1998-2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Mercedes-Benz CLK. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Mercedes-Benz CLK.

1998-2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK Review

A sporty offshoot of Mercedes' C-Class sedan, the CLK320 put the German automaker's rear-wheel-drive luxury qualities into a coupe body style. Slightly longer and lower than a C-Class, the CLK got unique styling marked by an oval-lamp nose, like its larger E-Class sedans. A 3.2-liter V6 engine went under the hood, driving a 5-speed automatic transmission. Mercedes' first V6 engine, it was an overhead-cam unit with three valves per cylinder. ASR traction control and front side airbags were standard. Antilock brakes also were standard, with Mercedes' "Brake Assist" feature. That system interpreted certain rapid brake-pedal movement as a panic-stop situation and automatically applied full braking force. A new "Smart Key" antitheft ignition system used a coded electronic data link instead of a regular key. The "BabySmart" child-seat recognition system deactivated the passenger-side airbags when a special Mercedes-designed child seat was in place. An antiskid Electronic Stability Program was optional. CLK coupes rode 16-inch tires and had a standard 60/40 split folding rear seat, as well as dual power-forward front seats. A new option was available: rain-sensing wipers that varied the speed of the intermittent sweep. Rivals included the BMW 3-Series, Saab 9-3, and Volvo C70.

Year to Year Changes

1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK: A CLK320 convertible joined the original coupe this year, as did a CLK430 coupe with 4.3-liter V8 power. The convertible included a power top, glass rear window, and the same 3.2-liter V6 engine as the CLK320 coupe. The new V8 coupe added Mercedes' ESP antiskid system (an option for V6 models), as well as bigger brakes, a firm suspension, performance tires on 17-inch wheels (versus the usual 16-inchers), and "aero" lower-body cladding.

2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK: Both body styles--coupe and convertible--were available with the 4.3-liter V8 engine this year. Previously optional on the CLK320, an ESP antiskid system became standard on all models. The 5-speed automatic transmission gained Mercedes' Touch Shift, with a separate gate for easier manual shifting. Standard equipment included Mercedes' TeleAid emergency assistance system.

2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK: CLK added a new performance coupe and some electronic features for 2001. The CLK55 AMG limited-edition coupe came with a 342-hp 5.4-liter V8 engine, special trim, larger brakes, stiffer suspension, and special 17-inch wheels. Newly optional was Mercedes' COMAND system that controlled audio and available navigation and phone functions from a dashboard screen.

2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK: CLK55 coupe was joined by a convertible companion. Newly optional for 320 models was a Sport package with aero bodywork and 17-inch wheels. And CLK430s gained standard aero body trim, light-gray gauges, blue-tinted windows, and new-look alloy wheels. CLK was redesigned for '03.

1998-2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK Road Test

Pros	Cons

Steering/handling	Rear-seat room

Acceleration	Cargo room

Side airbags	Rear-seat entry/exit

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

A CLK320 hit 60 mph in just 7 seconds, and yielded decent 21.6-mpg gas mileage--using the mandatory premium fuel. The CLK430 is slightly sleepy off the line but then rockets ahead, in keeping with Mercedes' claim of a 6.1-second 0-60 time. That one averaged 20.2 mpg. We haven't timed a 430 or CLK55, but in test drives, both seem up to Mercedes' 0-60 claims of 6.1 and around 5 sec, respectively. Mercedes-Benz's 5-speed automatic transmission has a gear for just about every situation, and shifts with smooth authority. Braking is superb: swift and undramatic. Handling is responsive and stable, cornering response flat, though the CLK is not quite as agile as a BMW 3-Series. A firm but mostly comfortable ride lets you feel most bumps, but not really harsh impacts. That benefit is spoiled, however, by thumping over expansion joints and tire rumble on rough pavements. Road roar is noticeable, especially from the rear tires. Wind and mechanical ruckus are well-checked. Both engines emit a pleasing, subdued snarl under hard throttle. Front occupants get decent room, but the feeling is snug rather than spacious. Expect skimpy rear-seat leg room and tight rear-seat entry/exit, at least for adults, despite front seats that power forward after tilting their backrests. The rear seat is configured for two occupants only, and leg space vanishes with the front seat positioned fully aft. Front head room is just adequate for 6-footers, and head space in back is scant except for preteens. Cargo space isn't great either. The wheel only telescopes (no tilt), and several switches are poorly marked or placed. Over-the-shoulder views are not the best, but visibility is generally good. Controls are handy and user-friendly, once you've deciphered a few markings. Cabin decor is more clinical than cushy, not uncommon for Mercedes, though workmanship is generally fine inside and out. Mercedes-Benz took great pains to make its convertible solid, and succeeded admirably.

