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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Totaly in Love - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By Jaygee - May 14 - 10:00 amI thought I was in love before with my 2002 CLK 430, but nothing compares to this ride. I was kind of skeptical, only because the 2002 model seemed a bit more sleek from the back, but once yiu ride it, nothing compares to it.
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clk55amg - 2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By ReneeGlenn - May 14 - 10:00 amThis is a fun car to drive. excellent quality, handles wonderful. I would highly reccomend to anyone.
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Amazing Car - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By jrhchicago - May 11 - 3:13 pmCertainly the best car I have ever owned and the most fun to drive. I finally decided to go with some elegance in my sports car purchases and couldnt be happier. This car is stylish, feature rich and a monster when called upon. I would recommend this car to anyone considering a upper- crust sports car or who wants some oomph in a stylish daily driver.
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Some minor problems, but its a cool car! - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By schang91 - May 11 - 10:00 amThere are a few minor problems with my new CLK500. I had the first car which arrived in the Bay Area. I guess the first production batch always has some little problems. With the all of the special new features, new body look and 306 horsepower performance engine, I dont care about all of those little problems! Enjoy first then worry later!
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A dream turned into a nightmare. - 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By "G" - May 4 - 2:00 amIve had my clk for almost 4 years. Was planning to keep it 4 ever but as you will see that was wishful thinking. The durability of the car is not what I would have expected from "Mercedes". They replaced the catalytic converter twice. The rear shade twice. The heated seat coils once and I still get blown fuses. When I spoke to the dealer about having to add oil more often than I should, their response was, the rings should have been replaced by 50K. Also Im starting to have some starter issues. A $46,000 car with options and taxes. I WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER ONE. Good luck to all that have the 99 model.
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Ride of your life - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By JoeDQ - May 2 - 10:00 amI love this car and it may be one of the finest creations Mercedes has ever put on the market.
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CLK350-Classy car thats fun to drive!! - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By Nina - May 1 - 3:03 amThis car feels strong & sturdy on the road, but not heavy (like the Volvo I test drove that wouldnt pick up speed). I love the space afforded in this coupe (coming from the teeny lexusSC430). Plenty of headroom & legroom, and both the driver & passenger seats can be adjusted from the seat "tuners" on the doors (including the height of the headrest). The Sirius satelite radio is nice, I liked the option of listening to the BBC news or the Discovery channel from our car. Some people have commented on there only being 1 cupholder, but there are two. One is right next to the gear shift, and the other one is located inside the arm rest (easy to get to by scrolling back the armrest).
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Exceptional Vehicle - 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By Eddie C - April 6 - 2:00 amThis is perhaps one of the best vehicles I have ever driven. My only complaint is the electronics. My passenger seat got stuck and the convertible top also got stuck. I had to reset the computer at the dealership to handle this problem. Other than that this car is exceptionally awesome! Super fast and really classy.
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I LOVE THIS CAR!! - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By spenc618 - March 30 - 5:59 amI was very concerned on the maintenance cost for this car but its really not as bad as you think if you are mentally prepared to expect slightly higher costs. I did have a transmission issue that kept the car jumping into default mode (3rd gear). I hear it is a common issue.. a $900 dollar issue. Other than that (FYI the dealership treated me very well) I brought the car as a weekend car. The power and looks make it practically impossible to NOT drive it daily. It pulls so smoothly from the light that it is not until you look in the mirror or down at the dash that you notice you are moving so quickly. Only car i have driven just for fun like riding my motorcycle.
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LOVE MY CLK 500 - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By David Silverstein - March 23 - 2:00 amI love it, got all the options!
