Mercedes-Benz CLK

Name: 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK
Brand: Mercedes-Benz

EPA MPG: NA

RECALL ALERT: There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

CR's Take

The CLK is based on the C-Class sedan, which lends it exuberance and agile handling. The CLK's steering has a more modern and direct design. The V6 is nice, but the muscular 5.0-liter V8 mated to a seven-speed automatic provides abundant thrust. The CLK55 AMG has a brawny 362-hp V8. The two-person rear seating is comfortable for a coupe. In the front, a belt "presenter" moves the seat belt toward you. A convertible is also available.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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2005 Sports Cars & Convertibles Reliability

This Car

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0 - 100

Mercedes-Benz CLK

vs. Similar Cars

BMW 3 Series

Ford Mustang

Mini Cooper

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

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2005 Sports cars 4/5-seat Ratings

2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK

$4,575 - $7,725

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Audi TT

$5,225 - $8,250

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

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2005 BMW 3 Series

$4,400 - $5,775

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

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2005 Cadillac CTS

$3,125 - $9,300

EPA MPG NA

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$5,250 - $7,675

EPA MPG 20 mpg

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2005 Dodge Viper

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

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2005 Ford Mustang

$4,775 - $7,525

EPA MPG 20 mpg

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2005 Hyundai Tiburon

$2,950 - $3,200

EPA MPG 21 mpg

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2005 Jaguar XK

$5,700 - $9,875

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2005 Lexus SC

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

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2005 Mazda RX-8

$3,100 - $3,800

EPA MPG 20 mpg

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2005 Mercedes-Benz CL

$5,675 - $7,875

EPA MPG NA

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2005 Mini Cooper

$3,150 - $3,775

EPA MPG 28 mpg

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$3,100 - $4,350

EPA MPG NA

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2005 Nissan Z

$ NA

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2005 Pontiac GTO

$9,500

EPA MPG NA

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Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Porsche 911

$15,325 - $31,950

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Subaru Impreza WRX/STi

$ NA

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Toyota Camry Solara

$3,275 - $4,925

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Volkswagen GTI

$3,950 - $5,250

EPA MPG NA

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Features & Specs

convertible

coupe

2 front, 2 rear

Rear

3.2-liter V6 (215 hp)
5-liter V8 (302 hp)
5.5-liter V8 (362 hp)

7-speed automatic
5-speed automatic

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

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Model History

2003-2009

2003 Redesign Year

The CLK was available as both a coupe and convertible. It delivered responsive handling and decent steering feedback. While the CLK was fast and comfortable, it was never as rewarding to drive as a BMW 3 Series coupe. The 3.5-liter V6 engine is strong, but the muscular 5.5-liter V8, with its seven-speed automatic, provided abundant performance. Opting for the powerful CLK63 AMG brought a brawny 475-hp V8. The rear seats two in relative comfort for a coupe. In the front, a motorized arm moves the safety belt forward when the door is closed. The CLK was discontinued after 2009.

1998-2002

1998 Redesign Year

New for 1998, the Mercedes CLK was styled like the larger E-Class, but used C-Class underpinnings. The smooth-revving 3.2-liter V6 was good for 215 horsepower. An optional 4.3-liter V8 was added in mid '98. Both engines are matched to a five-speed automatic. Informal testing indicates that the CLK handles well and is fast, frugal, and comfortable, though not as rewarding to drive as a BMW 3 Series coupe. The two rear seats are reasonably hospitable. A convertible model, new for 1999, features pop-up safety bars that deploy when a rollover is detected. The high-performance CLK55 AMG debuted in 2001.