Review: Mercedes-Benz C208 CLK Coupe (1997-02)

Review: Mercedes-Benz C208.I CLK Coupe (1997-99)

Overview

Released in October 1997, the Mercedes-Benz C208 Series I (C208.I) CLK was a four-seat coupe. Manufactured in Germany, the rear-wheel drive C208.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.

Please note that the Mercedes C208 CLK 55 AMG Coupe has been reviewed separately.

Dimensions and body

The Mercedes-Benz C208 CLK Coupe was 4567 mm long, 1722 mm wide, 1345/1380 mm tall (for Sport and Elegance variants, respectively) and had a 2690 mm long wheelbase. Boot capacity for the C208 CLK Coupe was 420 litres, though the rear seat back had a 1/3:2/3 split for extra load space. Furthermore, 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.

Suspension and steering

The Mercedes-Benz C208 CLK Coupe had double wishbone front suspension and independent, multi link rear suspension (both with coil springs, gas dampers and stabiliser bars). The CLK Coupe also had a recirculating ball steering system.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Mercedes-Benz C208 CLK Coupe 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.

For the CLK 320, electronic stability control was available as an extra-cost option.

Features: CLK 200 Kompressor

Standard features for the Mercedes-Benz C208 CLK 200 included 16-inch alloy wheels with 205/55 R16 tyres, a six speaker 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 C208 CLK Coupe 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

Compared to the CLK 200 Kompressor, 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 Coupe: Sport and Elegance variants

Beyond the models, the Mercedes-Benz C208.I CLK Coupe 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.

CLK Coupe options

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

Review: Mercedes-Benz C208.II CLK Coupe (1999-02)

Overview

Released in October 1999, the Mercedes-Benz C208 Series II (C208.II) CLK Coupe introduced additional safety equipment and features, while Sport variants were replaced by Avantgarde variants. Visually, the C208.II CLK Coupe 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 November 1999, the CLK range was expanded with the introduction of the CLK 430. In October 2000, the CLK 200 was replaced by the CLK 200 Kompressor.

Safety equipment

Compared to its C208.I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the Mercedes-Benz C208.II CLK was extended to include electronic stability control.

Features: C208.II CLK Coupe

Compared to their C208.I predecessors, standard features for the C208.II CLK models 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 Coupe: Avantgarde and Elegance variants

Within the C208.II CLK range, the non-AMG 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