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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  worth the $ - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By CPRNY - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Great coupe w/ useful backseat & trunk. Opted for 320 not 500, 320 has plenty of power. interior is rich, grt styling inside/out. test drove all the 2dr 4dr comp, BMW530 was a close 2nd but couldnt match Benz design.

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  VERY NICE - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By ONECALL1 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS MY 53RD CAR...OVERALL #1 BUT ONLY DUE TO THE COMFORT FOR SPEED REASONING. AN M5 IS MORE COMFORTABLE, A LOTUS QUICKER, BUT THIS IS THE BEST OF ALL WORLDS.

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  Suggested Improvements - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Frank D. Piperato - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I love this car!!! Only problems, 1. Location of buttons on the drivers side door panel to adjust seats are difficult to find at night while driving.

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  My best car yet - 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Andy Lejnieks - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Excellent value for a lease. Excellent performer, even for a 6 cylinder, on the highway. Tight and precise on local roads. The car is flawless. I only wish I got the convertible.

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  Going to Miss CLK styling - 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By EmeraldCoast1092 - August 9 - 9:33 am

  This is my third Mercedes-Benz CLK, nothing but fun to drive much better than any of my BMWs. Easy of convertible top functions, remote control, good sound system, great on the highway miles per gallon for Florida, very easy with maintenance services schedules and looking for a new 2010 when lease expires. Much better beverage holders now and the bluetooth phone function is great. !

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  1000 miles and all is well. - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By DGDanieljr1 - August 5 - 10:06 am

  So far this has been a great car. I do miss the robust horsepower of the Vette I had but this car does have some quiet acceleration. Seems to be a very nice car.

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  Smooth as Silk - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Daboss - August 3 - 10:00 am

  I have owned the last generation CLK in the form of a 99 CLK 320 and recently upgraded to the newly styled coupe. Also being the owner of an 03 E, I appreciated the lateral styling lines. The new CLK is a great blend of comfort with style. At times a car can end up being an unpracticle show piece, instead of a driver, not so here! So forget the backseat leg room and the added trunk space, you want power, style and comfort. This car has it all!! I dont think there is a day I drive this car without a HUGE smile on my face. Gliding through lanes, accelerating effortlessly, dropping all the windows with one touch of a button, it all seems surreal.

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  Awesome - 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By MLP - July 13 - 4:03 am

  Having owned several performance Mercedes over the yrs including the SL series, the CLK 550 is proving to be the best road machine I have ever driven. Mechanics wedded to aesthetics.

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  Very cool car, crummy seat - 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By BarFly - July 5 - 4:20 am

  One of Americas best looking cars! But beware the seat bolsters. I test drove this car a long time before buying. Thought the seats were wonderful because of that "tucked in" feeling. However, those bolsters pinch my back (Im 511", 210 lbs). Painfully annoying and I bought this car for extended touring! Had a shop rebuild drivers seat - got some relief. I wish I had the 2010 E-Class seats with the adjustable bolsters. I mean, who drives a CLK hard enough to need aggresive bolsters? Having said all this, I love this car. Plenty of room for extended trips. Very quiet with top up, cozy during the winter. Fast. Cool. Beautiful exterior. Shopped Porsche, Audi, BMW. The CLK won.

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  MY CONVERTIBLE - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By RICHARD GLASS - June 26 - 10:00 am

  I AGREE WITH THE POOR VISABILITY OUT OF THE REAR VIEW MIRROR. NEEDS WORK FRONT PLASTIC BUMPER IS A DISGRACE. FALLS OFF ALL THE TIME. BUT THE CAR HAS A GREAT LOOK AND FEEL. WHATS WITH THE CUP HOLDER? IT BROKE DAY ONE AND NEVER REALLY WORKED.