Mercedes-Benz CLK

Second generation

2002 to 2009 

Production	2003–2009
Engine	1.8L 184 horsepower (137 kW) I4 2.1L 150 horsepower (110 kW) CDI diesel I4 3.0L 224 horsepower (167 kW) CDI diesel V6 3.0L 231 horsepower (172 kW) V6 3.2L 218 horsepower (163 kW) V6 3.5L 268 horsepower (200 kW) V6 5.0L 302 horsepower (225 kW) V8 5.4L 362 horsepower (270 kW) V8 5.5L 382 horsepower (285 kW) V8 6.2L 475 horsepower (354 kW) V8
Transmission	5-speed automatic 7-speed automatic 6-speed manual
Wheelbase	106.9 in (2,715 mm)
Length	2006–present: 183.2 in (4,653 mm) 2003–05: 182.6 in (4,638 mm)
Width	68.5 in (1,740 mm)
Height	Convertible: 54.4 in (1,382 mm) Coupe: 55.4 in (1,407 mm) AMG Coupe: 55.7 in (1,415 mm)
Related	Mercedes-Benz C-Class Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class

 

 The Mercedes-Benz C209/A209 cars have been produced from 2003 to 2009. They are sold under the CLK-Class model names. The C209/A209 is based on the W203 C-Class. It replaced the C208 CLK-Class after 2003 which were the first car to carry the CLK moniker.

The C209/A209 is available in two body styles, a coupe (C209) and a cabriolet (A209), and is manufactured with diesel and petrol engines ranging from four-cylinder (CLK200) to eight-cylinder (CLK500 and CLK63AMG). The cabriolet (Designated with an A, as in CLK500A) features a fully automatic retractable soft top covered by a metal tonneau that can be raised and lowered from outside the vehicle using the key fob.

A CLK AMG DTM was produced as a MY2006 in both a coupe and later cabriolet model. Styling cues were taken from the C-Class race car used for the German Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters racing series. The car includes a wider body, rear wing spoiler, carbon fiber accents, and upgraded suspension.

Characteristics

Performance is electronically limited to 135 mph (217 km/h) in the CLK350 model, and to 155 mph (249 km/h) in the CLK500 and CLK55 models. An AMG factory option is available for an unrestricted top speed.

The Electronic Stability Control (ESP) and Anti-lock braking system (ABS) are both aids to handling, making such feats as a 90’ degree turn on a typical two lane intersection from 50 mph (80 km/h) possible using simple hard braking and turning with no significant fishtailing. The ESP system cannot be turned off - it makes intentional high-power fishtailing impossible without using a factory test protocol that end-users generally cannot enable.

The cars have a manual sport/comfort mode switch that sets the automatic transmission to start in 2nd gear and shift earlier in comfort mode. With the new 7-speed transmission, the car is about 20% more fuel-efficient compared to the 5-speed, with no loss of performance. In the CLK500, at 80 mph (130 km/h), the 5-speed transmission runs at about 3000 rpm, while the 7-speed runs at about 2200 rpm. In the AMG model, the transmission can be set to remain longer in lower gears for higher performance.

The 5-speed CLK500 gets an average of 15mpg in city driving conditions, whereas the 7-speed CLK550 get an average of about 18mpg under the same conditions. Both add about 3mpg for highway driving.

The C209/A209 CLK-Class is 2.4 inches (61 mm) longer, 0.7 inches (18 mm) wider and 1.1 inch (28 mm) higher than its predecessor.

