Models · Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz CLK C209 buying guide
The second CLK, sold as a coupé from 2002 and a cabriolet from 2003 until 2010, with four-cylinder, V6 and V8 petrol engines and a 320 CDI diesel in the coupé. It was much better protected against rust than the CLK before it.
The versions
- Petrol four-cylinder, V6 and V8 engines across coupé and cabriolet
- 320 CDI V6 diesel, offered in the coupé only
- Coupé from 2002 and cabriolet with a power-operated fabric hood from 2003
- Manual or automatic gearboxes
- The CLK55 and CLK63 AMG have their own page
What to check on a C209 CLK
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Rust in the known places
What to look for: Look closely at the rear wheel arches, the front wings, the bottoms of the doors and the boot lid. Look for bubbling under the paint, brown staining or filler.
Why it matters: These are the usual rust spots on the C209 body, shared by every version from the four-cylinder cars to the CLK63 AMG. It was much better protected than the earlier C208, so most cars are sound, and a clean car or one with rust treatment on the invoices is a sign it's been looked after.
Windows that seat properly
What to look for: Open and close each window several times. Listen for grinding or clicking from inside the door, and check each glass rises smoothly and seals tightly against the roof when closed. On the drive, listen for wind noise around the windows at speed.
Why it matters: Window regulators are a known weak point on this generation, and the frameless windows sometimes don't seat properly, which raises wind noise at speed. A new regulator is a routine repair.
The cabriolet roof hydraulics
What to look for: On a cabriolet, lower and raise the hood fully twice, watching that it moves smoothly without stopping or jerking. Lift the carpeted panel on the left-hand side of the boot to check the hydraulic fluid reservoir level, and look for fluid stains. Check the rear window is held firmly in the hood.
Why it matters: The electro-hydraulic hood mechanism can play up, usually because seals start to leak after a decade or so, and a replacement mechanism is a big job. The rear window can also come loose in the hood and let water in. A hood that works smoothly every time is a good sign.
Also in the full guide
- Electrics and climate control
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the C209 CLK
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Mercedes-Benz.