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 521 through 530 of 581.00-
Beauty - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By Dash - February 16 - 5:10 pmThis is a beautiful car. I get so many comments from all kinds of people:) Of course my family somehow thinks Im rich! I will always drive a Benz. The car is so smooth. Before you know it, you are exceeding the speed limit. I stay on high because you get so much love. It feels so good to drive a Mercedes!
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Very mediocre--but nice looking - 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By socalh2oskier - January 27 - 7:43 amThis is a nice car, but the driving experience leaves much to be desired. The Harman Kardon stereo is mediocre at best. The steering wheel presets aggravatingly will not scan presets. The computer should be reset so you dont have to mash the gas pedal to the floor to get a downshift (and then when it comes, it is jerky and more power than you want in most instances). The seats do not have adjustable lumbar support. The nav is unduly complicated and slow and does not work very well. Compare this to a bmw 3 series and it gets blown away in terms of comfort, functionality, and performance--the only thing this car has going for it is that it Mercedes did a nice job with the exterior.
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work of art - 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By speedo - January 21 - 10:00 ambeautuful design from any angle. very confortible and solid. handles well with precise response. excellent brakes and smooth transmission.
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My drive - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By mercedes - January 21 - 12:30 amI enjoy driving my Mercedes CLK. It has a lot of pickup and often I dont realize how fast I am going until I check my speed. Obviously it was made to drive on the Autobahn in Germany. My only problem is that there are so many controls and I drive so infrequently based on the weather that I am often stumped as how to operate.
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Falling Short of Expectations - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By terrier - January 12 - 10:00 amPaid top dollar for what turned out to be a real dissapointment> Poor quality, and terrible dealer support (Claridges in Fremont, CA). Well never buy another car from them again.
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So dissapointed. - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By Unimpressed Girl - December 26 - 2:36 pmI traded in my G35 coupe on this car and from the second day of owning I wish I could have just got my old car back. In the three years that I owned my G35 I never had as many problems as with this stupid car. It was certified pre-owned when I bought it and it only had 15,875 miles on it. Heres the list: Blown speaker, Wheel Balance off, Drivers side seat holder broken, Engine Pulley replacement, Middle brake light out, and chip in windshield. I know you might be thinking...most of these things were rigged so I didnt find them instantly and I got to those so far and only owned it a few months. Terrible customer service and a terrible car. Dont buy it!
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Great - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By bgswm1 - December 23 - 10:00 amwhat an amazing car. could not be happier!!
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Simply Gorgeous! - 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By sqrl18 - December 15 - 7:00 pmI knew noting about this car, but fell in love with it instantly. The color is steel blue gray with stone interior. We didnt tint the windows, which kept it looking simply beautiful. Drove like a dream, but MB service was somewhat disappointing compared to other cars weve had. Two pet peeves: cup holder design is stupid and it was almost impossible to keep the kick area on the lower doors clean. Other than that, we loved this car. Sadly the car was totaled after 6 mo (someone ran a red light). Were heartbroken, but excellent safety design allowed us to walk away with only a slight sore neck that night. How do you value that? This car was priceless.
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2004 Mercedes CLK 500 Cabriolet - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By Mercedesgirl - December 6 - 10:00 amOne of the nicest looking Convertibles on the road today at a reasonable price. I love its Power and Speed. Fuel Economy is pretty good also. Definitely A Fun Vehicle, especially for my children.
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Fun Car - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By AKrychev - December 6 - 10:00 amFantastic car, built with very high quality materials. With the soft top on, it is very quiet inside. Very powerful engine.
