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 11 through 20 of 581.00-
Profoundly Dissatisfied - 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By Tracy - November 19 - 11:40 pmThis automobile is a mechanical nightmare. I have replaced: two catalytic converters, electric motor in drivers seat (2 times), pressure sensor in the fuel tank, CD changer, one motor mount and now it is having electrical problems with the braking system. However, I love the drive and the styling. Unfortunately, with all the problems the bloom is off of the rose!
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2002 CLK 320 Long Term Review - 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By CBP - March 10 - 5:56 pmI have owned my CLK 320 coupe for 3 years. The car is now at 39,000 miles. The car started out well when first purchased but is now falling apart. The engine valve rocker arms have been replaced 4 times and are still loud when the car is cold. The front seat track has been replaced as well as both rear seat latches as well as the outside temperature sensor and all of the instrument guages. The tires wore out at 14,000 miles and the ignition wires had to be replaced at 33,000 miles. The undercarriage is now making a loud rattling sound like marbles in a bucket.
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Unhappy & frustrated to date - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By Can YOU explain? - March 16 - 10:00 am3 days after purchase, my power steering pump failed nearly causing a fatal crash. The teleaid system and rear assit mirror adjustment were also found defective from day one. While a new power steering pump and teleaid system installation seems to have corrected the problem, the mirror still does not work and will go a 3rd time for repair. Its not fun to drive because Im constantly driving it to the repair shop. BTW... this is not a cabriolet (only choice given).
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Dont be fooled - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By lglegl - January 1 - 3:33 amDont be fooled by the fact that the emblem says Mercedes Benz. The car is poorly designed and poorly built. Interior is cramped; upgraded sound system is tinny; radio reception is awful; climate control is poor, navigation system is impossible to use. At least 5 service visits in less than a year due to defects. This is more like a Reliant K than a Mercedes Benz!
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Slow Car - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By Jeanne - October 4 - 7:46 amNot a sports car at all. Dont be fooled by Mercedes in order for them to sell the car. Automatic trans and low horsepower add up to a boring car. BMW 3 series would have been a smarter purchase! This is definitely an old lady car.
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Excellent Drive ....Terrible Reliability - 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By catherine nicholas - March 3 - 10:00 amOn performance I give it very high marks. However, mercedes cuts corners on quality. This is my second CLK. My first was plaqued with problems ranging from engine trouble (random stalling)to window failure. In fact, I couldnt sell it because mercedes couldnt not get the "check engine" light to go out. I was forced to trade it in. My second CLK has had one problem after another ranging from not starting, to seat controls, to air conditioning..the list goes on. The wood grain bleeds into the leather on the doors. Dont order the hands free phone. 50% of the time the car doesnt recognize the phone is plugged in and you are forced to pull over to reset the engine. Bad sound quality also
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CLK350 Coupe - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By mbuser1 - October 29 - 10:53 amMB Reliability ??? Just got a CLK350 four wks ago. Transmision broke down at the first 300miles. Car stayed @ MB shop twice for 2+wks. Was told by MB Tech. that this is the 4th occurrences of transmission failure/defect for this year (2006) (C, E, ML and my CLK).
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Caveat Emptor - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By LVS - July 4 - 6:30 pmI purchased my CLK coupe in April of 06 and have regretted it every single day since. It looked beautiful at the dealership with its full Brabus tuning and appearance package. But as they say about Monets paintings; it was good from afar and far from good. The litany of problems with this car ranges from a new transmission at 20,000 miles to multiple broken window motors. And I dont even want to get started on the apocalyptic depreciation. In exactly 2 years of ownership, it is worth less than half of what I bought it for. It is such a terrible feeling to get into a car everyday and wonder what will go wrong with it next. So please take note and do not buy this car.
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I Highly Recommend the BMW - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By Melissa - May 23 - 9:40 pmI traded in a BMW 330 convertible on this car a little over a year ago. I was looking for something a little more luxurious, but with the fun of the convertible. I really wish I had the 5 year old BMW back. This car looks good, but thats about it. Boring to drive, doesnt hug the curves like Im used to. Ive also been very disappointed in the interior of this car. Very cheaply designed for the price. Navigation system is so outdated that most of my commute on a highway completed two years ago is not even on the system. No one can tell me when this will be updated. I put the top down about once a week and put it back up in the garage. It is showing far more wear than 5 yr old BMW.
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More attention to detail - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By rjholtz001 - May 18 - 2:00 amWe had the same model in 2001. There have been imporvements to the "cowl shake" in the front end. The cup holder is ridiculous. It is high on the dash and out of the way to reach. There is only one cupholder. The 2001 had two cupholders in the center console (for use by both front and rear passengers. The Command Navigation System is primitive compared to the DVD based systems of Toyota and Lexus. It is difficult to operate and poor technology as well as not being accurate.
