Review: Mercedes-Benz A208 CLK Cabriolet (1998-03)

Review: Mercedes-Benz A208.I CLK Cabriolet (1998-99)

Overview

Released in October 1998, the Mercedes-Benz A208 Series I (A208.I) CLK was a four-seat cabriolet. Manufactured in Osnabrück, Germany, the rear-wheel drive A208.I CLK range consisted of the CLK 200, CLK 230 Kompressor and CLK 320 models (see table below). These models were offered in Sport and Elegance variants and fitted with a five-speed automatic transmission as standard.

Dimensions and body

The Mercedes-Benz A208 CLK Cabriolet was 4567 mm long, 1722 mm wide, 1380/1405 mm tall (for Sport and Elegance variants, respectively) and had a 2690 mm long wheelbase. Ingress and egress to the individual rear seats was aided by a power-assisted ‘easy entry system’ which would automatically slide the front seats forwards.

Compared to the C208 CLK Coupe on which it was based, the A208 CLK Cabriolet had reinforced cross-members in the frame/floor unit, strengthened longitudinal side members, reinforced A-pillars and a modified windscreen frame. Although electro-hydraulically operated, the soft top roof needed to be unlocked (for opening) or locked (when closing) at the windscreen frame by a single handle. When opened, the roof would automatically stow away beneath a body-coloured compartment cover. Boot capacity was 237 litres with the roof down and 350 litres with the roof raised.

Suspension and steering

The Mercedes-Benz A208 CLK Cabriolet had double wishbone front suspension and independent, multi link rear suspension (both with coil springs, gas dampers and stabiliser bars); the CLK Cabriolet also had a recirculating ball steering system.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Mercedes-Benz A208 CLK Cabriolet included dual front airbags, front door-mounted side airbags, ABS, brake assist, traction control (Mercedes-Benz’s Acceleration Skid Control or ASR) front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters. Furthermore, the head restraints would automatically rise in dangerous situations to act as a rollover bar.

Features: A208 CLK 200 Cabriolet

Standard features for the CLK 200 Cabriolet included 16-inch alloy wheels with 205/55 R16 tyres, a sound system with a CD player and a six-disc CD changer, cloth upholstery, air conditioning, cruise control, front fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift lever, remote central locking, power windows, power adjustable and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel and an immobiliser.

The A208 CLK Cabriolet also featured Mercedes-Benz’s ASSYST (Active Service System) which used a microprocessor to measure engine oil quality and determine when services were required.

Features: CLK 230 Kompressor and CLK 320 Cabriolet

The CLK 230 Kompressor was further equipped with leather seats, while the CLK 320 added power adjustable front seats with memory settings, a power adjustable steering wheel and metallic paint finishes.

CLK Cabriolet: Sport and Elegance variants

Beyond the models, the Mercedes-Benz A208.I CLK Cabriolet was offered in Sport and Elegance variants. The Sport variants were fitted with seven-hole alloy wheels, stiffer spring/damper settings which lowered the body by 25 mm, light-coloured instrument gauges, Mescalero seat fabric and carbon-look centre console trim.

The Elegance variants – which cost an additional $2000 at launch – were fitted with five-hole alloy wheels, Neptune seat fabric burr walnut interior trim, high-gloss sill panels, chrome trim on the door handles and side window frames.

A208 CLK Cabriolet options

Extra-cost options for the CLK Cabriolet included climate control air conditioning, self-levelling suspension, xenon headlights, high-pressure headlamp cleaning, rear parking sensors (‘Parktronic’) and rain-sensing wipers.

Review: Mercedes-Benz A208.II CLK Cabriolet (1999-03)

Overview

Released in October 1999, the A208 Series II (A208.II) CLK Cabriolet introduced additional safety equipment and features, while Sport variants were replaced by Avantgarde variants. Visually, the A208.II CLK Cabriolet could be identified by its revised front and rear bumpers, door mirror housings with integrated indicators and colour-coordinated skirts and protective mouldings.

Inside, there was a revised instrument cluster, a multi-function steering wheel with controls for the larger multifunction display and a one-touch gearshift function for the automatic transmission.

In September 2000, the CLK range was expanded with the introduction of the CLK 430 and, in October 2000, the CLK 200 was replaced by the CLK 200 Kompressor.

Safety equipment

Compared to its A208.I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the Mercedes-Benz A208.II CLK was extended to include electronic stability control.

Features: Mercedes-Benz A208.II CLK Cabriolet

Compared to their A208.I predecessors, standard features for the Mercedes-Benz A208.II CLK Cabriolet were extended to include power adjustable front seats, cruise control, a multi-function steering wheel, courtesy lights, heated windscreen washer jets and a trip computer.

Compared to the CLK 320, the CLK 430 was further equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels with 225/45 R17 W tyres and dual-zone climate control air conditioning.

CLK Cabriolet: Avantgarde and Elegance variants

As noted above, the A208.II CLK Cabriolet models were available in Avantgarde and Elegance variants. Of these,

• The Avantgarde variants could be identified by their seven-spoke alloy wheels, body-coloured door handles and blue tinted windows. Inside, the Avantgarde variants featured bird’s eye maple interior trim and grey-faced instrument dials; and,
• The Elegance variants could be identified by their five-hole alloy wheels, green-tinted glass and chromium-plated door handles and window frames. Inside, the Elegance variants featured burr walnut interior trim and anthracite-coloured instrument dials.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Mercedes-Benz C208 CLK