Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class (C209)

Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class (C209/A209)
Overview
ManufacturerDaimlerChrysler (2001–2007) Daimler AG (2007–2009)
Production
  • February 2001[1] – November 2008 (coupé)
  • February 2002[2] – August 2009 (convertible)
Assembly
Body and chassis
ClassGrand tourer (S)
Body style
LayoutFront-engine, rear-wheel drive
Related
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,715 mm (106.9 in)
Length4,638–4,652 mm (182.6–183.1 in)
Width1,740 mm (68.5 in)
Height1,400–1,415 mm (55.1–55.7 in)
Kerb weight1,540–1,875 kg (3,395–4,134 lb)
Chronology
PredecessorMercedes-Benz CLK-Class (C208/A208)
SuccessorMercedes-Benz E-Class (C207/A207)

The C209/A209 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class is the second generation of the Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class range of grand tourers, produced between 2001 and 2009. There were two body styles available: a 2-door coupé (C209) and a 2-door convertible (A209). The latter being assembled at the Karmann plant in Osnabrück. It was also the last complete car made by Karmann before closing the facility.[4]

It was replaced by the Mercedes-Benz C207/A207 E-Class in 2010.[5]

Development and launch

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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.[6] It also uses a three-link front suspension, and aluminium rear multi-link suspension.[6] Compared to its predecessor, the second generation CLK is 61 mm (2.4 in) longer, 18 mm (0.7 in) wider, and 28 mm (1.1 in) taller.[7]

At introduction, a 3.2-litre V6, 5.0-litre V8, 5.4-litre V8, and 2.7L inline-5 diesel engine were available, which were all replaced by 2006.[8]

Body styles

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  • C209 coupé (Japan)
    C209 coupé (Japan)
  • A209 convertible (United Kingdom)
    A209 convertible (United Kingdom)

Coupé (C209)

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The production version CLK was unveiled at the 2002 Geneva Motor Show.[9]

Convertible (A209)

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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 (5 mph) in 20 seconds.[10] Convertible models were originally manufactured by Karmann in Osnabrück in 2003, but production was later moved to Bremen, Germany in 2004.[11] The CLK Cabriolet was unveiled at the 2003 Geneva Motor Show.[12]

Equipment

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Interior (facelift)

Standard equipment includes antilock brakes, electronic stability control, power seats, and dual-zone climate control.[13][14] Models were also offered in Elegance and Avantgarde specification.[15] 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 15 mm (0.6 in) lower ride height.[16]

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.[17][18] 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.[19]

Models

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Petrol engines

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Model Year Engine Power Torque 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph)
CLK 200
Kompressor 		2002–2006 M271 E18 ML
1.8 L supercharged I4 		120 kW (163 PS; 161 hp)
at 5,500 rpm 		240 N⋅m (177 lb⋅ft)
at 3,500 rpm 		9.9 s
2007–2010 135 kW (184 PS; 181 hp)
at 5,500 rpm 		250 N⋅m (184 lb⋅ft)
at 2,800 rpm 		9.1 s (8.8 s manual)
CLK 200 CGI 2003–2005 M271 DE18 ML
1.8 L supercharged GDI I4 		125 kW (170 PS; 168 hp)
at 5,300 rpm 		250 N⋅m (184 lb⋅ft)
at 3,000 rpm 		9.2 s
CLK 240 2002–2005 M112 E26
2.6 L V6 		125 kW (170 PS; 168 hp)
at 5,500 rpm 		240 N⋅m (177 lb⋅ft)
at 4,500 rpm 		9.5 s
CLK 280 2005–2010 M272 E30
3.0 L V6 		170 kW (231 PS; 228 hp)
at 6,000 rpm 		300 N⋅m (221 lb⋅ft)
at 2,500 rpm 		7.4 s
CLK 320 2002–2005 M112 E32
3.2 L V6 		165 kW (224 PS; 221 hp)
at 5,700 rpm 		310 N⋅m (229 lb⋅ft)
at 3,000–4,600 rpm 		7.9 s
CLK 350 2005–2010 M272 E35
3.5 L V6 		200 kW (272 PS; 268 hp)
at 6,000 rpm 		350 N⋅m (258 lb⋅ft)
at 2,400–5,000 rpm 		6.2 s
CLK 500 2002–2006 M113 E50
5.0 L V8 		225 kW (306 PS; 302 hp)
at 5,600 rpm 		460 N⋅m (339 lb⋅ft)
at 2,700–4,250 rpm 		5.7 s [20]
CLK 550* 2007–2010 M273 E55
5.5 L V8 		285 kW (387 PS; 382 hp)
at 6,000 rpm 		530 N⋅m (391 lb⋅ft)
at 2,800–4,800 rpm 		5.2 s
CLK 55 AMG 2002–2006 M113 E55
5.4 L V8 		270 kW (367 PS; 362 hp)
at 5,750 rpm 		510 N⋅m (376 lb⋅ft)
at 4,000 rpm 		5.2 s
CLK DTM AMG 2004-2006 M113 E55
5.4 L V8 		428 kW (582 PS; 574 hp)
at 6,100 rpm

at 7,000 rpm

800 N⋅m (590 lb⋅ft)

at 3500 rpm

3.9 s
CLK 63 AMG 2006–2010 M156 E62
6.2 L V8 		354 kW (481 PS; 474 hp)
at 6,800 rpm 		630 N⋅m (465 lb⋅ft)
at 5,000 rpm 		4.6-4.5 s
CLK 63 AMG Black Series 2007–2009 M156 E62
6.2 L V8 		373 kW (507 PS; 500 hp)
at 7,200 rpm 		630 N⋅m (465 lb⋅ft)
at 5,250 rpm 		4.3-4.1 s

