Mercedes CLK350 | My Dad's Next Car...

I’m the continued search for my Dad’s next car, we try the Mercedes CLK350, with surprising results…
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[@volt8684]

My dad had an Austin A40. Best thing was he owned a repair garage and despite that being our family car he used to bring home customers E types, sunbeam Alpine v8, Humber sceptres, a lot of V6 fords, old MGs mostly convertibles and take me (5-10yrs) for a ride. Am 64 now and never forgotten. He’s 94 and only gave up driving last year. His last car a mitsubishi evo😁😁😁. Lovely watching this with you such great relatinship

[@Tom_Mills]

That gen of Merc do very well at just working, had a W203 estate that held up great on 185k and then I moved on. Great series to see you and your dad both enjoying 👍🏼

[@itsjoel]

Thanks Tom

[@Iluvcarsforever02]

Hi Joel - as always another great video. I actually own a CLK350 as my daily and it has been exceptional. However, I noticed the chrome on the drivers headrest has rusted and this sends alarm bells for me. That car has been leaking from the roof very badly for a long period of time for that to be happening and I would be checking every electrical component I could. Check the runners for the electric seats for corrosion and the motors underneath too. Also, check the carpets around the side of the seats and foot wells for any signs of either dampness or water stains. A common fault is the windows not quite going back up into the roof when closed and the only way to rectify this is to realign the windows - this involves removing the rear seats to access the motors and is very time consuming and expensive! I had this very issue a few months after I bought the car and luckily I bought it from a fantastic dealer who spent a lot of money sending it to a roof specialist. It looks a tidy example but check everything before buying! 🙂

[@dickpeuten1988]

The exact same thing I also noticed. Car looks very tidy but the rusty headrest is definitely a concern/something to look into. Aside of the things Aidan refers too, also check the rubber all around the car, especially around the windows. Tricky and expensive to replace.

[@chrisdunn2177]

Quick tip if the door panels are ruched like in the 350 it means the interior is real leather not the faux artico stuff that cracks 👍👍

[@reaperxi-0382]

Why doesn’t he try an XKR for its V8?

[@rv9990]

The car definitely had some leakage problem if the headrest pillars are that rusted. Would not buy this exact car. Would go for a CLK500.

[@sks6763]

You know you're a Mercedes enthusiast when you rewind the video back to the rear of the exhaust upon startup. Was fortunate enough to experience a 280 Avantgarde when they were new. Love Mercedes from the 90s and 00s. They were ahead of their time. I don't think you'll be disappointed (definitely bias).

[@yeahnoway111]

The 350 M272 engine is really unreliable, I would suggest a CLK 550, CLK 55 or CLK 63 instead

[@monk3yboy69]

That is just not true. You have been watching too many backyard mechanics. A good car with MBFSH will have had all that sorted. I know, I have one and I have had her for years. And my merc specialist will tell you the same thing.

[@TomazzA123]

Not sure if it's in the right price range or fits the criteria you're looking for, but the CLK500 of that era is a great car

[@TheCelica130]

I agree, I have 2005 facelift CLK500 cabriolet sport edition with 7gtronic gearbox and m113 engine. It looks and drives perfect.

[@Kay_Emm_]

I would honestly suggest an SLK 55. Incredible engine and honestly the economy isn’t *that* bad. My boyfriend’s Dad used to have one and loved the hell out of it

[@Buck3366]

I still think Dad should try a 125i if only to see how it drives. If the roof shape thing is the only issue it’s one niggle compared to the benefits of a good chassis, RWD and a familiar engine. To be fair I think they look great with the roof up or down.

[@itsjoel]

He has been saying this actually, how he would like to humour himself and just try the 1 series.

[@lbnewell23]

You could even look at 135’s because they’re really fast and much more like a Z4 because they’re still small light weight sports cars just with room for a baby seat or a dog as your dad said

[@Buck3366]

@@itsjoel Having seen they indeed do a 135i convertible I think he would be blown away by the N54 twin turbo in a little 1 series if he felt the S4 was a bit flat. Hope to see you both give one a whirl.

[@JAYPCARS]

If your dad fancies a bit of a sleeper, I’ve got a C32 AMG Estate 👀😂

[@jorgechiubomberos]

I own a clk 350 sport. I love it, mine is a coupe with sunroof, but it has been reliable, cheap to mantain and I still get a lot of compliments on it. It's in my channel if you want to see it

[@HughMacDonald20]

Those seatbelt butlers are all fun and games until it stretches your seatbelt all the way and you've got to release the whole unit! Cost me about £400 to replace!

[@johnglover1717]

I've had both a W208 & W209 CLK and loved them both. However, watch for rust in the wheel arches, even on the W209's.

