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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  My baby! 1st Car! - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By bekums - December 19 - 3:50 am

  This is my very first car. I love it! Its the best car ever. I hate only one thing, that I only have ONE cup holder.

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  Diamond metallic CLK cabrio - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By jim - December 6 - 8:40 am

  I took delivery in July 2005 and the car has been perfect in every way. I owned a 1999 CLK cabrio and never had a problem with it in over six years of ownership. The new engine and transmission are a vast improvement over the 320 CLK.

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  My red CLK Cabrio - 2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By johnsecter - November 11 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd Mercedes and I love it. The back seat is large enough for the kids to ride in but you do have to move the front seats up. The handling is outstanding. My combined gas mileage is around 25 mpg.The sound system (Bose) is unbelievable. I recommend it to everyone.

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  Awfully NICE! - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By BMW TO MB - November 5 - 10:00 am

  This V8 powered luxury coupe is a blast. Rockets to cruising speed and handles and brakes with solid confidence. Not up to BMW standards of drivability and certainly not your BORING Japanesse softness, so a great compromise between performance and luxury. It IS a Mercedes so a great ride..plus the dealer was willing to deal! Not the take it or leave it BMW attitude. I have owned several but they lost me this time.

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  Wifes car - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By JustOK - October 24 - 9:03 am

  As the title explains, this is my wifes car, I drive a 4-Runner. With a totally un-biased account, I can honestly say this car is too narrow for my 6 215 lbs. frame. The seats arent very comfortable, No lumbard support/ adjustment. The controls/ navigation are difficult to master and as mentioned in previous ratings, one cup holder. Now with all that said, I do have to compliment its mechanical refinement. I mean The Germans are leaps and bounds ahead of us in the automobile industry. I dont have to change the oil for 13,000 miles! We debate over 3 to 5000? The 5 ltr. engine is mated to a 7-spd A/T. for a flawless performance. Man, I wish it were wider...or I was smaller.

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  clk430 convertible - 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By hellodi - October 23 - 10:00 am

  Great car...outstanding performance. Downside- blind spot, gas mileage, and small trunk.

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  I Love This Car - 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Jim A - October 21 - 8:10 pm

  Ill never need another car. Ive had this car for years, and never thought Id like any car this much. I look at other cars, and aside from the CLK55, there is nothing else interesting, including the new body style with the flattened out belt line! Mine just turned over 120k (100k under my foot) and still runs like the day I bought it. Ive never babied it, and it consistently performs. Mines magma red, and when my friends call me snooty, I just tell them its a Camaro SS for the over 40 set. Theyre just jealous. You should buy one, too!

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  My New Love - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Alan Chalfin - October 18 - 11:36 pm

  I have never felt so exhilarated by a car before this...I feel like a teenage king behind the wheel. I had no idea how much I would love driving around town in a convertible. Much to my surprise, I gave up no comfort and not much in the quiet department. Its a beauty to see, a pleasure to drive and I love it!

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  Beautiful Convertible Mercy 04 - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By MARIAN GRIFFIS - October 16 - 3:51 pm

  Thought I had a transmission problem so I bought a transmission-it wasnt a transmission problem so I have a extra transmission to go with the car It was a simple reset of something. But it does need some Struts. We still drive it & Love it but now we have 4 Granddaughters & we cant all go & no one eats to be left out. They all want to go

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  Wonderful! - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By emorypath - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This car brings back the joy in everyday life. It is sporty but luxurious. The ride is smooth, the sound system is rich and clear. The V8 engine is quiet and yet strong. The seats and in interior are comfortable with plenty of comfortable room for 4. The convertible tob is lined giving a quiet ride when the top is on. it makes any trip out a pleasure.