- Willing V6 engines
- Supportive front seats
- Comfortable ride
- High standard of fit and finish
- Open-top appeal
- Overly-assisted steering
- Handling lacks precision and engagement of BMW E46 3-Series Convertible
- Interior rattles and scuttle shake
- Limited boot space
Review: Mercedes-Benz A209.I CLK Cabriolet (2003-05)
Overview
Released in July 2003, the Mercedes-Benz A209 Series I (C209.I) CLK was a two-door, four-seat cabriolet with a power-operated soft-top roof. Manufactured in Germany, the rear-wheel drive A209 CLK Cabriolet range initially consisted of the CLK 320 and CLK 500. The range was further expanded with the release of the CLK 240 in March 2004 and CLK 200 Kompressor in March 2005.
Please note that the Mercedes A209 CLK 55 and CLK 63 AMG have been reviewed separately.
| Variant | Year | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLK 200 Komp-ressor | Avantgarde, Elegance |
2005 | 1.8-litre s/charged petrol I4 (M271) | 5sp auto | 120 kW at 5500 rpm | 240 Nm at 3000-4000 rpm |
| CLK 240 | Avantgarde, Elegance |
2004-05 | 2.6-litre petrol V6 (M112) | 5sp auto | 125 kW at 5500 rpm | 240 Nm at 4500 rpm |
| CLK 320 | Avantgarde, Elegance |
2003-05 | 3.2-litre petrol V6 (M112) | 5sp auto | 160 kW at 5700 rpm | 310 Nm at 3000 rpm |
| CLK 500 | Avantgarde, Elegance |
2003-04 | 5.0-litre petrol V8 (M113) | 5sp auto | 225 kW at 5700 rpm | 460 Nm at 2700-4250 rpm |
| 2004-05 | 5.0-litre petrol V8 (M113) | 7sp auto |
Dimensions
Compared to its A208 CLK Cabriolet predecessor, the Mercedes-Benz A209 CLK Cabriolet was 71 mm longer (at 4638 mm), 18 mm wider (1740 mm), 42 mm taller (1413 mm) and had a 25 mm longer wheelbase (2715 mm). Furthermore, A209 CLK Cabriolet chassis achieved a 12 per cent increase in torsional rigidity.
With its roof raised, the C209 CLK Cabriolet had a drag coefficient of 0.30 Cd and boot capacity of 390 litres.
Suspension and steering
Like the C209 CLK Coupe , the A209 CLK Cabriolet had MacPherson strut front suspension with three links and multi-link rear suspension. Furthermore, the CLK Cabriolet had rack and pinion steering.
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Mercedes-Benz A209 CLK Cabriolet included dual front airbags (with two-stage deployment), front seat-mounted side airbags with head/thorax protection, ABS, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, an automatically deploying rollover bar and seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters for all seats.
Features: A209 CLK 200 Kompressor
Standard features for the Mercedes-Benz CLK 200 Kompressor included 16-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with a six-disc in-dash CD player, THERMATIC climate control air conditioning, leather upholstery, cruise control, front fog lights, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, split and folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, trip computer and immobiliser.
Features: CLK 240, CLK 320 and CLK 500 Cabriolet
Initially, the CLK 240 and all other CLK Cabriolets were further equipped with a seven speaker sound system with a ten-disc CD changer in the glove box. In July 2004, however, this reverted to a six speaker sound system with a six-disc in-dash CD player for all models (like the CLK 200 Kompressor). The CLK 240 was also fitted with a power adjustable steering column and automatically dipping door mirrors when reversing.
The CLK 320 featured Mercedes-Benz’s COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Data System) with satellite navigation system and TV receiver, power adjustable front seats and memory settings for the front seats and steering wheel. Beyond this, the CLK 500 was fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels, THERMOTRONIC dual-zone climate control air conditioning, automatically dipping mirrors when reversing and speed-sensitive power steering.
CLK Cabriolet: Avantgarde and Elegance packages
With the exception of the CLK 55 AMG, the CLK Cabriolet was available in Elegance and Avantgarde trim packages. The Elegance featured seven-spoke alloy wheels, an ‘atlas grey’ radiator grille, green tinted glass and ‘brown ash’ fine-wood interior trim. The Avantgarde, however, was distinguished by its five-spoke alloy wheels, black radiator grille, blue tinted glass and ‘ellypta’ aluminium trim.
January 2005: CLK Cabriolet update
From January 2005, all CLK Cabriolets were fitted with Mercedes-Benz’s ‘Thermotronic’ dual-zone climate control, heated front seats and rear parking sensors. Furthermore, Mercedes-Benz’s ‘Direct Control’ steering was introduced, which utilised modified axle bearings and more direct steering to provide more dynamic handling.