*Note: CLK 550 was still marketed as CLK 500 in most markets.

Diesel engines

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Model Year Engine Power Torque 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph)
CLK 220 CDI 2005–2009 OM646 DE22
2.1 L I4 		110 kW (150 PS; 148 hp)
at 4,200 rpm 		340 N⋅m (251 lb⋅ft)
at 2,000 rpm 		10.4 s (10.2 s manual)
CLK 270 CDI 2002–2005 OM612 DE27
2.7 L I5 		125 kW (170 PS; 168 hp)
at 4,200 rpm 		400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft)
at 1,800–2,600 rpm 		9.4 s
CLK 320 CDI 2005–2010 OM642 DE30
3.0 L V6 		165 kW (224 PS; 221 hp)
at 3,800 rpm 		510 N⋅m (376 lb⋅ft)
at 1,400 rpm 		6.4 s (6.9 s manual)

Special models

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CLK DTM AMG (2004–2006)

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The CLK DTM AMG is a limited edition high-performance version of the CLK, built to celebrate the racing version of the CLK winning the 2003 German Touring Car Championship (DTM) season.[21] 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.[22] The road version features a supercharged 5,439 cc (5.4 L; 331.9 cu in) SOHC 3 valves per cylinder V8 engine rated at 428 kW (582 PS; 574 bhp) at 7000 rpm and 800 N⋅m (590 lb⋅ft) at 3500 rpm of torque, with power sent through a 5G-Tronic automatic transmission to the rear wheels, capable of a top speed of 322 km/h (200 mph).[23] Weighing 1,742 kg (3,840 lb), the CLK DTM AMG goes from 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 3.9 seconds.

  • CLK DTM AMG Coupé
    CLK DTM AMG Coupé
  • CLK DTM AMG Convertible
    CLK DTM AMG Convertible

CLK 63 AMG Black Series (2007–2009)

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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.[24] 500 examples were produced in total, with 349 headed to the United States and only 120 examples built with right-hand drive. It is powered by the M156 6.2 L (6,208 cc) V8, producing 500 bhp (507 PS; 373 kW) at 6,800 rpm and 630 N⋅m (465 lb⋅ft) of torque at 5,250 rpm. It uses Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tyres and features Mercedes' SpeedShift 7G-Tronic transmission.[25][26] Additional features also include a manually adjustable suspension system designed and manufactured by KW, a limited-slip differential, larger air intakes, bucket seats, 19-inch alloy wheels, a spoiler, diffuser, and wider fenders made of carbon fibre.[27][28] The rear seats have also been removed in order to save weight,[29] and the top speed has been increased to 300 km/h (186 mph).[30]

F1 safety car

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CLK AMG F1 Safety car

In 2003, the CLK 55 AMG was used as an F1 safety car. The CLK 63 AMG was also used as an F1 safety car for the 2006 and 2007 seasons.[31]

Model year changes

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2004

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  • Handling improvements in the form of modified axle bearings and more direct steering[32]

2005 facelift

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A facelift was introduced in June 2005. Major changes include:

  • Exterior design changes including: redesigned front and rear bumpers, grille with three louvres instead of four, and restyled taillights[13]
  • COMAND 2.0 upgraded to DVD-based COMAND-APS system, introducing iPod integration[33]
  • Updated center console with improved layout and switches
  • New 7G-Tronic automatic transmission replaces the old 5G-Tronic system[13]
  • The CLK 240, CLK 320, and CLK 55 AMG are replaced by newer models[34][35]

2007

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  • Introduction of CLK 550 and CLK 63 AMG models[36]
  • Introduction of Sports and AMG Sports package[37]

Sales figures

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The following are the sales figures for the CLK in Europe and in the United States:[38][39]

Year EU total US total
2002 35,777 17,251
2003 54,305 19,230
2004 47,690 22,556
2005 34,601 18,227
2006 27,547 16,415
2007 22,117 15,009
2008 14,520 10,844
2009 8,416 7,150
2010 221 585
Total: 245,194 127,627

Motorsports

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Main article: Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM

The Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM was a race version of the CLK that raced from 2002 DTM season and won the 2003 DTM season.

