Living with a 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK Class convertible is an experience filled with unique charms and the anticipation of sunny drives. After owning my 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK 430 convertible for over nine months, time has flown by, punctuated by moments of pure enjoyment and appreciation for this classic car, including a memorable road trip.
However, like any vehicle of this age, ownership hasn’t been without its minor challenges. This CLK, now over two decades old, presents a blend of character wrapped in its sleek Brilliant Silver Metallic finish. While I was optimistic about acquiring a well-maintained car at a fair price, I also anticipated a few surprises along the way – and my expectations were met on both fronts.
Why Choose a 2000 Mercedes CLK Class?
My desire for a Mercedes-Benz convertible was the initial spark. My first considerations were the iconic R107 or R129 SL Class models, but the price point for well-maintained examples was beyond my budget. Seeking a blend of four-seater practicality and V8 power led me directly to the CLK Class. Specifically, the allure of a 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK 430 with the sought-after AMG package became increasingly appealing.
Last year, a local dealership listed a 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK 430 convertible, complete with the sporty AMG enhancements. As the summer transitioned into fall, the price gradually decreased. 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 a relatively low 74,000 miles on the odometer and a comprehensive service history, it ticked the boxes for passenger space and performance. Crucially, the 4.3-liter M113 V8 engine promised effortless power delivery and a satisfying engine note. An offer matching the proceeds from my previous car sale was accepted by the dealer, and the deal was done.
Looking back, I remain confident that I made a sound decision.
The Initial Months and Discoveries with the CLK 430
During the first couple of months of ownership, the convertible top was lowered at every opportunity when the temperature was above freezing. Whether it was a quick trip or a leisurely Sunday drive, any excuse to enjoy open-air motoring was embraced. December was surprisingly mild, with Christmas Day reaching a balmy 60 degrees. The CLK was frequently on the road, top-down. Even on colder days, a warm jacket, gloves, and the heated seats made top-down driving a pleasant experience.
Then, winter arrived, bringing snow. After letting the car sit for a week, I encountered the dreaded dead battery.
Jump-starting a CLK is not straightforward. The battery is located in the trunk, which was inaccessible because of the dead battery locking mechanism. The workaround involved opening the hood, powering the car’s electrical system via the positive terminal under the hood, and then finally accessing the trunk. However, jump-starting proved futile as 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 incident, I’ve learned to drive the car every couple of days or connect it to a battery tender to prevent drain. The slow battery drain issue is still present but hasn’t been prioritized for immediate repair. Like any older vehicle, my Mercedes-Benz CLK has its quirks. Besides the battery drain, a valve cover exhibits a minor oil leak. The original stereo head unit refuses to play CDs. And a persistent warning light indicates a burned-out bulb, despite all bulbs being functional. These are all minor imperfections that are easy to overlook considering the overall enjoyment of the car.
Ongoing Ownership and Everyday Practicality
The CLK’s dimensions are surprisingly compact compared to today’s larger cars. This is still noticeable, especially as it feels more substantial to drive than its size suggests. From the driver’s seat, you find yourself looking down at occupants of Honda Civics. It’s actually shorter and narrower than a Mini Countryman. Yet, it remains remarkably practical. With spring arriving, driving frequency increased.
The CLK unexpectedly transformed into a makeshift pickup truck, successfully transporting an evergreen tree and several boxwood bushes during trips to Costco. The cargo capacity is surprisingly generous. A significant amount of items can be accommodated in the trunk, even with the convertible top stowed, and hauling taller items like small trees is actually easier with the top down than in a typical SUV.
I’ve also observed a dramatic transformation in the CLK’s presence when the top is down. It feels like being in a parade. People notice the car. The CLK’s design stands out amongst the sea of modern crossovers and trucks. It’s genuinely beautiful in person, possessing a subtly elegant design that becomes more appealing over time. Photographs often fail to capture its true essence.
What appears somewhat blocky and flat in pictures reveals a subtly sculpted form in reality. The front end design effectively bridges classic and contemporary automotive aesthetics. A formal grille is subtly angled back for aerodynamic efficiency. 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 bumper, side skirts, and iconic Monoblock wheels, further enhances the CLK’s clean and sporty lines.
And speaking of those Monoblock wheels…
Recently, prior to a road trip, the CLK was taken to my trusted mechanic for a check-up. It required two new rear tires, and it was discovered that two of the Monoblock wheels were bent. Apparently, this is a common issue, and the shop offered a wheel reconditioning service. Repairing the wheels cost $200 each. 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 considerably more expensive.
Nine months into ownership, and the joy of driving the CLK remains strong. Peter Egan, the esteemed long-time editor at large for Road and Track, famously wrote about “Cars of Occasion.” These are vehicles driven purely for pleasure or reserved 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’ll address the valve cover leaks and pinpoint the source of the battery drain. But for now, I’m happily occupied with creating my own “occasions” to drive and enjoy this 2000 Mercedes Clk Class.
Photos: Mark Webb
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Tags: 2000 Mercedes CLK 430, CLK 430
