- Willing V6 engines
- Supportive front seats
- Comfortable and well-controlled ride
- High standard of fit and finish
- Overly-assisted steering
- Handling lacks precision and engagement of BMW E46 3-Series Coupe
- Steering wheel vibrations over uneven surfaces
- Limited rear seat headroom
Review: Mercedes-Benz C209.I CLK Coupe (2002-05)
Overview
Released in June 2002, the Mercedes-Benz C209 Series I (C209.I) CLK Coupe was a four-seat coupe. Manufactured in Germany, the rear-wheel drive C209 CLK Coupe range initially consisted of the CLK 320 and CLK 500 models, with the CLK 240 following in October 2002. In July 2004, the CLK 200 Kompressor was released.
Please note that the Mercedes C209 CLK 55 and CLK 63 AMG have been reviewed separately.
| Variant | Year | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLK 200 Komp-ressor | Avantgarde, Elegance |
2004-05 | 1.8-litre s/charged petrol I4 (M271) | 5sp auto | 120 kW at 5500 rpm | 240 Nm at 3000-4000 rpm |
| CLK 240 | Avantgarde, Elegance |
2002-05 | 2.6-litre petrol V6 (M112) | 5sp auto | 125 kW at 5500 rpm | 240 Nm at 4500 rpm |
| CLK 320 | Avantgarde, Elegance |
2002-05 | 3.2-litre petrol V6 (M112) | 5sp auto | 160 kW at 5700 rpm | 310 Nm at 3000 rpm |
| CLK 500 | Avantgarde, Elegance |
2002-04 | 5.0-litre petrol V8 (M113) | 5sp auto | 225 kW at 5700 rpm | 460 Nm at 2700-4250 rpm |
| 2004-05 | 7sp auto |
Dimensions and body
Compared to the Mercedes-Benz C208 CLK Coupe which preceded it, the C209 CLK Coupe was 71 mm longer (at 4638 mm), 18 mm wider (1740 mm), 42 mm higher (1413 mm) and had a 25 mm longer wheelbase (2715 mm). Furthermore, the C209 CLK Coupe had a drag coefficient of 0.28 Cd.
According to Mercedes-Benz, the body of the C209 CLK Coupe was 40 per cent torsionally stiffer than its C208 predecessor, in part due to:
- 40 per cent of the bodyshell consisting of high-strength steel alloys (compared to 22 per cent for the C208);
- single-piece sidewall paneling with individually welded inner shells;
- high-strength steel tubing for the A-pillars;
- a solid square section below the dashboard bolted to both A-pillars; and,
- welded high-strength tubing for the B-pillar stumps.
Suspension
Like the W203 C-Class sedan from which its platform was derived, the C209 CLK Coupe had MacPherson strut front suspension with three links, multi-link rear suspension and rack and pinion steering.
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Mercedes-Benz C209 CLK Coupe included dual front airbags (with two-stage deployment), front side airbags, front and rear curtain airbags, ABS, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters for all seats.
Features: Mercedes-Benz CLK 200 Komprssor
Standard features for the Mercedes-Benz CLK 200 Kompressor included 16-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with a six-disc in-dash CD player, ‘Thermatic’ climate control air conditioning, leather upholstery, cruise control, front fog lights, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, split and folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, trip computer and immobiliser.
Features: Mercedes-Benz CLK 240 and CLK 320
Initially, the Mercedes-Benz CLK 240 and all other CLK coupes were further equipped with a seven speaker sound system with a ten-disc CD changer in the glove box. In July 2004, however, this reverted to a six speaker sound system with a six-disc in-dash CD player for all models (like the CLK 200 Kompressor).
The CLK 320 featured Mercedes-Benz’s COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Data System) with satellite navigation system and TV receiver, power adjustable front seats and memory settings for the front seats and steering wheel. Beyond this, the CLK 500 was fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels, THERMOTRONIC dual-zone climate control air conditioning, automatically dipping mirrors when reversing and speed-sensitive power steering.
Mercedes-Benz CLK Coupe: Avantgarde and Elegance packages
With the exception of the CLK 55 AMG, the CLK Coupe was available in Elegance and Avantgarde trim packages. The Elegance featured seven-spoke alloy wheels, an ‘atlas grey’ radiator grille, green tinted glass and ‘brown ash’ fine-wood interior trim. The Avantgarde, however, was distinguished by its five-spoke alloy wheels, black radiator grille, blue tinted glass and ‘ellypta’ aluminium trim.
January 2005: CLK Coupe update
From January 2005, all CLK Coupes were fitted with Mercedes-Benz’s ‘Thermotronic’ dual-zone climate control and rear parking sensors.