• The CLK200 Kompressor featured a 1.8 L, 16-valve single overhead cam (SOHC) and a five-speed automatic transmission (or six-speed manual transmission, European models only). The base price is US$36,000 for the coupé and US$44,500 for the cabriolet. The CLK200 Kompressor was introduced in 2003-2007.
• The CLK320 featured a 3.2 L, 18-valve single overhead cam (SOHC) V6 engine and a five-speed automatic transmission. The base price is US$46,000 for the coupé and US$53,600 for the cabriolet. The CLK320 was replaced by the CLK350 for 2006.
• The CLK350 features a 3.5 L, 24-valve dual overhead cam (DOHC) V6 engine and a seven-speed automatic transmission. The base price is US$45,750 for the coupé and US$53,700 for the cabriolet.
• The CLK500 features a 5.0 L, 24-valve SOHC V8 engine and a seven-speed automatic transmission. The base price is US$54,600 for the coupé and US$62,200 for the cabriolet. The CLK500 was replaced by the CLK550 for 2007.
• The CLK550 features a 5.5L 32-valve V-8 engine and a seven-speed automatic transmission. The base price is US$55,675 for the coupé.
• The CLK55 AMG features a 5.4 L, 24-valve SOHC V8 engine and a 5-speed automatic transmission. The base price is US$69,900 for the coupé and US$82,000 for the cabriolet. The CLK55 AMG coupé was dropped in North America after the 2005 model year, though the cabriolet is still offered. The CLK55 was replaced by the CLK63 for 2007.
• The CLK63 AMG features a 6.2L V8 with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Available in both Coupé and Cabriolet, the CLK63 has 481 hp (354 kW) and 465 lb·ft (630 newton m) of torque. Compared to its predecessor the CLK63 has 31% more power and 23% more torque. The CLK63 was used as the Safety Car in the 2006 and 2007 Formula One World Championships. It accelerates from 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds.

In Europe there was also the CLK 200 K (1.8 R4), CLK 220 CDI (2.1 R4 diesel), CLK 240 (2.6 V6), CLK 270 CDI (2.7 R5 diesel), CLK 280 (3.0 V6), CLK 320 CDI (3.0 V6 diesel); (all standard with 6-speed manual transmission 7 speed optional, then 7 speed standard automatic transmission from 2005/06) 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK55 AMG cabriolet 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK55 AMG cabriolet

Black Series

The CLK 63 AMG Black Series produced from 2007 to 2009 is slightly heavier than the car on which it is based, but is significantly faster thanks to an updated differential, power-tuned engine, and various other tweaks. The CLK 63 AMG reaches 60 mph (97 km/h) in 4.3 and 100 mph (161 km/h) in 9.3 seconds, while the CLK63 AMG Black Series takes just 4.0 to 60 mph (97 km/h), and 100 mph (161 km/h) takes just 8.8. In this Black Series model the rear seats have been removed, so this is a two-seater only. The Black Series Cost £100.000 (£34,000 more than the standard CLK63 AMG). However, thanks to power tweaks it can now reach, but is limited to, 186 mph. The engine is a 6.2L AMG V8 which produces 507 bhp and 465 lb.ft of torque.

Model changes

The C209/A209 was introduced in 2002. At introduction, it was available with a 3.2-liter engine, a 5.0-liter engine, and a 5.5-liter engine. The 2004 CLK was the last Mercedes Benz automobile to use the venerable D2B (Digital Data Bus) optical fiber media system introduced a decade earlier. The most obvious problem with this system was the clearly obsolete CD-ROM based navigation system.

The 2005 update included the MOST (Media Oriented Serial Transport) media system used in the rest of the Mercedes Benz line, bringing along a significantly upgrade DVD based navigation system and iPod integration as optional features. The 2006 included an improved 3.5-liter 6-cylinder engine and added the steering wheel shift paddles from the AMG model to the CLK500.

In 2009, the CLK was discontinued, the replacement being the E-Class Coupe and Convertible.

Motorsports

The CLK coupé was redesigned for 2003, with the cabriolet following in 2004. This generation of the CLK-Class is 61 mm (2.4 in) longer, 18 mm (0.7 in) wider and 28 mm (1.1 in) higher than its predecessor.

