Mercedes-Benz CLK-Klasse 208 CLK 320 Cabriolet, 218 PS, 5-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive, convertible (1998–2003)

Research for this car

Generation guide Mercedes CLK W208 (1997-2003): known problems and buying guide
A fair buy if the automatic shifts cleanly and the V6 pulley and steering are tight, with the closest look at the 1998 and 1999 automatics.

Issue	Affects	Typical km	Repair cost	Source
Five-speed automatic gearbox faults	722.6 five-speed automatic, all years; most reports on 1998 and 1999 cars	Not stated	No confirmed price	Generation guide
Crank pulley loosens on the V6	M112 V6 (CLK 320), 1997 to 2003	Not stated	No confirmed price	Generation guide
Exhaust manifold cracks on the Kompressor four-cylinder	M111 Kompressor (CLK 200 Kompressor, CLK 230 Kompressor)	Not stated	No confirmed price	Generation guide
Steering play and tie-rod ends	All cars	Not stated	No confirmed price	Generation guide
Body rust	All cars, most on cars built before the 1999 facelift	Not stated	No confirmed price	Generation guide

Drive the automatic cold and warm, through every gear, and pull away from a stop in Drive and Reverse. Bad result: a delay or no movement when it engages, a jolt at higher revs, or a stall when cold.
On a lift, look at the torque converter seal and the wiring near the gearbox for fresh oil. Bad result: oil at the seal, which can creep into the wiring and reach the control unit.
Start the cold V6 and listen at idle, then watch the crank pulley. Bad result: a rattle, a knock, uneven running or a pulley that wobbles.
Look at the exhaust manifold of the Kompressor four-cylinder with a torch. A lift helps. Bad result: a visible crack in the manifold.
With the engine running, turn the steering wheel by hand and feel for play before the wheels move. On a lift, check the tie-rod ends for play. Bad result: play at the wheel, vague steering, or a loose tie-rod end.
Check the body for rust: door bottom edges, under the trim strips, boot lid, front wings where they meet the sills, sills and jacking points, and the floor. Lift the driver's footwell carpet and feel for damp. Bad result: bubbles, holes, fresh filler or a wet carpet.

Operational	€333
Workshop	€126
Fixed costs (tax, insurance)	€107
Total per month	€566
New-car depreciation (not included)	€61

ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months

Listings on mobile.de in this generation with this fuel, gearbox and power.

First registration	Listings	Median price	Median mileage
2003	1	–	–
2002	11	€5,600	204,000 km
2001	10	€8,550	121,000 km
2000	16	€5,000	210,852 km
1999	17	€7,490	184,232 km
1998	4	–	–

Medians only for years with at least 5 listings. Many cars are first registered after production ends, so years can run past the build years.

Month	Listings	Median price	Middle half	Median mileage
Nov 2026	59	€6,200	€4,100 – €9,590	186,000 km
Oct 2026	59	€6,200	€4,100 – €9,590	186,000 km

Median asking price at the last snapshot of each month.

All 4 ADAC versions

Version	Power	Production years	Running cost per month
CLK 320 Cabriolet Final Edition Automatik	218 PS	2002–2003	€572
CLK 320 Cabriolet Sport Automatik	218 PS	1998–1999	€559
CLK 320 Cabriolet Elegance Automatik	218 PS	1998–2003	€568
CLK 320 Cabriolet Avantgarde Automatik	218 PS	1999–2001	€565