Living with a 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK 430 convertible for the past nine months has been an interesting journey, filled with the joys of open-top motoring and the realities of owning a vehicle that’s over two decades old. This experience has offered a unique perspective on whether a 2000 Mercedes Convertible still holds up as a worthwhile purchase today. My time with this car has been punctuated by sunny drives and the occasional reminder that classic cars come with their own set of quirks.
My pursuit of a Mercedes-Benz convertible started with a longing for either the R107 or R129 SL Class, but the price tags for well-maintained models were beyond my budget. Seeking a balance of four seats and a V8 engine, I turned my attention to the CLK. Last year, a local dealership listed a 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK 430 convertible equipped with the AMG package. As the summer transitioned into fall, the price gradually decreased. By late October, with a new fully remote work arrangement, the timing felt right. Having sold my previous commuter car, I seriously considered the CLK. It boasted 74,000 miles and a comprehensive service history. The appeal of a 4.3-liter M113 engine, known for its smooth power delivery and satisfying V8 rumble, was undeniable. I made an offer to the dealer, matching the proceeds from my previous car sale, and to my surprise, it was accepted. Looking back, it still feels like a win.
The initial months of ownership were characterized by a simple rule: if the temperature was above freezing, the top was down. Whether it was a quick trip to the store or a leisurely Sunday drive, the 2000 mercedes convertible experience was prioritized. December’s unusually mild weather meant the CLK was frequently enjoyed in its open-top configuration. Even on colder days, the heated seats, combined with a warm jacket and gloves, made open-air driving surprisingly comfortable.
However, the honeymoon period was briefly interrupted by a snowfall. After letting the car sit for a week, I encountered the dreaded dead battery. Jump-starting a CLK is not straightforward. The battery’s location in the trunk, inaccessible when dead via the key, necessitates a convoluted procedure. It involves opening the hood, applying power to the electrical system through the positive terminal, and then finally accessing the trunk. Unfortunately, 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 the importance of driving the car every few days or using a battery tender to mitigate the slow battery drain, a minor issue that I haven’t yet prioritized fixing. Like any car of this vintage, my 2000 Mercedes convertible has presented a few other minor imperfections. These include a valve cover oil leak, a CD player in the stereo that refuses to function, and a persistent warning light indicating a burned-out bulb, despite all bulbs being operational. These are all manageable quirks that come with owning a classic vehicle.
Despite its age, the CLK’s dimensions are surprisingly compact compared to modern vehicles. This is somewhat unexpected, as it feels substantial on the road. From the driver’s seat, you find yourself looking down at occupants of modern compact cars. It’s actually shorter and narrower than a Mini Countryman. Yet, it remains a practical vehicle. With the arrival of spring, driving became even more frequent and enjoyable. The 2000 mercedes convertible unexpectedly transformed into a makeshift pickup truck, effortlessly hauling an evergreen tree and several boxwood bushes during a trip to Costco. The cargo capacity is surprisingly generous. The trunk accommodates a significant amount of items even with the convertible top stowed, and transporting taller items like small trees is actually easier with the top down than in a typical SUV.
One of the most striking aspects of owning a 2000 mercedes convertible is its transformation when the top is lowered. It’s as if you’re participating in a parade. The car attracts attention; people notice it. In a sea of crossovers and trucks, the CLK’s design stands out. Its beauty is best appreciated in person, a subtly elegant design that grows on you over time. Photographs often fail to capture its true essence. What might appear somewhat blocky in pictures reveals a subtly sculpted form in reality. The front end design represents a bridge between classic and contemporary Mercedes-Benz styling. The formal grille, slightly angled back for aerodynamic efficiency, and the oval headlights with integrated turn signals, reminiscent of the stacked headlamps of the classic 300SEL, all contribute to its unique aesthetic. The AMG package, with its more aggressive front fascia, side skirts, and distinctive Monoblock wheels, further accentuates the CLK’s clean lines.
Speaking of Monoblocks, a recent pre-road trip check-up at my mechanic revealed the need for two new rear tires and the unfortunate discovery that two of the Monoblock wheels were bent. Apparently, bent wheels are a common issue with these, so common that my mechanic’s shop offers a wheel reconditioning service. Repairing them cost $200 per wheel. The car also required a new steering damper. The total bill, including an oil change, amounted to $1,280. While not insignificant, it could have been considerably worse.
Nine months into ownership, the enjoyment of driving this 2000 mercedes convertible remains strong. Drawing inspiration from Peter Egan, the esteemed former editor at large for Road and Track, and his concept of “Cars of Occasion,” this CLK perfectly fits the mold. It’s a car driven for pure enjoyment, brought out for special occasions, or, in Egan’s words, a car that “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 leaks and pinpoint the source of the battery drain. However, for now, I am content creating my own “occasions” to drive and appreciate this charming 2000 mercedes convertible.