• The CLK 55 AMG features a 5.4 L, 24-valve SOHC V8 engine and a 5-speed automatic transmission. The base price is US$69,900 for the coupé and US$87,000 for the cabriolet. The CLK55 AMG coupé was dropped in North America after the 2005 model year, though the cabriolet is still offered. The CLK55 was replaced by the CLK63 for 2007.
• The CLK63 AMG features a 6.2L V8 with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Available in both Coupé and Cabriolet, the CLK63 boasts 481 hp (354 kW) and 465 lb·ft (630 Nm) of torque. Compared to its predecessor the CLK63 has 31% more power and 23% more torque. The CLK63 was used as the safety car in Formula One. It accelerates from 0–60 mph in 4.3 seconds.
• The CLK63 AMG Black Series features a 6.2L V8 with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Only available in Coupé, the CLK 63 BS delivers 507 hp (373 kW) and 465 lb·ft (630 Nm) of torque. It accelerates from 0–60 mph in 4.1 seconds. Other features include removed rear seats, an upgraded rear axle, and a fully adjustable suspension system.

In Europe there was also the CLK 200 K (1.8 R4), CLK 220 CDI (2.1 I4 diesel), CLK 240 (2.6 V6), CLK 270 CDI (2.7 R5 diesel), CLK 280 (3.0 V6), CLK 320 CDI (3.0 V6 diesel); (all standard with 6-speed manual transmission, automatic transmission is optional)

Each model seats four and in the US this includes an all-leather interior with burled walnut trim. For Europe the models are available as "Elegance" or "Avantgarde" versions, basically Luxury or Sport specification where the Elegance uses burled walnut trim and polished alloy wheels the Avantgarde uses alloy trim and wider, sportier wheels. The price and specification for European models is otherwise the same. The 4 cyl. cars wear 16" wheels While the CLK320, CLK350 and CLK500 come with 17 inch (432 mm) alloy wheels, the CLK55 AMG sports 18 inch (457 mm) wheels. The cabriolets have a remote-operated automatic soft-top and sensor-controlled roll bars. Since 2000, all US cars come standard with a Tele Aid emergency assistance system, automatic dual-zone air conditioning, 10-way power front seats and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Seven-channel digital surround sound comes standard. A Keyless Go system, navigation system, Parktronic system, and bi-xenon HID headlamps are all available as options. All models come with four side airbags. European cars differ considerably and are usually down-specced depending on the buyer's needs.

2010–present (C207/A207)

A two-door E-Class Coupe was introduced as part of the new eighth-generation E-Class, at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, as Mercedes-Benz intended to leverage the better-known E-Class nameplate. Unlike the CLK-class, the new E-Class Coupe shares more (up to 60% of its parts) with the W212 E-Class sedan. It will be produced in Bremen.

CLK GTR and CLK DTM

The Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR was a V12 mid-engine race car developed for the 1997 FIA GT championships. It shared only lights and other exterior similarities with the normal CLK. Production of the required 25 road cars began in late 1998.

A special version of the CLK is the CLK DTM AMG sports car, which looks similar to the full race car for the German Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters racing series which has to use a normally aspirated 4.0 L V8, limited to less than 500 hp. 100 Coupés and 80 Convertibles were released for sale in Europe, using AMG's supercharged 5.4 L V8, now producing 428 kW (582 hp) and 800 N·m (590 lb·ft). The front and rear track are widened by 2.9 and 4.2 inches (74 and 110 mm) respectively, and special tires and suspension modifications allow the car to pull 1.35 g (13 m/s²) of lateral acceleration. 0–100 km/h acceleration is just 3.8 seconds, and top speed is limited to 322 km/h (200 mph). In Germany, the car cost 236,060 euro after taxes.

In addition to hard top CLK DTM AMG, 80 convertible versions of CLK DTM were made for 2006 model year, titled Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG Cabriolet. Compared to the coupé version, a speed limiter further reduces its top speed to 300 km/h (likely due to the top not able to withstand higher wind forces safely).

Owners of the CLK DTM Cabriolet includes former McLaren Mercedes Formula One drivers Juan Pablo Montoya and Mika Häkkinen. Häkkinen competed in the DTM 2005–2007. Former McLaren Mercedes Formula One driver Kimi Räikkönen and current McLaren Mercedes Driver Jenson Button both own the hard top version of the CLK DTM