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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  my carlsson clk - 2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By slickjimmy - January 31 - 2:00 am

  Great car... Lots of looks and great aftermarket accessories even if youÂ’re not a big AMG fan.

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  Hi-maintainance beauty - 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By mango77 - January 26 - 10:00 am

  In a nutshell, this cars very attractive, but a real lemon. Ive taken it in to the dealership 8 times in a little over a year. Engine was torn down and rebuilt, amongst other obnoxious and ridiculous episodes. MD- DC dealership and MBUSA have completely turned a blind eye to me and I am considering legal action.

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  Love my Car - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By sdctony - January 26 - 10:00 am

  The car is everything I had hoped for in my first convertible. Riding in this car with the top down is the greatest feeling.

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  Yay - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By cookie_universe - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I have this slight wind nose that from the passenger side that cannot be rid of. The supposed "SmartKey* " Intermittent Wipers with Rain Sensors is way too sensitive. Even with little drops of rain from the tree (after the rains subsided), it still continues to work quite sporatically - very inconsistent.

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  Luxury Rocket - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By williamC - December 28 - 10:00 am

  Not as aggressive as BMW, not as soft as Lexus. Great combination of performnce and Luxury in a super attractive package. Looked at this car because ticked off at BMW service over petty problem...now glad of it! Still, nothing quite handles like BMW, CLK comes close and is much, much more functional. PLUS< DEALER WILLING TO NEGOTIATE unlike BMW who always seem to have take it or leave it attitude, even with current owners(used to be 2 in our case)

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  Great Car - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Flameboy - December 28 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car to ride which is reliable. It loks nice and is comfortible. The best part about it is the navgation system, ventilated seats, and the strenght of the car.

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  Classy chassis - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By RedRocket - December 22 - 3:50 am

  I have been driving this feat of engineering for 1 month waiting for the winter to die so I can drop the top. Yesterday was just warm enough. What a thrill! I felt like a million bucks. Everything is so automatic and intuitive. Everything works exactly as designed. Being a designer i appreciate the complexity while being simple. the only engineering that may need work is the audio system controls which are a bit confusing. Hopefully, God willing, I will never own a lesser vehicle.

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  Perfect- save for no manual trans option - 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By botandrews - December 12 - 12:36 am

  Great car

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  Fun and more.... - 2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Dave761 - December 2 - 2:00 am

  The car lives up to everything I have enjoyed about Mercedes. I have had three other models and this one is the most fun to drive.

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  The best - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By LHANN - November 28 - 1:50 am

  I have owned 19 cars, five of which were Benz. My favorites were the 1965 250S and the current CLK 350. Its a dream on the interstate but it is equally a pleasure to cruise the beach. My only complaints are that the trunk is a bit on the cozy side, especially with the top down, and the navigation system is CD driven. However, the navigation system is very good and I would never buy another car without the factory installed system. Gas mileage is outstanding. On the interstate I get 28 regularly (at 80+ mph), although city driving is considerably less. Although the model styling is a few years old I still get many wonderful comments and thumbs up from drivers on the road.