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Photo of a Mercedes-Benz CLK

Mercedes-Benz CLK

Four eyes. C-Class bones. Up to 574 hp in CLK DTM AMG form.123

Researched October 29, 2026 from 36 sources

At a glance

0300600
134–574 hpPower
07.515
3.9–12.5 s0–100 km/h
0175350
208–320 km/hTop speed
0400800
190–800 N·mTorque
01,0002,000
1,375–1,875 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.3589

Engine
C208: 2.0–5.4 L gasoline; C209: 1.8–6.2 L gasoline, 2.1–3.0 L turbo-diesel35
Layout
Front engine, rear-wheel drive2
Gearbox
5/6-speed manual, 6-speed Sequentronic automated manual; 5/7-speed automatic35
Built at
Bremen plant and Karmann, Osnabrück, Germany15
Units built
First generation: 233,367 coupes and 115,161 convertibles2

The story

Created to attract younger buyers, the CLK wore E-Class styling over C-Class hardware and sat between SLK and CL. Even the name's L is unresolved: Luxus (luxury) or Leicht (light).24

1993: Geneva previews the four-eyed face19931997: January debut in Detroit19971999: CLK 55 AMG joins the facelift19992002: Pillars disappear on the C20920022004: 100 CLK DTM AMG coupes20042005: New V6s and a three-slat grille20052006: New V8s for CLK 500 and CLK 63 AMG20062007: Black Series: 500 hp, 500 built20072009: The E-Class badge returns2009 Mercedes-Benz Stroke/8 Coupe (114): 1968–1976114Mercedes-Benz 123 Coupe (C 123): 1977–1985C 123Mercedes-Benz 124 Coupe and Cabriolet (C 124 / A 124): 1987–1996 coupe; 1991–1997 cabrioletC 124 / A 124Mercedes-Benz CLK (first generation) (C208/A208): 1997–2002 coupe; 1998–2003 cabrioletMercedes-Benz CLK (second generation) (C209/A209): 2002–2009 coupe; 2003–2009 cabrioletC209/A209Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet (C207/A207): 2009–2016C207/A207 197019801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones235718
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1968–1976Mercedes-Benz Stroke/8 Coupe (114)
1977–1985Mercedes-Benz 123 Coupe (C 123)
1987–1996 coupe; 1991–1997 cabrioletMercedes-Benz 124 Coupe and Cabriolet (C 124 / A 124)
1997–2002 coupe; 1998–2003 cabrioletMercedes-Benz CLK (first generation) (C208/A208)
2002–2009 coupe; 2003–2009 cabrioletMercedes-Benz CLK (second generation) (C209/A209)
2009–2016Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet (C207/A207)
1993Geneva previews the four-eyed face
1997January debut in Detroit
1999CLK 55 AMG joins the facelift
2002Pillars disappear on the C209
2004100 CLK DTM AMG coupes
2005New V6s and a three-slat grille
2006New V8s for CLK 500 and CLK 63 AMG
2007Black Series: 500 hp, 500 built
2009The E-Class badge returns
  1. 1993

    Geneva previews the four-eyed face

    A four-seat coupe study introduced four elliptical headlights, previewing the look shared by the CLK and 210-series E-Class.14

  2. 1997

    January debut in Detroit

    January brought the Detroit debut. Bremen built C208 coupes in 1997–2002; Karmann's Osnabrück plant built A208 convertibles in 1998–2003.15

  3. 1999

    CLK 55 AMG joins the facelift

    The CLK 55 AMG arrived with 342 hp; revised bumpers, mirror-mounted turn signals and a multifunction steering wheel updated the range.5

  4. 2002

    Pillars disappear on the C209

    The C209 coupe debuted at Geneva without a B-pillar. Its A209 convertible followed in 2003 with a three-layer electric soft top.3

  5. 2004

    100 CLK DTM AMG coupes

    The supercharged V8 road special delivered 574 hp and 800 Nm, reaching 100 km/h from rest in 3.9 seconds.3

