Overview & Reviews
Throughout most of the 1980s and '90s, Mercedes offered impeccably built luxury cars geared toward the company's traditional buyers who didn't mind the somewhat blocky design aesthetic exhibited across the lineup. Still, there were some consumers who wanted something with Mercedes' well-known strengths and presence, but coupled to more daring styling. That's where the Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class came in. Originally offered as a coupe and later as a convertible, the CLK combined a curvy body with four-seat practicality at a price digestible to the moderately wealthy masses. To no one's surprise, it was a hit.
After a 12-year model run, however, Mercedes replaced the CLK with the similar E-Class coupe and convertible. Still, the CLK remains an appealing pre-owned option. Offering refined road manners, a sufficient amount of sportiness and the expected levels of Mercedes-Benz luxury, safety and prestige, the CLK is certainly worth considering.
Used Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class Models
Produced from 2003-'09, the second-generation Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class debuted in coupe form as the CLK320 (215-horsepower 3.2-liter V6), CLK500 (302-hp 5.0-liter V8) and CLK55 AMG (362-hp 5.4-liter V8). Convertible equivalents to all three joined for 2004. In 2005, the CLK500 switched from a five-speed automatic to the current seven-speed automatic transmission, and this was also the last year the CLK55 AMG was available in coupe form (and the year the navigation system switched from a CD-based to a DVD-based unit).
For 2006, the CLK320 became the CLK350 (268-hp 3.5-liter V6) and also got the seven-speed, while in 2007 the CLK500 and CLK55 morphed into the CLK550 (382-hp 5.4-liter V8) and CLK63 AMG (475-hp V8), respectively. For 2008, the AMG coupe returned, but only in limited-edition "Black Series" form with a 500-hp V8, a track-tuned suspension and a six-figure price tag. Both the CLK63 AMG and the Black Series were dropped for 2009.
Notable standard equipment on the CLK included alloy wheels, leather upholstery, power seats, dual-zone climate control and a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. Major options included a sport appearance package, a navigation system, an upgraded Harman Kardon audio system and keyless ignition. Interior accommodations were airy in CLK coupes, thanks to their B-pillarless design, while CLK convertibles had a quick-acting power-operated cloth top. In addition to the extra power, V8 models added a body kit, different-colored interior pieces and paddle shifters for the automatic transmission.
In reviews, we noted that the relaxed driving character of this CLK-Class made it more of a grand touring car than a sport coupe. The steering was slower than we'd like, but overall, the CLK handled fairly nimbly while riding comfortably. It was plenty quick, too. As a pre-owned option, there's a lot to like in the Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class if you value the Benz ownership experience.
The first-generation Mercedes-Benz CLK was produced for the 1998-2002 model years in coupe form, while the convertible was available from 1999-2003. Each debuted as a CLK320 powered by a 215-hp 3.2-liter V6. The CLK430 variant, motivated by a 275-hp 4.3-liter V8, arrived a year later. The high-performance CLK55 AMG coupe and its 342-hp 5.4-liter V8 joined the line in 2001. Its convertible equivalent followed in 2002, and both went away at year's end.
All models had standard leather, dual-zone automatic climate control, SmartKey keyless entry, a Bose cassette stereo, power seats with memory, front seat side airbags and antilock brakes. CLK430 models added 17-inch wheels, aero enhancements and different-colored interior items. CLK55 AMGs went further with a stiffer suspension, performance exhaust, xenon headlights, a sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, multicontour front seats, front seat heaters and a rear sunshade.
The first changes came for 1999, when stability control became standard on the CLK430 and optional on the CLK320. In 2000 this safety feature became standard across the board, as did Mercedes' new TeleAid emergency communications system. Also, the five-speed automatic transmission on all models gained a manual mode.
The original Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class didn't drive as nicely as the second-generation one. Power wasn't the issue, as all CLKs of this generation were fine performers. In reviews at the time, we took issue with the transmission, which often second-guessed the driver's intentions and delivered badly timed shifts. In addition, the brake pedal was on the spongy side, and the CLK's old-fashioned recirculating-ball steering setup was numb and heavy. On the highway, the car always felt solid and composed, however. Actual braking distances were excellent, too. Besides that, the CLK55 AMG coupe was then the quickest production Benz in history, hitting 60 mph in 5 seconds flat.
