Used 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class Convertible Consumer Reviews

Sobering Realization

After 5 years of ownership, having purchased new, once my extended warranty (5 yr, 100k miles) ended, the sobering realization that major repairs costing more than the car is worth was a wake-up call. I'm being told by the dealer and MBUSA that the 7-speed transmission and torque convertor has to be replaced at a cost of $7k. With just barely over 130k miles, this first generation tranny is now defunct. It turns out it was a sealed transmission with no prescribed maintenance schedule to prevent problems. I'm told metal seems to be floating around and it has to be replaced -- at full cost to me! What OEM does that?? Add to that another $8k in other repairs, and $15k!! Last MB I'll ever buy.

FIVE YEARS AND HAPPY

Bought this car in December 2004 for my wife and we have enjoyed the car a lot. The car has been pretty good as far as problems. If I were thinking of buying a used one I would check the service record of the car and if it did not have a problem history, I would buy one. I have found in driving Mercedes Benz it really depends on if you get one that is made good or one that is a lemon. I have had both in my 30 years of Mercedes. They are very expensive cars to buy and to maintain but style and good looks and the Mercedes emblem never have come cheap.

Wife's car

As the title explains, this is my wife's car, I drive a 4-Runner. With a totally un-biased account, I can honestly say this car is too narrow for my 6' 215 lbs. frame. The seats aren't very comfortable, No lumbard support/ adjustment. The controls/ navigation are difficult to master and as mentioned in previous ratings, one cup holder. Now with all that said, I do have to compliment it's mechanical refinement. I mean The Germans are leaps and bounds ahead of us in the automobile industry. I don't have to change the oil for 13,000 miles! We debate over 3 to 5000? The 5 ltr. engine is mated to a 7-spd A/T. for a flawless performance. Man, I wish it were wider...or I was smaller.

Love My CLK

I love my CLK500 convertible. It is drop dead good looking, very comfortable, handles wonderfully and has superb power. The interior is gorgeous, with stone colored leather, and the instrument panel is easy to read. The stereo sounds great and the top retracts quickly and is completely out of view. The cabin noise is far less than any of the four convertibles I have owned and is, in fact, lower than many sedans.

Nice ride!

For my most recent cars, i have owned a Mercedes, a BMW and 2-Porsche's as "fun" cars. When I saw this car in the showroom, I had to have it. For a 4-seat convertible, it has a usable backseat. The gadgetry (I have the NAV system) is a bit much to learn, but can be fun to look at. Performace-wise, it is fabulous. I did test drive the equivalent Lexus convertibale and frankly the styling was not for me. This car has it all, styling, performance, comfort, reliablity. Turns a lot of heads, including mine!

Topless beauty

This Benz is beautiful with the practicality of four seats. Sensual with or without the top. Smooth delivery of power thru 7 sp tranny. Had problems with the keyless go which required a few trips to the dealership. Finally, they replaced a key component. The stereo started to blast (mostly static) by itself, as if it was possessed. It would only happen sporadically. This problem was linked to the keyless go and was repaired. That was about a year ago. Since then, so far so good. It sure does get alot of looks.

Fabulous, Sleek and Sexy 2005 CLK Cabrio

I love my new cabriolet. Eyes follow it everywhere -- thumbs up and winks from all over the road. The ride is great - - smooth and comfortable and I love the way the car hugs the road. Handling is great! And love those new standard rims.

BMW Defector

I am used to the subperb handling of the BMW 3 series but always wanted to try the Benz. I am pleasantly surprised that the handling of this vehicle feels equal to, if not better than the BMW. The style and feeling of prestige far outweighs what I felt when driving the BMW. Wow! I thought I was Mr. It for years when I turned heads with my Beamer. But with this Benz, I actually have people stopping me and complimenting the vehicle with enthusiasim. That just makes me feel that every penny spent was worth it. I like the sense of vehicle control when I take exits off of highways the vehicle hugs the highway. The anti lock breaks are great.

