Mercedes Benz CLK430 Parts & Accessories

What do all those letters in the Mercedes-Benz CLK 430 name mean?

The Mercedes-Benz CLK 430 is part of a range of CLK (Coupé Leicht Kompakt which means Coupe-Light-Short) or mid-size luxury coupe and convertibles produced by German car manufacturer Mercedes-Benz, based on the W202 and W203 platforms of the C-Class.

The ultra-premium CLK-430 convertible debuted in 2000, offering supercar-like features for the right price - a sleek profile, interior luxury and a beefy V6 engine.

What made cars like the Mercedes-Benz CLK 430 stand out?

This mid-sized luxury car failed to disappoint in terms of luxurious features, superior handling and sophisticated styling. The first generation of Mercedes-Benz CLK Class, the W208, was marketedin four different models, whichwere soldeither as a coupé or a convertible.

The new CLK Class was enhanced by only a few relatively minor changes to the overall design and function of the vehicle, proving that if it ain't broke, why fix it? The most significant changes to the new generation of Mercedes-Benz CLK Class vehicles are cosmetic, as seen in the sportier frame and trim. The CLK 430was eventually fitted with a bigger, faster V8 engine and reintroduced as the Mercedes Benz CLK 500.

Is the fuel efficiency of the CLK Class worth its price?

At an average sticker price of around $50,000, the CLK vehicles do get decent fuel efficiency. The 430sget around 19 miles per gallon (city) and 23 miles per gallon (highway). The 550sdo 15 miles per gallon in town, and 22 miles per gallon on the road.

How come my car sometimes fails to crank up or even start? What does that rattling underneath my car while the engine is running mean?

There may be a failure in the crankshaft position sensor. The crankshaft position sensor measures the rotational speed and the location of the crankshaft and transmits the data to the engine control computer.One indication of this is when the engine does crank—but not start—when the engine is warm. If left to cool off, the car may start again, but it may run and perform poorly.

A rattling noise coming from underthe vehicle could be a sign that one of the exhaust catalytic converters has malfunctioned. The substrate (the internal part of the catalyst that reduces emissions) can loosen and bounce around inside the canister section of the converter. The defective unit will need to be replaced. If this issue is not addressed, the substrate could break down and reduce to a size that plugs the outlet pipe, causingthe vehicle to suddenly lose power.

What should I always remember about my car's brakes?

As a way to enhance braking performance, the brake pads and rotors are made of a softer material and should be replaced after approximately 20,000 miles. Owners should remind themselves of this when getting their brakes checked.

If there’s one thing Mercedes Benz does so well, it would have to be the luxury coupe. And it’s no surprise why after so many years, the Mercedes Benz CLK Class still brings good memories to car enthusiasts who happen to love style and luxury all rolled into one. The mid-size luxury coupe, which came in a rear wheel drive, was designed after the W202 and W203 platforms of the C-Class. However, some of the style elements in the coupe quite resembled the more contemporary E-Class. The CLK joined the league of other two-door cars such as the Toyota Camry Solara and Volvo C70. It was highly recognized for its style, luxury, value, and technology. And with its arrival, then came various models under its lineup. These included the Mercedes Benz CLK430, which was part of the first generation CLK. It came with a little bit more of a sporty edge to it. The CLK430 was powered by a V8 and was based on the CLK320’s platform. It also had great body armor. Driving this coupe was a pleasure to many car owners, coupe lovers, and MB fans.

The first generation CLK was launched in 1996, several years after the W202 first generation C-Class model was introduced. Different versions came out of this. The CLK lineup included the CLK 200, CLK 200 Kompressor, CLK 230 Kompressor, CLK320, CLK 55 AMG, and the CLK 430. The last could generate up to 279 metric horsepower (205kW; 275 bhp).

The CLK 320 Coupe was released as a 1997 model. Equipped with a 3.2L V6 engine, it was among the earlier CLKs to be launched in the market. A year later, the CLK GTR racing coupe was added to the lineup. This high-performance coupe had a 6.9L V12 engine. It was in 1999 when the CLK320 Cabriolet and the Mercedes Benz CLK430 first made appearance. The CLK430 was powered by a 4.3L V8 engine. It had a facelift sometime in 1999, giving the 2000 model a revised look on the outside and inside. The updates included a redesigned instrument cluster, which had a larger display for various functions. The steering wheel was also revamped and came with controls for the radio and the multifunction display. The Tiptronic automatic gearbox was used by the 2000 model. For the exterior, the coupe had revised bumpers and new side skirts while the side-view mirrors were mounted with turn signals.

The Mercedes Benz CLK430 was best known for its superb driving characteristics. It was polished and powerful, and it had great features. It lived up to Mercedes Benz’s reputation for delivering the best coupes of their kind, combining performance and style. Among its rivals are the Lexus SC400 and Jaguar XK8. Other models were introduced in the second generation CLK, which came out longer, higher, and wider than the earlier batch of the mid-size luxury coupe.