The Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class is a series of mid-size/ entry-level luxury coupés and convertibles produced by German car manufacturer Mercedes-Benz in two generations. Although its design and styling was derived from the E-Class, the mechanical underpinnings were based on the smaller C-Class, i.e. respectively based on the W202 and W203 platforms of the C-Class. It was positioned below the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class and SL-Class, but above the SLK-Class. The CLK name derives from the German Coupé Leicht Kompakt (or Kurz), translated Coupé-Light-Short. In 2009 Mercedes ceased to use the CLK designation moving the segment designation back to E-Class Coupe/Convertible instead, as it had called this specific line of its vehicles previously before the CLK moniker was introduced in 1997.
First Generation (W208/C208; 1997â€"2002)
The first-generation W208/C208 CLK was introduced in 1997, and was based on the W202 Mercedes-Benz C-Class launched three years earlier. The W208 coupé was replaced by the W209 CLK-Class in 2002 (for the 2003 model year), although the convertible remained in production until 2003 when replaced by the C209 CLK.
History
The CLK introduced a new market niche for Mercedes-Benz. Although the W208 used components from the E-Class (W210), aesthetic based on the E-Class and had a specification level higher than the E-Class, it was in fact based on the less expensive C-Class (W202) platform. Two versions were initially available: the four-cylinder CLK 200 (136 PS (100 kW; 134 bhp)) and four-cylinder supercharged CLK 230 Kompressor 193â€"197 PS (142â€"145 kW; 190â€"194 bhp).
The CLK320 Coupé was introduced in the 1997 model year, powered by a 218 PS (160 kW; 215 bhp) 3.2 L V6 engine. The CLK GTR FIA GT1 racing car appeared in 1998, powered by a 5.9 L V12 engine; 25 road-going CLK GTRs were made. The CLK 320 Cabriolet and the 279 PS (205 kW; 275 bhp), M113 4.3 L V8-powered CLK430 appeared in 1999. All models were available in both coupé and convertible form. In Europe, the supercharged I-4 powered CLK200 Kompressor was also available, reaching impressive 193 bhp, thanks to euro2 permissive emission specs. In late 1999 for the 2000 model year, a facelift was launched which incorporated, among others, a revised instrument cluster with a bigger multifunction display, steering wheel with controls for the multifunction display and radio, Tiptronic automatic gearbox, revised bumpers and new side skirts. Wing mirror-mounted turn signals were not implemented until 2001 for the 2002 year model.
In the United States, the CLK430 could be equipped with a "Sport Package," which gave it the external styling of the more powerful CLK55 AMG, and equipped it with the same wheels and tires as its AMG counterpart (see section "CLK55 AMG"). This allowed it to reach up to 0.83G's of lateral acceleration, and 66.5Â mph on the slalom run.
The high-performance CLK 55 AMG, which was introduced first in Europe in 2000, was powered by the 347Â PS (255Â kW; 342Â bhp) M113 5.4Â L V8 engine; the CLK55 AMG Cabriolet was launched in 2002, the last model year of this body style.
CLK55 AMG
Engine
The CLK55 AMG is powered by a hand-assembled 5.4-liter V8 engine. The hardware list includes super-stiff forged billet steel crankshaft, forged, weight-matched connecting rods and pistons, lightweight AMG-specific chain-driven single overhead camshafts V8 (one cam per cyl bank) with two intake and one exhaust valves per cylinder, as well as 8 coil packs and 16 spark plugs (two spark plugs per cyl). Its bore and stroke are 97mm x 92mm. The dual-resonance intake manifold with tuned runners helps create optimized torque and power outputs by taking advantage of two resonant frequencies to increase performance. The engine features a high compression ratio of 10.5:1. All of these advanced technologies help deliver a healthy 342 hp (255 kW) and 376 lb·ft (510 N·m) of torque.
Transmission
The five-speed automatic transmission is adapted from the gearbox used in the V-12 S-class models, because that gearbox can take the torque. It is fully adaptive and electronically controlled, and is a stronger unit than that of the CLK430. Also a larger four-bolt driveshaft that's four inches in diameter connects to a reinforced rear differential to keep all the extra power under control. Standard traction control keeps wheelspin to a minimum, while its Electronic Stability Program (ESP) keeps the CLK on its intended path.
Handling
The standard CLK chassis is used, and while the current version is not based on the new C-Class platform, the AMG version of the CLK offers some special undercarriage components. The four-wheel independent suspension is basically the same as the lesser CLK versions, but AMG fits higher-rated springs, tighter shock valving, larger diameter anti-roll bars and stiffer suspension bushings. The resulting firmer, more controlled ride is made even tighter by its high-performance ZR-rated low-profile tires. The brakes have been enhanced as well. The huge four-wheel discs are larger and thicker than the other CLKs, and the rear discs are specially vented to enhance cooling. An anti-lock braking system (ABS) is standard, while Brake Assist applies full braking force in panic stop faster than a driver could. It rides on AMG Monoblock alloy wheels, 7.5" front and 8.5" rear, shod with 225/45ZR17 and 245/40ZR17 Michelin Pilot Sport tires.