Smooth & Classy

Rare Mars Red w/Stone,Black Top. An absolute stunner - I get stopped where- ever I go! No comparison to common, tiny BMW Cabs. Classier than all the others. Excellent power, refined ride, great amenities. Comparisons to a Lexus are absurd. Every car has its bugs. I owned one of the first RX3000's in the state-nothing but problems for 16 mos. - and Lexus wouldn't help me. MB makes the best product available - I should know - I've been exporting autos for 15 yrs!

Exceeded expectations

I consider myself a savvy consumer and when a popular consumer's mag didn't produce a top notch review, at first I was skeptical. Now after living with the MB320CLK for almost 2 1/2 years, I couldn't be more in love with this vehicle since the day I purchased it for my wife's wedding. It remains absolutely flawless in every aspect. Great looking car, great handling, and you just can't beat a convertible like this in the California sun!

Summer Ride

I have a triple black CLK 500 convertible. It is very fun to drive with that V8 under the hood! It handles great and rides like a dream!

Eurocarlover

I just recently purchased my CLK 500. When I test drove the car, I looked for power, quietness with the top up, and overall enjoyment to drive. This car is fun to drive. I've owned Porsches, Audis, and Range Rovers. This is my first Mercedes. This is definitely as fun and as comfortable to drive. I'm still getting used to the amazing power off the line. It is also a very quiet ride with the top up. Other convertibles we test drove, were quite noisy. I'm very pleased with this vehicle. She's a beauty!

I love my car

This car is excellent. It is peppy and tight, handles and corners beautifully. The top retracts rapidly and is the quietest convertable I have ever had. The finish is fine and I have no second thoughts at having leased it.

A Chrysler with a Classy Hood Ornament

This car should not be marketed as a luxury car. It sets expectations too high. It's poorly engineered, constructed & the reliability is appropriately bad. I've had this car in the shop 6 times in 3 months!! I've also had a Lexus. Spoiled, I know what luxury is. Mercedez has ruined its reputation as far as I'm concerned. BE WARNED! You will not be pleased with this car unless you enjoy sitting in an auto shop.

Sweet Cede!!!

Awesome car!!!!! Smooth, comfortable ride!!!!! I would buy one again.

Tires leaking air - AMG wheels

First I would like to say that I love this vehicle. However, I am having one tremendous problem. My tires are leaking air randomly, about every 2 to 3 weeks, to the point of being flat. I replaced the tires 18 months ago but I am still having this problem even more often. I've taken the car to the tire dealer at least half a dozen times and he has sealed the rims but told me the chrome on the AMG rims is bubbling inside the bead rim and is causing the leaks. I don't know if he is just trying to sell me new rims or what the deal is. Anyone else having this problem?

'05 CLK Cabriolet compared to '03

I owned an '03 and it was a disaster - poor trim and finish, leaks, silly interior flubs in design ... altogether an awful car. It was shocking. But, having been a Benz driver since '89, I felt the urge to give it one more try before moving (like everyone else) to Lexus. I have been pleasantly surprised by the major improvement in quality in this new model. The top is infinitely better in all respects, the interior trim is higher quality all around, the noise level is lower, the finish is far superior. It's as if a different car company made it. Anyway, they "saved" this one customer by putting some quality back in. I hope MBZ learned a lesson.

Love It

The car looks and runs great. It is a pleasure to drive. This is my 16th Benz, and they are still great. I also have a BMW 745IL, but enjoy the Benz much more.

Great Car

This is a great car to ride which is reliable. It loks nice and is comfortible. The best part about it is the navgation system, ventilated seats, and the strenght of the car.

My New Love

I have never felt so exhilarated by a car before this...I feel like a teenage king behind the wheel. I had no idea how much I would love driving around town in a convertible. Much to my surprise, I gave up no comfort and not much in the quiet department. It's a beauty to see, a pleasure to drive and I love it!

Love It

Got it in NJ and drove it down to Fl and back again. Loved it's nice smooth ride and it's push button ease in switching it back and forth to a convertible. It's nice and roomy when the top is up no feeling of being cramped and when the top is down -easy greasy. The front passengers are very comfortable though in the rear it's a tad windy.

