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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  Great Car - 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By TxDoc - June 14 - 2:00 am

  Had this car for about two weeks. The 3.2 engine is plenty powerful! It also rides smoother and quieter than the 4.3

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  Love this car - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By mstrebe - June 13 - 7:33 pm

  The new 7 speed transmission is interesting. It improves fuel economy with no performance loss, but you do have to get used to things like double gear drop downs and the fact that the car runs at about 2000 rpm vice 3000 at typical freeway speed. The new electronics suite is greatly improved over 2004, but the harmon/kardon audio isnt quite as good at the surround processing as the Bose system in the 2004 or as loud. the iPod option works really well--way better than the 3rd party junk thats out ther.

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  Superlative car but real mileage is poor - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By mstrebe - June 3 - 10:20 pm

  The CLK500 cabrio is a fantastic car. No compromises with this car--it doesnt even really need four doors because you can drop to top with the keyfob so backseat passengers can comfortably enter standing up. I use it to get my kids and their carseats in more easily than seating them in our SUV. Performance is fantastic. 0-60 in under 6. Ive done 135 in it and theres litterally no difference in handling between that and 65. Braking is astonishingly short. Great car for family guys who want a sports car or tall people--drivers up to 67". One warning though: The real mileage youll get in this car is about 16.5 mpg.

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  Too many problems - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By kaylee - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Right when i drove out of the lot, there was a problems with the car. The Ac was hot, the windshield wiper was noisy, my malfunction thing was on saying my sos was not working, my back shades were loose making alot of noise. Overall this car is really fast with 362 hp, but too many problems. Had taken this car to the dealership way too many times!

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  Wow, its a super car!!!!! - 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By gambler695 - May 18 - 6:42 pm

  You need to own and drive this car. The clk 550 is very fast, the clk63amg is a beast, its actually will frighten you with 475 hp and 465lbs of torque. I love it, and the engine sound especially top down makes you grin from ear to ear. It even has 4 useable seats and my twin daughters love riding in it. The diamond silver metallic color looks very unique and the car is a discreet head turner. Really no negatives to this car other than price and you get what you pay for with this car. It will be very rare because only 250 ever sent here. Highly recommended, best car by far I have ever owned!

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  Fantastic Engine, but not for twistys - 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By socalh2oskier - May 13 - 9:10 pm

  Just upgraded from 350 cab to the 550 cab. The engine on the 550 is amazing. Too bad the rest of the car lags in comparison. The suspension is downright sloppy. Straight line acceleration is exhilirating, but the smile on your face quickly fades if you have to turn, as it is plagued by execissive body roll and lack of control in corners. Stereo is so-so, and seating, even with the p-3 option pdg which includes upgraded "body contour" seats, is still far below the support and comfort of a BMW. If the BMW 335 convertible were available, I would have bought it. But it is not so I will enjoy this car for my 3 yr lease term and then trade for the more comfortable and sure-footed BMW.

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  Eurocarlover - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Luveurocars - May 13 - 9:06 pm

  I just recently purchased my CLK 500. When I test drove the car, I looked for power, quietness with the top up, and overall enjoyment to drive. This car is fun to drive. Ive owned Porsches, Audis, and Range Rovers. This is my first Mercedes. This is definitely as fun and as comfortable to drive. Im still getting used to the amazing power off the line. It is also a very quiet ride with the top up. Other convertibles we test drove, were quite noisy. Im very pleased with this vehicle. Shes a beauty!

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  exellent - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By cccccccccccc - April 10 - 2:00 am

  exelent carSleek styling, solid chassis, composed ride, comfortable front seats, fast power top operation in Cabriolet. Cons High price, some subpar plastic trim, CD player isnt standard, a few hard-to-use controls.

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  110, 000 Miles and Very Solid - 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Rant - April 2 - 12:33 am

  I have this car for 3 years and is very solid. Lot of power and still feels like new. I highly recommend this car. 110,000 Miles and no issues. I use it on daily basis for everything. Mercedes benz road assistant said the CLK class is the most reliable of all Mercedes and I agree with it. For a V8 23 mpg is really good.

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  2 Years Later - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Max Headroom - March 31 - 8:36 am

  We picked this car up in Germany in Oct,2005, fresh off the 2006 production line. I highly recommend their white-glove international delivery. We tooled around on the autobahn at speeds of 120- 130mph with little effort. I only recently went on a road trip of any length in the U.S.; 2000 miles to NY and back to Atlanta. What a dream on the road! Surprizingly, room for 2 suitcases,a computer tower,various coolers and tote bags without having to put the top up! Mileage ran at 30mpg @ 70-80 cruising speed. Because this is a performance car, the ride is stiff, but not intolerable for long trips. The adjustability of the driver seat makes finding a comfortable setting easy. Navi system is adequate.