Used Mercedes-Benz CLK320

What to know before buying: Mercedes-Benz CLK320

From 3 press tests · updated 12/10/2026

What the reviews say

• The W208 has durable W202-derived construction and classic Mercedes mechanicals; the source describes it as a practical premium coupe.[1]one sourceW208
• The cabin and body equipment are generally durable: plastics are strong and repairable, and sound interiors outnumber neglected ones.[1]one sourceW208
• Owner-review collections repeatedly feature the 3.2-litre CLK 320, including a dedicated selection of positive opinions.[2][3]

Typical faults

• Moisture and dirt collect in the W208 sill and wing joint; minor visible rust can conceal damaged reinforcements, pillar metal and sill seams.[1]one sourceW208
• Rust affects the driver’s footwell, strut-tower seams, arches, areas above the fuel tank and rear subframe, plus brake and fuel lines.[1]one sourceW208
• The front bumper beam and front subframe can corrode severely; a body, suspension or engine mounting ear may break away from the subframe.[1]one sourceW208
• Moisture in the driver’s footwell affects the power-distribution unit; supply interruptions can trigger ABS/ESP, alternator and engine-sensor faults.[1]one sourceW208
• By 200,000–250,000 km, alternator bearings may be worn, while the voltage regulator can succumb to electrical-system problems.[1]one sourceW208

  200 000–250 000 km

• Climate-system valves, drains and flaps can fail; window regulators and the hinges of the heavy frameless doors may also give trouble.[1]one sourceW208

Which engine and version to take

• Within the supplied owner evidence, the 3.2-litre CLK 320 is the best-represented choice, including in the positive-opinion set; individual condition remains decisive.[2][3]

What to check at the inspection

• On a W208, remove the plastic sill cover and inspect the wing-to-sill joint; tidy outer metal and even an endoscope may miss corrosion beneath sealant.[1]one sourceW208
• Lift the carpet in the driver’s footwell and check for moisture, floor corrosion, and oxidation in the power-distribution and fuse boxes.[1]one sourceW208
• On a lift, inspect strut-tower and bulkhead seams, arches, both subframes, the area above the tank, and the brake and fuel lines.[1]one sourceW208
• Check wiring near the sills and beneath the passenger’s feet; poor body repairs may leave damaged, unwrapped wiring.[1]one sourceW208
• Check the climate drains, heater hoses and core, air-conditioning evaporator, window regulators and frameless-door hinges.[1]one sourceW208
• During diagnostics, investigate ABS/ESP faults, sensors and wiring, while also ruling out power-supply problems and brake-fluid leaks.[1]one sourceW208

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]kolesa.ru — Mercedes CLK-Klasse W208 с пробегом · press
2. [2]drom.ru — Мерседес CLK-Класс 2012, от 2.0 л. отзывы владельцев · press
3. [3]drom.ru — Мерседес CLK-Класс от 2.7 л. отзывы владельцев - плюсы · press

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