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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  CLK 55 AMG CAB - 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Mark/mdunahay - December 9 - 12:40 pm

  The car is clearly the best car I have driven. But... Mercedes has one problem with this vehicle... electronics! Intermittently(once every 3 weeks), the left channel of the stereo system goes out for some reason. Once you turn the car off and reset the computer, everything is fine. It also has stranded me once because of a full electronical system failure! If you could overlook that system failure & the annoying electronic glitch... it is an awsome car with stunning looks & power.

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  Best Car on the market - 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By MR.RIVERA - December 7 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car. It is fun to drive,sporty yet still luxurious. 4 years later it still runs like new and turns heads. I have had minimal problems ex: starter problem and sunroof problem that were expensive to fix.The other problem is when i bring it in for maintenance the dealer tries to sell me everything. Over all it is a great car and one that I plan on keeping forever.Maintenance is expensive but well worth it.

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  My Favorite Car - 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Dave C. - November 20 - 12:26 am

  I have owned a LOT of cars (3 Mercedes) and this is my favorite out of all of them. I love the styling; it seems timeless. Exterior proportions are perfect, and quality is excellent. The interior is laid out perfectly, and the workmanship is Mercedes (i.e. the very best.) Handling is excellent, though a little heavy at low speeds. This car loves high speed cruising. The engine is super. Transmission is the best I have ever driven. Brakes & suspension are very good. Amazing sound system. So far, I have no unexpected maintenance issues (130K miles), but I am using a very small amount of oil. Not uncommon for mileage. Fuel consumption amazing: 31mpg highway, 26-27 average. Zero complaints.

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  My first real toy - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By robertfj - November 15 - 2:30 pm

  Awesome driving experience. Great road manners and super performance. 11,000 miles and not one complaint or problem.

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  My new Benz! - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By maconley - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I was drawn to this car based on its 2003 redesign.

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  Cant help but stare - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By commuteinstyle - October 31 - 10:00 am

  This is an awesome car. Slightly smaller than the E500 but much more nimble ... Power is abundant and the handling is crisp and smooth at the same time. Front seating is great for the taller driver ... Im 6ft 4in and it fits perfectly. Rear passenger room is comfortable as well (a bit tight behind a tall driver) ... Havent seen many new CLKs on the road ... especially the CLK 500s which is why people stare ... Love the way when both windows are down, it creates a very open feeling in the car (almost like a convertible) ... Build quality is much better than the E, C, ML classes (even the material is better like in the CL and S classes).

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  Very happy CLK 350 cabriolet owner - 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By ellefritz - October 23 - 4:55 am

  This is my first MB and Im in love; in fairness Ive owned mostly Toyotas and Hondas so its my first luxury ride but Im very impressed. After 6 months Ive had no mechanical issues (though my miles are very low). It looks great standing still and very very fun to drive. Wasnt sure how much Id use the convertible but I use it all the time, especially with the heated seats. I mostly drive in the city but am getting about 20 mpg combined city/highway.

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  Slow Car - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Jeanne - October 4 - 7:46 am

  Not a sports car at all. Dont be fooled by Mercedes in order for them to sell the car. Automatic trans and low horsepower add up to a boring car. BMW 3 series would have been a smarter purchase! This is definitely an old lady car.

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  GREAT CAR - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By ROBERT - September 24 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS 2002 CLK430 CONVERTIBLE. WHAT A FUN CAR TO DRIVE

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  From One Black Beauty to Another - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By hazellocks - September 19 - 11:43 am

  With a child in college, Id planned to drive my 97 Lexus ES300 until it died. Sure, it was a bit long in the tooth, but it worked just fine. Until it died. Suddenly. Irrevocably. In my neck of the woods, Lexus rules; Beemers are well-represented, too. I was loyal to Lexus, but in my heart of hearts, I wanted an MBz. A good friend and private dealer found my new baby. At first sight, it was so beautiful, I was afraid to drive it. It was too fancy, too ostentatious, too TOO. Took about a week to get over it. I am in love. Smitten. Besotted to the point of purchasing a custom cover to minimize sun damage (blk ext, no tinted windows, hot sun, all that leather). Co-workers tease, but thats OK!