  6. 2005

    New V6s and a three-slat grille

    CLK 280, CLK 350 and CLK 320 CDI arrived with 228, 268 and 221 hp; the CLK 350 got a standard seven-speed automatic and the grille lost a slat.36

  7. 2006

    New V8s for CLK 500 and CLK 63 AMG

    The CLK 500 swapped its 5.0 L M113 for a 5.5 L M273; CLK 63 AMG added a 474-hp 6.2 L V8.36

  8. 2007

    Black Series: 500 hp, 500 built

    CLK 63 AMG Black Series coupled adjustable suspension and a limited-slip differential with wider carbon-fiber fenders and no rear seats.3

  9. 2009

    The E-Class badge returns

    A209 convertible production ended in August, closing the CLK era as the 207-series E-Class returned.37

Every generation

  • Mercedes-Benz Stroke/8 Coupe
    1141968–1976
  • Mercedes-Benz 123 Coupe
    C 1231977–1985
  • Mercedes-Benz 124 Coupe and Cabriolet
    C 124 / A 1241987–1996 coupe; 1991–1997 cabriolet
  • Mercedes-Benz CLK (first generation)
    C208/A2081997–2002 coupe; 1998–2003 cabriolet
  • Mercedes-Benz CLK (second generation)
    C209/A2092002–2009 coupe; 2003–2009 cabriolet
  • Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet
    C207/A2072009–2016

Power over the years

From 189 hp to 574 hp in 7 years.

0200400600 1996199820002002200420062008 hp 1997 · 189 hp · CLK 200 Kompressor, export1997 · 215 hp · CLK 3201998 · 275 hp · CLK 4301999 · 342 hp · CLK 55 AMG2000 · 194 hp · CLK 230 Kompressor, 2000 update2002 · 362 hp · CLK 55 AMG, second generation2003 · 168 hp · CLK 200 CGI2004 · 574 hp · CLK DTM AMG coupe2005 · 268 hp · CLK 3502006 · 474 hp · CLK 63 AMG2007 · 382 hp · CLK 500/CLK 550, 5.5 L M2732007 · 500 hp · CLK 63 AMG Black Series 574 hp CLK DTM AMG coupe 189 hp CLK 200 Kompressor, export
35
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
1997189CLK 200 Kompressor, export
1997215CLK 320
1998275CLK 430
1999342CLK 55 AMG
2000194CLK 230 Kompressor, 2000 update
2002362CLK 55 AMG, second generation
2003168CLK 200 CGI
2004574CLK DTM AMG coupe
2005268CLK 350
2006474CLK 63 AMG
2007382CLK 500/CLK 550, 5.5 L M273
2007500CLK 63 AMG Black Series

Versions

10 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    Sport / Elegance / Avantgarde (208)

    1997–2003

  • Elegance / Avantgarde (209 facelift)

    Standard

    Elegance / Avantgarde (209 facelift)

    2005–2008

  • CLK 55 AMG (208)

    Performance

    CLK 55 AMG (208)

    1999–2002

    342 hp
  • CLK 55 AMG (209)

    Performance

    CLK 55 AMG (209)

    2002–2006

    362 hp
  • CLK 63 AMG

    Performance

    CLK 63 AMG

    2006–2010

    474 hp

  • Special

    Sport Edition

    2007

  • Limited

    Master Edition

    2001

  • Limited

    Cabriolet Final Edition

    2002

  • CLK 63 AMG Black Series

    Limited

    CLK 63 AMG Black Series

    2007–2009

    500 hp

    500 built

  • Limited

    CLK 500 Designo by Giorgio Armani

    2004

    100 built

How to spot one

Look for

  • 208 coupe: a fixed center pillar separates the front and rear side windows.8
  • 209 coupe: frameless side windows retract fully, leaving no pillar between front and rear glass.39
  • 209 coupe: a star centered in the grille, twin headlights and a sweeping roofline.7
  • Both generations' convertibles wear a fabric soft top.217

Year by year

  1. 1999 facelift (208)

    Mirror-mounted turn signals, revised bumpers and side skirts appear; inside, look for a multifunction wheel and larger instrument display.5

