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2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mercedes-Benz CLK Full Review
7.
8.
2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK Review
Mercedes-Benz redesigns its CLK coupes and convertibles for 2003, giving the coupe true hardtop styling without middle roof posts. The convertible is due to bow midyear as an early 2004 model. Both come in three trim levels. CLK320s have a V6. CLK500s have a 5.0-liter V8 and replace CLK430s, which had a 4.3-liter V8. CLK55s, developed by Mercedes' AMG performance arm, have a 5.4-liter V8. All use a 5-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift feature. ABS, antiskid/traction control, and front and rear side airbags are standard. Convertible front side airbags cover head and torso. Coupes have head-protecting curtain side airbags. The '03s are slightly larger and some 120-to-250 lb heavier than their predecessors. Styling is altered, but interior dimensions change little. Convertibles have a fully automatic power top and roll bars in the rear headrests designed to pop up if sensors detect an impending rollover. Tires are wider at the rear than at the front. Seventeen-inch wheels are standard on V8 models and optional on CLK320s in place of 16s. CLK55s have a sport suspension. CLK500 convertibles have exclusive AMG-designed trim. Mercedes' TeleAid assistance is standard. Options include Mercedes' COMAND video-screen control for audio and available navigation and phone systems. Also available is rear-obstacle detection, Mercedes' Distronic cruise control to maintain a set following distance, and its Keyless Go credit-card-sized transmitter to work locks and ignition by touch.
Competition
With wide price ranges and numerous body configurations, this diverse segment has two clear Best Buy choices--the refined Lexus LS 430 and the unique Audi A6. The LS 430 can't be beat for comfort and features at around $55,000, while the A6 earns Best Buy status for its blend of space, performance, design sophistication, powertrain choices, and workmanship at prices below those of most rivals.
We Recommend the Acura RL--a steal at around $45,000 fully equipped. Though it is a front-drive V6 in a field of V8 rear-drive models, it has a great ride, plenty of power, and is quite luxurious. If you are looking for something a bit more sporting, we Recommend BMW 5-Series. If your taste ranges more toward the luxury end, then take a look at the roomy Cadillac DeVille.
We Recommend the Acura RL--a steal at around $45,000 fully equipped. Though it is a front-drive V6 in a field of V8 rear-drive models, it has a great ride, plenty of power, and is quite luxurious. If you are looking for something a bit more sporting, we Recommend BMW 5-Series. If your taste ranges more toward the luxury end, then take a look at the roomy Cadillac DeVille.
News
As noted, the CLK convertible shifts to the basic new coupe design for 2004 in V6 and V8 versions. The update brings a little extra length and width that should benefit passenger and cargo space. There's no folding metal roof, however, Mercedes opting for another power cloth top.
Likely to arrive soon after the redesigned convertibles is a new performance-oriented CLK vetted by Mercedes' AMG performance division. A supercharged 3.2-liter V6 replaces the previous model's normally aspirated 5.4-liter V8. Rumored horsepower is little changed, however, at around 354. We've heard that 0-60 mph will take just over 5 sec. The new AMG will reprise as a coupe, but a CLK32 convertible may be added to counter BMW's drop-top M3.
The new CLKs were engineered to accept Mercedes' 4-Matic all-wheel drive, and that should be available by 2005, perhaps sooner. Also said to be coming is a 6-speed automatic transmission to replace the current 5-speed, though when is unclear.
Mercedes is enjoying record U.S. sales, and the CLKs have been doing their part. On a year-to-year basis, the sporty 2-dr models rose 8.1 percent in calendar 2001 and another 2.2 percent in the first nine months of 2002.
Likely to arrive soon after the redesigned convertibles is a new performance-oriented CLK vetted by Mercedes' AMG performance division. A supercharged 3.2-liter V6 replaces the previous model's normally aspirated 5.4-liter V8. Rumored horsepower is little changed, however, at around 354. We've heard that 0-60 mph will take just over 5 sec. The new AMG will reprise as a coupe, but a CLK32 convertible may be added to counter BMW's drop-top M3.
The new CLKs were engineered to accept Mercedes' 4-Matic all-wheel drive, and that should be available by 2005, perhaps sooner. Also said to be coming is a 6-speed automatic transmission to replace the current 5-speed, though when is unclear.
Mercedes is enjoying record U.S. sales, and the CLKs have been doing their part. On a year-to-year basis, the sporty 2-dr models rose 8.1 percent in calendar 2001 and another 2.2 percent in the first nine months of 2002.
2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration | Rear-seat entry/exit |
| Steering/handling | Rear-seat room |
| Navigation controls | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
No opportunity to test '04 convertible. Among coupes, CLK320s move well enough: 7.2 sec in 0-60-mph test. V8s quicker: 5.6 sec for test CLK500. Pedal travel not always commensurate with power delivery, however, and downshifts can be tardy in passing situations. Have not yet tested CLK55.
| CLK320 coupe | CLK500 coupe | Class Average |
| 6 | 8 | 7.7 |
No opportunity to test '04 convertible. Among coupes, CLK320s move well enough: 7.2 sec in 0-60-mph test. V8s quicker: 5.6 sec for test CLK500. Pedal travel not always commensurate with power delivery, however, and downshifts can be tardy in passing situations. Have not yet tested CLK55.
