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 301 through 310 of 581.00-
Bad compressor at less than 50,000 - 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By cberk74 - November 10 - 3:15 pmMy compressor has gone bad 49,582 miles. The car may be 6 yrs old but at that low mileage it should not have a compressor leak. It has been properly maintained at Mercedes dealerships and garage kept. I am the fourth owner. Had it for two years and average 10,000 a year in mileage. I have only had to visit the dealership twice for service and apparently do not have enough "loyalty" to get a decent repair rate on something that should not be broken. I spoke with the head of the Post Warranty at MBUSA and he spoke with my local service center. The best deal they could offer me was 15% off the $1500 repair bill. I am very disappointed in the quality of the car.
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More car than I expected - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By nwmind - November 3 - 10:00 amThis Black On Black CLK500 Cabriolet is a pleasant surprise. The new engine and transmission with the paddle shifter is very slick and gives the driver great control when performance is needed. The leather is superb and the top is of the finest quality available. Top is very fast up and down 17 seconds and looks great both ways. The car is very quiet with the top up, quieter than my accura 3.2TLS sedan. I got this car because it has two personalities. One that it looks like a black coupe with a sporty business appearance with the top up and a fun sporty runabout with the top down. Rear seat is very comfortable and has more headroom than the coupe. T
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MY Mercedes - 2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By naiyly - October 27 - 2:36 amI love my Mercedes....it is sporty and sleek handles beautiful...It drives fast and is built solid. It has a nice interior..and I wont drive anything other than a Mercedes C320.
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430 Coupe - 2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By hts06 - October 24 - 3:53 pmAll in all I have to say that the Mercedes is a good car. Bought it used with 49k and the light bulb inside the speedometer went out, was $200 to replace. The pixels in the speedometer that show the gear and the temperature and the time started fading out. I have the extended Starmark warranty on it so I didnt pay a dime and they replaced the speedometer entirely and threw in the bulb for free! Car handles amazingly, not horrible on gas for a V8 (15-17mpg) Great acceleration, great handling, would definitely only recommed if you buy with warranty, otherwise the maintenance is not worth it $800 recommended maintenance services are a bit pricey every few thousand miles
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Mixed feelings - 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By mixed feelings - October 23 - 10:16 pmI went from a Boxster to a CLK350 Cabriolet because I started to play a lot of golf and needed more room, but couldnt bring myself to buy an SUV. Mistake! The trunk is small - wont hold two sets of clubs easily. Even with one set, I have to pull out my longer clubs and put them in separately. The back seat very difficult to get into. Front seat wont stay forward unless you readjust it. What a pain. Windscreen completely obnoxious to install/remove. The most annoying thing is the "ding ding ding" when you open the door. I hate it and dealer wont shut if off. Enough to make me sell the car. If you press a button on steering wheel though, you can shut it up. Beautiful car otherwise.
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Amazing,fun-to-drive car! - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By doc rinaldi - October 20 - 10:00 amcar is SAKS 5th ave. special ed...gets more comments,nods and thumbs up than any I have owned.considerd/test drove bmw m3,m5,540i-6spd,mb 500E,02 c55..the clk500 beats them all in terms of balance of performance-looks- comfort-handling..it is three cars:luxury coupe,fast every-day driver and scary fast sports car when you ask it to go
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2004 Mercedes CLK 320 Cabriolet - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By Jerry K - October 7 - 2:00 amI have had the car a week and if initial impresssions are lasting then I made the right decision in purchasing the most expensive car I have ever purchased. However, I figure with its higher than average residual value that I should recoup something more at the end. The car is a delight to drive - it gets stares wherever I go (with many oohs and ahs) - people tell me how beautiful it is and the color combination is perfect: pewter with ash interior w/Black top. I dont like to write long reviews - I will simply state it was worth the money (paid exactly MSRP) and the wait (six months).
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Most "fun" since my 1999 Cabriolet - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By Shannon Baird - October 1 - 8:23 amGreat gas mileage. Comfortable for 2 adults and back seats hold shopping! Love the ride and comfort. Would buy again!
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Mercedes CLK True owners Review - 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By Jack Arutyunyan - September 29 - 10:00 amEverything is great about this car, except there is no CD changer in it as a standard option. I think it is very cheap of Mercedes to do such a thing when Toyota Corollas already come with CD players. Even worse, it can only be a Mercedes Benz CD Changer since there are Fiber optic wires included. Retail will run anywhere from $700-$1200.
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Too many malfunctions - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By brad - September 23 - 8:00 pmA beautiful car inside and out, but too many malfunctions. The tires only get 10- 12,000 miles. Automatic transmission failed after 30,000. The front upper console light panel blew after 1500 miles. Passenger window motor and headrest motor have needed to be replaced. Moonroof cables needed to be replaced after 25,000. Good mpg (24-26), and very comfortable and quiet.