CLK GTR
The Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR was a V12 mid-engine race car developed for the 1997 FIA GT Championship. It shared only lights and other exterior similarities with the normal CLK C208. Production of the required 25 road cars began in late 1998.
F1 Safety Car
A specially modified version of this vehicle was used during the 1997 F1 season as a Safety Car.
Engines and performance
Second Generation (W209/C209; 2002â€"2009)
The second-generation Mercedes CLK-Class was launched in 2002, with production starting in June 2002. The car was available in both hardtop coupe (C209) and in soft-top convertible form (A209), with a choice of petrol and diesel engines. At introduction, a 3.2-litre V6, 5.0-litre V8, 5.4-litre V8, and 2.7L inline-5 diesel engine was available, which were all replaced by 2006. In 2009, the CLK lineup was discontinued and replaced by the C207 E-Class coupe and A207 E-Class convertible.
Differences from Previous Model
Based on the newly released Mercedes W202 C-Class, the second generation CLK uses rack-and-pinion steering, instead of the recirculating ball design used in the previous generation CLK. The second generation CLK also uses a three-link front suspension, and aluminium rear multi-link suspension, and is 61 mm (2.4 in) longer, 18 mm (0.7 in) wider and 28 mm (1.1 in) taller than its predecessor.
Characteristics
European models were available in ‘Elegance’ or ‘Avantgarde’ specification. The ‘Elegance’ version of the CLK features burled walnut trim and polished alloy wheels (which is standard on all US models), whilst the ‘Avantgarde’ version of the CLK features aluminium trim and wider wheels. A Sport upgrade package was also available for Avantgarde models, featuring stiffer springs, thicker anti-roll bars, a 15mm lower ride height, and 18†alloy wheels.
Convertible CLK models have a remote-operated automatic soft-top and sensor-controlled roll bars. All North American models come standard with a Tele-Aid emergency assistance system, automatic dual-zone air conditioning, 10-way power front seats, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and seven-channel digital surround sound. Options included a Keyless Go system, the navigation system, Parktronic system, and bi-xenon HID headlamps.
The 2004 CLK was the last Mercedes-Benz to use the COMAND 2.0 infotainment system, which is a CD-ROM based navigation system. In 2005, the COMAND 2.0 system was replaced by the COMAND-APS NTG2 system, which uses DVD-based navigation allowing more data to be stored and read, as well as introducing iPod integration.
In 2003, the CLK55 AMG was used as a F1 Safety Car. The CLK63 AMG was also used as a F1 Safety Car for the 2006 and 2007 seasons.
Engines and models
CLK63 AMG Black Series
The CLK63 AMG Black Series is a high-performance, two-seater version of the CLK63 AMG coupe. Produced between 2007 and 2009, the CLK63 AMG Black Series features a fully adjustable suspension system, a limited slip differential, larger air intakes, and a spoiler, diffusers, and wider fenders made of carbon fibre. The CLK63 AMG uses Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tyres, and also features Mercedes’ SpeedShift 7G-Tronic transmission, with Sport and Manual modes (with the Comfort mode removed). The top speed has been extended from 250 km/h (155 mph), to 300 km/h (186 mph).
CLK DTM AMG
The CLK DTM AMG was a limited edition high-performance version of the CLK, to celebrate the racing version of the CLK winning the German Touring Car Championship (DTM). Only 100 coupes and 80 convertibles were built for the European market only, with the CLK DTM AMG coupe version produced for the 2004 model year, and the CLK DTM AMG convertible version made for the 2006 model year. The CLK DTM AMG used Mercedes’ SpeedShift 5G-Tronic automatic transmission, and has a top speed of 322 km/h (200 mph).
*Figures in brackets are for automatic transmission models.
†Sold exclusively in North America.
*Figures in brackets are for automatic transmission models.
†Only diesel model available as a convertible.
2006 Facelift
The facelift for the second generation CLK was introduced in 2006. Differences include a change in design for the front bumper and fog lights, grill, rear headlights, and a change in the design of the center console. The CLK200K engine received a slight power bump, while the CLK200 CGI, CLK 240, CLK320, CLK500, and CLK55 ended production, being replaced by newer models.
Successor (C207/A207; 2010â€"2017) (C/A238; 2016â€"present)
A two-door E-Class Coupé 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. Compared to the CLK, the C207 E-Class Coupé/Cabriolet shares more (up to 60% of its parts) with the W212 E-Class sedan/wagon. Nonetheless like the CLK, the C207 E-Class was still based on the C-Class platform instead of the underpinnings of the larger W212 E-Class sedan/wagon, and was produced in Bremen alongside other C-Class vehicles. For the ninth-generation E-Class (W213), the Coupé shares the same platform as the sedan/wagon.
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