[@cellarton]

Careful with the M272 V6 before 2007- it has issues with the balancer shaft and idler gear issues, which are extremely expensive to put right.

[@stevelaming9223]

Yes, I had an S500 around that age. Parts (sprocket) was about £90, but the engine and gearbox, plus everything associated with it, had to come out ! I believe the 2008 on cars were a better design. Any Merc specialist will be able to check if the car your looking at would be affected by the engine number.

[@monk3yboy69]

@Matthew M If you purchase a well looked after one with FSH and all repairs done, that would have been addressed. So yes, something to look out for but most times when that happened it was on cars not looked after. Mine is a 2007 350 Sport Cabriolet with 75000 on the clock . Immaculate. Had her many years now and no issues. I use an independent Merc specialist that takes care of her. You need to find one of them. The dealers….ouch if things go wrong.

[@chew_chew-jo5lx]

My grandad has the 280 amg model so nice with Capichino leather and a special edition silver

[@richardelson3261]

I have one a 2007 Sports factory AMG appointment also silver with the black hood. I bought it in first covid lockdown as a summer car because it was clear holiday plane travel wasn’t going to happen. So it’s been used for day trips long weekends holidays and recently little tour in France. I wanted a four seat convertible so that our grown up kids friends etc could come Along for the trip too a d I’m very glad I did. Lovely Going off for a summer day out and picnic with friends with the top down. Has a luxurious sense of occasion. Smooth powerful and with the paddles fun. The hood is a work of art. Gets about 30mpg on longer trips 22 in town. It’s needed a handful of replacement parts but nothing serious.

[@CHADWICKBMX420]

had a clk for 4 years best car i ever owned just look out for the seatbelt butlers not working and the electric seat models sometimes cause battery drains otherwise amazing cars to have and drive

[@rv9990]

Another thing to consider with the Mercedes is, is that the dealer can still service these (no bullshit of not having parts, because the car is to old). And when a Mercedes is severd once a year at a dealership, you'll get road site assistance for free!

[@tagy1234]

I'd recommend a CLK500

[@G.S.Taak01]

Jaguar XK8 would be a great choice. 👌

[@ledio.m]

Wow. This car got me really interested. Maybe it can be my new daily

[@brendanpowell9369]

Mercedes of that period have serious rust issues, many Mercedes subframes rusting, wings etc, the real positives about the Audi and BMW, they had no serious rust issues, and good reliability

[@itsmephil2255]

Your Dad is such a cool dude 👌

[@retractablehybrid6110]

E64 650i - Series over! If your dad doesn't choose the 6 series I will be shocked..

[@iBrad.]

Shame you couldn't get your watch in shot longer, I guess you are hoping for sponsorship 😂 mate.

[@TiptronicSS]

That radio top is great 😂😂😂😂😂 I'm really llving this series. Finding nice 2000's era 'classics'

[@brianiswrong]

How the heck did it manage to rust on the drivers headrest supports 😲

[@yeahnoway111]

Prob got rained on with the roof down maybe?

[@itsjoel]

@@yeahnoway111 probably this

[@MattCSLnut]

@@yeahnoway111 ... that would have required a lot of rain for it to rust so badly... more likely it may have a water leak through the soft top somewhere causing lots of condensation inside.

[@steveinlondonakadjtibzz]

Notice that did ya?

[@adrianm8852]

Loving this series with you and your Dad. Keep them coming Joel!

[@2595220]

Think that's a really nice car tbh, however I'd still always go for s4 id want that 4.2 v8 but hopefully ur dad can decide from that massive range of cars 😄 best of luck too him, great video as usual Joel

[@bonniedrasco8166]

A like because it’s featuring your dad ✊🏽

[@liambrown1216]

The CLK is a good option solid cars. I think your dad should also look at a Lexus SC430

[@NebRevel]

Was that initial shot in Bristol by the Downs?

[@tashricksharaf8720]

Hi Joel the clk also comes with a V8 the clk500

[@jeffreyjordan9497]

The bmw is better for racing but mercedes is top of the line when it comes to being comfortable for the price range

[@berwhaletheavenger]

Aah, the lovely* M272 V6, balance shaft dramas, swirl flaps - and a rusty rear subframe for bonus points!

[@devilmahon666]

That CLK didn’t seem to be in great condition. I noticed even the drivers head rear metal poles were all rusty and looked really tatty!

[@alanhunter2009]

Yeah, when I saw this it rang a few alarm bells as to the rest of the car.

[@monk3yboy69]

Both looks dodgy as F. I would not be looking for a car on a wet car lot.

