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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  Sont buy it - 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By john01 - March 17 - 6:16 pm

  Got a 2007 CLK convertible. Good looking. Fun to drive. But, it has been in shop for 4 times for different problems, started at month 3. Today speakers stopped working. I remember the sale person asked me to buy extended warranty. I said MB is supposed to be a car with high quality. He said not true. I did not believe his word. Now I regret. No more MB.

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  Love my little 320 - 2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By brittany - March 4 - 4:00 am

  I absolutely love this car! I get a lot of compliments on it and heads do turn. I wouldve liked the newer body style but I cant complain with this one. I bought it used and its very clean.

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  Only a Mercedes will do! - 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Maxi - March 2 - 11:26 am

  I just brought a 2000 CLK & I feel like I brought a brand new convertible. I have a ML320 SUV but wanted a 2nd car & have looked at other brand new 08 convertibles that I could have brought for a little more money, however, I would not have gotten the same satisfaction I get out of driving & looking at my Mercedes. Its a head turner everywhere I go. I am the envy of all my friends. I told them that when I turned 50 I was going to get a Mercedes convertible. They laughed because they dont realize that even an older Mercedes is always a classic & you can get them in mint condition. "OLordy thank you for buying me another Mercedes Benz.

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  Exceeded expectations - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Joey - February 27 - 10:46 pm

  I consider myself a savvy consumer and when a popular consumers mag didnt produce a top notch review, at first I was skeptical. Now after living with the MB320CLK for almost 2 1/2 years, I couldnt be more in love with this vehicle since the day I purchased it for my wifes wedding. It remains absolutely flawless in every aspect. Great looking car, great handling, and you just cant beat a convertible like this in the California sun!

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  As advertised and more!!!! - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By AMG Al - February 27 - 2:00 am

  This car has all the bells, whistles, toys, etc!!! It seems that everything was thought of on this model. PRO: The car itself. It is built well, zero problems so far. After breaking in, the car seems to adapt to your driving style in an almost eerie manner. It is almost like it can read minds... CON: The fuel mileage is horrid but I knew what I was getting into at the altar!! Other than that, this thing is great!!!

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  2ND MERCEDES BENZ LEMON - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By JENJEN - February 20 - 10:00 am

  CAR IS FUN TO DRIVE, BUT YOU BETTER NOT DRIVE IT OUT OF TOWN. IT WILL SHUT OFF WHEN ITS READY. THE DEALER DOESNT WORK TO FIND THE PROBLEM, THEY JUST SAY WE ARE SORRY WE CAN NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH YOUR CAR. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME, THE C240 IS WORSE. THE SUNSHADES BREAK, THE WINDOW STOPS WORKING, THE KEYS ARE RECALLED AND THE DEALER NEVER LETS YOU KNOW. ALL IN ALL THE MB C240 AND CLK 320 ARE DEFINITELY A WORK OF CHRYSLER.

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  MUST HAVE - 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By PJR - February 7 - 2:00 am

  As my wife and I began pricing out new vs used cars to replace my older "college car," we were intrigued by the classiness and sportiness of the CLK 430. My wife, not the finest judge of high technology, fell in love with it faster than I did. She walked in with me and we drove it home. I do agree with previous writings, cheaper interior than we would like, and temperature control near the feet in colder areas are a drawback--the dual temp control is cool, but a little tricky. The sunshade, V8, AMG rims, and ground effects make this my first child...

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  new car experience - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By you wont regret it - January 21 - 2:00 am

  i have driven jaguars for 20 years. the reason was always the interior and the exterior distictive exterior lines. the new clk cabriolet,has it all and more. great accleration, power, smooth ride and quiet. the mocha blk exterior w/tan connelly interior leather made this a very unique car. i had never consider mercedes before because of their stark interior. this car changes everything. to me it is worth much more than i paid. no post buyer remorse for this unique auto.

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  WOW-WHAT A GREAT CAR - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By CAM,SR - January 21 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS MY 1ST BENZ AND WHAT AN EXCITING CAR! I HAVE OWNED LINCOLNS, CADDYS AND JAGS BUT NOTHING LIKE THIS. AWESOME DRIVING EXPERIENCE AND TOP DOWN IS A PIECE OF ART. THE 2004 BODY STYLE IS THE BEST.

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  Best Car ever - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Glenn - January 20 - 7:36 am

  This is the best car I have owned, and I have gone thru 14 cars and vans over the last 30 years and by far this car is the most fun to drive . Many people stop and comment on how cool the car looks due to no B pillar. Mileage on the highway is 31 mpg