Review: Mercedes-Benz C209.II CLK Coupe (2005-09)
Overview
Released in August 2005, the Merecdes-Benz C209 Series II (C209.II) CLK Coupe introduced new six cylinder petrol engines, a seven-speed automatic transmission and improved safety equipment. The C209.II CLK also introduced the MOST (Media Oriented Serial Transport) media system, which included an upgraded DVD-based navigation system for certain models. The CAN-bus (controller area network) was also upgraded for greater reliability.
With the introduction of the new engines, the CLK 240 and CLK 320 were replaced by the CLK 280 and CLK 350, respectively. Visually, the C209.II CLK Coupe could be identified by its redesigned ‘wedge shaped’ front bumpers, three-louvre grille (previously four louvres) and larger airdam. From August 2006, the CLK 500 was powered by Mercedes-Benz’s 5.5-litre M273 V8 engine .
| Variant | Year | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLK 200 Komp-ressor | Avantgarde, Elegance |
2005-06 | 1.8-litre s/charged petrol I4 (M271) | 5sp auto | 120 kW at 5500 rpm | 240 Nm at 3000 rpm |
| 2007-09 | 1.8-litre s/charged petrol I4 (M271) | 5sp auto | 135 kW at 5500 rpm | 250 Nm at 2800-5000 rpm | ||
| CLK 280 | Avantgarde, Elegance |
2005-09 | 3.0-litre petrol V6 (M272) | 7sp auto | 170 kW at 6000 rpm | 300 Nm at 2500 rpm |
| CLK 350 | Avantgarde, Elegance |
2005-09 | 3.5-litre petrol V6 (M272) | 7sp auto | 200 kW at 6000 rpm | 350 Nm at 2400-5000 rpm |
| CLK 500 | Avantgarde, Elegance |
2005-06 | 5.0-litre petrol V8 (M113) | 7sp auto | 225 kW at 5700 rpm | 460 Nm at 2700 rpm |
| 2006-09 | 5.5-litre petrol V8 (M273) | 7sp auto | 285 kW at 6000 rpm | 530 Nm at 2800-4800 rpm |
Safety equipment
Compared to its C209 predecessor, safety equipment for the C209.II CLK Coupe was improved with the introduction of active front seat head restraints (Mercedes-Benz’s ‘NECK PRO’). From August 2007, rear side airbags were fitted as standard.
Features: C209.II CLK 200, CLK 280, CLK 350 and CLK 500
Standard features for the Mercedes-Benz C209.II CLK were extended to include tyre pressure monitoring, while the CLK 280 and CLK 350 received 17-inch alloy wheels and speed-sensitive steering. Furthermore, the CLK 500 gained a power-operated sunroof.
From August 2006, the CLK 500 was fitted with a Harman Kardon LOGIC7 sound system, digital TV tuner and power folding mirrors as standard.
From August 2007, the CLK 200 Kompressor was fitted with power adjustable front seats with driver’s seat memory settings, an auxiliary glovebox input and speed-sensitive power steering. The CLK 500 was also fitted with received an anti-theft alarm system.
CLK Coupe: Elegance, Avantgarde and Sports packages
For the Mercedes-Benz C209.II CLK Coupe, there was greater differentiation between the Elegance and Avantgarde variants. As such, the Elegance variants featured nine-spoke wheels, basalt grey or stone beige leather and dark ash woodgrain trim. The Avantgarde variants, however, had five-spoke alloy wheels (17-inch minimum), lowered sports suspension, black ‘Artico’ synthetic leather, directional bi-xenon headlights, steering wheel gearshift buttons, a matte aluminium instrument panel, white-dial instruments and chrome rings for the round gauges.
The CLK Coupe was also available with an optional Sports package which included 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, 225/40 R18 front and 255/35 R 18 rear tyres, perforated brake discs, 15 mm lower sports suspension and a larger chrome exhaust pipe; inside, there were multi-contour front seats, steering wheel gearshift buttons, sports pedals and velour mats. Furthermore, the AMG sports package included 18-inch five-spoke AMG alloy wheels, an AMG front apron, AMG rear spoiler and AMG chromed exhaust pipes.
In August 2007, the Sports package was included within the Avantgarde package and a new Premium package was introduced which included radar-based cruise control with autonomous braking (Mercedes-Benz’s ‘Distronic’), Luxury front seats and keyless go.
Brochures
- Brochure: Mercedes-Benz C209/A209 CLK (International) (February 2006)
- Brochure: Mercedes-Benz C209/A209 CLK (International) (August 2007)
Related links