[@sayyidhusaynechindawoli4808]

The top of those CLK don’t hold up over time, ebay actually sells decent replacement. Just need to find a shop willing to do the job

[@ebondave1840]

335i E93 is the right decision

[@spyroskwst8420]

An interesting option would have been the e46 330ci manual in my opinion. Very comfortable and fun to drive, plus you can find a nice one for 5-6k.

[@dionwilkinson3028]

the head rest posts are rusty on the driver side it looks like mate

[@gerryr1893]

Just got an s350 still got the sdv8 vogue but the Mercedes out classes it

[@Tracertme]

Your dad should try a 6 series convertible. To round of the set, but if only to confirm his preference for the Merc

[@BLX187]

An E Class is what he needs

[@adebrade172]

I have a clk 220cdi, it performs very well and looks beautiful from some angles

[@theultimateteam487]

Rusted headrest holders. Hmmm

[@m4xww]

Rusty interior always a good sign.

[@leebrown6623]

Great content as usual, really enjoying watching you videos with your dad 👍 think the merc is a lovely motor…prefer that era of merc to the modern ones

[@Joshshepherd]

Got to get the 6 series. Got one myself and its a pleasure to drive and decent space.

[@SG-yf6dk]

Well the wood veneer kinda matches the rust on the headrest supports 🙈 I'd be avoiding that one !!!

[@Piner5074]

Is a Porsche 911/997 over budget? Because they’ve got 4 seats, (just) can be had for low £20k’s, and are unlikely to lose much in depreciation.

[@allenfleckney5969]

I’m a tad late to the party. Did your dad buy this. They are superb cars desperately underaged and promoted ? I bought one recently and can’t stop smiling. Ps how could you sell the BMW 7. A dream machine. ?

[@adriannurkiewicz8816]

Clk is not equivalent to bmw 3 series or audi a4. Clk is E class Coupe so its more equivalent to 5 series or a6 but those 2 didn't have coupe versions in 2006 years models. C class is rival for 3 series and a4.

[@S-u-p-a]

I would stay away from the clk 350. They have balancer shaft issues a lot of times.

[@rupertmiller4718]

An interesting video, I have never owned a Mercedes but my father did and friends do. I have owned Audis, one a great work horse and one an A4 an absolute shocker but I always come back to BMWs, I have had 4 and loved every one of them. Much more entertaining to drive than the Mercs and Audis and generally better built. The 335 is undoubtedly quick but its forced induction and I suspect the 330i with the engine BMW have always done best is probably the better driver and the more reliable. I have always found Audis a bit boring even if they have made the occasional looker, R8, TT and A7. It depends what you want the car for? Driving thousands of motorway miles buy an S class or and E class but for driving fun stick with a BMW.

[@Professori2]

Just wondering if anyone knew that timepiece Joel is wearing while talking with his father towards the end of the video?

[@del4668]

Google gold face divers watch. maybe it's a seiko or orient, cannot see it that well.

[@liambrown1216]

There's a better shot of it at 5.20. Not sure what it is but it's definitely not a Seiko/Orient.

[@droge192]

Timepiece? not just a watch then?!

[@JMc.D]

The year is 2034, Joel and his Dad have been banned from every dealership in the country and the title of the video is: 2019 BMW Z4 | my dads next car…..

[@colinrobinson4327]

What about a VW Eos with the r32 engine?! 🤔

[@dionwilkinson3028]

what about a mercedes amg convertable

[@UFA-jc8gu]

Go for a CLK Elegance 320 DIESEL my brother owns one . Its one of the better Merc engines and you will get good fuel economy. Any of the large Petrol engines and you will be constantly at the petrol station

[@droge192]

I don't think they're short of a bob or two .......

[@UFA-jc8gu]

@@droge192 maybe, maybe not nobody knows... but wealth is irrelevant All i know is that they are thirsty !!

[@FatNFurious]

I did a review of my CLK350 Sport as a sales aid but it sold before I got the video out. By all means check it out on my channel if you're stilll interested in a CLK. Love the content as alaways Joel.

[@NathanMannin]

What’s happened to your CLK?

[@marklawrence2417]

Try a 5.5 CLK500 ( not amg ) - 388hp - rather nippy. I had a 2006 coupe for 6 years (ky56 flx) sold it with 130k last year and it was still in great condition and reliable, almost kept it but couldn't justify two v8s

[@TBATTIECYCLING]

Are you still trading up for a supercar?

[@jacobdzik6238]

❤

[@callumhardy5098]

Try a Jaguar XK8

[@oliverwithers07]

anybody else notice the rusty headrest ?

