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:

• 

  merc clk200 - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By toot - November 23 - 5:03 pm

  wicked car with everything. it is brilliant man. check it out. it is the best.

• 

  Still Looks & Drives Great! - 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By realrideracing - November 23 - 9:58 am

  It seems that the W208 class (1998 - 2002)Mercedes Benz CLK has built up quite a following. Whenever I browse through the Mercedes Benz forums, theres no shortage of diehard W208 fans. Weve had ours for a few years and love it still. With nearly 125,000 miles on the odometer, she seems like shell do another 125,000 miles easily. Keep up on maintenance and youll have no problems with the car. Acceleration is better than our newer E-Class. But the short wheel base of the CLK makes it a harsher ride. We have the AMG wheel package so that doesnt help. Like all MBZ cars, steering response isnt very sharp but once you get used to it, this car just corners like its on rails!

• 

  MB finally has a a car to exceed BMW - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By BEMDBLU - November 18 - 10:00 am

  I have had 11 BMWs including 3 seies coupes and convertibles, 6 series, 7 series including a 750. This cars performance and styling has finally approciated and now exceeded what is available from BMW. The designers finally put together a package which I have been waiting for. Speed, looks and reliability.

• 

  Very Pleased - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By David - November 12 - 1:36 pm

  My second CLK Cabrio, traded a (trouble free) 2003. This car is a vast improvement over the already great former version. Beautiful to look at and fun to drive. Many great comfort features and trouble free at 2000 miles. Drove the 500, not worth the extra money, maybe the 550 will be better. iPod kit is awesome! MB has become more "Lexus-like" to compete, but the car is very refined. A little less plastic would be nice.

• 

  Not a SL - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Charles McBride - November 9 - 2:00 am

  Problem with phone and Elec.

• 

  Wunderbar - 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Mikel - October 21 - 12:23 pm

  Love this little red conv. turns heads even at 7. Tires wear fast, some small electronic issues, mostly a nusance

• 

  Unique classy ride - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By dtam - October 16 - 4:33 am

  This is a beautiful car, it gets looks wherever I go. The interior is functional andclassy. The head room is excellent (Im 61"). I was surprised with the amount of rear leg room, I am comfortable riding back there (when my wife insistn on driving). The top is great and easy to use, I have opened it while sitting in traffic, I was so quick,I didnt get beeped at. Quality of construction seem excellent, I beleve Mercedes is back. The stereo is excellent, one of the best I have heard in a car. The engine and transmission are smooth, quiet and responsive. Handles great. The 3.2l has is road tested and should be very reliable. Upgrade seats work well epecially cooling.

• 

  sebaplus - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By seba - October 12 - 2:00 am

  sublime styling & performance

• 

  My Fifth Benz - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By LHANN - October 11 - 4:30 pm

  This is my 5th Benz and is beyond all expectations. (I drove my last one 250,000 miles so this one is several generations advanced). It handles like it is on rails and when I need the acceleration it is more than ample. The navigation system is the best and most intuitive that I have seen and wouldnt be without that accessory. And anyone who complains about cup holders shouldnt be driving a Benz. I prefer that it didnt have cup holders because I dont indulge the distraction of coffee, etc. while driving and I prefer that my passengers refrain from spilling latte on the interior.

• 

  My first Mercedes is a winner - 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By cfreema7 - October 2 - 12:30 pm

  Very stylish and great performance. This is my first MB, a used CLK320. I like the power. Moving from a BMW 525, this car moves like lightning. I was a little disappointed in the 22 mpg city/freeway I was getting, compared to the 26 I got in the BMW, and the 28mpg advertised. The cockpit is a nice fit. The cup holders are awkward when open and the glove comparment can be used for just that - and nothing else. But putting the top down, this car moves like the wind and I get plenty of compliments. One handed convertible process is ok. The V6 out drags anything it comes against, and the suspension tracks perfectly through 30 mph U-turns. Im sold and looking forward to my first CLK55.