Mercedes-Benz CLK (2002 – 2009) Review

Mercedes-Benz CLK (2002 – 2009) At A Glance

Much better second attempt at CLK. Goes well, handles well and is comfortable. Attractive looks.

Some wind noise. Electrical problems are not unknown.

Real MPG average for a Mercedes-Benz CLK (2002 – 2009)

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

Satisfaction Index

Reviews for Mercedes-Benz CLK (2002 – 2009)'s top 3 rivals

BMW 3 Series

Stylish four-seater coupe. Plenty of room for four and their luggage. Comes with a great choice of engines...

Volvo C70

Genuine four-seat coupe-convertible. Tidy handling and a comfortable long-distance cruiser. Stylish looks,...

Audi A4

More emphasis on handling, comfort and refinement than pre-facelift model. Very classy image.

Ask Honest John

Is it possible to cause damage to cars by jet washing?

"My Mercedes CLK280 was recalled for a sunroof check. When I got it back, the auto-lights failed followed by the interior light and then the sunroof. A swathe of lacquer had been taken off the boot where a tiny amount had been off before hence I only washed it gently. It transpires they had jet-washed the car without my permission and this caused the damage forcing water into the circuit board and taking the lacquer off. They dispute this. In your experience, have you come across this before? Water comes in through the window seals if jet-washed but all the car is water tight in torrential rain etc?"

A badly-handled jet washer can certainly cause this kind of damage. Cars are obviously designed to be waterproof, but a jet washer held too close to a seal can easily result in water entering places it should not thanks to the high velocity of water. As cars age the seals can also become less efficient at keeping out water as they harden. It is also possible to damage paint if it is already in poor condition.

Answered by David Ross

Can I connect my iPhone to the Bluetooth in my 2007 car?

"I have just bought a 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK. Do you know if its possible to connect my iPhone through the Bluetooth ?"

If you try to pair your iPhone and it comes up as an available device, you have your answer. If not, you can get a device that will pair your phone to your car. This £16 unit is the best reviewed device on Amazon, it just plugs into your 12v socket: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Transmitter-VicTsing-Bluetooth-Handsfree-Wireless-Grey/dp/B01K4R8RLM/ref=sr_1_6?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1534505191&sr=1-6&keywords=bluetooth+car+transmitter Alternatively, you can go for something more expensive like this Sony stereo that will give you full Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. It's expensive, but far superior to Bluetooth: https://kit.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews/review-sony-xav-ax100-64-car-stereo-with-apple-carplay-android-auto/

Answered by Georgia Petrie

Will fitting V rated tyres, for speeds up to 140mph, affect my insurance?

"My Mercedes-Benz CLK 220 CDI is supposed to have W rated tyres, which are for speeds up to 150mph. A national tyre group has advised me I can quite safely use V rated (140mph). As I might do 90mph max when in Europe, am I okay to fit the V rated tyres or would it affect my insurance?"

Yes, you are fine using V rated. It will not affect your insurance. The minimum rating is 113mph, which is over and above our national speed limit. An insurer would have to prove the difference in speed rating was a direct cause of an accident to repudiate a claim.

Answered by Tim Kelly

Someone hit my Mercedes-Benz CLK in a car park - how do I stop the insurer writing off my car if the repair costs a lot?

"While I was at work someone hit my car in the car park. They've assumed liability and his insurance already contacted me. I have also contacted my insurance company in the meantime and started proceedings with them, however TP insurance contacted me to deal with them directly and even offered a garage of choice to repair. So far, so good. However, my car is a Mercedes-Benz CLK Avantgarde with 110,000 miles and some rust on the rear arch (which, funnily enough I meant to fix this weekend). I'm afraid the insurance will deem the cost of repair higher than the cost of the car and write it off. I went to a garage close to my house and they said to fix it would cost £1000, however in another garage I believe it might be about £750/£800. I've owned this car for six years, I religiously service it myself every 10,000 miles and have replaced many expensive parts over the years, most recently a full exhaust system and a full gear box service. The engine is an absolute gem. The last thing I want is a write off as I feel the money they will offer me will not permit me to buy another one in same condition. I'm a bit confused and not very wise with insurance matters. What should I do to get the best deal possible? I really like my car and all I want is to have it fixed."

It comes down to the value of your car, as long as the repair cost is less than the market value, then you can insist on the car being repaired or ask for a cash in lieu sum for the full cost of repair. Your legal entitlements are here: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/insurance/coles-v-hetherton-what-it-means-for-you/ Whoever you deal with, be it the third party insurer or your own, tell them not to write off your vehicle.

Answered by Tim Kelly

More Questions

Inside of the Mercedes-Benz CLK (2002 – 2009)

• Boot space is 276–381 litres

The ambience is fine. The aircon works perfectly. It has nice little surprises like the piece of dashboard padding that, when you touch it, turns into a cup-holder. And its pillarless look is certainly very attractive, though one of the test cars had a bit of wind noise from the complex self-sealing side glass. There will even be a convertible version arriving just in time for next summer's all too brief attempts to enjoy some top-down motoring. And there is some lip service to practicality. The back seats fold down so you can transport things like skis, boogie boards, bicycles and lawnmowers.

Child seats that fit a Mercedes-Benz CLK (2002 – 2009)

Our unique Car Seat Chooser shows you which child car seats will fit this car and which seat positions that they will fit, so that you don't have to check every car seat manufacturer's website for compatibility.

Which car seat will suit you?

Driving Mercedes-Benz CLK (2002 – 2009)

• Engines range from CLK200 Kompressor to CLK63 AMG
• Readers report Real MPG to be between 19–45 mpg

Yes, there will be a 170bhp CLK 270 CDI at £31,375 for the automatic in silver, and, since that only pumps out 178g/km CO2 they'd be up for paying BIK in 22% of list, or £6,903 to you, which translates to a mere £2,761 of the folding. But how will the Cholmodley-Wynchnortons react when you thank them for the lovely dinner, turn your key in your dashboard then waken the dead with the clatter of your tradesman's diesel engine?

Did I like this car? Put it this way: the whole point of a Mercedes coupe is to inform everyone you're definitely not a taxi driver, even if the diesel coupe tells them you'll never buy the first round. It's to give the impression you can afford to drive a coupe, even if you can't.

Now even though I fully accept that this is vitally important to some people, I'm afraid it isn't to me. I'm simply not prepared to sacrifice legroom, doors and dynamics for the sake of my social standing. And this is no offence to Mercedes because its new E Class is simply a far better car. They can give me one of those any day.

That doesn't mean that the new CLK isn't a good car in its own right. With the 500 V8, 320 V6, or even the 270 straight five diesel, it goes well. Based on the W203 C Class, it handles well, too, though not quite as well as the new E Class. It's comfortable. 

The clincher is really something else MB MD told us: They're only going to import the car in strictly limited numbers. And, if you're in the market for a classy £30,000 to £40,000 purpose built coupe, there simply isn't anything else.

Mercedes-Benz CLK (2002 – 2009) Models and Specs

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What to watch out for

Model History

• June 2002
• March 2005
• June 2005
• August 2006
• November 2006
• April 2008
• October 2009