[@ianwiggins8782]

That CLK okay suited your dad Yeah look cool not a Mercedes is better

[@alexlarby7917]

Your Dad seems like a Golf R32 kind of guy. Even a Golf GTi. More gentleman racer. Great videos BTW. Brilliant content. You guys are sweet. 👍

[@rjhandley556]

Nice video Joel Interestingly I went from a z4 2.5 to a CLK v6 so I can relate to your situation here I ran the CLK v6 for around 9 months. Solid car, nothing wrong with it and good on long journeys like you rightly said which is why I brought it. However after about 7 months I found myself really bored with it and missing the z4.

[@JamesWilliams1974]

Rust!

[@jameshunterford4099]

No need to look at anything else...

[@jon81crowe]

What the devil is happening to this channel. It’s a mix of raffle ticket begging and boredom. No road trips, no off road range, sort it out chap.

[@itsjoel]

Haha, interesting comment. There are some big road trips coming indeed. But of course, sad to read you don’t enjoy the other bits. Make sure to leave a nice comment on the next road trip video please!

[@shaniapearcey]

Everyone else enjoys the variety

[@itsjoel]

@@shaniapearcey thanks Mark, am trying my best!

[@Holdeenio]

I’m really enjoying this mini series Joel. It’s cool to have multiple things going on and car hunting is always fun 🤩

[@shaniapearcey]

@@itsjoel great content joel keep it up..always good to see your old man involved too 👍

[@SamsMotors]

There definitely must have been something wrong with that S4, that should have had 340bhp and being a manual, should have felt way quicker than the ~270bhp auto Merc. Both lovely motors though!

[@sza86]

my mate had an S4 convertible and it didn't feel fast. ive had an M140i so know what 300+ bhp power should feel like. it was a lovely and smooth motor though.

[@itsjoel]

Yeah, hard to say without driving it, but the power did seem underwhelming in the S4

[@lbnewell23]

@@sza86 don’t forget that especially in cars like the M140i bmw do lie and say they have less power than they actually have often because otherwise no one would spend an extra 30k for like 30bhp on an M2. My dad has an M140i and bmw say they have 340bhp but the sports dials often show the car even now 4 years on producing more than that

[@AdamH108TA]

It will be choked with carbon, very common fault on the German direct injection engines including VAG 4.2. Can be cleaned out for around £500 and power should be restored.

[@jorgechiubomberos]

I own a CLK 350 2008. Has the sport package with sport suspension, ventilated disc's and bigger brakes, also different rims. Mine is a coupe, with sunroof. Love to put all the windows down, it always get compliments. Very simple car to fix. So far, it has been perfect

[@lbnewell23]

Amazing that the one that you liked the most was the slowest 😂 Bmw is 5.7 Audi is 5.9 Merc is 6.7 to 60mph

[@ledio.m]

Its 6.2 claimed and it isnt always about speed. Grow up

[@lbnewell23]

@@ledio.m grow up? Are you taking the piss 😂. They’re looking for a sports car and we’re saying the one that had performance that they were most pleased with was actually the slowest. When you google it is says 6.7 but 6.2 is still slowest so makes no difference. I wasn’t saying that it’s the worst car I was commenting only on their performance. So chill out Mercedes fan boy

[@georgeboyd9514]

I've had 2 CLK convertibles, a 200 kompressor and my favourite a 350 which I owned twice, I traded it in for a Range Rover Vogue and missed it so much I bought it back from the garage for the trade in price, I kept it for another 3 years I now have an Eclass convertible which I love but not as much as I loved my 350. Both the CLK's never let me down, no repairs and passed all MOT without advisories. I would have another at the drop of a hat, If I could find a low mileage, I'd keep it forever.A Merc mechanic once told me they were the best built Merc since the 70's.

[@sideshowbob32]

Watch out for the balancer shaft issue on the m272 engine, big issue on the engine

[@diablobarcelona]

Smells like a care home... PMSL

[@jorgechiubomberos]

The metal trim can be changed very easy to black walnut wood. It makes look very nice!!!

[@jonesy-rh5fk]

If your dad could stretch to one, the successor to that car, the E class cab, would be a much better bet, especially an AMG sport. My dad’s had two of that shape and done the best part of 120k miles in them, from XR3s to Ferrari Dinos his 3.0d is the only car he’s ever regretted getting rid of, light years better he reckoned than the CLK he had in 2007. Also incredibly roomy, we did many a road trip 4 up with all our luggage.

[@ChrisSmith-ct8ly]

I was looking at a 350 CLK convertible as a summer car, having had a 270 diesel coupe years ago. I had a 2.5 Z4 as well and never got on with it, sold it after 6 weeks. 350 looks v.rapid on paper, hope your dad goes for it, sounds like the right car for him. Your content keeps getting better and better.

[@barrybarton8873]

Watch for rust on the bottom of the doors and the wheel archer’s on the Mercedes

[@fixedgearryan]

Is the z4 up for grabs?? 😁