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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Just Amazing performance - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By Thomas J - March 23 - 2:00 amI just bought my new CLK 500, I had an Audi before this car. The CLK 500 is just amazing from a performance standpoint, it corners very well and has tons of power.
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Turn Heads - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By mytimetochirp - March 21 - 10:00 amBlack on black. Beautiful and turns heads. Fast off the line, top operation works flawlessly. Transmission is smooth and operates without any notice. Trunk space is limited, especially with the top down, but adequate for this class car. With top up road noise is less than our E430.
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BEST CAR IVE EVER OWNED - 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By EVERALDO - March 17 - 2:00 amI love this car, it has to be one of the most beautiful cars on the road. Even now after 3.5 years people still stop and stare. The car is very reliable, Ive taken it in for every scheduled maintenance call, (the computer makes it easy to remember) and if it wasnt for the fact that my kids are getting to big to fit in the back seats, I would keep this car forever.
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Very pleased - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By New Yorker - March 16 - 9:43 amIve had the car for 5 months now and couldnt be more pleased. The car handles exactly like you would expect and has outstanding performance. I have the 500 convertible and it doesnt accelerate, it leaps forward. I can imagine how the 07 550 accelerates. I compared it to the Audi S4 and the BMW 6 convertibles. The only thing the Audi had on it was all wheel drive - but it came with a higher monthly lease cost. The BMW wasnt as attractive and the back seat was not worth having. The back seat on the Benz while not expansive can and has held 2 full size adults confortably. The convertible top works great although it could be a little faster and less sensitive to items in the trunk.
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Love it - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By Phyllis - March 7 - 1:20 pmThis is my 4th CLK. Loved them all. Holds the road great. The new cupholder I prefer, however, I do hear complaints that there is a need for two. A tire inflation monitor would be helpful. So as you can see, dont have any complaints.
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Great fun, and solid - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By sark - February 19 - 12:33 pmThe car is really a gem and fun to drive. I have been a bit dissapointed by the little things that went wrong. The seat belt assist mechanism, the cheap center console and an alarm that had a mind of its own until the dealer fixed it. I paid sticker so I guess I expected closer to perfect. However, top down with the wife and kids is a blast and its my favorite car in the sector.
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clk320 rocks forget the clk500 - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By losarkos - February 16 - 10:00 amgreat little rocket ship with top notch looks and quality to the max seats a bit small but im 6 feet 2 inches and i still love this car trust me you do not need the clk500 this v6 rocks!
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Almost Perfect - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By Carolyn Volatile - February 16 - 6:33 amThe cup holder still a joke and it could use more power, but other than that, a thrill to drive. Great handling, styling and reliability
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2004 CLK55 AMG Convertible, Fun! - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By Michael Ryan - February 1 - 1:32 amThis is luxury and a fun car all in one. Its too bad a car this wonderful to drive should be so expensive when new, because it really brings out the kid in me. This CLK55 AMG, a Convertible has all natural aspirated power and once you put the top down to explore the open road its awesome! One of the most notable things is about the open road with a convertible is driving with the windows open. You experience the wind, the smells and the ambient noises around you while you drive. This car, a convertible, brings those senses back to life. And I know from my own "fears" about owning this vehicle... an AMG Mercedes meant lots of maintenance expenses at the dealer. But in fact this car has been anything but that! This car can be your everyday driver, or your Sunday fun car! You Choose! It has neither been a maintenance problem or any other waste of time. Just pure pleasure of power, luxury and the quality Mercedes Benz ride with the AMG under the hood. Ive got about 100,000 miles on her and she still purrs and roars just like she did when I got her. I take her to the dealer for service, and never have any problems. Just regular services. What a great car! No wonder the CLK55s are going up in price.
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Kudos to Mercedes CLK class - 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By Roger Lund - January 19 - 1:50 amMy fifth Mercedes. This is the best. I have had more compliments on this car than any of the previous 50 or more that I have owned. It is the most confortable car to drive that I ever owned. The only complant that I have is the lack of Blue Tooth phone capabilities. The cost of adding the Mercedes equipment is rediculous. I will wait for the appropriately priced after market to become available.