Fuel Economy
Test CLK500 averaged 19.4 mpg. Expect only slightly better with CLK320s. All CLKs require premium fuel.
| CLK320 coupe | CLK500 coupe | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 4.8 |
Test CLK500 averaged 19.4 mpg. Expect only slightly better with CLK320s. All CLKs require premium fuel.
Ride Quality
Base-suspension CLK320 soaks up most rough stuff with little jiggle or tire slap. CLK500 and CLK320s with Sport Package ride harder, are more fidgety on firmer suspensions, lower-profile tires.
| CLK320 coupe | CLK500 coupe | Class Average |
| 7 | 6 | 4.1 |
Base-suspension CLK320 soaks up most rough stuff with little jiggle or tire slap. CLK500 and CLK320s with Sport Package ride harder, are more fidgety on firmer suspensions, lower-profile tires.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Not BMW-agile even with Sport Package, but all CLKs corner with precision, modest body lean, fine grip and stability. Braking strong with excellent control, but pedal action felt spongy in some test cars, touchy in others.
| CLK320 coupe | CLK500 coupe | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 8.6 |
Not BMW-agile even with Sport Package, but all CLKs corner with precision, modest body lean, fine grip and stability. Braking strong with excellent control, but pedal action felt spongy in some test cars, touchy in others.
Quietness
Engines classy, muted even at full throttle. Rough-surface tire noise present, but also quite low. Coupes suffer little wind rush despite lacking middle roof posts, but one had slight whistle around driver's door window.
| CLK320 coupe | CLK500 coupe | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 4 |
Engines classy, muted even at full throttle. Rough-surface tire noise present, but also quite low. Coupes suffer little wind rush despite lacking middle roof posts, but one had slight whistle around driver's door window.
Controls
Typical Mercedes switchgear mostly works well, but some markings aren't obvious. Dashboard lighting could be brighter, and coupe bar-graph fuel and temperature gauges may be too small for some eyes. Difficult-to-use navigation system a puzzle of teensy buttons. Remote keyfob can open/close coupe windows and optional sunroof, handy for hot days. Cabin finish generally matches premium pricing, though some plastics look relatively cut-rate. Coupes have solid overall road feel, but one test model's driver door rattled.
| CLK320 coupe | CLK500 coupe | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 |
Typical Mercedes switchgear mostly works well, but some markings aren't obvious. Dashboard lighting could be brighter, and coupe bar-graph fuel and temperature gauges may be too small for some eyes. Difficult-to-use navigation system a puzzle of teensy buttons. Remote keyfob can open/close coupe windows and optional sunroof, handy for hot days. Cabin finish generally matches premium pricing, though some plastics look relatively cut-rate. Coupes have solid overall road feel, but one test model's driver door rattled.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Cozy but with ample leg space, decent 6-footer head room. Good basic helm layout with enough adjustments to suit most drivers, though one tester complained of subpar long-distance comfort. Visibility generally good in coupes. Long doors, lowish build hamper entry/exit.
| CLK320 coupe | CLK500 coupe | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 5.4 |
Cozy but with ample leg space, decent 6-footer head room. Good basic helm layout with enough adjustments to suit most drivers, though one tester complained of subpar long-distance comfort. Visibility generally good in coupes. Long doors, lowish build hamper entry/exit.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Seating for just two on hard cushions. Scant head room, almost no leg space unless front-seaters move well forward. Entry/exit a squeeze despite front seats that power ahead on tipping the backrest.
| CLK320 coupe | CLK500 coupe | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | .7 |
Seating for just two on hard cushions. Scant head room, almost no leg space unless front-seaters move well forward. Entry/exit a squeeze despite front seats that power ahead on tipping the backrest.
Cargo Room
Tight, but not too bad for the exterior size. Coupe's fold-down seatbacks with in-trunk releases help packing. Cabins have useful door and seat pockets for small stuff, but dashboard glovebox and console bin almost useless if housing optional CD changer and phone, respectively.
| CLK320 coupe | CLK500 coupe | Class Average |
| 2 | 2 | 2.2 |
Tight, but not too bad for the exterior size. Coupe's fold-down seatbacks with in-trunk releases help packing. Cabins have useful door and seat pockets for small stuff, but dashboard glovebox and console bin almost useless if housing optional CD changer and phone, respectively.
Value within Class
Though no big improvement on previous CLK coupes, the '3s boast a bit more room, a more solid feel, the implied safety of curtain side airbags, and new options like "smart" cruise control that will appeal to some buyers. No sporty 2 dr is really practical, but all CLKs offer high style and Mercedes cachet, plus the strong resale values associated with the brand.
| CLK320 coupe | CLK500 coupe | Class Average |
| 4 | 3 | 4.6 |
Though no big improvement on previous CLK coupes, the '3s boast a bit more room, a more solid feel, the implied safety of curtain side airbags, and new options like "smart" cruise control that will appeal to some buyers. No sporty 2 dr is really practical, but all CLKs offer high style and Mercedes cachet, plus the strong resale values associated with the brand.