Great Car!!!

Black exterior with stone interior - no better combination. I have had this car for two months and am still very satisfied. I have owned several MB's, BMW's and Japanese cars before and this one is the best in terms of quality, prestige and fun factor. There really is no comparison. It is also fast ! I would do it all over again.

Trouble in Paradise

This car is beautiful and a pleasure to drive. It is nimble and responsive. Unfortunately, little and big problems have occured. The battery died when the car wasn't driven for ten days. The transmission failed without warning on the highway 100 miles from home. The Teleaid system couldn't pinpont our location. The car took a week to repair and I wasn't given a loaner. Later, the trunk wouldn't open without use of the valet key. The computer keeps losing the seat memory.

Not what you'd expect for the price.

If I could give it back - I'd definitely buy the Lexus coupe. This 60k+ car was in the shop 3x in the first week. Back again for parts that fell off, locks that don't unlock and the alignment still pulls. The brakes squeal-acceptable and expected says Benz-and don't expect them to last past 12-15k Mi. When I told the Service Mgr I owned 2 lexus' before this, he said, "Thats a great product. This is no Lexus." That speaks volumes. I should have respected the consumer reports ratings that told me these cars are unreliable & w/poor customer satisfaction. My fault for not listening. I'll probably keep it for a year and dump it for the Lexus, where I was spoile

Slow Car

Not a sports car at all. Don't be fooled by Mercedes in order for them to sell the car. Automatic trans and low horsepower add up to a boring car. BMW 3 series would have been a smarter purchase! This is definitely an old lady car.

More car than I expected

This Black On Black CLK500 Cabriolet is a pleasant surprise. The new engine and transmission with the paddle shifter is very slick and gives the driver great control when performance is needed. The leather is superb and the top is of the finest quality available. Top is very fast up and down 17 seconds and looks great both ways. The car is very quiet with the top up, quieter than my accura 3.2TLS sedan. I got this car because it has two personalities. One that it looks like a black coupe with a sporty business appearance with the top up and a fun sporty runabout with the top down. Rear seat is very comfortable and has more headroom than the coupe. T

Unique classy ride

This is a beautiful car, it gets looks wherever I go. The interior is functional andclassy. The head room is excellent (I'm 6'1"). I was surprised with the amount of rear leg room, I am comfortable riding back there (when my wife insistn on driving). The top is great and easy to use, I have opened it while sitting in traffic, I was so quick,I didn't get beeped at. Quality of construction seem excellent, I beleve Mercedes is back. The stereo is excellent, one of the best I have heard in a car. The engine and transmission are smooth, quiet and responsive. Handles great. The 3.2l has is road tested and should be very reliable. Upgrade seats work well epecially cooling.

Most "fun" since my 1999 Cabriolet

Great gas mileage. Comfortable for 2 adults and back seats hold shopping! Love the ride and comfort. Would buy again!

It has almost everything

Excellent all around vehicle. Some obvious features missing that is found in lesser priced vehicles. eg compass, easily accessable change holder (lifting up armrest is cumbersome), poorly located cup holder without provision for passenger

Love my CLK

I bought my CLK320 Cabrio secondhand with low mileage and have loved every minute since! The car looks great, handles well and turns plenty of heads. I have had very few problems with mine since I bought it 2 years ago. The only major problem I have had was the SmartKey ignition switch (previous owner kept heavy keychains on key, ruining the switch). I would definitely recommend a CLK to someone in the used car market. Being based on the C-Class platform seems to have made this a relatively reliable car. The interior is nice, the front seats being very comfortable for me. I like the simple, yet elegant interior with few and easy buttons. Mine has a basic radio, so no old navigation to worry about. Maintenance can be expensive if the car hasn’t been looked after. Oil changes run about $200 at my local dealer. Overall, I absolutely adore this car and would love to buy another.

Love the car..

Unhappy & frustrated to date

3 days after purchase, my power steering pump failed nearly causing a fatal crash. The teleaid system and rear assit mirror adjustment were also found defective from day one. While a new power steering pump and teleaid system installation seems to have corrected the problem, the mirror still does not work and will go a 3rd time for repair. Its not fun to drive because I'm constantly driving it to the repair shop. BTW... this is not a cabriolet (only choice given).

