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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  Lean mean machine - 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Dr. Frank - July 26 - 11:16 pm

  This car is fun. Great performance. The power is there when you need it.The handling is great.The braking is great.Above all you feel safe in this car.I have no complaints about quality.Its all built in.Im holding on to this one.Its the first of my future collection.

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  My previous car was a BMW 325 conv. - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By mb user - July 11 - 2:00 am

  but I dont miss it. The CLK convertible is better (but the 325 cheaper ;-). I actually like the fact that it comes with casssette as standard, so I can connect my ipod (which wasnt possible in the 325). If there is anything I dont like, then it is the trunk, apparently there is no way of closing it without touching the car on the outside ... Next time I would pay for the "elecronic trunk closer" option (490$)

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  Truly Outstanding! - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Cubby - July 6 - 10:00 am

  What an elegant yet sporty vehicle! It drives like a dream and is such a head- turner. I think the appearance package is a must as is the burl walnut steering wheel. The wheel coordinates nicely with the walnut interior. Its a fantastic lovely convertible; much nicer than all of the others out there!! I rarely drive anywhere without someone commenting on its loveliness!

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  Overpriced poor body design - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By djjs31 - July 6 - 10:00 am

  This car is at least 20K over priced and the body style looks like a mercury topaz.

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  seats - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By phoebe - July 4 - 10:00 am

  this car is fun to drive if you dont have to be in it longer than 30 minutes. the seats are like sitting in concrete and i actually borrow friends vehicles for a longer trip. after they drive it, it is no longer easy to frind friends that want to drive a mercedes for a day. please... mercedes please find better quality seats. a big dissappointment and will probably make me trade it in sooner than expected. in what models, do the seats become comfortable?

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  after 5 years and 50k miles - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By amiraqeel - June 28 - 5:16 pm

  I bought the car with 6k miles on it. I am still amazed with car after 5 years, the way it obeys drivers command. Body style is great. Only changes made to this car are 20inch giovanni rims which makes it look even greater.I heard complain about having one cup holder only. There are actually two cup holders. I own four different vehicles and believe if you keep up with the maintanance and make small changes technology wise to your car, it will give you years of enjoyment, specialy to clk500

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  Best Car for When Kids Move Out - 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By bigsmoke - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I absolutey adore this car. Drives like a dream, and the gas mileage is unbelievalbe. Get lots of looks and of course love that too!

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  Superior Driving Experience - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By eznowb - June 11 - 10:00 am

  This is a Superior vehicle. It has the acceleration of a Porsche or Corvette, while still meeting the luxurious comfort that has long been associated with Mercedes Benz.

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  A Whole Lotta Fun - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Golfnut - June 11 - 10:00 am

  This car is really FUN to drive. The performance is excellent (slight Mercedes oversteer), ride and handling are exceptional.

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  A Styling Classic - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By E. Maggio - May 6 - 2:33 am

  Among the earliest CLK 500 Cabrios shipped. Superb styling and remarkable acceleration with pedal to floor. Also drive a 67 427 stick Vette so I speak with some authority. Minor problems with drivers seat belt "presentor". Early navigation system difficult to use, improved later in year but dash/wood/knob styling looks much better than improved GPS version. Whats more important? Im a style geek. Gas mileage seems poor to some because take is small! Get 23-25 on highway, 17-18 city driving. Top operation slick. Hard to understand why anyone could not love this car. Still get many great comments into 5th year. Wish it ran on regular gas! More power not essential with this car.