Living with a 23-year-old car always presents a unique blend of charm and challenges. My experience with a 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK 430 convertible over the past nine months has been exactly that – a journey filled with open-top joys and the occasional quirks you’d expect from a vehicle of this age. It’s been a fast nine months, punctuated by moments of pure driving pleasure, especially during a memorable road trip.
However, the ownership hasn’t been without its minor hiccups. As with any classic car, some issues have surfaced. This CLK 430, a vintage Mercedes now entering its third decade, is a fascinating mix of character, all wrapped in its original Brilliant Silver Metallic paint. While I was optimistic about securing a well-maintained car at a reasonable price, I also anticipated a few surprises along the way – and reality has met those expectations on both fronts.
Why the Mercedes-Benz CLK 430? The Allure of a V8 Convertible
The dream of owning a Mercedes-Benz convertible had been with me for years. Initially, my sights were set on the iconic R107 or R129 SL Class models. However, the prices for well-maintained examples were beyond my budget. I also needed a car that could comfortably seat four and, crucially, house a V8 engine. This quest naturally led me to the Mercedes-Benz CLK.
Last year, a local dealership listed a 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK 430 convertible equipped with the desirable AMG package. Throughout the summer and into the fall, I watched as the price gradually decreased. By late October, my work transitioned to fully remote, prompting me to sell my existing commuter car and seriously consider the CLK. This particular model boasted just 74,000 miles and came with a comprehensive and clean service history. It ticked the box for four seats, and most importantly, the 4.3-liter M113 V8 engine promised effortless power and a satisfying, deep rumble. I made the dealer an offer equivalent to the sale price of my previous car, and to my delight, they accepted. Looking back, I still believe I got the better end of the deal.
Early Days with the CLK 430: Top-Down Motoring and Unexpected Issues
During 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 that year was unusually mild, even reaching 60 degrees on Christmas Day. The CLK 430 was used frequently, almost always in its open-top configuration. Even on colder days, with a warm jacket, gloves, and the heated seats engaged, open-air driving remained thoroughly enjoyable.
Then, winter finally arrived, bringing snow. After letting the car sit for a week unused, I encountered the dreaded dead battery. Jump-starting a CLK 430 is not straightforward. The battery is located in the trunk, which frustratingly, I couldn’t access with just the key due to the dead battery. The workaround involved opening the hood, powering the car’s electrical system via the positive terminal under the hood, and only then could I open the trunk. However, jump-starting proved unsuccessful. The battery was completely drained and beyond recovery. Being two years past its warranty, a replacement was necessary. I opted for a new AGM battery from a local auto parts store.
Since this battery incident, I’ve learned to drive the Mercedes-Benz CLK 430 every two to three days or connect it to a battery tender to prevent drain. There’s a slow drain somewhere in the electrical system, but addressing it hasn’t been a high priority. Like any older vehicle, my CLK has a few minor issues. In addition to the battery drain, one of the valve covers has a slight oil leak. The original stereo head unit refuses to play CDs. And there’s an intermittent warning light suggesting a burned-out bulb, even though all the lights are functioning correctly. These are all minor issues, and for now, they are easily manageable.
Living with the Mercedes-Benz CLK 430: Practicality and Enduring Appeal
The CLK 430, in comparison to today’s larger vehicles, feels relatively compact. This is still surprising, as it drives with the presence and feel of a larger car. From behind the wheel, you find yourself looking down at drivers in modern Honda Civics. It’s actually shorter and narrower than a Mini Countryman. Despite its size, it remains surprisingly practical. With the arrival of spring, driving became even more frequent and enjoyable.
The CLK unexpectedly transformed into a makeshift pickup truck on several occasions, once even hauling an evergreen tree and four boxwood bushes during a trip to Costco. The amount of cargo space is impressive. A surprising amount fits in the trunk, even with the convertible top stowed, and transporting taller items, like five-foot trees, is easier with the top down than in my wife’s SUV.
I’ve also observed a remarkable transformation in the CLK 430‘s presence when the top is down. It’s as if you’re in a parade. People notice you. The CLK‘s design stands out amongst the sea of modern crossovers and trucks. It’s genuinely beautiful in person, a subtly elegant design that grows on you over time. Photographs simply don’t capture its true essence. What appears somewhat blocky and flat in pictures reveals a subtly sculpted form in reality. The front end acts as a bridge between classic and contemporary design. The formal grille leans slightly rearward, 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 aggressive front fascia, side skirts, and iconic Monoblock wheels, further enhances the CLK‘s clean lines and sporty appeal.
Speaking of those Monoblock wheels, they deserve their own mention. Recently, prior to a road trip, I took the CLK 430 to my trusted mechanic for a check-up. It needed two new rear tires, and unfortunately, two of the Monoblock wheels were found to be bent. Apparently, this is a common issue, and his shop offers a wheel reconditioning service. Repairing them cost $200 per wheel. 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 much worse, especially considering the age and type of vehicle.
A “Car of Occasion”: The Enduring Appeal of the CLK 430
Nine months into ownership, and the enjoyment of driving the Mercedes-Benz CLK 430 remains undiminished. Peter Egan, the long-time editor at large for Road and Track, famously wrote about “Cars of Occasion.” These are cars driven purely for enjoyment, brought out for special events, or, as he eloquently put it, cars “whose emergence from the garage makes us feel as if we’re rolling out the big guns.” Eventually, I will address the valve cover leaks and track down the source of the battery drain. But for now, I’m happily occupied with creating my own “occasions” to drive and enjoy this wonderful Mercedes-Benz CLK 430.
