Living with a 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK 430 convertible for over nine months has been an experience filled with both the unique charm of a classic car and the joys of open-top driving. It’s a blend of vintage appeal and the anticipation of sunny days, but it’s also been a realistic look at owning an older luxury vehicle.
My journey with this Old Mercedes Benz Convertible began a little over nine months ago. Time flies, especially when you’re enjoying the ride. This period has been marked by numerous opportunities to truly appreciate the car, including a memorable road trip that highlighted both its strengths and a few expected quirks.
As with any car of this age, especially a classic Mercedes Benz convertible, there have been a few minor issues. This CLK, now over 23 years old, is a testament to Mercedes engineering, yet it comes with the personality traits you might expect from a car of its era. While I was optimistic that I had found a well-maintained car at a fair price, I also anticipated some surprises. And as it turns out, my expectations were accurate on both fronts.
The Allure of a Mercedes 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 the sophisticated R129 SL Class models. However, the rising prices of well-maintained examples of these classics put them beyond my budget. I also needed a vehicle with space for four passengers and the satisfying power of a V8 engine. This search led me to the CLK.
Last year, a local dealership listed a 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK 430 convertible equipped with the desirable AMG styling package. Throughout the summer and into the fall, I watched as the price gradually decreased. By late October, my work transitioned to fully remote, and I decided to sell my existing commuter car and seriously consider the CLK. With 74,000 miles on the odometer and a comprehensive, documented service history, it seemed like a promising option. The fact that it comfortably accommodated four people and boasted the robust 4.3-liter M113 V8 engine – known for its smooth, effortless power and distinctive rumble – sealed the deal. I made the dealer an offer equivalent to the proceeds from selling my previous car, and they accepted. Looking back, I still believe it was a smart move.
Initial Open-Top Thrills and Minor Setbacks
During the first couple of months of ownership, any temperature above freezing was an excuse to lower the 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, even Christmas Day reached a comfortable 60 degrees. The CLK was out and about more often than not, always in its convertible configuration. Even on colder days, a warm jacket, gloves, and the car’s effective heated seats made open-air driving thoroughly enjoyable.
Then winter truly arrived, bringing snow. After letting the car sit for about a week, I encountered a dead battery. Discovering that jump-starting a CLK is not straightforward was a surprise. 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 gaining access to the trunk. However, jump-starting proved unsuccessful. The battery was completely drained and beyond recovery. Being two years past its warranty, replacement was the only option. 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. It appears there’s a slow drain on the battery, which is a minor issue I haven’t prioritized fixing yet. Like any old Mercedes Benz, my CLK has its quirks. In addition to the battery drain, a valve cover is leaking oil, the in-dash stereo head unit refuses to play CDs, and a persistent warning light indicates a burned-out bulb when all lights are functioning correctly. These are all relatively minor issues that I can easily live with, especially considering the overall enjoyment the car provides.
Everyday Practicality and Unexpected Attention
The CLK’s size is surprisingly compact when compared to modern vehicles. This is still something that occasionally catches me off guard, as it drives with the solid feel of a larger car. From the driver’s seat, you find yourself looking down at occupants of cars like Honda Civics. It’s actually shorter and narrower than a Mini Countryman. Despite its smaller footprint, it remains surprisingly practical. As spring arrived, driving became even more frequent and enjoyable.
The CLK unexpectedly transformed into a makeshift pickup truck on more than one occasion. It effortlessly hauled an evergreen tree and several boxwood bushes during routine trips to Costco. It’s remarkable how much you can actually transport in this car. A significant amount of cargo fits in the trunk even with the convertible top stowed, and transporting taller items like five-foot trees is actually easier with the top down than in my wife’s SUV.
I’ve also observed a significant transformation in the CLK’s presence when the top is down. It’s as if you’re driving in a parade. People notice you. The CLK’s timeless styling makes it stand out in a sea of generic crossovers and trucks. It’s genuinely beautiful in person, possessing a subtly elegant design that grows on you over time. Photographs simply don’t capture its true essence.
What might appear somewhat blocky and two-dimensional in pictures reveals a subtly sculpted form in reality. The front end design effectively bridges classic and modern Mercedes styling cues. A formal grille leans slightly rearward, acknowledging aerodynamic principles. The oval headlights incorporate integrated turn signals, a nod to the stacked headlamp design of the classic 300SEL. The AMG package, with its more aggressive front fascia, side skirts, and iconic Monoblock wheels, further accentuates the CLK’s clean and refined lines.
And speaking of those Monoblock wheels…
Recently, I took the CLK to my trusted mechanic for a pre-road trip inspection. It needed two new rear tires, and to my surprise, two of the Monoblock wheels were found to be bent. Apparently, this is a fairly common issue with these wheels, so common in fact that the shop offered 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, came to $1,280. While not insignificant, it could have been considerably worse, especially for a car of this age.
Nine months into ownership, and I’m still thoroughly enjoying driving this old Mercedes Benz convertible. Peter Egan, the long-time editor at large for Road and Track, famously wrote about “Cars of Occasion.” These are vehicles you drive purely for pleasure or reserve 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 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 old Mercedes Benz convertible.
Photos: Mark Webb
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Tags: Old Mercedes Benz Convertible, 2000 Mercedes CLK 430, CLK 430 Convertible, Classic Mercedes Convertible
