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 181 through 190 of 581.00-
Profoundly Dissatisfied - 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By Tracy - November 19 - 11:40 pmThis automobile is a mechanical nightmare. I have replaced: two catalytic converters, electric motor in drivers seat (2 times), pressure sensor in the fuel tank, CD changer, one motor mount and now it is having electrical problems with the braking system. However, I love the drive and the styling. Unfortunately, with all the problems the bloom is off of the rose!
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Best combo of comfort and speed! - 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By augie - November 12 - 3:23 pmThis car has been great. We picked it up in July, and have had it for a month now! Bought it with just over 20k miles, for under $40 grand! Amazing of fthe line, the best handling Ive ever experienced, and great build quality! You cant beat it for the price nor the speed!
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A Canadian view on a CLK320 convertible - 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By Canadian Summer - November 1 - 10:00 amThe car cruises so well on the highway as I head west to Banff and Lake Louise. It is very quiet and handles so well, and it turns heads in the city. I have had the car for almost 3 and a half years and I drive it year round, even through our Canadian winters. The top is so well insulated that you have to remind yourself that you are in a convertible. With the top down, I have people at the cross walks, actually saying "nice car" as I drive by. I didnt expect all the attention in our city of almost 1 million people, but it is nice to know that I made a good vehicle choice when I special ordered this silver Mercedes.
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Speedy and Classy - 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By Corey Foreside - October 30 - 4:23 amMy dad got this car earlier this year and I think its quite ugly. But, the performance is superb. It is also very well made and fun to drive, as well as comfortable.
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Absolute Blast to Drive! - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By IridiumCLK - October 28 - 10:56 amSince I purchased my CLK350 in February 06, I have had nothing but an ear to ear grin while driving my car. It handles like its on rails and performs incredibly well. I recently took it to the track and ran a 14.3 second quarter mile. Nuff said. Oh, and got 33.5 mpg on the highway on my drive home with cruise set to 70mph! The 7-speed transmission is very slick... not many cars can boast a 70mph cruising speed at only 1,700-2,000 rpm! It is very versatile; it is an extremely refined executive sports car but will effortlessly release the beast within whenever you want to! This is an incredible car and I have no regrets on my purchase whatsoever!
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not again - 2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By stuf - October 14 - 2:00 amThis auto has fantastic styling and engineering yet lacks reliability. The electrical system has had several problems since I reached mile 16. I have had the instrument cluster replaced 6 times for malfunctions. The automatic windows have been reset or replaced 9 times. The best attribute of this auto has been the great gas mileage 23/30.
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Close to Perfection...and Im not easy - 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By Not Easy to Please - October 11 - 5:36 amIve owned other models of MBZ, several BMWs and some Jaguars. They have all been beautiful, but only one or two of the MBZs have had been as close to perfect as this car. It has the quality of a new Lexus and the stylishness of an old Jaguar. And Im not easy to please.
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Best car I have ever woned - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By Mortimer - September 8 - 10:00 amThis is my fifteenth Mercedes Benz and it surpasses any other. It is the smoothest, quietest, and best handling car I have ever driven. It is alos the most fun. I had a 1999 CLK Cabriolet and this is so much better it is hard to believe.
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CLK500 Convertible - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By Yogi - September 3 - 9:50 pmI just got the CLK500 Conv. Let me telling you something, what a car. We wanted to get the CLK350 Conv, but the dealer did not have it. We got the DVD, Premium Package. They had the 500 in stock, and were more flexible in selling this one. I got it for $1.00 over invoice. The car is for my wife, and she is so in love with it. She was a previous BMW driver, and we still have her Car. I own a 99 CLK320, and it is still running great for me. It has 171,000 miles on it...
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The Luxury Convertible - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By keino - September 2 - 2:00 amI recently recieved my 2004 clk 320 cab with appearance package. It is BEAUTIFUL and I am the envy of all of my friends. It does not stop there, this car is simply a pleasure to look at and even more fun to drive, I couldnt be more happy.
