Living with a 2000 Mercedes-Benz Clk 430 convertible is an experience filled with unique charms and the anticipation of sunny days. After owning my 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK 430 convertible for over nine months, the journey has been swift and enjoyable, punctuated by opportunities to truly appreciate this vehicle, including a memorable road trip.
However, like any classic car, it hasn’t been without its minor challenges. This Benz CLK, approaching its 23rd year, presents a blend of distinctive characteristics wrapped in a sleek Brilliant Silver Metallic finish. My initial optimism in purchasing a well-priced and well-maintained car was met with the reality of owning a vehicle of this age – a mix of pleasant surprises and expected maintenance.
The Allure of the Benz CLK
My desire for a Mercedes-Benz convertible was long-standing. Initially drawn to the R107 or R129 SL Class, their rising prices shifted my focus. The need for four seats and a V8 engine narrowed my search, ultimately leading me to the Benz CLK.
Last year, a local dealership listed a 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK 430 convertible, equipped with the desirable AMG package. As summer transitioned into fall, the price gradually decreased. Coinciding with my work transitioning to fully remote in late October, I sold my existing commuter car and seriously considered the CLK. With 74,000 miles and a comprehensive, documented service history, it offered seating for four and, crucially, the robust 4.3-liter M113 engine, delivering effortless power and a satisfying V8 rumble. I presented an offer matching the proceeds from my previous car sale, which the dealer accepted. To this day, I believe it was a beneficial exchange.
Initial Encounters with the Benz CLK
During the first couple of months, the convertible top was lowered at every opportunity, anytime the temperature rose above freezing. Whether for a quick errand or a leisurely Sunday drive, the Benz CLK was ready for open-air motoring. December’s unusually mild weather, including a 60-degree Christmas Day, meant the CLK was frequently out, top-down. Even in cooler conditions, heated seats combined with a warm jacket and gloves made open-top driving enjoyable.
Then came the snow. After a week of inactivity, the car’s battery was completely drained.
Jump-starting a Benz CLK presents a unique procedure. The battery’s location in the trunk, inaccessible with a dead battery and key, required a workaround. I had to access the under-hood positive terminal to power the car’s electrical system and subsequently open the trunk. However, jump-starting proved futile; the battery was completely dead and beyond recovery, despite attempts to charge it. Being two years past its warranty, replacement was necessary, opting for a new AGM battery from a local auto parts retailer.
Since this episode, a lesson was learned: drive the car every 2-3 days or connect it to a battery tender. A slow battery drain persists, though addressing it hasn’t been prioritized. Like any older vehicle, my Mercedes-Benz CLK has its quirks. Besides the battery drain, a valve cover exhibits a minor oil leak. The CD player in the stereo is non-functional. And an intermittent warning light suggests a bulb issue where none exists. These are all minor imperfections I’ve learned to accept.
Daily Driving and Practicality of the Benz CLK
Compared to contemporary vehicles, the Benz CLK feels compact. This is still surprising, as its road presence is that of a larger car. From the driver’s seat, you find yourself at eye level with drivers in modern sedans. While dimensionally smaller than a Mini Countryman, the CLK remains surprisingly practical. With the arrival of spring, driving frequency increased.
The Benz CLK unexpectedly transformed into a makeshift pickup truck, effortlessly transporting an evergreen tree and several boxwood bushes during routine trips to Costco. The cargo capacity is surprisingly generous. The trunk accommodates a significant amount even with the convertible top stowed, and hauling taller items like small trees is easier with the top down than in a typical SUV.
One striking observation is the Benz CLK’s transformation with the top down. It’s as if you’re in a perpetual parade. The car attracts attention; its design stands out amidst a sea of crossovers and trucks. In person, the CLK is undeniably attractive, an understated elegance that grows on you. Photographs struggle to capture its true appeal.
What appears somewhat boxy in images reveals a subtly sculpted form in reality. The front end design bridges classic and contemporary aesthetics. 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 iconic Monoblock wheels, accentuates the CLK’s inherently clean lines.
Speaking of Monoblocks, recent maintenance was required. Before a road trip, a visit to my mechanic revealed the need for new rear tires and the unfortunate discovery of two bent Monoblock wheels. Apparently, bent wheels are a common issue, and fortunately, the shop offered a wheel reconditioning service. Repairing each wheel cost $200. A new steering damper was also necessary. The total expense, including an oil change, amounted to $1,280.
However, considering the potential for more significant issues with a car of this age, it could have been considerably worse.
Nine months into ownership, the enjoyment of driving this Benz CLK remains undiminished. Peter Egan, the long-time editor at large for Road and Track, famously wrote about “Cars of Occasion“—vehicles driven for pure 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, addressing the valve cover leaks and tracing the battery drain will become priorities. But for now, the focus remains on creating more of those special driving occasions.
Photos: Mark Webb
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Tags: 2000 Mercedes CLK 430, CLK 430