Related links
Review: Mercedes-Benz A209.II CLK Cabriolet (2005-09)
Overview
Released in August 2005, the Mercedes-Benz A209 Series II (A209.II) CLK Cabriolet introduced new six cylinder petrol engines, a seven-speed automatic transmission and improved safety equipment. The C209.II CLK Cabriolet also introduced the MOST (Media Oriented Serial Transport) media system, which included an upgraded DVD-based navigation system for certain models. The CAN-bus (controller area network) was also upgraded for greater reliability.
With the introduction of the new engines, the CLK 240 and CLK 320 were replaced by the CLK 280 and CLK 350, respectively. Visually, the A209.II CLK Cabriolet could be identified by its redesigned ‘wedge shaped’ front bumpers, three-louvre grille (previously four louvres) and larger airdam. From August 2006, the CLK 500 was powered by Mercedes-Benz’s 5.5-litre M273 V8 engine .
| Variant | Year | Engine. | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLK 200 Komp-ressor | Avantgarde, Elegance |
2005-06 | 1.8-litre s/charged petrol I4 (M271) | 5sp auto | 120 kW at 5500 rpm | 240 Nm at 3000 rpm |
| 2007-09 | 1.8-litre s/charged petrol I4 (M271) | 5sp auto | 135 kW at 5500 rpm | 250 Nm at 2800-5000 rpm | ||
| CLK 280 | Avantgarde, Elegance |
2005-09 | 3.0-litre petrol V6 (M272) | 7sp auto | 170 kW at 6000 rpm | 300 Nm at 2500 rpm |
| CLK 350 | Avantgarde, Elegance |
2005-09 | 3.5-litre petrol V6 (M272) | 7sp auto | 200 kW at 6000 rpm | 350 Nm at 2400-5000 rpm |
| CLK 500 | Avantgarde, Elegance |
2005-06 | 5.0-litre petrol V8 (M113) | 7sp auto | 225 kW at 5700 rpm | 460 Nm at 2700 rpm |
| 2006-09 | 5.5-litre petrol V8 (M273) | 7sp auto | 285 kW at 6000 rpm | 530 Nm at 2800-4800 rpm |
Safety equipment
Compared to its A209 predecessor, safety equipment for the Mercedes-Benz A209.II CLK Cabriolet was improved with the introduction of active front seat head restraints (Mercedes-Benz’s ‘NECK PRO’). From August 2007, rear side airbags were fitted as standard.
Features
Standard features for the Mercedes-Benz A209.II CLK Cabriolet were extended to include tyre pressure monitoring, while the CLK 280 and CLK 350 received 17-inch alloy wheels and speed-sensitive power-assisted steering.
From August 2006, the Mercedes-Benz CLK 500 was fitted with a Harman Kardon LOGIC7 sound system, digital TV tuner and power folding mirrors as standard.
From August 2007, the Mercedes-Benz CLK 200 Kompressor was fitted with power adjustable front seats with driver’s seat memory settings, an auxiliary glovebox input and speed-sensitive power steering. The CLK 500 was also fitted with received an anti-theft alarm system.
CLK Cabriolet: Elegance, Avantgarde and Sports packages
For the A209.II CLK Cabriolet, there was greater differentiation between the Elegance and Avantgarde variants. As such, the Elegance variants featured nine-spoke wheels, basalt grey or stone beige leather and dark ash woodgrain trim. The Avantgarde variants, however, had five-spoke alloy wheels (17-inch minimum), lowered sports suspension, black ‘Artico’ synthetic leather, directional bi-xenon headlights, steering wheel gearshift buttons, a matte aluminium instrument panel, white-dial instruments and chrome rings for the round gauges.
The CLK Cabriolet was also available with an optional Sports package which included 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, 225/40 R18 front and 255/35 R 18 rear tyres, perforated brake discs, 15 mm lower sports suspension and a larger chrome exhaust pipe; inside, there were multi-contour front seats, steering wheel gearshift buttons, sports pedals and velour mats. Furthermore, the AMG sports package included 18-inch five-spoke AMG alloy wheels, an AMG front apron, AMG rear spoiler and AMG chromed exhaust pipes.
In August 2007, the Sports package was included within the Avantgarde package and a new Premium package was introduced which included radar-based cruise control with autonomous braking (Mercedes-Benz’s ‘Distronic’), Luxury front seats and keyless go.
Brochures
- Brochure: Mercedes-Benz C209/A209 CLK (International) (February 2006)
- Brochure: Mercedes-Benz C209/A209 CLK (International) (August 2007)
Related links
