Advantages: A super stylish motor car Disadvantages: Expensive
Once again, a review of a discontinued model (!), but here are my thoughts on my 1999 MercedesCLK 230 (W208) Kompressor Coupe, in Elegance trim.
Bought in 2001, with one previous owner (originally registered in 1999 so its an "S" reg) and 25,000 miles, my CLK has now done 72,000 miles and is soon to be sold as the baby seat doesn't fit in the back !
Mine is the 230K (4 cylinder, 2,295cc), and turns out 197 bhp with a 0-62mph time of 9.5 seconds (the manual is a claimed 9.1 seconds, as opposed to my 5 speed automatic) on its way to a top speed of 136mph - although I clearly couldn't claim to have ever gone that fast, officer.... Also available is a 3.2 V6, a 4.3 V8, and the ultimate, the CLK55 AMG high-performance model.
The "Elegance" trim means walnut wood inlays in the doors and centre console, plus a chrome strip around ...
Advantages: None Disadvantages: Timing Chain Slips at arounf 70,000 miles
This car has a major problem with its timing chain. It can slip and cause immense engine damage (Piston cracks, Valves Bent, etc). It is very costly to fix. I would recommend anyone who has one to get the chain replaced at 50,000 miles. It happened my 2003 one at 65,000 miles. I was in touch wih Mercedes and they acknowledged it was a problem. Unfortunately it was out of warrenty. You get no warning despite a diagnostic computer system installed in the car. I would definitely not recommend this car. I have also been told by people in the car industry that it has happened to thousands of these models. Mercedes are not helpful and will fight you all the way to the court steps, which is very costly, before admiting liability. ...
josalmon 19.02.2009
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Mercedes E 200
