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 231 through 240 of 581.00-
Excellent car with the right refinements - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By Dr Grold - January 7 - 2:00 amThe CLK320 with the standard interior is awful. We had to pay an extra $7000 to get a decent interior upgrade (Designo Cashmere) which makes the car very cool overall. I cannot imagine sitting in the car without the upgrade...it is so cheapy and plastic, it is hard to believe that it is a Mercedes. Once we put the package together then it is a very fine car. Fun to drive, very solid, fun and safe interactive voice command features.
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Summer Ride - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By Sean - December 23 - 3:53 pmI have a triple black CLK 500 convertible. It is very fun to drive with that V8 under the hood! It handles great and rides like a dream!
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Style & Class - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By Had them All - December 2 - 10:56 pmIf you want to handling of BMW, the ride of Lexus, the reliabiltiy and resale of MB, then this is your car. The nice thing too,is that there are not to many of them on the road. Its everything you should expect in a luxury car and this time you get it for a price thats not crazy. Forget the bring Accuras, forget the boxy 5 series BMW, this is perfect for the sophisticated buyer with no kids.
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Great Car, no problems ever! - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By TraceyThomas - November 29 - 3:43 pmThe car has been great since day one. It has been reliable, fun to drive and no repairs other than tires. The ride was fantastic and attention to details perfect. Im buying another one, my lease is over, this time the CLK 350 they have discontinued the CLK 320.
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Great Tourer - 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By racerjae - October 24 - 6:53 amI have owned the car for 2 months and everything has been up to expectations. Drove it from NJ to FL and back, and it was quite comfortable. Very little wind/road noise for a sporty car. The new 7- speed auto is ultra smooth and quick. The new BMW 335 may have better handling/acceleration, but the CLK looks better and is more luxurious inside and out.
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covertible clk-320 - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By EAH - October 8 - 10:00 amThe car is worth the wait for delivery. The German craftmanship is outstanding. The ease of putting the top down is effortless, the best of any convertible I have
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Best car ever - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By MansBFisHisMercedes - October 3 - 6:26 amI have owned this car for a couple months now, and I have never been so happy driving it.Im a BMW person, and when I drove this,I dont think I want to have anything else but a Mercedes.The CLK has a timeless styling, that no other car could match.The pillarless design is genius, reduces blind spots and gives the car that sporty look.The cars performance is great actually,but it could use some more push. The car makes me feel real safe, and when I close the door it makes me feel like I got into a tank.The cars interior is one of the best out there,I got everything but cooled seats and parking sensors. Seats are real plush, and they hold you in in tight turns.The Front logo is my favorite.
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This is an excellent choice! - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By Michael Stuart - September 26 - 10:13 pmThis car is everything Id hoped it was. Very powerful and responsive V-8 not only delivers but is comfortable to drive. Im 60" 205lbs and my only comfort issue is that it sits so low that its a bit difficult to get in and out of
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Perfect design - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By clkowner - September 23 - 3:00 amThis is a wonderful car. It manages to perform like a sports car without the punishing ride found in so many high performance cars. Everything it does is effortless.
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CLK 320 - 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By LARRY S - September 20 - 2:00 amOVERALL PRETTY GOOD A LITTLE SLOW IN THE PICK UP FROM STOP
