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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  Overpriced poor body design - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By djjs31 - July 6 - 10:00 am

  This car is at least 20K over priced and the body style looks like a mercury topaz.

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  seats - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By phoebe - July 4 - 10:00 am

  this car is fun to drive if you dont have to be in it longer than 30 minutes. the seats are like sitting in concrete and i actually borrow friends vehicles for a longer trip. after they drive it, it is no longer easy to frind friends that want to drive a mercedes for a day. please... mercedes please find better quality seats. a big dissappointment and will probably make me trade it in sooner than expected. in what models, do the seats become comfortable?

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  Poor Quality - 2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Problems1 - July 28 - 2:00 am

  Had nothing but troubles. Catylitic converter went out. Speaker problems, rattle in wood trim, EC button problem, ABS problems, malfunctioning key. You get the idea. The car also has accessive ratling.

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  Transmission problem - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Pamela - July 12 - 5:00 am

  I love the car but have had a horrible experience from service at the dealership. Sometimes the car jerks, downshifts and drives very rough when you are slowing down. I had it checked at 1000 miles and again at 11,000 miles. Gas mileage is pretty good but runs on premium. Design is great but does not make up for horrible service.

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  Not what youd expect for the price. - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Too Late - Its mine - April 17 - 10:00 am

  If I could give it back - Id definitely buy the Lexus coupe. This 60k+ car was in the shop 3x in the first week. Back again for parts that fell off, locks that dont unlock and the alignment still pulls. The brakes squeal-acceptable and expected says Benz-and dont expect them to last past 12-15k Mi. When I told the Service Mgr I owned 2 lexus before this, he said, "Thats a great product. This is no Lexus." That speaks volumes. I should have respected the consumer reports ratings that told me these cars are unreliable & w/poor customer satisfaction. My fault for not listening. Ill probably keep it for a year and dump it for the Lexus, where I was spoile

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  Disappointment - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Clemanto - December 17 - 10:00 am

  I got this car in May, 03 when my leased was ended with BMW 3 series. The CLK is powerful and hot looking. However, the quality is no comparison with BMW. The car engine is noisy, lack of cup holder, electronic problems like my navigation will suddenly go blank, the cd changer cant detact my cd and etc, AC is not cold, the stereo is not as good as i expect from BOSE ( Harmon kardon in BMW is better ). I am just wondering what Chrysler has done on this car and didnt expect paying over 58k would get this kind of car. After a year driving this car, i am swtiching back to BMW.

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  over priced, I got taken - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By maxey - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Over all, I well I was taken for a ride,the purchase was a headace, back and forth over pricing. Car is to over rated. This will be my last mercedes

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  Stay away - 2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Moe Kabiri - December 15 - 10:00 am

  The car was in shop in total for over two months out of 18 months we owned it. Do not buy the convertible. It is a major problem car. You name the problem the car has it. Some of Cryslers technolgy has managed to slip in the CLK.

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  Worst car i ever owned!!!! - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Ashly - August 15 - 3:50 pm

  I bought my 06 4 weeks ago, i have since traded up to an Acura TL ( yes, i said up) the TL blows the clk i had out of the water. This was the worst car experience ive ever had. I owned the car two weeks when the transmission went out! I had it towed to mercedes where i had my " manufacturers warranty" For them to tell me to wait a week with NO loaner car! ( said they dont give loaners anymore) For an answer. They were not helpful whatsoever and lacked hugely in their customer service. I was so unhappy with the car i traded for a real one... Acura Tl.All the things wrong- the windows were rattling and loose, failed transmission , rear foglamp out, side turn signal light broken, allot

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  Hi-maintainance beauty - 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By mango77 - January 26 - 10:00 am

  In a nutshell, this cars very attractive, but a real lemon. Ive taken it in to the dealership 8 times in a little over a year. Engine was torn down and rebuilt, amongst other obnoxious and ridiculous episodes. MD- DC dealership and MBUSA have completely turned a blind eye to me and I am considering legal action.