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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  Love, Love, Love!! - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By LM Sophie - September 18 - 11:03 am

  The car is smooth, elegant, and sexy. Absolutely love driving it - the 6 cylinder is definitely powerful enough. Get great looks on the highway and feel special driving it. Great options that make it truly special: navigation system and voice-controlled phone. Not great in the snow, but has a "winter- mode" button that helps you get through better. Mercedes service is impeccable - courteous and complete.

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  Tires and Transmission - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By L. Miller - September 9 - 2:56 pm

  Fun to drive, but lossing its appeal. Nothing but tire problems and now transmission problems. 2 blowouts, one bubble on sidewall, replaced rear tires at 18,0000 miles. Faulty transmission valve and now O rings are going out. This is a very expensive car for all these problems. When the lease is up, we will not get another Mercedes. I am sure there are a lot of great cars, less expensive and more dependable. Perhaps Audi or Volvo. Very disenchanted!

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  Great Car! - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By chaosminer - August 17 - 10:00 am

  This car is my first Mercedes -- I was checking into purchasing an SLK and was told of the waiting list.... I was about to leave the dealership when I noticed that a new car had been wheeled into the showroom. I liked the way it looked, test drove it and bought it a few minutes later. It has sufficient acceleration at highway speeds, it has style, and it is easy to drive. After spending a year driving this car daily, my wifes Lexus feels like a collection of parts travelling in roughly the same direction.

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  cant go wrong here - 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By top secret - August 8 - 2:00 am

  The car is near perfect for the real world. Fast, comfortable, great looking, safe. Car has had zero defects and is 100% reliable. Get a set of snow tires in winter regions...The best car I have owned...and I have owned some great names.

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  Not worth the money - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By HPBCPA - August 4 - 2:00 am

  Do not purchase the sport package with the low profile tires. They are damaged much too easily as these tires cannot handle the rigors of everyday driving in Chicago,

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  Review of 2004 CLK 500 Convertible - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Robert J. Gagliano - July 31 - 10:00 am

  This car is abosolutely great in every way!

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  No "B" pillar - ya gotta love it! - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By dperryman1 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Great car. I had a 99 CLK320 and there is no comparison with this car - more performance and refinement. Only slightly negative so far is the ventilation system which seems to add a lot of engine heat.

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  Anniversary present - 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Melissa - July 26 - 3:10 pm

  A very well designed and quality built vehicle. I have had many cars, Hondas, Nissans, Lexus, Acura, Infinitis, and even an 02 Benz (honestly, we did not have a good experience, I was a little tentative to try again), this one thus far is proving to be number 1. The 5.5L V8 power in a vehicle its size is a lot of fun, the growl from the engine is impressive, you almost cant help but lead foot the gas pedal, because it is so smooth, very easy to drive. The weight and power combination of the vehicle is a true testament to Mercedes Benz engineering.

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  Sweet Ride - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Walt - July 26 - 2:43 am

  My CLK 320 is a sweet ride. The convertible is a must and makes me cheer out loud while driving. It handles beautifully and is tops in luxury. The only problem Ive had is a fuse to my speakers that keeps popping. I take it out and it resets, but Ill be worried if it keeps happening. The car looks great, is big enough for four (if the back two are short) and so far, the mileage is OK. About 20 mpg. Everything is automated, the sound system sounds superb, it handles well and it just makes you feel like a million. Since Im a new owner, I cant say how the service is but it had better be great or Ill change this review. Overall, I love this car.

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  Sublime Driving - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By NewYorkJJ - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Its a little jewel. A perfect car for a Manhattan resident who drives outside the city often. I look forward to my reverse commute and pray for no traffic. Car is so new that my reliability rating is a guess.