remarkable transformation in the CLK‘s presence when the top is down. It feels like being in a parade. People notice you. The CLK‘s distinctive styling makes it stand out among a sea of crossovers and trucks. It possesses a subtle, elegant design that truly grows on you. Photographs often fail to capture its true beauty.
What appears somewhat blocky and flat in pictures transforms into a subtly sculpted form in person. The front end design bridges classic and contemporary styles. A formal grille leans back slightly, acknowledging aerodynamics. The oval headlights incorporate integrated turn signals, reminiscent of the stacked headlamp design of the classic 300SEL. The AMG package, with its more assertive front fascia, side skirts, and Monoblock wheels, further enhances the CLK‘s clean lines and sporty appeal.
Speaking of those Monoblocks, there’s a story there.
Recently, I took the CLK to my mechanic for a check-up before a road trip. It needed two new rear tires, and it turned out that two of the Monoblock wheels were bent. Apparently, this is a fairly common issue, and his shop offers a wheel reconditioning service. Repairing them cost $200 per wheel. The car also needed a new steering damper. The total bill, including an oil change, came to $1,280.
It could have been considerably more expensive.
Nine months into ownership, and I still thoroughly enjoy driving it. Peter Egan, the long-time editor at large for Road and Track, once wrote about “Cars of Occasion.” These are vehicles you drive purely for pleasure or for special events. Or, as he describes it, a car “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 track down the source of the battery drain. But for now, I am too occupied creating my own special occasions to drive and enjoy this Mercedes-Benz CLK 430.
Photos: Mark Webb
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Tags: 2000 Mercedes CLK 430, CLK 430
