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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  I love my clk 430 cabriolet - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Hugo - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I wanted a convertible with a backseat. I almost bought a BMW 645 / 650 cabrio used, but found this low miles beauty for almost half the price at the same dealership. No regrets!

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  Fun in the Sun - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By John Sweeney - January 24 - 12:56 pm

  Ive owned my 2004 CLK cabriolet since new and use it for trips and top down driving. Its not my daily driver. I like the pickup in sport mode, the ride free of cowl shake and the looks with the top down. Luggage space is sparse unless the top is up. The optional AMG seating with more thigh and back support, heating and cooling and more controls is a must for tall drivers. Overall, I am very satisfied and have had zero defects or recalls.

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  clk da bomb - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By jeepercreeper2 - January 24 - 2:00 am

  excellent vehicle. great interior features and beautiful exterior. amazing ride. best car i have ever riden in.

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  Good by 996/997 - 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By kevin - January 22 - 3:23 am

  I love this car. Candidates: M3, 911, S4. The highway is not a race track. No do I have to endure the harshness of my 996 to have neck breaking speed and a boat load of "cool factor". This thing is a serious wolf in sheeps clothing. The power, torque and hp, is amazing. The ride is plush, more body roll than my Porsche and BMW, even with the sport suspension, but I got over it quick enough. It is still well composed in the twisties. I am waiting for my H&R lowering springs to arrive and for $600 the body roll be gone. Cops dont even notice it. Great car! Of course it eats tires and gas, but a car with 386 ft #s of torque should!

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  CLK430 2001 - 2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Vinh Pham - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Too many problems, at 45k my sunroof and noise problems were still not fixed, new transmission, new car seat motor (3 times, new catalic converter, new A/C drier, sterring wheel shock, new cup holder (2 times), remote door opener, window motor ..... it seems like we dont have good mechanics or poor design, even an aligment took more than 3 times to get it working right, I never had that experience with my Lexus LS400 or Infinity Q45.

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  Outstanding in every regard. - 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Joe Blake - January 16 - 6:50 pm

  This is my first offshore vehicle. As far as I am concerned, this car is in a class by itself. It was a said day when I passed the Cadillac and Lincoln dealerships realizing there was not a car in there for me. As expensive as it is, this car blows away the Jag XK8 which is almost twice the price. And as far as a BMW 335 comparison, I have yet to find anyone who has been in my car that agrees the 335 belongs in the trash can when compared to the CLK. Unfortunately, the 2010 E350 convertible replacement of this CLK model looks harsh, like the design was forced onto the car. And the price is another $12k. Get a CLK while they are still available.

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  Great car and fun to drive - 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Bob - January 8 - 10:13 am

  I traded up from the SLK 280 for the CLK 350. Does not have the same handling as its baby brother, but the advantages far outweigh this fact. Very comfortable interior and leather seats are very comfortable. The model I have does not have park assist, but I would recommend this option. Looking out the back window it is tough to determine where the car ends. I have the older navigation system which is not easy to use, but the newer models I believe now come with the upgraded voice system. Quiet and very smooth ride. Plenty of acceleration when you need it. I am averaging about 19 mpg combined city and highway, about what Mercedes advertises. HK sound system is great. Nice instrument panel.

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  2004 CLK55 AMG Cabriolet - VERY HOT CAR - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Doctore1 - January 6 - 2:00 am

  This is a sexy firebreathing head- turner. The best car that I have ever owned. Purrs like a pussycat until you put the pedal-to-the-metal, then it takes off like a bat-out-of- h#**....handles like a snake, no rattles or shimmies or shakes, just glued to the road. Mine is Black/Black/Black. Able to easily blow- away any Z corvette, BMW or muscle car from the line or rolling. Cannot wait until I can add aftermarket chip and Kompressor....will then have 525hp...

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  Dont be fooled - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By lglegl - January 1 - 3:33 am

  Dont be fooled by the fact that the emblem says Mercedes Benz. The car is poorly designed and poorly built. Interior is cramped; upgraded sound system is tinny; radio reception is awful; climate control is poor, navigation system is impossible to use. At least 5 service visits in less than a year due to defects. This is more like a Reliant K than a Mercedes Benz!

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  Luv My CLK - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By SCSteph - December 31 - 2:00 am

  At first, I was skeptical to go back into a coupe. My two previous vehicles were SUVs. The body style is what first caught my attention. I also like that you do not see the CLK everywhere you go. After the test drive, the only question was cabriolet or coupe. The CLK drives so well and handles even better. I would like to have better gas mileage, but the safety features far outweigh an extra 5 mpg. I may never need the airbags or SOS, but just knowing they are there gives me peace of mind. This is a fun car to own and drive.