Value for the Money
A comfortable and capable tourer, CLK offers Mercedes prestige and greater refinement, plus style and poise, for about the same money as Volvo's C70 coupe. High resale value has always been a "plus" for any Mercedes, though that makes secondhand prices high, too.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Mercedes-Benz CLK320	Rating

Performance	7

Fuel Economy	5

Ride Quality	6

Steering/Handling/Braking	6

Quietness	6

Controls/Materials	5

Interior Room	5

Room/Comfort (rear)	2

Cargo Capacity	2

Value within Class	3

Total:	47

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

1998-2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK Reliability

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Dashboard lights: The check-engine light may come on due to a failure of the fuel-tank pressure sensor or gasoline-vapor purge-control valve. (1998)

Starter: The starter stops running before the engine is running due to lack of grease on the starter drive gear. (1998)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.


Item Name	Repair Cost

A/C Compressor	$790

Alternator	$475

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$1,105

Brakes	$755

Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing	$810

Constant Velocity Joints	$1,050

Exhaust System	$780

Radiator	$665

Shocks and/or Struts	$1,595

Timing Chain or Belt	$960

NHTSA Recall History

1999 CLK320: Due to defective weld, anchorages may not adequately secure front seatbelts in a crash.

1998-2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1998
CLK320 coupe	$9,000-10,000	$8,100-9,000	$4,700-5,200

1999
CLK320 conv.	$14,200-15,500	$12,900-14,100	$8,700-9,500
CLK320 coupe	$10,500-11,700	$9,500-10,500	$5,600-6,200
CLK430 coupe	$12,000-13,300	$10,800-12,000	$6,700-7,400

2000
CLK320 conv.	$16,000-17,500	$14,600-15,900	$10,200-11,200
CLK320 coupe	$12,000-13,300	$10,800-12,000	$6,700-7,400
CLK430 conv.	$18,000-19,500	$16,600-17,900	$11,500-12,500
CLK430 coupe	$14,200-15,500	$12,900-14,100	$8,700-9,500

2001
CLK320 conv.	$18,000-19,500	$16,600-17,900	$11,500-12,500
CLK320 coupe	$14,000-15,500	$12,700-14,100	$8,500-9,500
CLK430 conv.	$20,500-22,000	$18,900-20,200	$13,300-14,300
CLK430 coupe	$16,500-18,000	$15,000-16,400	$10,600-11,500
CLK55 coupe	$18,500-20,000	$17,000-18,400	$11,800-12,800

2002
CLK320 conv.	$21,000-22,500	$19,300-20,700	$13,700-14,600
CLK320 coupe	$16,500-18,000	$15,000-16,400	$10,600-11,500
CLK430 conv.	$23,500-25,000	$21,600-23,000	$15,300-16,300
CLK430 coupe	$19,000-20,500	$17,500-18,900	$12,400-13,300
CLK55 conv.	$26,200-28,000	$24,400-26,000	$17,300-18,500
CLK55 coupe	$22,000-23,500	$20,200-21,600	$14,300-15,300

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

1998-2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	2-door convertible	2-door coupe

Wheelbase, in.	105.9	105.9

Overall Length, in.	180.2	180.2

Overall Width, in.	67.8	67.8

Overall Height, in.	54.3	53.0

Curb Weight, lbs.	3655	3240

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	9.9	11.0

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	16.4	16.4

Seating Capacity	4	4

Front Head Room, in.	37.5	36.9

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.9	41.9

Rear Head Room, in.	36.4	35.6

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	27.4	31.1

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

For its first season, the CLK coupe came only with a 3.2-liter V6 engine and 5-speed automatic transmission. A CLK430 coupe joined the original CLK320 for 1999, packing a 275-horsepower, 4.3-liter V8. New for 2001 was the CLK55 AMG performance coupe with a 5.4-liter V8 engine.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

ohc V6	3.2 / 195	215	229	5-speed automatic: 21/29	5-speed automatic: 21.6

ohc V8	4.3 / 260	275	295	5-speed automatic: 18/25	5-speed automatic: 20.2

ohc V8	5.4 / 322	342	376	5-speed automatic: 17/24	5-speed automatic: 14.9

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Built In: Germany

Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive

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Also in the 1998-2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK Review:

Mercedes-Benz CLK

Mercedes-Benz CLK Road Test

Mercedes-Benz CLK Reliability

Mercedes-Benz CLK Prices

Mercedes-Benz CLK Specs & Safety

Mercedes-Benz CLK Photos

Mercedes-Benz CLK Full Review