written by armchairracer on 05/04/2014
My CLK 230K is one of two cars I own at this time. My other being a Volvo V70 T5 ?(tweeked). I've owned the Mercedes for 7 months now, and it's used most days. It always starts and runs really well. Performance is good, but not quick like my Volvo. Driving the CLK is a pleasure, I'm 6ft 3in tall and well built, and can drive all day long in comfort. Not too much leg room in the back, but still provides comfort. Today, I went from Manchester to Fleetwood a return journey of 107 miles, and got 40.04 mpg. Not bad for a supergharced 2.3L Automatic. And the car looks really nice, black with 7 spoke wheels.
written by on 29/10/2013
Bought this car 6 months ago as a daily hack. It's quick, economical, very comfortable, quiet and handles well. Above all it's been totally reliable. My wife loves it. The rear seats fold so its load capacity is almost equal to a van. On the road it feels planted and safe, floor it and it can go very well, it's no out and out sports car but the neither is it in any way harsh or challenging. It's still used as a daily hack, but we've decided its a keeper. So it's being looked after. These cars are total bargains, cheap to buy, good on fuel @ 35 mpg ish, very comfortable. Servicing via good independents inexpensive. Nothing bad to say about the 230 clk, ours is rust free, but because we like it we will take preventative measures to ensure it stays that way. One minus point, when the rear window gets wet in heavy rain, the view out of the rear view mirror can be compromised. Would have been better with a rear wiper.
written by on 05/10/2013
brought a clk230 convertible looks good,goes fast and l give it heaps. No problems with it
written by on 13/04/2013
I've owned this car now, 230k sport,for nine years, it's never let me down, EVER, starts every time even during the coldest days & it wasn't garaged. It's quick, stylish, reliable and solid. it's now up for sale, we've just bought a four door mercedes (as circumstances have changed within our family) but i will miss the old car terribly, the new car's great, it's newer, bigger engine, better on fuel but it's NOT the CLK. There was nothing about it that I didn't like.
written by on 05/02/2012
I've just bought the CLK. We are Mercedes-people and wanted a convertible with some space, some power, good looks and a star on it's hood. we found this lovely little, big topless Benz and fell in love. In our two days and 500 km the stereo died and the BAS/ASR-light is warning us about something all the time, but it's a good everyday convertible that's looking amazing and is fun to drive. Thumbs up, MB!!
written by on 05/06/2009
Mercedes Benz CLK 230 Kompressor has good handling A very classy car
written by steve1256 on 07/05/2008
Although the Mercedes Benz CLK 230 is generally good mechanically. The number of niggling faults are expensive and should not occur on a so-called quality car. I think Mercedes deserted their quality controls in the late 90's-early 00's and I would not recommend them. My advice is to go for a BMW/Audi if you are buying a second hand German built car from that era.
Written on: 07/03/2015
Absolute rubbish . The CLK is the most reliable car I have owned . Look at the hundreds of reviews all stating its super reliability . Mine is ten years old and as new inside and out . I use it everyday and its not once let me down
written by shue on 09/02/2008
I have had a Mercedes CLK 230K Cabriolet since 2001, and it will be a wrench to see it go. Supremely comfortable, plenty fast enough, a joy on any road. The only thing that has gone wrong with it in 6 years is a mildly irritating rattle from the heat baffle on the exhaust. Apart from that I find it hard to find fault.
written by Kully on 24/02/2007
The Mercedes Benz CLK 230 Kompressor is a great looking car, as long as its silver, face lift model with body kit and AMG alloys. I have owned many types of cars and I can without a doubt say that this one impresses me greatly. It's an absolute pleasure to drive.
written by Lord M of VA on 03/08/2006
I will be very sad to lose my Mercedes Benz CLK 230 Kompressor but expanding family means that I need a four door. Very comfortable and always seems to attract good comments from my clients, the car definitely has presence. Performance is more than adequate with good top speed acceleration, top speed and comfortable high speed cruising. The car has held its value well.
written by houry on 15/10/2005
I have had a Mercedes CLK 230 Kompressor convertible for nearly 4 years. Already the exhaust has a hole in it. The rubber border of the back window on the passenger side has disintegrated to bits, and is unable to act as a bumper between the driver's window and the back one.
The front cup-holders were designed by a Moron. Stereo sound quality is rubbish.
Written on: 13/01/2006
If its so rubbush, why have you held on to it for 4 years.
Written on: 07/03/2015
You obviously know nothing about cars and you bought a lemon . Cup holders are engineering genius . Stereo sounds beautiful . And to cap it all you moan about an exhaust lasting only 4 years . You should have a bike with training wheels and a bib with your knowledge
Written on: 08/05/2012
What a waste of a review, such petty findings with no constructive information
Perhaps if you were to set the stereo bass, treble and balance settings you would be surprised
Have you ever read the manual I wonder?
Written on: 07/03/2015
Sorry for my attack on this idiot . It pains me when fools write rubbish about one of the most reliable cars on sale .
written by Harji. on 04/04/2003
Residuals are good, steering a bit light.
Ideal for long distance touring. Plenty of space in the back and a decent boot capacity
written by George. on 04/05/2002
The Mercedes CLK 230 Kompressor lacks the desired grrrrrrrr, what's the best way to boost the output of the 230.
Written on: 18/07/2003
For more power go to http://www.hs-elektronik.com/auswahl-d.html Job done
Written on: 03/08/2006
Why more power? It has 194 BHP, a decent 0-60 time and 145 mph top end. If you want more power get a 320 or 430. A 230 can see off a BMW 323 ci which is what it should be compared to.
written by Imortal Street Racer [Angel]. on 16/01/2002
Its funny that our Ford Mondeo St200 -00 whips the Mercedes clk 230 Kopressors ass whithout bother and i would really like to see that car outrun our Mondeo when the road turns!!
