Properly proper dead W208 CLK 320

[vaughant]

Difficult one as it looks a lovely car and getting really rare these days but alas we can't save them all. 

The w202 I bought from here started getting random gearbox issues and I was told it was most likely the conductor plate thingy but it needed so much other work it just wasn't with saving, my fuck up, I bought a pup, should have checked it over more rather than just getting all excited over the nice AMG slab wheels on it 😂😂😂.

This does deserve to live but I wouldn't throw a fuck ton of money into it as I remember these having random gearbox issues 15 years ago and truthfully the newer Mercedes are still really nice to drive and not terrible to look after.

[NigeT]

On 09/03/2025 at 09:50, Fat_Pirate said:

I admire your persistence, and I love a CLK... but if it's still broken I say bin it.

Think you're right there sadly. This motor's been a huge part of my life so long so I've a strong emotional urge to resurrect it but the time has come. New conductor plate and fluid failed to cure the issue. I then looked at the failed n/s brake line and it was terrible, rotten from back to middle of the car and given it's routed over the petrol tank and round a subframe the tank at least needs to be dropped. I bodged a replacement pipe routed under the tank only to realise the o/s pipe was even more fucked.

Then I took a look at the sills and it was proper RIP. Rear gone on both sides from jacking point to arch and front o/s on the way out too. Another rusted through mid-section exhaust bracket compounded the misery. I could weld it but question is am I enough of an idiot/masochist to do it, I think not plus real divorce possibility. Given it also needs plugs/coils/leads for misfire, engine mounts and new shifter (was fun removing old one) the cost in time & money is adding up. Started mauling it for parts to sell on ebay & even re-removed the trans valve body, assuming a scrappie will still be willing to cart it off. 

Any ideas for new barge? Sorry I missed the HMC XK8 the other day as it would have been a fine beast to shower some love on over next few years. 

[N Dentressangle]

Right decision, I'd say.

The rustiness of that era MB is shocking, and there are plenty of other pricey things needing doing too. Quit whilst you're more or less ahead.

There is so much bargey goodness from pre March 2006. You're in a very enviable situation! 🤣

[Split_Pin]

1 hour ago, NigeT said:

Think you're right there sadly. This motor's been a huge part of my life so long so I've a strong emotional urge to resurrect it but the time has come. New conductor plate and fluid failed to cure the issue. I then looked at the failed n/s brake line and it was terrible, rotten from back to middle of the car and given it's routed over the petrol tank and round a subframe the tank at least needs to be dropped. I bodged a replacement pipe routed under the tank only to realise the o/s pipe was even more fucked.

Then I took a look at the sills and it was proper RIP. Rear gone on both sides from jacking point to arch and front o/s on the way out too. Another rusted through mid-section exhaust bracket compounded the misery. I could weld it but question is am I enough of an idiot/masochist to do it, I think not plus real divorce possibility. Given it also needs plugs/coils/leads for misfire, engine mounts and new shifter (was fun removing old one) the cost in time & money is adding up. Started mauling it for parts to sell on ebay & even re-removed the trans valve body, assuming a scrappie will still be willing to cart it off. 

Any ideas for new barge? Sorry I missed the HMC XK8 the other day as it would have been a fine beast to shower some love on over next few years. 

Sad but you're being kinder to yourself by sacking that off, it looks done I'm afraid.

I'm likely selling my E46 once I get a new job and replace the o2 sensors and ICV, hopefully won't be too long!

 

 

Moment of silence for the CLK, please.