Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class (C209)


The C209/A209 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class is the second generation of the Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class range of mid-size / compact executive coupes produced between 2002 and 2010. The body styles of the range are:
In 2003, the CLK 55 AMG was used as a F1 safety car. The CLK 63 AMG was also used as a F1 safety car for the 2006 and 2007 seasons.
It was replaced by the Mercedes-Benz C207/A207 E-Class in 2010. In some cases, the Mercedes-Benz C205/A205 C-Class also replaced it; with the 43 and 63 AMG versions being the sole example.

Development and launch

The C209/A209 CLK is based on the Mercedes W203 C-Class platform, and uses rack-and-pinion steering, instead of the recirculating ball design from the previous generation. It also uses a three-link front suspension, and aluminium rear multi-link suspension. Compared to its predecessor, the second generation CLK is longer, wider, and taller.
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.

Body styles

Coupé (C209)

The production version CLK was unveiled at the 2002 Geneva Motor Show.

Convertible (A209)

Convertible CLK models feature a three-layered electric soft top, that can be operated via the keyfob or at speeds up to 8 km/h in 20 seconds. Convertible models were originally manufactured by Karmann in Osnabrück in 2003, but production was later moved to Bremen, Germany in 2004.

Equipment

Standard equipment includes antilock brakes, electronic stability control, power seats, and dual-zone climate control. Models were also offered in Elegance and Avantgarde specification. Elegance models feature green-tinted glass, a grey coloured grille, 7-spoke polished 16-inch alloy wheels, and wood interior trim, while Avantgarde models featured blue-tinted glass, a black coloured grille, 5-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels, aluminium interior trim, as well as stiffer springs, thicker anti-roll bars, and a lower ride height.
In 2005, a Sports edition, based on the Avantgarde specification, was introduced and featured six-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels, cross-drilled brake rotors, and bi-xenon headlights. An AMG Sports package was also available, featuring a restyled front bumper, a spoiler lip on the boot, and 18-inch wheels. The Elegance and Avantgarde models were also updated, now featuring nine-spoke 16-inch wheels, and five spoke 17-inch wheels respectively.

Models

Petrol engines

Diesel engines

Special models

CLK 63 AMG Black Series

The CLK 63 AMG Black Series is a high-performance version of the CLK 63 AMG coupé, produced between 2007 and 2009. 500 total produced worldwide ONLY 349 in the United States. One OEM Matte Silver. It is powered by the M156 V8, producing at 6,800 rpm and of torque at 5,250 rpm and uses Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tyres and features Mercedes' SpeedShift 7G-Tronic transmission. Additional features also include a manually adjustable suspension system, a limited-slip differential, larger air intakes, bucket seats, 19-inch alloy wheels, and a spoiler, diffuser, and wider fenders made of carbon fibre. The rear seats have also been removed in order to save weight, and the top speed has been extended to.

CLK DTM AMG

It was a limited edition high-performance version of the CLK, to celebrate the racing version of the CLK winning the German Touring Car Championship. Only 100 coupés and 80 convertibles were built for the European market only, with the coupé version produced for the 2004 model year, and the convertible version made for the 2006 model year. The powerplant is a supercharged SOHC 3 valves per cylinder V8 engine rated at at 6100 rpm and at 3500 rpm of torque, channeled through a Mercedes-Benz 5G-Tronic transmission to the rear wheels, capable of a top speed of.

Model year changes

2004

A facelift was introduced in June 2005. Major changes include:
The following are the sales figures for the CLK in Europe and in the United States:
YearEU totalUS total
200235,77717,251
200354,30519,230
200447,69022,556
200534,60118,227
200627,54716,415
200722,11715,009
200814,52010,844
20098,4167,150
2010221585
Total:245,194127,627