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 321 through 330 of 581.00-
CLK 320 Is Great Compromise - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By twopt5ct - August 9 - 10:00 amWe had long lusted for an SL but as a 4th car being used at a vacation home the backseat was a must to carry guests when they visited. Exceeds expectations and flawless top.
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Love - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By EvanESQ - August 9 - 10:00 amI just got my 500 and I am in absolute love with it. I had the m3 but this is all around better!
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Awesome Soft Top - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By BogeyGolfer - August 9 - 10:00 amThis is THE soft top to own. Sharp styling, incredible performance, 7 speed shifters on the steering wheel (F1 Type) and excellent handling. For its class, this is the #1 model.
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Love It - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By sonnia - August 9 - 10:00 amGot it in NJ and drove it down to Fl and back again. Loved its nice smooth ride and its push button ease in switching it back and forth to a convertible. Its nice and roomy when the top is up no feeling of being cramped and when the top is down -easy greasy. The front passengers are very comfortable though in the rear its a tad windy.
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CLK - 2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By jpk - July 31 - 2:00 amClassy, compact, powerful, surprisingly economical around town and on the road; solid build quality, no cowl shake, voice-activated phone and stereo/CD controls a treat; a great road car, eats up the miles in perfect security with predictable handling
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05 CLK Cabriolet compared to 03 - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By J. Marc Mushkin - July 30 - 9:06 pmI owned an 03 and it was a disaster - poor trim and finish, leaks, silly interior flubs in design ... altogether an awful car. It was shocking. But, having been a Benz driver since 89, I felt the urge to give it one more try before moving (like everyone else) to Lexus. I have been pleasantly surprised by the major improvement in quality in this new model. The top is infinitely better in all respects, the interior trim is higher quality all around, the noise level is lower, the finish is far superior. Its as if a different car company made it. Anyway, they "saved" this one customer by putting some quality back in. I hope MBZ learned a lesson.
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Benz CLK350 - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By D GIbbs - July 22 - 6:50 pmThis is my first Benz and I wish I would have purchased one sooner. I have had BMWs and the Benz is by far a better built automobile.
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Reviews are all over the map! - 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By E Versace - July 18 - 6:36 amI purchased this car used in 2006. It had about 41000 miles on it.It was a great car and the first owner really took care of it. I didnt purchase the extended warranty. The first year I drove it was great. Doesnt matter if youre young or old, people will turn their heads to see who is driving this car. I picked this car for the sleek yet muscular body style that the newer models do not have. My best friend went online after I got this car and purchased a certified MB CLK 430 as well, but he failed to realize that the heated seats and halogen headlights werent standard. The power of the 430 is amazing and often found myself flooring the gas pedal to feel the G force push lay me back.
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This car is absolutely gerogeous! - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By bafm - July 3 - 10:00 amI traded my 2002 CLK320 Cab for this care. It is fast, far more comfy for rear seat pasengers and just a delight to drive.
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EXCELENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By george lopez - July 3 - 10:00 amI LOVE THIS CAR
