Vehicle History Report
Get a CARFAX Vehicle History... the first step to protecting yourself from costly hidden problems.
- • New Cars
2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK Full Review
Date Published: 11/23/08
Also in the 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mercedes-Benz CLK Full Review
7.
8.
2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK Review
This 2-dr, 4-passenger version of Mercedes' C-Class sedan comes as a coupe and convertible. The coupe has true hardtop styling (no middle roof posts). The convertible has a fully automatic power top, heated glass rear window, and roll bars in the rear headrests designed to pop up if sensors detect an impending rollover. Both body styles come in three trim levels. CLK320s have a 215-hp V6. CLK500s have a 302-hp V8. CLK55s, developed by Mercedes' AMG performance arm, have a 362-hp V8. All use a 5-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift feature. The CLK55 adds manual-shift steering-wheel buttons. ABS, antiskid/traction control, and front and rear side airbags are standard. The convertible's front side airbags cover head and torso. Coupes have head-protecting curtain side airbags. Seventeen-inch wheels are standard on V8 models, 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 are front- and rear-obstacle detection, Mercedes' Distronic cruise control designed to maintain a set following distance, and its Keyless Go credit-card-sized transmitter that allows the driver to start the car via a shift-knob button rather than the ignition key. For 2004, CLKs are factory prewired to accept a newly optional dealer-installed satellite radio.
News
A freshening is rumored for the 2006 CLKs. Specifics haven't surfaced yet, but minor cosmetic changes and a few new features seem a safe bet. There's a chance Mercedes will substitute its new 7-speed automatic for the current 5-speed, perhaps for '05. Another prospect is available 4Matic all-wheel drive, which the latest CLK was engineered to accommodate.
2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration (V8 models) | Rear-seat entry/exit |
| Steering/handling | Rear-seat room |
| Navigation-system controls | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Among coupes, CLK320s satisfy in most all situations; tested at 7.2 sec 0-60 mph. V8s quicker: 5.6 sec for test CLK500. No opportunity to time CLK55, but it's a paragon of smooth, ready muscle. Convertibles weigh about 250 lb more than coupes, yet differ little in acceleration. On all, pedal travel not always commensurate with power delivery. CLK320/500 downshifts can be tardy in passing situations. CLK55 power overcomes any delay, and steering-wheel buttons quicken manual-mode shifts.
| CLK320 cpe | CLK320 conv | CLK500 cpe | CLK55 cpe | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 7.7 |
Among coupes, CLK320s satisfy in most all situations; tested at 7.2 sec 0-60 mph. V8s quicker: 5.6 sec for test CLK500. No opportunity to time CLK55, but it's a paragon of smooth, ready muscle. Convertibles weigh about 250 lb more than coupes, yet differ little in acceleration. On all, pedal travel not always commensurate with power delivery. CLK320/500 downshifts can be tardy in passing situations. CLK55 power overcomes any delay, and steering-wheel buttons quicken manual-mode shifts.
Fuel Economy
Test CLK320 convertible averaged 20.1 mpg in mix of city/highway driving; a coupe averaged 20.3. Test CLK500 coupes averaged 15.0 mpg in mostly city driving, 19.4 with more highway miles. CLK55 averaged 18.7 mpg in mostly highway driving. All require premium-grade fuel.
| CLK320 cpe | CLK320 conv | CLK500 cpe | CLK55 cpe | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4.7 |
Test CLK320 convertible averaged 20.1 mpg in mix of city/highway driving; a coupe averaged 20.3. Test CLK500 coupes averaged 15.0 mpg in mostly city driving, 19.4 with more highway miles. CLK55 averaged 18.7 mpg in mostly highway driving. All require premium-grade fuel.
Ride Quality
Base-suspension CLK320 coupe soaks up most rough stuff with little jiggle or tire slap. CLK500 and CLK320 coupes with optional 17-inch low-profile tires only slightly more fidgety on bumps. CLK55 reacts abruptly to broken pavement on stiffer-yet sport suspension. Convertibles ride about the same as coupes; they're impressively solid with little cowl shake. All CLKs are composed at high speeds.
| CLK320 cpe | CLK320 conv | CLK500 cpe | CLK55 cpe | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
Base-suspension CLK320 coupe soaks up most rough stuff with little jiggle or tire slap. CLK500 and CLK320 coupes with optional 17-inch low-profile tires only slightly more fidgety on bumps. CLK55 reacts abruptly to broken pavement on stiffer-yet sport suspension. Convertibles ride about the same as coupes; they're impressively solid with little cowl shake. All CLKs are composed at high speeds.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Not sports-car agile, but every CLK corners 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 cpe | CLK320 conv | CLK500 cpe | CLK55 cpe | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8.4 |
Not sports-car agile, but every CLK corners 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 not intrusive. CLK55 elevates road noise. Coupes suffer little wind rush despite lacking middle roof posts, but one test CLK320 had low whistle around driver's door window. Top up, convertibles nearly as quiet as coupes.
| CLK320 cpe | CLK320 conv | CLK500 cpe | CLK55 cpe | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
Engines classy, muted even at full throttle. Rough-surface tire noise present, but not intrusive. CLK55 elevates road noise. Coupes suffer little wind rush despite lacking middle roof posts, but one test CLK320 had low whistle around driver's door window. Top up, convertibles nearly as quiet as coupes.