Our gripes on the inside concerned the lack of a tilt steering wheel, limited rear-seat headroom and the complexity of many of the controls. CLK Cabriolets suffered from cramped rear legroom, mediocre rear visibility and a power top that wasn't fully automatic (all of which were improved on the second-generation CLK).
In general, we still think the BMW 3 Series coupes and convertibles of the time were more rewarding cars to drive, not to mention less expensive. Still, if we were buying a CLK, our choice would be either the CLK320 or the CLK430. The Mercedes-Benz CLK55 AMG, as fast as it was, didn't offer a big enough performance enhancement to justify its price hike.
User Reviews:
Showing 31 through 40 of 581.00-
Outstanding!!! - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By Carlos - April 24 - 3:16 pmHad the car for about 15 months now and reliability has been excellent! Second Benz in a row I have owned. This is a great car, fun to drive with windows down and a attention getter!
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I love My Mercedes - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By Lisa Margolis - April 21 - 3:06 pmI love my Mercedes. I have always been a truck woman, but this car has turned me around 100%. Handling, sound system, ability to handle the snow (with snow tires) is fabulous!
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Wonderful Car - 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By BCP - April 15 - 10:00 amThis is a great car! Fun to drive, lots of power and very smooth and quiet. Seems to be most happy at about 80 mph on the highway. Gets 29mpg at that speed. I am 64" tall and have no problem getting comfortable. Quality is very high although I have had some problems with interior rattles. The dealer took care of them at the first service. My only complaint is the door sills seem to get dirty very easily with scuff marks from my and my passengers shoes. I think it is related to the type of plastic that is used. Otherwise, I have no complaints and enthusiastically recommend this car.
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Initial impression - 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By C G 62 - April 14 - 5:06 pmJust picked up this beautiful Steel Gray coupe on Valentines day. We had ordered a BMW 328i xdrive sedan. Then Mercedes came out with a fantastic deal on this car. We canceled the 328 and grabbed this incredible car. This car has the ride of a true German luxury car. Far superior to the c300 and even better than the E350. Also you dont see one on every corner. Ive had 3 Infinitis ( G35 coupe, FX35, M35) This car has a far more refined driving experience( better ride, handling, transmission, engine and quietness). The HK stereo is excellent but a little more complicated than it needs to be. Rear seat is good for 2 adults up to 5 10" tall. Trunk has good usable space.
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Black CLK 320 - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By Conrad Christensen - April 10 - 2:00 amStyling of the black interior and exterior of our CLK coupe is what determined our buy, plus the good over all experience of the l998 E 320 sedan we turned in with excellent engine and ride performance. I do wish the doors had a more solid feel when shut on the CLK
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1999 CLK Cabriolet - 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By jim bergtold - April 7 - 3:46 pmI purchased my 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK320 Convertible and have put 20,000 miles on it. I have not had even one problem with the car. My only problem is that I have a hard time wanting to trade for a new 2005 model.
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Best Benz yet! - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By CLK 320 - April 2 - 3:16 pmIve owned 6 Mercedes, 2 of them SLs and this is by far the most comfortable and fun car yet!
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Mercedes CLK 320 - 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By Jean - March 28 - 2:00 amThis car has been everything would would expect from a Mercedes
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Mercedes CLK 320 - 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By jean - March 28 - 2:00 amThis car has been everything would would expect from a Mercedes
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Excellent Car Ever Had - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By OZUser - March 22 - 10:00 amI received my new CLK320 two weeks ago after long waiting - it has been an excellent car to drive. This car replaced my 2000 3.5RL which was also a great car, never had any trouble. I like the combined sporty and comfort offered by new CLK it is fun to drive, quite powerful yet it is very comfortable, apart from two doors, I cant tell much different from my 3.5RL in term of comfort.
