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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Mid-life refresher - 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By smithy11clk320 - September 11 - 10:43 pmThe CLK320 Cabriolet is truly a fun car to drive and a head turner even in a crowd of Benzs, BMWs, Caddies, et al. There are a few weaknesses though in the clunky suspension and lack of steering feedback. As I tell my son, its a luxury car not a sports car speedster. For class, style, and practicality I dont think theres anything on the market even close, although reviews that say it seats 4 adults "comfortably" must be based on the opinion of some small folks. You can get 4 in, but nobody is very comfortable. Engine is strong, even if not real quick off the line and the highway ride is dangerously smooth - 100mph creeps up on you easily. If youre looking at this car - BUY IT - you wont be sorry!
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Mine - 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By bruss - September 9 - 7:53 pmAwesome car. Very sporty and fun to drive. Gas mileage seems to be fairly good so far for someone with a lead foot like me.
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Love This Car - 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By appeal2 - September 5 - 2:00 amI bought this car with 2500 miles on it back in summer of 2000. I put on another 26000 miles the past two summers. The car is a classic. Mine came loaded with nav, orthopoedic seats, xenons and cd changer. It rides like a dream. The brakes are the best of any car I have ever owned. Stopping from 60-0 seems to take place in about 105 feet. It eats front tires in about 16k miles. Gas mileage comes in about 18-21. Its pretty peppy, 0-60 in 7.4+. Engine has a nice growl when accelerating. Taking down the top is easy but not one touch. Sound system could be better, but is adequate. Doesnt matter when youre doing triple digits with the top down.
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A little disappointed - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By Nathan B. - September 2 - 12:03 amWe searched forever for the perfect family convertible and wanted the class that Mercedes could offer. This was my first Mercedes purchase. This car is only driven on the weekends and only has about 1500 miles since purchase four months ago. Within 500 miles we developed a huge rattle under the car. Took it in and it was fixed right away. A bolt was missing from the exhaust system (never installed according to the dealer). Now at 1500 miles we have to have something in the front steering replaced because it has a leak. The part is 4-5 weeks out and we have to bring the car back in again. As far as driving it; I love it. It is a beautiful car and drives nice (when its not in the shop).
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HAPPY AS A CLAM - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By CURMUDGEON - August 25 - 10:00 amALWAYS DREAMED OF OWNING ONE--NOW I KNOW WHY!! THIS THING IS CLASS ON WHEELS!! IM NOT A SHOWOFF, BUT I CANT HELP IT. FOLKS CONGREGATE AROUND THIS BEAUTY. CONSIDERED BMW AND LIKED IT VERY MUCH, BUT FOR A BEAUTIFUL MIX OF STYLE, PERFORMANCE AND COMFORT, YOU CANT MISS WITH THE CLK320!!!!!!!!!
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SWEET, FUN, POWERFUL AND CLASSY - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By VANCHRISTIAN - August 23 - 10:00 amGREAT POWER AND RIDE...IN A CLASS BY ITSELF...i HATE WHEN THEY TRY TO COMPARE TO ANYONE ELSE, AS THERE IS NO OTHER CAR WHICH EVEN COMES CLOSE IN ITS CATEGORY
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Rocket on wheels! - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By farsai - August 23 - 10:00 amHandles very well...and is a blast to press the accelerator and let it rip... Many features… I think the new body style is much sleeker than the previous… Loves the instrument panel>>>back to “Classic” Mercedes style!
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Not as good as it looks - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By papichulo - August 19 - 10:00 amBeautiful looking car. BUT, DO NOT PURCHASE NAVIGATION SYSTEM!!! My car has approx. 2,400 miles and has already been serviced overnight due to mechanical issues. The electronics or "toys" are not all that great.
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Great ride! - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By Seaeric - August 11 - 2:00 amI really like this car. It is fun to drive and has good acceleration. Its nice to see that Mecedes can build a quality car (in Germany) as compared to my 2003 ML 320 which is built here. BIG difference!
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Love It - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By Walter Silverstein - August 4 - 6:03 amThe car looks and runs great. It is a pleasure to drive. This is my 16th Benz, and they are still great. I also have a BMW 745IL, but enjoy the Benz much more.
