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 471 through 480 of 581.00-
clk 320 - 2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By dggssmn - January 17 - 10:00 amgreat fun to drive, great fun to look at. enjoy everything about this car. have had 1 minor problem that the dealership is more than cooperative on.
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First German car... - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By Dave2 - December 31 - 10:00 amAwesome! Mercedes for the rest of my life. After many Chevys, Fords, Toyotas, Hondas; I will never go back. The customer service is unbelievable. Dont buy one unless you plan on owning MB the rest of your life.
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Exciting - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By jim - December 28 - 9:03 amThe CLK350 is sporty and elegant. What a joy to drive. No need to worry about speed or safety, the car has both. Plenty of truck space and seats four comfortably. On top of all the wonderful features you get professional service support. Thanks for the awesome experience and ride.
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CLK and Truth - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By Simon X - December 25 - 10:00 amI have owned this car for all of 1 month now. I read the reviews and everyone has an opinion. For the most part good, a few not so good perhaps. I have been a BMW driver for over a decade and this is my first Mercedes Benz. While I am used to a younger, sportier appeal in cars, the CLK 320 has changed my whole view of MB and the definition of fun, safe, sporty and elegant. If you have reservations about this car at all, Im here to put your mind at ease. You will not be disappointed. You will probably drive this car for a long long time. My commute has become the fun part of my day!
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An incredible means of transportation - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By Stevephils - December 25 - 10:00 amImpressive performance from 5 liter V8; steering wheel gear shifters (7 speeds) are very cool. Excellent design and finish. A real head turner. Perfect means of transportation in South Florida.
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CLK 550 Barn Burner - 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By BjM - December 16 - 11:26 amMy experience is only 1 month old, but if my initial response is any indication of the future, this is one fantastic vehicle. I have owned over 80 cars in a lifetime of ownership from BMW and Jag to Corvettes, Porsche etc.. My CLK 550 is one of, if not the best of the bunch out of the box! Very fast and very smooth. Handles incredibly well under all but ice and snow for which I have no experience whatsoever. It will stay in the garage for sure during these periods! Fit and finish is everything one can expect from a $60K vehicle.
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Its all about the hoursepower - 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By Walter - December 11 - 4:50 amThis is the most fun car Ive ever driven. When I went to trade in my 911 Porsche for a more practical car, I thought I would have to say good-bye to speed. This car effortlessly leaves everyone else in my dust. My office is next to an exotic car dealership. I love the looks of people who just plunked down over $100K, and didnt get nearly the car I did. This car never breaks a sweat as you go from a stop to highway speeds in a blink of an eye.
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Quality and Performance - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By reenid - December 6 - 10:00 amHaving owned a CLK 430 Coupe (V8, 275hp) for 3 years, I thought nothing could rival its quality, performance, safety, reliability, and design. But, Mercedes has exceeded all expectations again in the redesigned CLK 500 Coupe. Quality remains the same, the options are amazing. 8 airbags and other safety features are incredible. Please note that MB has super heavy duty bumpers-- the bumper cover is what you see damaged in testing. The car is incredible--pride of ownership and a joy to own. Mercedes treats customers with respect, quality treatment, and quick fix, if necessary, regardless of length of ownership.
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Love It - 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By dmfelder - December 4 - 10:00 amClass and Guts.
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Best Regtop ever - 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By kurant - November 28 - 10:00 amGreat Car overall. This is the best ragtop of the price anywhere. I laugh as I drive this car past all the 3 series BMWs out there.
