Living with a 2000 Clk Mercedes Benz convertible is an experience that blends classic Mercedes charm with the realities of owning a mature vehicle. After nine months of ownership of my 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK 430 convertible, the journey has been a mix of open-top exhilaration and managing the quirks that come with a car of this age. The time has flown, punctuated by memorable drives and a deeper appreciation for this stylish coupe.
While it’s been mostly enjoyable, owning a 23-year-old CLK Mercedes Benz isn’t without its moments. Like any classic car, a few expected issues have surfaced. This CLK, a blend of Mercedes engineering from over two decades ago, presents a unique character, especially in its Brilliant Silver Metallic finish. My initial hope was that I’d found a well-maintained example at a fair price, anticipating some minor challenges, and reality has aligned with those expectations.
The Allure of the CLK Mercedes Benz: Why Choose a W208?
My attraction to a Mercedes-Benz convertible has been long-standing. Initially, the R107 or R129 SL Class models were my targets, but their rising prices put them out of reach. Needing space for four and desiring a V8 engine narrowed my search, leading me to the CLK Mercedes Benz.
Last year, a local dealership listed a 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK 430 convertible, complete with the desirable AMG package. As the summer transitioned into fall, the price gradually decreased. By late October, my work shifted to fully remote, and with the sale of my previous commuter car, the CLK became a serious consideration. Boasting just 74,000 miles and a comprehensive service history, it ticked the boxes for passenger space and V8 power. The 4.3-liter M113 engine delivers smooth, effortless performance with a satisfying V8 rumble. An offer matching the proceeds from my previous car was accepted by the dealer, sealing the deal.
Looking back, I remain convinced it was a sound decision.
Early Adventures and Quirks of a Used CLK
During the initial couple of months of ownership, any temperature above freezing was an invitation to lower the top. Whether it was a quick trip or a leisurely Sunday drive, the CLK Mercedes Benz was ready for open-air motoring. December’s mild weather meant the convertible top was down more often than not. Even in cooler temperatures, a warm jacket, gloves, and the CLK’s heated seats made top-down driving a pleasant experience.
Then came a snowfall. After a week of inactivity, the car’s battery was completely drained.
Jump-starting a CLK Mercedes Benz presents a unique challenge. The battery’s location in the trunk, inaccessible when the battery is dead and the key is electric, required a workaround. Accessing the hood to power the car’s electrical system via the positive terminal was necessary to then open the trunk. Jump-starting itself proved equally challenging due to the battery’s complete discharge. No amount of charging revived it. Being out of warranty, a replacement with a new AGM battery from a local auto parts store was the solution.
Since this episode, I’ve learned to drive the CLK every couple of days or use a battery tender. The slow battery drain remains, but addressing it hasn’t been a priority yet. Like many older vehicles, my CLK Mercedes Benz has its quirks. In addition to the battery issue, a valve cover oil leak is present, the CD player in the stereo is non-functional, and a persistent warning light indicates a burned-out bulb when all are working. These are minor issues, easily manageable in daily driving.
Daily Driving and Practicality of the CLK Mercedes Benz
The CLK Mercedes Benz, by modern standards, feels compact. This is still surprising, as it drives with the composure of a larger car. From the driver’s seat, you find yourself at eye level with larger vehicles like Honda Civics. Dimensionally, it’s shorter and narrower than a Mini Countryman. However, it retains a surprising degree of practicality. As spring arrived, driving became more frequent and enjoyable.
The CLK unexpectedly transformed into a makeshift pickup truck, successfully hauling an evergreen tree and several boxwood bushes during trips to Costco. The cargo capacity is surprisingly generous. The trunk accommodates a significant amount of items even with the convertible top stowed, and transporting taller items like five-foot trees is actually easier with the top down compared to my wife’s SUV.
I’ve also observed a remarkable transformation in the CLK’s presence when the top is down. It’s akin to being in a parade; the car attracts attention. The CLK Mercedes Benz’s design stands out among the current sea of crossovers and trucks. Its beauty is subtle yet elegant, growing 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 person. The front end design bridges classic and contemporary aesthetics. A formal grille with a slight rearward slant hints at aerodynamic considerations. The oval headlights incorporate integrated turn signals, reminiscent of the stacked headlamp design of the classic 300SEL. The AMG package, with its more aggressive front fascia, side skirts, and iconic Monoblock wheels, further accentuates the CLK’s clean lines.
Speaking of Monoblocks, they deserve a special mention.
Recently, prior to a road trip, the CLK Mercedes Benz underwent a check-up at my trusted mechanic. It required new rear tires, and it was discovered that two of the Monoblock wheels were bent. Apparently, this is a common issue, and my mechanic’s shop offers a wheel reconditioning service. Repairing the wheels cost $200 each. The car also needed a new steering damper. The total bill, including an oil change, came to $1,280.
While not insignificant, it could have been considerably worse.
Nine months into ownership, the joy of driving the CLK Mercedes Benz remains undiminished. Peter Egan, a long-time editor at large for Road and Track, famously wrote about “Cars of Occasion.” These are cars driven purely for pleasure or reserved for special events—cars that, in his words, “whose emergence from the garage makes us feel as if we’re rolling out the big guns.” Eventually, I’ll address the valve cover leaks and the battery drain issue. But for now, I’m happily occupied creating my own special occasions with my CLK Mercedes Benz.
Photos: Mark Webb
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Tags: 2000 Mercedes CLK 430, CLK 430
