Owning a convertible is often about embracing a bit of flair and eagerly anticipating those perfect, sunny driving days. My experience with a 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK 430 convertible over the past nine months has been exactly that – a blend of unique quirks and the pure joy of open-top motoring. It’s been a fast journey, filled with moments to truly enjoy this car, including a memorable road trip.
However, like any vehicle of this vintage, it hasn’t been without its minor hiccups. This CLK, now over two decades old, is a fascinating mix of classic Mercedes charm wrapped in a sleek, Brilliant Silver Metallic finish. When I purchased it, I was optimistic that I was getting a good car at a fair price, while also bracing myself for a few expected vintage car challenges. As it turns out, my initial assessment was quite accurate.
The Allure of the CLK 430: Why This Model?
My desire for a Mercedes-Benz convertible has been a long-standing one. Initially, the iconic R107 or R129 SL Class models were at the top of my list, but their escalating prices put them out of reach. I also needed a car that could comfortably accommodate four passengers and, crucially, house a robust V8 engine under the hood. This set of requirements naturally led me to the CLK range, and specifically the CLK 430.
Last year, a local dealership listed a 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK 430 convertible, impressively equipped with the AMG styling package. As the summer months transitioned into fall, I watched the price gradually decrease. By late October, my work shifted to a fully remote setup. Having sold my previous commuter car, I turned my attention to the CLK. With just 74,000 miles on the odometer and a comprehensive, well-documented service history, it ticked the boxes for passenger space and offered the exhilarating performance of the 4.3-liter M113 V8 engine, known for its smooth power delivery and satisfying V8 rumble. I made an offer to the dealer, matching the proceeds from my previous car sale, and to my delight, they accepted. Looking back, I still believe it was a smart move.
Early Days and Minor Setbacks with the CLK
For the first couple of months of ownership, any temperature above freezing was an excuse to lower the convertible top. Whether it was a quick trip to the store or a leisurely Sunday drive, the top was down. December was unusually mild that year, with Christmas Day reaching a comfortable 60 degrees. The CLK was out and about more often than not, always in its open-air configuration. Even on colder days, a warm jacket, gloves, and the car’s heated seats made top-down driving surprisingly pleasant.
Then, winter arrived, bringing snow. After letting the car sit idle for a week, I discovered a drained battery. Jump-starting a CLK isn’t the most straightforward process. The battery is located in the trunk, which was inaccessible because of the dead battery and key system. The workaround involved opening the hood, applying power to the car’s electrical system via the positive terminal under the hood, and then finally accessing the trunk. However, jump-starting proved futile. The battery was completely dead and beyond recovery, despite charging attempts. Being a couple of years past its warranty, a replacement was necessary. I opted for a new AGM battery from a local auto parts store.
Since this episode, I’ve learned the importance of driving the car every few days or using a battery tender to maintain charge. The CLK does have a slow battery drain, which is a minor issue I haven’t yet prioritized fixing. Like any classic car, my Mercedes-Benz CLK 430 has its share of small imperfections. In addition to the battery drain, there’s a minor oil leak from one of the valve covers, the CD player in the stereo head unit is non-functional, and a persistent warning light suggests a burned-out bulb, even though all lights are working. These are all minor quirks that are easy to live with and don’t detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the vehicle.
Living with a Classic: Practicality and Charm of the CLK 430
The CLK surprises many with its relatively compact size compared to today’s larger cars. Despite its smaller footprint, it drives with a substantial feel, often making you feel like you’re in a larger vehicle. You sit higher than many modern sedans, like Honda Civics. It’s even shorter and narrower than a Mini Countryman. Yet, it retains a surprising degree of practicality. As spring arrived, driving became even more frequent and enjoyable.
The CLK even proved to be unexpectedly versatile, functioning as a makeshift pickup truck on more than one occasion. From hauling an evergreen tree to transporting boxwood bushes during trips to Costco, its cargo capacity is impressive. The trunk space is generous, especially considering it houses a convertible top, and transporting taller items like small trees is actually easier with the top down than in my wife’s SUV.
One of the most striking aspects of the CLK is its transformation when the top is lowered. It’s as if you’re driving in a parade. The car attracts attention; people notice it. The CLK’s design stands out amidst a sea of modern crossovers and trucks. In person, it’s undeniably beautiful, featuring a subtly elegant design that grows on you over time. Photographs often fail to capture its true essence.
What might appear somewhat blocky or slab-sided in pictures reveals itself as subtly sculpted and refined in reality. The front end design cleverly bridges classic and modern Mercedes styling cues. The formal grille subtly leans back, acknowledging aerodynamic principles. The oval headlights, incorporating integrated turn signals, are a nod to the stacked headlamp design of classic models like the 300SEL. The AMG package, with its more assertive front fascia, side skirts, and distinctive Monoblock wheels, further enhances the CLK’s clean and sophisticated lines.
Speaking of those Monoblock wheels, a recent pre-road trip check-up at my mechanic revealed a need for two new rear tires and, unexpectedly, 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 required a new steering damper. The total bill, including an oil change, came to $1,280. While not insignificant, it could have been much worse, especially considering the age and type of car.
Nine months into ownership, and the joy of driving the CLK remains undiminished. Peter Egan, the esteemed long-time editor at large for Road and Track, eloquently wrote about “Cars of Occasion“—vehicles driven purely for enjoyment or reserved for special events. Or, as he describes them, cars “whose emergence from the garage makes us feel as if we’re rolling out the big guns.” Eventually, I plan to address the valve cover leak and track down the source of the battery drain. But for now, I’m happily occupied creating my own “occasions” to drive and enjoy this charming Clk430 Mercedes.
Photos: Mark Webb
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Tags: 2000 Mercedes CLK 430, CLK 430