Controls
Typical Mercedes switchgear close at hand and mostly works well, but few markings are obvious, and 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 opens/closes coupe windows and optional sunroof, handy for hot days. Cabin finish generally matches premium pricing. Coupe test cars suffered some creaks and door rattles.
| CLK320 cpe | CLK320 conv | CLK500 cpe | CLK55 cpe | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.8 |
Typical Mercedes switchgear close at hand and mostly works well, but few markings are obvious, and 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 opens/closes coupe windows and optional sunroof, handy for hot days. Cabin finish generally matches premium pricing. Coupe test cars suffered some creaks and door rattles.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Cozy but with ample leg space, decent 6-footer head room. Good basic helm layout, though low-set seats not ideal for long-distance comfort, and may be short on thigh support for some drivers. Visibility generally good in coupes. Same for convertibles, making top-up visibility among best of any ragtop's thanks to fairly narrow rear "pillars." Long, cumbersome doors, lowish build hamper entry/exit.
| CLK320 cpe | CLK320 conv | CLK500 cpe | CLK55 cpe | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.4 |
Cozy but with ample leg space, decent 6-footer head room. Good basic helm layout, though low-set seats not ideal for long-distance comfort, and may be short on thigh support for some drivers. Visibility generally good in coupes. Same for convertibles, making top-up visibility among best of any ragtop's thanks to fairly narrow rear "pillars." Long, cumbersome doors, lowish build hamper entry/exit.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Seating for just two on hard but well-shaped cushions. Backrest's contour may squeeze larger folks. Scant head room, little leg space unless front-seaters move well forward. Stoop-and-crawl entry/exit despite front seats that power ahead on tipping the backrest.
| CLK320 cpe | CLK320 conv | CLK500 cpe | CLK55 cpe | Class Average |
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | .6 |
Seating for just two on hard but well-shaped cushions. Backrest's contour may squeeze larger folks. Scant head room, little leg space unless front-seaters move well forward. Stoop-and-crawl entry/exit despite front seats that power ahead on tipping the backrest.
Cargo Room
Coupe has useful load space, fold-down seatbacks with in-trunk releases that help packing. Convertible lacks fold-down rear seatback and forfeits a critical 2 cu ft of space. Cabins have door and seat pockets for small stuff, but just one cupholder. And dashboard glovebox and console bin almost useless if fitted with optional CD changer and phone, respectively.
| CLK320 cpe | CLK320 conv | CLK500 cpe | CLK55 cpe | Class Average |
| 3 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 2.2 |
Coupe has useful load space, fold-down seatbacks with in-trunk releases that help packing. Convertible lacks fold-down rear seatback and forfeits a critical 2 cu ft of space. Cabins have door and seat pockets for small stuff, but just one cupholder. And dashboard glovebox and console bin almost useless if fitted with optional CD changer and phone, respectively.
Value within Class
Stylish, solid, and sporty, CLKs make sense for well-heeled buyers whose lifestyle can accommodate a 4-seat 2-dr car. Balancing their pricey impracticality are strong resale values and a long list of safety features.
| CLK320 cpe | CLK320 conv | CLK500 cpe | CLK55 cpe | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 4.6 |
Stylish, solid, and sporty, CLKs make sense for well-heeled buyers whose lifestyle can accommodate a 4-seat 2-dr car. Balancing their pricey impracticality are strong resale values and a long list of safety features.
Total Score
| CLK320 cpe | CLK320 conv | CLK500 cpe | CLK55 cpe | Class Average |
| 54 | 53 | 55 | 51 | 47.4 |
Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars
| Low Score | 38 | |
| Average Score | 47 | |
| High Score | 57 |
2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 08/15/2005
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| CLK320 2-door coupe | $45,000 | $41,850 | $720 |
|
|
|||
| CLK320 2-door convertible | $52,050 | $48,407 | $720 |
|
|
|||
| CLK500 2-door coupe | $53,450 | $49,709 | $720 |
|
|
|||
| CLK500 2-door convertible | $60,500 | $56,265 | $720 |
|
|
|||
| CLK55 2-door coupe | $69,900 | $65,007 | $720 |
|
|
|||
| CLK55 2-door convertible | $79,950 | $74,354 | $720 |
Price note: CLK500 adds $1000 Gas-Guzzler Tax. CLK55 adds $1300 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 and rear side airbags, curtain side airbags (coupe), antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, automatic roll bars (convertible), emergency inside trunk release, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, TeleAid assistance system w/one-year service, power steering, power tilt/telescope 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 (coupe), 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, power convertible top (convertible), Bose AM/FM/weatherband/cassette, digital clock, tachometer, trip computer, rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, universal garage-door opener, automatic day/night rearview mirror, map lights, rear defogger, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, front and rear fog lights, 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.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: wood interior trim.