  2. 2002 coupe redesign

    The new 209 coupe loses the fixed central window pillar and grows longer, wider and taller.3

  3. Mid-2004: CLK 55 AMG

    The coupe gains a sport exhaust with two pairs of tailpipes.9

  4. June 2005 facelift (209)

    Three grille bars replace four, alongside a V-shaped front bumper, larger air intakes and restyled taillights.36

  5. 2005 facelift wheel designs

    Elegance gets 16-inch nine-spoke wheels; Avantgarde gets 17-inch five-double-spokes and darker taillights.6

  6. 2005 cabin update (209)

    A revised center console changes the switch layout; Avantgarde gains white instrument dials framed by chrome rings.36

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Mercedes-Benz CLK
    CLK
    Photo of a Lexus SC430
    Lexus SC430

    Lexus SC430

    Check the roof: the SC430 has a folding hardtop, while the CLK cabriolet uses fabric.17

  • Photo of a Mercedes-Benz CLK
    CLK
    Photo of a E-Class (210 series)
    E-Class (210 series)

    E-Class (210 series)

    The first CLK shares its four-eye styling, but has two doors and a coupe or convertible body.15

Against its rivals

  • CLK vs Lexus SC430

    Price as tested lower is better

    CLK$61,398
    Lexus SC430$61,661
    17
  • BMW 645Ci

    CLK vs BMW 645Ci

    Skidpad grip

    CLK0.9 g
    BMW 645Ci0.9 g
    19
  • Maserati Coupé Cambiocorsa

    CLK vs Maserati Coupé Cambiocorsa

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    CLK4.5 s
    Maserati Coupé Cambiocorsa4.8 s
    19

Prices

Value today $6.3K–$15.5K2627

Price when newAuction saleValue todayPrices on a log scale
$1K$10K$100K$1M 200020052010201520202025 Value today: $6,320–$15,500 1999 · $47,900 · US CLK430, base1999 · $50,385 · US CLK430, as tested2001 · $58,483 · US CLK430 cabriolet, base2001 · $61,398 · US CLK430 cabriolet, as tested2004 · $71,920 · US CLK55 AMG, base2004 · $80,695 · US CLK55 AMG, as tested 1999 · $47,900 · US CLK430 base price, 1999 model year 2024 · $8,800 · 2001 CLK430 coupe, 62k miles, BaT2024 · $16,000 · 1998 CLK320 coupe, 82k miles, BaT2025 · $73,000 · 2001 CLK55 AMG coupe, 582 miles, BaT2025 · $13,750 · 2009 CLK550 cabriolet, 57k miles, BaT2026 · $6,320 · 2001 CLK320 coupe, 52k miles, BaT2026 · $15,500 · 2008 CLK550 cabriolet, 48k miles, BaT2026 · $22,000 · 2007 CLK63 AMG cabriolet, 31k miles, BaT2026 · $160,000 · 2008 CLK63 AMG Black Series, 8k miles, BaT2026 · $5,400 · 2006 CLK350 coupe, 106k miles, BaT2026 · $9,850 · 2001 CLK55 AMG coupe, 56k miles, BaT $160.0K BaT, 2026
17192526272830313233343536
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
1999Launch price$47,900US CLK430 base price, 1999 model year
1999Price when new$47,900US CLK430, base
1999Price when new$50,385US CLK430, as tested
2001Price when new$58,483US CLK430 cabriolet, base
2001Price when new$61,398US CLK430 cabriolet, as tested
2004Price when new$71,920US CLK55 AMG, base
2004Price when new$80,695US CLK55 AMG, as tested
2024Auction sale$8,8002001 CLK430 coupe, 62k miles, BaT
2024Auction sale$16,0001998 CLK320 coupe, 82k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$73,0002001 CLK55 AMG coupe, 582 miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$13,7502009 CLK550 cabriolet, 57k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$6,3202001 CLK320 coupe, 52k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$15,5002008 CLK550 cabriolet, 48k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$22,0002007 CLK63 AMG cabriolet, 31k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$160,0002008 CLK63 AMG Black Series, 8k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$5,4002006 CLK350 coupe, 106k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$9,8502001 CLK55 AMG coupe, 56k miles, BaT
2026Value today$6,320–$15,500

