Is The First-Gen Mercedes CLK 320 An Emerging Modern Classic Or Just Another Cheap Mercedes?

From as little as £1,500 for a useable example, and approximately £4,000 for a really good one, the first generation Mercedes CLK 320 (W208, A208) is well worth considering as a bargain convertible, that may just be an emerging modern classic.

Join me in this video where I'll take this excellent example of an CLK 320 for a drive and talk you through what it's like to drive, what to look for if you're thinking about buying one, and why I think they're not as popular as they possibly should be.

[forshootsandgiggles]

I have a 2001 clk320. Excellent condition. High miles but runs strong.

[RSX.G]

I have a 2004 CLk 320 Avantgarde, purchased new in 2004, still going strong after 20 years. Its a special feeling wjen you have been the only owner

[dit.p]

this CLK is a classic. there are almost no good used cars from this series, 💪

[hussein]

i have both first gen and second gen clk, first gen is uncomparable to the 2nd gen, the desgin is nicer, the driving experience is way much better and smoother than the 2nd gen, i think first gen is one of the most underrated car of mercedes manufacturer history

[markelrick]

I bought a 2002 clk 320 3 months ago, beautiful car to drive absolutely love it

[ceefaxbbctv]

Loved the summery vid! This car is a beauty. The driving experience is outstanding, so comfortable you barely even feel you’ve moved. The whole car just feels solid and well built, with a very satisfying quality all round.

[amh]

This one is in beautiful condition. My dad has one of these, a 99 model owned since 2010 - the arches unfortunately have rusted terribly like you say but mechanically it’s very solid

[DJFROSTOfficiall]

I have a 2nd gen CLK320 2004, bought it at 114k miles with 3 owners. Bought it as a daily driver and genuinely a great buy! Extremely reliable have had to change the alternator in the first year but for a 20 year old car that is nothing and for a 20 year old car I get everything a modern car has except for a tablet! Great car buy it if you want one!

[richardelson]

Good video and fair summary. Yep - its the rust that's the problem so unless sorted / pristine original the later model is better. At the start of first lockdown I bought at 2007 CLK Cabriolet with all the factory AMG stuff and 7 speed gearbox with F1 paddles. It was clear that holidays abroad weren't going to happen so I bought it for pleasure trips days out weekend away etc. and it's been perfect for that yes including 4 adults on a day trip comfortably. It's even ULEZ compliant. I thought I'd just keep it for a year but it's been "pleasant" to use your word to own.The rust proofed ones can be used as a daily driver. The roof is so incredibly good it's just like a regular car in winter conditions. There's little point getting a true sports car given the state of the roads, traffic, cameras, hoards of cyclists everywhere, so i use it as a smooth Summer GT type and it's perfect for that and, using the paddles, you can really stretch that smooth creamy urge in the v6 and get the revs up between gears nicely when there's a clear road ahead. Will the CLK (not the AMG versions - they'll always be rare ) ever be a classic? Possibly. Mine seems to be worth maybe 20% more than I bought it for 3 years ago but that's just inflation I think still it has held its value at least and I've enjoyed it.

[icanthc]

Have a 2002 CLK55 AMG v8 and absolutely love it. Excellently maintained and easy to work on yourself.

[AB-qdoz]

I own a year 2000 CLK320 silver coupe (first-generation). It's OUTSTANDING and I've owned it since year 2003. I've experienced ZERO rust problems but this may be due to me living in the dry Los Angeles area. Mileage is 179K on the original engine. I use Mobil 1 synthetic oil. I take the car up to the Big Bear mountains throughout the winter ski season. It has rear wheel drive which is the least desirable for driving in snow. My favorite thing about this car is that it's light weight and FAST. The V6 engine can allow me to drive circles around the newer cars. Unlike a gas guzzling super powerful V8 engine, the powerful V6 is the sweet spot between a super powerful V8 and boring standard 4 cylinder engine. Like many luxury cars, it requires premium gas which is a negative. Most American cars have the gas cap on the driver side while German cars have it on the passenger side. By having the cap on the passenger side it's convenient for me to get gas at the crowded Costco gas stations. I hope my car continues to last and becomes a sought after collectible classic.

[psa]

i am driving 1999 CLK 320 convertible. i love it. it costs me a little but still love it. it is still my first car.

[peterrobinson]

2nd gen better looking. Especially the rear. Had an 09 320 CDI AMG Sportpack. Had a remap adding 60 - 70 bhp AND 3-4 mpg. Beautiful looking. Must be one of the prettiest Mercs ever. 2nd gen solved the rust issues of 1st gen and built very solid. Truly a great long distance mile eater. Could do 40 mpg on a long run. Defo a future classic.

[williwusel]

Ich habe auch einen 320er Cabrio W208.Beautiful Car!
Nach 365.000 Km. muß die Steuerkette und die Schienen usw. gewechselt werden.Aber das darf er auch bei der Km.-Leistung.

[justhebly]

I own my clk 320 for 2 years .bought it for 2500€
Its been a Dream of a car... so smooth..

[jonstangerjazz]

I bought a new '99 CLK320 in southern California and drove it for 245, 000 miles. It was a fun car - I went through two convertible tops and loved it. There was a 2-year waiting list @ a $10, 000 premium. My vehicle was loaded and quite comfortable. Rust was never an issue but the top coat on the paint did begin to fade... bear in-mind I was driving a lot of miles near the ocean in direct sunlight. My CLK loved to be driven long distances. The dashboard was subject to cracking which led to a factory recall. The rear visibility is not that that good with the top raised... but who drives a convertible in southern California with the top up? Bear in-mind, due to the low profile, the tires had to be changed every 25-30K miles. I preferred the feel of Michelins.
After about 150, 000 miles I noticed several systems were beginning to fail (including electronics, lights, sensors, insulation). In my opinion the first generation CLK is the best looking of all CLK's - ESPECIALLY with the classic grille and 3-pointed Star. The first generation Mercedes CLK went through two "refreshes" during its lifetime - largely due to some of the system failures I described and to enhance the overall styling. I own a 2002 CLK430 Roadster which is unbelievable. I would strongly suggest an 8 cylinder (430 or 55) model...

[stevenparker]

I've had my 99 CLK320 Cabriolet California Car for 20 years (2004) and I'm holding onto it, I have feeling the prices will be going up soon!

[Vince_uk]

Definitely from te Mercedes Dark Ages, I only drive Mercedes. I have a SLK from the same era in my garage which has cost me a fortune to have rotten body panels replaced because of the MB painting techniques of that period. and bio degradable wiring harness. Like my SLK I feel in time the CLK will appreciate. My SLK only comes out on dry days in the summer and spend the winter tucked up in it's garage.

[markcarter]

When ever I am asked what is the best used car to buy I say an older Mercedes. They are so well made and specified and were expensive cars when new. As they always sell well there are plenty of used examples to choose from, so be patient and source a loved and well looked after example, they are out there, and cost only a little more than the more widely available tired examples.

[kjzone]

1st gen is best. A good condition 320, low mileage, fully loaded coupe is hard to find without any rust. But I know of one. Mine!