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:

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  LOVE IT - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By ReneeGlenn - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Its the nicest car I have ever owned

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  bad choice - 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By nana - September 18 - 4:40 pm

  Ive had a number of problems w/ my CLK 320. There was a serious leak underneath the dash; the drivers door bolts have come completely loose and had to be replaced. The tape deck was defective and had to be replaced. The interior design is very poor, with obstructed vision, bizarre controls, etc. Never, ever would I buy another Mercedes.

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  CLK 500 - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By jms122860 - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I have owned several high performance cars including 2 BMWs. The CLK500 is, without a doubt, the best car I have ever driven - and I loved the Bimmers. It looks beautiful (I get compliments from strangers all the time), and it drives even better. The engines performance is thrilling and the handling is superb. It is absolutely a thrill to drive. A friend of mine traded his brand new E500 for a CLK500 after riding in mine! Its also much more practical than the SL series or the SLK, because it has a functional back seat (I have two young teens to haul around), although not very good for long trips.

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  Worth the money - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By brian decook - September 9 - 7:56 pm

  I was involved in a Tbone colission with a hit and run by a Ford Explorer. The policeman said I should be dead. Thank God for Mercedes Benz and the saftey systems they have invented.

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  A good mix of power and luxury - 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By K. Lee - August 29 - 10:40 am

  This is a great car. I moved up from an Acura CL-S, so it was an upgrade on all fronts. The acceleration is silky smooth. For the most part, the engine is quiet but still can let out that great sounding growl when you really jam the pedal. Theres no cooler sound than rolling through a short tunnel and hitting the gas just before the mouth Its like a sonic boom! Mine is fully loaded, with the P3 package and just about every option available. I think the P2 package is enough though, and you dont need silly options like the automatic trunk opener/closer.

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  Worst car i ever owned!!!! - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Ashly - August 15 - 3:50 pm

  I bought my 06 4 weeks ago, i have since traded up to an Acura TL ( yes, i said up) the TL blows the clk i had out of the water. This was the worst car experience ive ever had. I owned the car two weeks when the transmission went out! I had it towed to mercedes where i had my " manufacturers warranty" For them to tell me to wait a week with NO loaner car! ( said they dont give loaners anymore) For an answer. They were not helpful whatsoever and lacked hugely in their customer service. I was so unhappy with the car i traded for a real one... Acura Tl.All the things wrong- the windows were rattling and loose, failed transmission , rear foglamp out, side turn signal light broken, allot

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  Some things could be improved - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By david Natel - August 15 - 2:00 am

  Love the ride in this car. The most significant feature is its beauty.

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  The 2nd Benz - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By CityBoy3 - August 10 - 2:00 am

  This CLK is the best one Ive ever driven, even though its my sisters she lets me drive it alot I love the way it hanldes the curves and I love flying through the corners, this make me wanna trade in my 1995 500SL. This CLK has a 302hp- V8 and I just love how it purs, anyone who says they dont like it doesnt know luxury.

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  CLK 430 Cab Review - 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Silver Cloud - August 4 - 10:00 am

  Cant see out of car with top up. Too many blind spots. Would never buy another one. Seats uncomfortable.

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  CLK320 - 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Howard265 - August 3 - 10:56 pm

  Wonderful car, very smooth, quite fast. I upgraded to 17" AMG wheels, same as a CLK430 and this improved the appearance and the handling. The headliner had to be replaced to correct moonroof noise problems.