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 10 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 13 stories from its legend
    • “An F1 Safety Car before the customer AMG”
    • “Schneider's CLK titles in 2000, 2001 and 2003”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 6 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 36 sources
  1. 208 series CLK Coupés, 1997 - 1999 mercedes-benz-publicarchive.com
  2. Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  3. Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class (C209) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  4. A Look Back – Mercedes-Benz CLK model series 208 Premiered in January 1997 | eMercedesBenz emercedesbenz.com
  5. Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class (C208) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  6. 209 series CLK Coupés, 2005 - 2008 mercedes-benz-publicarchive.com
  7. Mercedes-Benz USA Media Newsroom media.mbusa.com
  8. Mercedes-Benz Baureihe 208 – Wikipedia de.wikipedia.org
  9. 209 series CLK Coupés, 2002 - 2005 mercedes-benz-publicarchive.com
  10. Mercedes-Benz CLK55 AMG buying guide, history and review - Octane Magazine octane-magazine.com
  11. Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG | evo evo.co.uk
  12. Autozine - Nieuws: Mercedes-Benz CLK tijdelijk als Sport Edition autozine.nl
  13. Gebrauchtwagentest Mercedes CLK - AUTO BILD autobild.de
  14. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Black Series caranddriver.com
  15. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG Black Series Coupé | The Tegernsee Auction | RM Sotheby's rmsothebys.com
  16. Rest In Peace Giorgio Armani. You Cooked With This Special Edition Mercedes-Benz CLK 500 - The Autopian theautopian.com
  17. 2001 Lexus SC430 vs. Mercedes-Benz CLK430 Comparison Test caranddriver.com
  18. Mercedes-Benz W124 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  19. Tested: 2004 Luxury Sports Coupe Comparison caranddriver.com
  20. High Heels and Low Lifes - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  21. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG Cabriolet | Paris 2025 | RM Sotheby's rmsothebys.com
  22. Vorstellung des Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG - Mercedes-Benz Oldtimer-Ticker mvcoldtimerticker.de
  23. Gran Turismo 6 Official Car List – GTPlanet gtplanet.net
  24. Gran Turismo 6 - List of featured cars gran-turismo.com
  25. Mercedes-Benz CLK430 - Motor Trend Magazine motortrend.com
  26. No Reserve: 2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK320 Coupe for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $6,320 on June 4, 2026 (Lot #245,659) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  27. No Reserve: 48k-Mile 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK550 Cabriolet for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $15,500 on August 8, 2026 (Lot #256,734) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  28. No Reserve: One-Owner, 582-Mile 2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK55 AMG Coupe for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $73,000 on March 10, 2025 (Lot #183,025) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  29. Mercedes CLK (W209) 2002-2009 | Different Car Review differentcarreview.com
  30. 31k-Mile 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Cabriolet for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $22,000 on October 21, 2026 (Lot #269,690) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  31. 8k-Mile 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Black Series for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $160,000 on October 12, 2026 (Lot #267,989) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  32. No Reserve: 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK350 Coupe for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $5,400 on July 15, 2026 (Lot #252,384) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. No Reserve: 2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK55 AMG Coupe for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $9,850 on April 3, 2026 (Lot #236,283) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  34. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK550 Cabriolet for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $13,750 on August 22, 2025 (Lot #206,383) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  35. No Reserve: Original-Owner 2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK430 Coupe for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $8,800 on September 9, 2024 (Lot #161,962) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  36. No Reserve: 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK320 Coupe for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $16,000 on February 17, 2024 (Lot #136,692) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • mercedes-benz-publicarchive.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • emercedesbenz.com
  • media.mbusa.com
  • de.wikipedia.org
  • octane-magazine.com
  • evo.co.uk
  • autozine.nl
  • autobild.de
  • caranddriver.com
  • rmsothebys.com
  • theautopian.com
  • mvcoldtimerticker.de
  • gtplanet.net

Photo credits

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