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 441 through 450 of 581.00-
clk320 cab - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By BOBO - June 11 - 2:00 amfun and beutifull, good handeling can seat 4 adults the best convertable for the money!
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Meets all expectations - 2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By bobgill - June 5 - 10:00 amThis is a compact, powerful package that is both stylish and fast. Ive had to watch my foot on the accelerator to avoid rear-wheel spin. The lines and contours are smooth. Surprisingly decent size trunk.
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I Highly Recommend the BMW - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By Melissa - May 23 - 9:40 pmI traded in a BMW 330 convertible on this car a little over a year ago. I was looking for something a little more luxurious, but with the fun of the convertible. I really wish I had the 5 year old BMW back. This car looks good, but thats about it. Boring to drive, doesnt hug the curves like Im used to. Ive also been very disappointed in the interior of this car. Very cheaply designed for the price. Navigation system is so outdated that most of my commute on a highway completed two years ago is not even on the system. No one can tell me when this will be updated. I put the top down about once a week and put it back up in the garage. It is showing far more wear than 5 yr old BMW.
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defects - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By jvs - May 21 - 8:53 amThe front seat broke. The xenon head lights broke. The window wipers broke. The sun roof failed. Simply put, the car is an electrical nightmare. Will never go with Mercedes again.
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defects - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By jvs - May 21 - 8:03 amThe front seat broke. The xenon head lights broke. The window wipers broke. The sun roof failed. Simply put, the car is an electrical nightmare. Will never go with Mercedes again.
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Rag top in the snow belt - 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By Skaneateles, NY - May 18 - 2:06 amA great year-round car. With snows on in winter drivability is excellent - we get 100" of snow a year. The top is very well insulated & quiet. On any sunny day above 55 degrees I have the top down. The wind screen does a great job of keeping the cabin serene and the heated seats keep you warm, that way you can focus on the excellent exhaust note. Mileage is good at 24MPG and 27MPG highway. This is a cruiser-not a sports car. Performance is adequate, not stellar. High speed cruising is addictive and one can blast to high speed and beyond without realizing it, even with the top down - Its that well designed. I targeted this car specifically over the new model as this one is designed by Bruno Sacco.
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CLK500 cabriolet - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By Paschke - May 18 - 2:00 amRoad handling is superb, accelleration is responsive at low, moderate and highway speeds. Seating is comfortable and it has usable back seating for two adults.
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Its Great! - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By ERiviere - May 18 - 2:00 amThe 04 CLK Cabio is a fantastic automobile. It is very well appointed and looks great. With the top down it is a truely beautiful car. The only drawback is the trunk. Its too small, but you can carry whatever you want with the top down. This is a well appointed, reasonibly fast and beautiful convertible.
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More attention to detail - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By rjholtz001 - May 18 - 2:00 amWe had the same model in 2001. There have been imporvements to the "cowl shake" in the front end. The cup holder is ridiculous. It is high on the dash and out of the way to reach. There is only one cupholder. The 2001 had two cupholders in the center console (for use by both front and rear passengers. The Command Navigation System is primitive compared to the DVD based systems of Toyota and Lexus. It is difficult to operate and poor technology as well as not being accurate.
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Mercedes CLK 320 - 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By Brian Yates - May 18 - 2:00 amGreat sound system and steering wheel computer display very convenient.
