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 101 through 110 of 581.00-
More fun than fun - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By TanisGR - March 16 - 2:00 amI have never had a single problem. I was a bit disappointed by the slower acceleration (no outrunning cops in this thing!), but the interior is luxurious and beautiful, and features like GPS, voice-command, and three seperate buttons for 24/7 services (mechanical support, emergency, and personal assistant--which is there to get concert tickets/make reservations/recommend hotels & restaurants) are sweet. And its also a status symbol...driving a Mercedes means something to me and to my clients.
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CLK 500 - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By Voila - March 13 - 9:33 amThis car has been excellent from day one. The 500 has excellent horse power and the fuel economy is good for me, The design is excellent! You can tell they really thought this model through. Very comfortable. The car handles well and especially with the sport package. My car has the black with cream interior. Other colors I would consider is the silver, and the navy. Stay away from red and white colors for this car.
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1st Mercedes - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By Benz 500 - March 12 - 3:23 pmAfter owning a BMW for many years thought it would be a nice change. The car looks great but doesnt drive or handle like one thinks it would. The steering is tough too. The front seats are not very comforting for a long drive. No drink holders either. One word would be overrated. Lots of plastic in the interior too. Glad I kept the BMW because thats the car I still drive. .
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gdyt - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By ghdftrsdgahy - March 9 - 10:00 ami love this car. i wanna kiss it
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Great Car - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By AndyAMG - March 6 - 10:00 amBest car Ive driven. AMG has done it again
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Beautiful Piece of Junk - 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By Mostly Bummed - February 25 - 2:00 amI should have believed Consumer Reports! The reliability of this vehicle is no better than a GM or Ford according to CR. Problems since I have owned it (37k to 42k miles): broken power rear shade, broken engine heat shield, broken cable for power drivers seat (twice now), persistent engine rattle, persistent interior rattles, leaking rear differential seal, faulty timing belt, broken lever to unlatch fold down rear seats, loose drivers seat that needed new latches. All in all a highly frustrating and unreliable vehicle. My recommendation: sell it before the warranty expires, or better yet buy something reliable like a Lexus, Acura or Infiniti.
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One beautiful car - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By luvmybenz - February 12 - 8:53 pmI purchased by CLK 500 in August after two years of research and test driving other cars and I must say I have never experienced anything like driving my CLK 500. The stares I get from other drivers (especially from BMW owners). Every time I drive the car I get challeged to race and it is usually from the BMW owners. That is a sign that this is an exceptional car. As for the driving experience it is truly orgasmic. The seats hugs you and the ride is so smooth. I love the accelaration when entering the freeway. I get nothing but compliments on this car and am truly happy I decided to purchase it.
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Mercedes Benz CLK Cabriote 500 - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By acemoto - February 8 - 2:00 ambought the car 8 weeks ago its a perfect car! It handles , its fast , its beautiful Its FUN. If your considering the car do it you will love it. I bought the car in silver with charcoal interior and a black top we ordered it with the navigation as well as heated seats , special CD sound system , wood steering wheel we ordered wit the 500 motor the car is fast fast fast and smooth smooth smooth.
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Excellent! - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By D Strickel - February 2 - 2:00 amVery solid, nice power for engine size. Comfortable and very fun to drive! Useful luxury features such as steering wheel controls, dual zone temp, teleaid, nice stereo. Handling is awsome, car feels very adaptable to different driving situations. Amazing reactions from people on the street for a car under $100k.
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CLK 430 Cab - Excellent Auto - 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By KFarrND - February 1 - 10:00 amIve had my 430 for almost 3 years and it has driven better than any car I have ever owned. Only problem I have had is one electrical failure with the top, and the ground effects on the front grill. Its too easy to hit those concrete parking barriers. But the car handles flawlessly, has plenty of power for street driving and feels extremely solid for a convertible. Even at 34,000 miles this car still runs like its brand new.
