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:

• 

  Outstanding - 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By TheLino - July 15 - 4:30 am

  I purchased the 2002 CLK55 cabriolet with 28,000 miles on it in May 2005. The center console had to be replaced due to some LCD pixels burning out. The convertible top cables were also replaced at the same time. All work was under warranty. With the exception of these issues, this vehicle drives (and shows itself off) like a dream. Compliments abound when Im on the road, stopped at a stoplight, going through a drive-thru window, etc.

• 

  Beautiful but Balky - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By V.M.Greene - July 5 - 10:00 am

  My new MB is a beauty both inside and out but the balky shifting of the auto trans has spoiled my enjoyment. This is especially true going up and down hills. Its like it just doesnt want to shift. There is no such thing as coasting down hill to improve mileage as it just slows down unless you give it some gas. The mileage is another issue (11 City and 20 Highway).

• 

  Love the Car - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Charles - July 3 - 6:40 am

  Turned in my Lexus GS300 March 06. I started shopping in feb for new car to lease. Lexus gave me high priced lease prices and this would have been my 3rd GS. So went to Mercedes and leased 2006 CLK350. Obsidian black-light tan inside. Have Sirius, lighting package, prem package, heated seats and navigation. Love the car. No problems except had to wait 1 month for Sirius. And the car cost me less than the Lexus. The car turns heads. Love driving the car, Much better than the 2003 GS300. The best time of day is driving to and from work.

• 

  A true sport/luxury convertible - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By matt - June 16 - 12:30 am

  Love my certified C430 cabriolet! It is a beautiful black opal, black clot top and ash interior. The Bose sound system is 2nd to none and build quality is excellent. I do believe this is an instant collectible and will only increase in value over the years. The big 4.3 litre V-8 gets over 25mpg on road trips and the comfort is superior to any other convertible out there. When the top is up you would think you where in a hardtop coupe. Probably the most beautiful car I have ever owned. If you are looking for a high quality dependable used convertible, I would strongly suggest one of these!

• 

  great car - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By drew j - June 12 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car to drive and even better to look at.It has a timeless style, and plenty of power.

• 

  I love my new CLK - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Nautictalk - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I acquired my new CLK cabriolet about 2 weeks ago and I really love it. I traded my 2003 Infiniti G35 coupe with all the options. But I just wanted a convertible. True, the CLK has no where the tech gadgets or power the G35 had. But the CLK rides so smooth and has wonderful road manners. The car is effortless and taking the top down from outside the car is so convenient. They could have done a better job with the radio. The car is really so much fun and I get plenty of looks. The trunk is a pain to close because of the stiff hydraulics. With the top down and the wind screen up, there is virtually no wind or noise at highway speeds. Thats amazing.

• 

  Topless beauty - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By sammy - May 31 - 6:23 pm

  This Benz is beautiful with the practicality of four seats. Sensual with or without the top. Smooth delivery of power thru 7 sp tranny. Had problems with the keyless go which required a few trips to the dealership. Finally, they replaced a key component. The stereo started to blast (mostly static) by itself, as if it was possessed. It would only happen sporadically. This problem was linked to the keyless go and was repaired. That was about a year ago. Since then, so far so good. It sure does get alot of looks.

• 

  FIVE YEARS AND HAPPY - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By FIVE YEARS OF FUN - May 25 - 5:40 am

  Bought this car in December 2004 for my wife and we have enjoyed the car a lot. The car has been pretty good as far as problems. If I were thinking of buying a used one I would check the service record of the car and if it did not have a problem history, I would buy one. I have found in driving Mercedes Benz it really depends on if you get one that is made good or one that is a lemon. I have had both in my 30 years of Mercedes. They are very expensive cars to buy and to maintain but style and good looks and the Mercedes emblem never have come cheap.

• 

  Driving the CLK 500 convertible - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By NJF - May 11 - 2:00 am

  Picked up this car one Monday evening after an 8 month wait. Im delighted I waited for it. Besides being beautiful it drives and handles great. After picking car up left the following morning for a one thousand mile trip. Cant get over how quiet this convertible is. Almost as quiet as my Lexus LS was. Rides like a much larger car. Most of the controls are very user friendly. Going thru the mountains the car hugged the road and took the turns like a sports car. May be the best car I ever owned and Ive owned a bunch of them.

• 

  03 CLK 500 coupe - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Anthonym - May 6 - 10:00 am

  love this car. I traded in my 2000 Clk 430 for the 500. Big performance improvement and body stiffness (not that the 430 was bad at all). design is not as aggressive as the 430 but grows on you...cleaner styling.