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:

• 

  WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By RDS949 - September 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought my CLK 500 two weeks ago and it has bought back the fun in driving. It has been 10 years since I last bought a Mercedes and I dont know what I was thinking. Drives great, looks great, feels great in town and on the open road. Great Car.

• 

  First Convertible - 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By ECB - September 11 - 12:36 am

  First convertible and I love it! Really wanted a metal top, but wound up trading our 2005 E320 4-matic for the rag top at the dealership. Liked the SLK (metal top) but felt it was too selfish with only 2 seats, but have never used the back seats!

• 

  Nice Car - 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By BIG ECO - September 5 - 10:00 am

  This car is one of the best looking cars on the road. It is also great to drive.

• 

  2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK Conv. - A Great Car Thus Far!! - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By CityGuy - August 26 - 4:56 pm

  I just got my 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK320 Convertible and so far I love it! It is very solid and stable. I am pleased with how much power it has. The interior is amazing and the top works great. I like the stereo, the controls, and all of the amenities. It feels great on the road and seems to handle well.

• 

  Love this car! - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By mbzlvr - August 23 - 4:43 pm

  Purchased first as lease when new. Bought out the lease. Just love this car. Great power for a V6 and average 32mpg on the highway. Never have had any issues whatsoever. Great customer service during regular scheduled maintenance. Even got a loaner car every time! So much fun to drive and going topless is pure joy. I will definitely buy another MB.

• 

  Beautiful Car: Horrid Reliablitiy - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Autooracle - August 20 - 4:13 am

  Reliability issues. Climate control: 5 times in the shop for now, and going in now for the 6th. Rough Idle: 4 times. Seat belt motor: 3 times. Drivers seat motor. Rain sensor activating on a dry windshield. Reverse Ttilt for rear view mirror: repaired 4 times. Radio: 2 times. Steer clear. Overall reliability of electrical items is horrid.

• 

  Dont Splash - 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By DebbieT - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Nice car,looks good,performance nice...Need to do something with air intake on car,due to water intake ...Good luck in puddles

• 

  "Transformer!" - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By dfg - August 18 - 2:30 am

  As my son(6) says..."ahh sweeet, you got a transformer car!" Love the push button top up/down. And its hidden in the trunk. Stuck in traffic? No problem. Put the top up at the light! I love it all, but the cupholder is too far away, and radio station settings are too complicated. Plenty of room in the back seat. Trunk has enough room for shopping at Costco. Another drawback... too much attention.

• 

  Underrated - 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By bknyc - August 16 - 5:26 pm

  Without getting technical this car has everything you would want in a convertible. Fun to drive. Fun to look at. Fun to be seen in. Fun to own. Just underrated!

• 

  IG Review of my CLK Cabriolet - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Ira Goodman - August 6 - 10:00 am

  The Mercedes CLK Cabriolet is certainly one of the classier, good looking and eye-catching cars on the road. It is also one of the best values. With Mercedes high quality engineering and most of the amenities you could want it is a great car and a great buy. Its not cheap but it rides and sells with reliability. Its pretty close to perfect, but not quite there- no rear cup holders and an unsightly radio antenna.