Love

I just got my 500 and I am in absolute love with it. I had the m3 but this is all around better!

Awesome Soft Top

This is THE soft top to own. Sharp styling, incredible performance, 7 speed shifters on the steering wheel (F1 Type) and excellent handling. For its class, this is the #1 model.

CLK 320 Is Great Compromise

We had long lusted for an SL but as a 4th car being used at a vacation home the backseat was a must to carry guests when they visited. Exceeds expectations and flawless top.

All Good!!

Super car and unbelievable that it could be so much better than the '99. Fun car to drive own and it does turn heads as well.

Turn Heads

Black on black. Beautiful and turns heads. Fast off the line, top operation works flawlessly. Transmission is smooth and operates without any notice. Trunk space is limited, especially with the top down, but adequate for this class car. With top up road noise is less than our E430.

I love my new CLK

I acquired my new CLK cabriolet about 2 weeks ago and I really love it. I traded my 2003 Infiniti G35 coupe with all the options. But I just wanted a convertible. True, the CLK has no where the tech gadgets or power the G35 had. But the CLK rides so smooth and has wonderful road manners. The car is effortless and taking the top down from outside the car is so convenient. They could have done a better job with the radio. The car is really so much fun and I get plenty of looks. The trunk is a pain to close because of the stiff hydraulics. With the top down and the wind screen up, there is virtually no wind or noise at highway speeds. Thats amazing.

Xjagowner

For a cabriolet its a great car compared to my 2001 XK8. Easy to drive nice ride, decent visibilty with top up. Only one cupholder drives my wife crazy.

Best Benz yet!

I've owned 6 Mercedes, 2 of them SL's and this is by far the most comfortable and fun car yet!

2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK Conv. - A Great Car Thus Far!!

I just got my 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK320 Convertible and so far I love it! It is very solid and stable. I am pleased with how much power it has. The interior is amazing and the top works great. I like the stereo, the controls, and all of the amenities. It feels great on the road and seems to handle well.

2005 CLK 320CAB

Fun and luxurious way to enjoy a ride. Compact and safe, great maneuvering.

Loving my Benz

I took delivery of my 2005 CLK 320 in August 2004. I love my car. It is black with the stone interior, and although the interior is murder to keep clean, especially the road dust when you drive with the top down that settles everywhere, it is a beautiful, classy, fun to drive car. I traded a BMW 325ci for this car, and I think the BMW handles better, more like a sports car, and the Benz handles like a sedan. However, I have made the adjustment, and am enjoying my new Benz.

Sweet Ride

My CLK 320 is a sweet ride. The convertible is a must and makes me cheer out loud while driving. It handles beautifully and is tops in luxury. The only problem I've had is a fuse to my speakers that keeps popping. I take it out and it resets, but I'll be worried if it keeps happening. The car looks great, is big enough for four (if the back two are short) and so far, the mileage is OK. About 20 mpg. Everything is automated, the sound system sounds superb, it handles well and it just makes you feel like a million. Since I'm a new owner, I can't say how the service is but it had better be great or I'll change this review. Overall, I love this car.

Almost Perfect

The cup holder still a joke and it could use more power, but other than that, a thrill to drive. Great handling, styling and reliability

2005 CLK Cabriolet

Great driving car. Need a 2005 manual instead of the 2004....Comfort not a main feature, but beautiful handling.

A little disappointed

We searched forever for the perfect family convertible and wanted the class that Mercedes could offer. This was my first Mercedes purchase. This car is only driven on the weekends and only has about 1500 miles since purchase four months ago. Within 500 miles we developed a huge rattle under the car. Took it in and it was fixed right away. A bolt was missing from the exhaust system (never installed according to the dealer). Now at 1500 miles we have to have something in the front steering replaced because it has a leak. The part is 4-5 weeks out and we have to bring the car back in again. As far as driving it; I love it. It is a beautiful car and drives nice (when its not in the shop).