Rear spoiler, sport suspension, polished alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Appearance Pkg.
|
||
|
320
|
$1,080
|
$1,004
|
|
Aluminum or standard burl walnut interior trim, aluminum pedals, chrome exhaust tips, 225/45ZR17 front tires, 245/40ZR17 rear tires, 5-spoke alloy wheels.
|
||
|
Moon Roof Pkg.
|
||
|
320/500 coupe
|
$1,410
|
$1,311
|
|
Power sunroof, power rear sunshade.
|
||
|
Comfort Pkg.
|
||
|
320, 500
|
$1,200
|
$1,116
|
|
Active-ventilated multicontour front seats.
|
||
|
Lighting Pkg.
|
||
|
CLK320, CLK500, CLK55
|
$975
|
$907
|
|
Xenon headlights w/washers.
|
||
|
designo Bronze/Espresso Edition
|
||
|
320/500 coupe
|
$6,200
|
$5,766
|
|
320/500 convertible
|
$6,900
|
$6,417
|
|
55
|
$6,100
|
$5,673
|
|
Unique interior trim, special paint. Requires heated front seats.
|
||
|
|
||
Safety |
||
|
Front- and rear-obstacle-detection system
|
||
|
CLK320, CLK500, CLK55
|
$1,060
|
$986
|
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
COMAND System
|
||
|
CLK320, CLK500, CLK55
|
$2,170
|
$2,018
|
|
Navigation system, CD player. Deletes cassette player.
|
||
|
Navigation CDs
|
||
|
CLK320, CLK500, CLK55
|
$150
|
$140
|
|
Requires COMAND System.
|
||
|
6-disc CD changer
|
||
|
CLK320, CLK500, CLK55
|
$410
|
$381
|
|
Keyless Go
|
||
|
CLK320, CLK500, CLK55
|
$1,040
|
$967
|
|
Distronic adaptive cruise control
|
||
|
CLK320, CLK500, CLK55
|
$3,010
|
$2,799
|
|
Active-ventilated front seats
|
||
|
320, 500
|
$910
|
$846
|
|
55
|
$675
|
$628
|
|
Heated front seats
|
||
|
320, 500
|
$670
|
$623
|
|
Wood interior trim
|
||
|
55
|
$260
|
$242
|
|
Wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel
|
||
|
320, 500
|
$510
|
$474
|
|
Ski sack
|
||
|
CLK320, CLK500, CLK55
|
$220
|
$205
|
|
Integrated cellular telephone
|
||
|
CLK320, CLK500, CLK55
|
$1,595
|
$
|
|
Voice-activated integrated cellular telephone
|
||
|
CLK320, CLK500
|
$1,995
|
$1,437
|
|
Power rear sunshade
|
||
|
55
|
$450
|
$419
|
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Special paint
|
||
|
320, 500
|
$670
|
$623
|
|
Some colors requires special order charge.
|
||
|
Special order charge
|
||
|
CLK320, CLK500, CLK55
|
$1,150
|
$1,150
|
|
Fee for one or more options requiring special order charge.
|
||
|
|
||
2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Mercedes-Benz CLK 2-door coupe | Mercedes-Benz CLK 2-door convertible |
| 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 | 20/26 | 17/22 | 15/22 |
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 2-door coupe | Mercedes-Benz CLK 2-door convertible |
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 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mercedes-Benz CLK Full Review
7.
8.
Car Buying Resources
Vehicle History Report
Sell Your Car
Powered by:
-
MAKE -
CATEGORY
Acura
Aston Martin
Audi
Bentley
BMW
Buick
Cadillac
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Dodge
Ferrari
Ford
GMC
Honda
Hummer
Hyundai
Infiniti
Isuzu
Jaguar
Jeep
Kia
Lamborghini
Land Rover
Lexus
Lincoln
Lotus
Maserati
Mazda
Mercedes-Benz
Mercury
Mini
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Pontiac
Porsche
Rolls-Royce
Roush
Saab
Saturn
Scion
Smart
Subaru
Suzuki
Toyota
Volkswagen
Volvo
Subcompact Car
Compact Car
Midsize Car
Large Car
Premium Midsize Car
Premium Large Car
Sporty/performance Car
Premium Sporty/performance Car
Minivan
Full-size Van
Compact Sport-utility Vehicle
Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle
Large Sport-utility Vehicle
Compact Pickup Truck
Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle
Premium Compact Sport-utility Vehicle
Large Pickup Truck
Premium Compact Car
Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicle
Exotic Car