References

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  1. ^ "CLK 320 / C 209 E 32, 2002 - 2005". mercedes-benz-publicarchive.com. Retrieved 10 December 2023.
  2. ^ "CLK 200 CGI Cabriolet / A 209 E 18 DE ML, 2002 - 2003". mercedes-benz-publicarchive.com. Retrieved 10 December 2023.
  3. ^ "CLK 200 Compressor". mercedes-benz-publicarchive.com. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
  4. ^ "Era of car manufacturing ends for Karmann". europe.autonews.com. Retrieved 5 April 2024.
  5. ^ "Mercedes-Benz replaces CLK with E-class coupe". Autoweek. Retrieved 2018-05-04.
  6. ^ a b "World premiere at the Geneva Motor Show: The new Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class Cabriolet | marsMediaSite". marsMediaSite. Retrieved 2018-05-04.
  7. ^ "Chassis and control systems: right on track | marsMediaSite". marsMediaSite. Retrieved 2018-05-04.
  8. ^ "Mercedes-Benz CLK - News - Car and Driver". Car and Driver. Retrieved 2018-05-04.
  9. ^ "WORLD PREMIERE AT THE GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: THE NEW MERCEDES-BENZ CLK-CLASS CABRIOLET". Retrieved 2018-05-05.
  10. ^ "2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-class Cabriolet". Car and Driver. Retrieved 2018-05-04.
  11. ^ "209 series CLK-Class Convertibles, 2005 - 2009 | marsClassic". marsClassic. Retrieved 2018-05-04.
  12. ^ "Geneva Motor Show: world premiere for CLK Convertible". mercedes-benz-publicarchive.com. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
  13. ^ a b c "2006 Mercedes CLK-Class Review @ Top Speed". Top Speed. Retrieved 2018-05-04.
  14. ^ "Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class". CarGurus. Retrieved 2018-05-04.
  15. ^ Butler, Glenn (2003-05-01). "Mercedes-Benz CLK Cabriolet - motoring.com.au". motoring.com.au. Retrieved 2018-05-04.
  16. ^ "Model concept and equipment: exquisite in every sense | marsMediaSite". marsMediaSite. Retrieved 2018-05-04.
  17. ^ "Mercedes-Benz CLK Sport Edition: Exclusive Coupés and Cabriolets now even more dynamic and attractive | marsMediaSite". marsMediaSite. Retrieved 2018-05-04.
  18. ^ "Mercedes CLK 320 Cdi Coupe Sport Review". Retrieved 2018-05-04.
  19. ^ "209 series CLK-Class Coupés, 2005 - 2009 | marsClassic". marsClassic. Retrieved 2018-05-04.
  20. ^ "Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class 0-60 Times and Quarter Time".
  21. ^ "2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG - driving a legend". Autocar. Retrieved 2018-05-04.
  22. ^ "Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG - Road Test & Review - Automobile Magazine". Automobile Magazine. 2005-01-01. Retrieved 2018-05-04.
  23. ^ "Five reasons why you need this Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG". www.topgear.com. 27 October 2016. Retrieved 2018-05-04.
  24. ^ "2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Black Series". Car and Driver. Retrieved 2018-05-04.
  25. ^ Emslie, Rob. "For $51,888, This 2008 Mercedes CLK 63 AMG Could Be Your Ultimate Black Friday Deal". Jalopnik. Retrieved 2018-05-04.
  26. ^ rayadmin (2015-07-27). "2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class". J.D. Power Cars. Retrieved 2018-05-04.
  27. ^ "Mercedes-Benz CLK-class CLK 63 2008 Review". CarsGuide. Retrieved 2018-05-04.
  28. ^ "KW Suspension - Mercedes AMG high-performance cars with KW Coilovers - Mercedes AMG high-performance cars with KW Coilovers". www.kw-suspensions.it. Retrieved 2023-03-20.
  29. ^ "Mercedes-Benz CLK63 2008 Review". CarsGuide. Retrieved 2018-05-04.
  30. ^ "Mercedes CLK63 AMG Black Series (2008) review". CAR Magazine. Retrieved 2018-05-04.
  31. ^ "Mercedes-AMG GT S: Bernd Mayländer's new safety car". www.motorsport-total.com. Retrieved 22 July 2017.
  32. ^ "209 series CLK-Class Coupés, 2002 - 2005 | marsClassic". marsClassic. Retrieved 2018-05-04.
  33. ^ "Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class: New technology for even more dynamic driving pleasure | marsMediaSite". marsMediaSite. Retrieved 2018-05-04.
  34. ^ "Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class Cabriolet (2003 - 2010) used car review | Car review | RAC Drive". www.rac.co.uk. Retrieved 2018-05-04.
  35. ^ "2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Cabriolet". Car and Driver. Retrieved 2018-05-04.
  36. ^ "2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Cabriolet/ML63 AMG First Look - Motor Trend". Motor Trend. 2006-07-01. Retrieved 2018-05-04.
  37. ^ "2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class Overview". Retrieved 2018-05-04.
  38. ^ "Mercedes-Benz CLK European sales figures". carsalesbase.com. Retrieved 2018-06-11.
  39. ^ "Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class Sales Figures -". GCBC. 2013-05-30. Retrieved 2018-05-28.
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