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:

• 

  MBenz 430 CLK - 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Rockman - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Fun car to drive, but maintenance issues continue to dog it; a refelciton of MBenzs increased model line and production I suspect. Poor choic eo Michelin Pilot on 18" wheels; Ive had to replace six tires in less than two years for wear (at 43K miles?), and for punctures that were not fixable due to the low aspect ratio. Gets expensive at $340/tire... Also had relaibility problems (and dealer problems at MBenz in Pleasanton) for rain sensing windshield, broken sunroof switch, broken climate contorl fan, and broken gas gauge. Sure is great to drive and handles very well at high speed, but cost/mile is very high.

• 

  Clk review - 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Harry Resis - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Greay car. Dream car.

• 

  CLK55 AMG - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By mikeb - April 10 - 10:13 pm

  Fun to drive, very smooth and quiet with the top down. Good power and sharp looker.

• 

  What a disappointment! - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By MO%12 - April 10 - 10:00 am

  My CLK is <6 months old and has been in the shop more than every car I have ever owned over 20 years combined and I havent even had an oil change yet! The glove box wouldnt close before I even drove my new car off the lot requiring multiple days to fix with a complete dashboard overhaul. Then the driver door had a rattle that required a "bolt to be tightened". A month later the rattle occurred on the passenger side. Then the seat belt arm extension stopped working - all requiring days of service. I gave my thoughts to JD Power & Associates and asked if others had these types of problems - the answer an emphatic yes!

• 

  Best $60k Youll Ever Part With - 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Chuck Dee - April 8 - 1:03 am

  Picked up my new black (not metallic) CLK550 two weeks ago. Just passed 1000 miles. My previous cars included 330i, 911 C2, Audi S4. Never have owned a Benz before. This Benz is incredible. The car is supremely solid and capable. The engine is a beast you simply cant miss experiencing. 391 lb-ft of torque without a turbo is so much acceleration you wont believe it. And I have owned some very quick cars. That engine sound! 7-speed paddle shifter is also wonderful. Requires some practice in making it do what you want when you want. Anything over 3000rpm is all you need. For the truly adolescent (like me), you will walk away from M3s and 911s quite nicely.

• 

  2003 CLK320 Coupe - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By John Doe Wilson - April 7 - 2:00 am

  I simply love this car. Im very critical of vehicles, but Im hard pressed to find fault in this one.

• 

  Great Overall Car - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Thomas H - April 1 - 2:00 am

  My purchase of my CLK 430 was an impulse buy. All the right pieces came together (price, availability, desire, etc.) and I purchesd the vehicle with little forethought. My first reaction was a bit of buyers remorse because of downsizing from a sedan and that I already own a convertable. After the first week however, this has become my primary vehicle and I love to drive it. The styling is great and the performance exceptional. My only complaint is the lack of amenities unless you puchase a vehicle with factory Navigation, phone, etc. all of my Audis have more interior bang for the buck. MB should work on this.

• 

  CLK320 - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By BLB - March 25 - 3:06 pm

  Mechanically (i.e, drivewise), this car is a dream. Ive had some minor electrical problems that were of course covered by warranty - things like faulty warning lights. I have no complaints.

• 

  Believe the Hype. - 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By JayEmm - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my CLK 430 last February when it had roughly 37k on the odometer. I have placed about 6k on it since and have had absolutely no problems at all. The vehicle was a Starmark Certified Pre-owned car, which may be why I havent had any trouble. The previous driver had leased it and told me he had it in for unscheduled service on two occasions, both minor.

• 

  This is Awesome!!!!! - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Jonzer - March 15 - 2:00 am

  I really love the way it handles, and the power it has.