Total Score
| CLK320 coupe | CLK500 coupe | Class Average |
| 54 | 54 | 48.1 |
Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars
| Low Score | 38 | |
| Average Score | 48 | |
| High Score | 61 |
2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/09/2003
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
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| CLK320 2-door coupe | $43,900 | $40,827 | $720 |
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| CLK500 2-door coupe | $52,200 | $48,546 | $720 |
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| CLK55 2-door coupe | $68,750 | $63,938 | $720 |
Price note: Convertible prices and equipment not available at time of publication. CLK500, CLK55 add $1000 Gas-Guzzler Tax.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
CLK320
Powertrain
3.2-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags w/automatic child-seat recognition system, front side airbags, rear side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, TeleAid emergency assistance system w/one-year service, emergency inside trunk release, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, power steering, power tilt/telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, 10-way power front seats, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), center console, cupholder, split folding rear seat, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors w/driver-side automatic day/night and passenger-side tilt-down back-up aid, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, Bose AM/FM/cassette, digital clock, tachometer, trip computer, variable-intermittent wipers, rain-sensing wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage-door opener, map lights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, front and rear fog lights, full-size spare tire, 205/55HR16 front tires, 225/50HR16 rear tires, alloy wheels.
CLK500 adds to CLK320:
Powertrain
5.0-liter V8 engine.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
225/45ZR17 front tires, 245/40ZR17 rear tires.
CLK55 adds to CLK500:
Powertrain
5.4-liter V8 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Heated multicontour front seats, power sunroof, rain-sensing wipers.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: wood interior trim.
Sport suspension, polished alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Option Pkg. K3
|
||
|
320, 500
|
$1,375
|
$1,279
|
|
Power sunroof, power rear-window sunshade.
|
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Option Pkg. K4
|
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CLK320, CLK500, CLK55
|
$1,150
|
$1,070
|
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Xenon headlights w/washers.
|
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Appearance Pkg.
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||
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320
|
$1,050
|
$977
|
|
Unique interior trim, special exhaust tip, 225/45ZR17 front tires, 245/40ZR17 rear tires, 5-spoke alloy wheels.
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Safety |
||
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Front- and rear-obstacle-detection system
|
||
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CLK320, CLK500, CLK55
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$1,035
|
$963
|
|
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
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COMAND System
|
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CLK320, CLK500, CLK55
|
$2,125
|
$1,976
|
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Navigation system, CD player. Deletes cassette player.
|
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Navigation CDs
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CLK320, CLK500, CLK55
|
$145
|
$135
|
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Requires COMAND System.
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6-disc CD changer
|
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CLK320, CLK500, CLK55
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$400
|
$372
|
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Keyless Go
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CLK320, CLK500, CLK55
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$1,015
|
$944
|
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Distronic adaptive cruise control
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CLK320, CLK500, CLK55
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$2,950
|
$2,744
|
|
Multicontour front seats
|
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|
CLK320, CLK500
|
$755
|
$702
|
|
Std. 55.
|
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Heated front seats
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CLK320, CLK500
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$650
|
$605
|
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Std. 55.
|
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Wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel
|
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320, 500
|
$500
|
$465
|
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Bird's eye maple interior trim
|
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|
320
|
$0
|
$0
|
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Requires special order charge, special paint.
|
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Ski sack
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CLK320, CLK500, CLK55
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$210
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$195
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Integrated cellular telephone
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CLK320, CLK500, CLK55, CLK55
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$1,595
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$1,065
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Voice-activated integrated cellular telephone
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CLK320, CLK500, CLK55
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$1,995
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$1,437
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Power rear sunshade
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55
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$440
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$409
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Special paint
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CLK320, CLK500, CLK55
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$655
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$609
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Some colors requires special order charge.
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Special order charge
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CLK320, CLK500, CLK55
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$1,150
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$1,150
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Fee for one or more options requiring special order charge.
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2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class 2-door coupe | Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class 2-door conv. |
| Wheelbase, in. | 106.9 | 106.9 |
| Overall Length, in. | 182.6 | 182.6 |
| Overall Width, in. | 68.5 | 68.5 |
| Overall Height, in. | 55.4 | 54.4 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3515 | 3770 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 10.4 | 8.6 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.4 | 16.4 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | 4 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.1 | 38.4 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.0 | 42.0 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 35.8 | 36.3 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 33.0 | 30.4 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| sohc V6 | sohc V8 | sohc V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.2 /195 | 5.0 /303 | 5.4 /332 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 215 @ 5700 | 302 @ 5600 | 362 @ 5750 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 229 @ 3000 | 339 @ 2700 | 376 @ 4000 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|||
| 5-speed automatic | 19/27 | 16/23 | 16/22 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class 2-door coupe | Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class 2-door conv. |
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%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | --/-- | Unlimited |
| Free scheduled maintenance | 4/50,000 | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Germany
Drivewheels:
rear-wheel drive
Also in the 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mercedes-Benz CLK Full Review
7.
8.
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