Mercedes CLK 1998 - 2002. Why are they so cheap?

[Ducati888]

I've never been a great fan of German cars - probably more a case of the people who drive them thinking their excrement has no odour.

There is one, however, that I've always liked. The Mercedes CLK range from 1999 - 2001. 2 door coupe, they came as a 4 banger with a blower, a V6, or a V8.

I like the V8, of course. What I can't figure out though, is why such a car can be bought for $15K with 140K km. I'm sure the equivalent BMW or Audi would be over $20K.

Am I missing something? Are they unreliable and costly to keep? Or, is it mainly because they are a two door, four seater?

A 220KW V8 with all the bells & whistles for $15k would be a good cheap temporary replacement for my AWD 2004 Verada, until I can afford a Calais V.