Written on: 03/03/2002
Mondeo Better than Merc...You really are missing the point !
Written on: 07/03/2015
What a bullshitter . Bring your 200 quid Mindeo and I will hand you your ass in my 230 and embarrass you in my CLK 55
Written on: 03/08/2006
Mondeo v CLK, what planet are you on? one is just a boy racer ford the other is a class car. The st200 is the fastest Mondeo (I can't believe I once owned one) if you want to make a fair comparison try the CLK AMG, this is about 1.5 secs faster 0-60. Lets be honest the CLK 230 K and the Mondeo are not in the same class. Mondeo st can be compared to the Suberu Unimpretza another wallymobile driven in Essex.
Written on: 07/03/2015
Well said sir
Written on: 21/02/2006
Having owned 7 fords, 1 320i, and now a CLK230 trust me, there is no comparison. I love my CLK and will never go down market again.
Written on: 22/10/2005
It's a pity you boy racing povs can't afford one then really!!
Written on: 03/08/2004
I think I will stick to my Mercedes 230K thanks very much, the Ford may be quicker and tighter on twisting roads but will never be able to compete with the Mercedes on so many levels that it seems pointless to go into detail with those who lack this understanding.
Written on: 17/11/2003
lol, like your style....
Written on: 17/11/2003
Ok, ill make it real easy, I can afford to drive a Merc......so I do !
<br>The day I cant afford a Merc, then, and only then, would I consider dirving a common car such as a Ford.....
<br>Now then......where is that buttler of mine????
Written on: 29/10/2003
Having just taken a clk 200 for a test drive, i have to say it is purely a luxury car, which is exaclty what i wanted. I usually drive B.M.Ws but wanted a car which was less effort on the M-way for work. But one which still looks classy and sporty. Ford Mondeo...? sorry its only better if you cant actually afford a merc, in which case its better not to look. fords and vauxhalls etc are fine if you have no taste, or are a boy racer and cant afford the insurance on anything better. In my opinion a beautiful looking car, which cruises on the motorway with no effort, is safe and pure class.
Written on: 01/10/2003
Totally Agree.
<br>
<br>I test drove several Mercedes (saloons) incl the c320 model and all where whipped by the ST220 (Estate)!. On the motorways the mondeo was marginally quicker on acceleration. However, off the Motorways, the Mondeo was in a different league. Yes, the Mercedes is quieter but when you realise that to get the same specification on the mercedes (ie leather heated seats etc) you have to spend 10K more than the Mondeo, it was a no brainer. Did I want to spend 10K more to have a smaller car, with lower spec and performance,.... No. I choose the mondeo ST220 Estate and have not regretted it. The depreciation is huge and the consumption worse (26mpg over 28K miles, this drops to 20-23 when floored) but its a company lease car and petrol paid for, So i dont care !!!!.
<br>
<br>If you want to waft around and like to be bored when driving choose the mercedes, but you had better turn the radio up so you dont fall asleep. If you want to drive in a high level of comfort and get the odd adrenilin rush go for the St220.
<br>
<br>For those of you who are about to critisise Fords quality of build. I have done 28K miles in 7 months with no problems and the ford dealer has been excellant
Written on: 02/04/2003
Yeah, that's a big difference. SLK is C-Class-based and really not that good build quality, not better than the newer Mondeos are.
<br>But CLK is E-Class-based and much better quality the mondeo can't compete.
Written on: 02/04/2003
Matt, we are talkig about a CLK here not an SLK. Are you sure you were in a Merc?
Written on: 04/02/2003
The point is not being missed. The ST220 is twice the car that the SLK230 is; I have recently trade UP from the merc to the 220. Believe me, in both quality & fun, the ford Kicks !! Residuals... now that's another question
Written on: 23/12/2002
You seem to be missing the point. You cannot compare a ford with a mercedes, they are in a different class. Try looking at other criteria apart from speed, for example build quailty, refinement and residual values.
Written on: 01/04/2002
Damn you're right, mondeo st220 kicks every mercedes's ass on the corners, but everyone knows that now
<br>but you forgot to mention that the new ford generation seems to be more solid than mercedes, too :)
<br>
<br>cu all
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written by Damir. on 14/01/2002
The Mercedes CLK 230 Kompressor is a state of art. It's not too big but it has enough place for four people inside with their package. Engine is great and powerful. There is enought power to speed up even on 180 km/h. Mercedes did a great job with interior and exterior. Car is nice for an eye from inside and outside. I don't think there is enough space for all the good things about the car.
written by C230 Driver. on 29/09/2001
The Mercedes CLK is great for the young and budget buyers who want an alternative other than the Japanese.
Written on: 15/01/2002
So what do the not so young without a budget limiting their choice go for?
Written on: 16/01/2002
If it's got good sound insulation, how can the engine be "too noisy"?
written by Matthew Grant. on 21/02/2001
A good combination for business/sports use. A very powerful engine, but can be a bit noisy at times. A very low-slung car with beautiful alloys. Lots of mod-cons like electric seats. A beautiful automatic car.
written by Paul. on 18/06/2000
The standard spec CLK230 Kompressor (Elegance) feels great to cruise around in but if you push it hard round corners it wont give you the sports car handling you might expect. The car is more for image, refinement and ride quality than high speed cornering.
Depends what you want really.
A bit expensive once youve added the essential extras.
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As rated by our community of reviewers
Head Gasket Wrecker's Response to steve1256's Review
Written on: 18/06/2008
Blew head gasket - drinking coolant! Only 85000 mls! - can't deny I was giving it serious abuse 1250 euro repair! Anyone else done the same 1998 elegance manual - first merc - first head gasket!