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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  Unhappy & frustrated to date - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Can YOU explain? - March 16 - 10:00 am

  3 days after purchase, my power steering pump failed nearly causing a fatal crash. The teleaid system and rear assit mirror adjustment were also found defective from day one. While a new power steering pump and teleaid system installation seems to have corrected the problem, the mirror still does not work and will go a 3rd time for repair. Its not fun to drive because Im constantly driving it to the repair shop. BTW... this is not a cabriolet (only choice given).

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  Not a fine wine... - 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By okedoke - March 15 - 4:43 am

  Bought the car used with 104K miles for my kid as I wanted her in a mini tank, along with traction and stab control, side airbags, etc. Just my luck, had to fix almost everything - brakes, rear deck leak, amplifiers, blown speakers, rear antenna, ball joints, dashboard digital metrics (outside temp, gear display, etc) shot, intermit wiper, etc. I think it also just sprung a leak somewhere up front on the passenger side, and I think I just lost the driver rear wheel bearings. Ive owned late model American and Asian based cars that never experienced as many problems as this little gem? Also - Bose radio sounds like crud, lots of static.

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  NEW AND EXCITED OWNER - 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By ELENI - March 8 - 2:00 am

  From the first time I ever laid my eyes on the CLK I knew I had to have it. I had to wait a couple of years to fit it into my price range but alas that time has come. So far the car is magnificent. From the look and feel to the pick-up and speed. I havent had too much time with it but can tell that this car will never lose my interest.

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  Nice drive - 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By carson - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This is a very luxurious sporty car and fun to drive. It will get you a lot of looks. It is very comfortable and the amenities are very useful and well positioned. The throttle lag takes a bit of getting used to and the car feels a bit heavy. However the V8 is generally smooth and sounds great. The AMG55 might be just the ticket but for pure driving pleasure I would pick a slightly smaller / lighter body.

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  WHAT A GREAT CAR - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By ALEX SHULMAN - March 8 - 2:00 am

  FIRST LET ME START THAT I SPENT A FEW MONTHS CHOOSING THE RIGHT CAR FOR ME. THE ISSUES WERE DRIVING IMPRESSIONS, HANDLING, QUALITY OF THE RIDE, STYLE, COMFORT(ESPECIALLY THE DRIVERS SEAT), EXCLUSIVETY. THE CONTENDERS WERE BMW M3 (COUPE), LEXUS SC430, BMW 540 (M SPORT PACKAGE)AND CLK500. AFTER TEST DRIVING ALL OF THOSE CARS, I BOUGHT THEE CLK500. IT EXCELS IN ALL CATEGORIES LISTED ABOVE; ESPECIALLY THE QUALITY OF THE RIDE (MOST LIKELY BECAUSE OF THE NEW SUSPENSION) WHICH IS SIMPLY AMAZING. THE M3 IS A PHENOMENAL CAR, BUT FEELS STIFFER AND MORE ROUGH. SC430 FALLS BEHIND THOSE TWO.

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  Top of the class - 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By taproot_crn - March 2 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the classiest muscle cars you can own. The acceleration comes at any speed and blows away others on the road.

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  smooooth - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By tlfrench - February 24 - 10:00 am

  having traded up from the audi A4, I have been absolutely thrilled with my CLK 320. I love the style, love the way it feels when i get into it and hear the solid thud of the door closing, and the performance has been a pleasure. Ive also loved the extras: the way the seats push up to let someone climb easily into the back, the trip computer, the rear mirrors automatically dimming, the automatic sensor in the windshield wipers... to name a few! Drawbacks so far? (just under 10,000 miles)The analog clock loses time, and the rear windows stopped working. My first check-up at 10,000 miles will keep them busy, but I wouldnt trade this car for anything.

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  Surprisingly Excellent - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By cubanaudi - February 24 - 10:00 am

  This car was a huge surprise for me. I went with a friend to get another model, and I came out with an MB and my friend didnt. Awesome power, comfortable ride, amazing looks, and just a sweet ride all around.

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  Sweet Cede!!! - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Stacy Anglen - February 22 - 10:47 pm

  Awesome car!!!!! Smooth, comfortable ride!!!!! I would buy one again.

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  fun to drive - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By daves - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Many innovations and buttons to learn on this auto. Great car especialy the gps system and convertible top.