Is the CLK fun to drive? (W209)

A follow up to my initial review of the W209/C209 Mercedes-Benz CLK 200 Kompressor.
How does the car drive and handle on the A537 "Cat & Fiddle" road in the Peak District, UK? What is it's performance like? Can the CLK be a driver's car as well as an accomplished motorway cruiser and a relaxing drive around town?
More CLK videos: • Mercedes-Benz CLK 200 ...
This is my own 2006 W209/C209 CLK 200K Coupe, in Avantgarde trim.
Includes a few thoughts on the Dunlop Sportmaxx RT2 tyre.
Covers CLKs sold in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009.
#clk #mercedesclk #w209
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[@andrein.4122]

Your reviews are great. I love the CLK 200, I watched all the reviews that I could find and I really enjoy this fresh POV. Thanks :) Keep up the good work!

[@JJonCars]

Thank you so much!

[@lightice444]

I have just bought a 2004 CLK convertible, your reviews really helped in my decision. Solid car that doesn't break the bank and it's a great car to drive. My previous car was a Saab 93 cab, but the clk is a far superior car, mine is only the 240 with full AMG body kit, it looks and drives amazing.

[@JJonCars]

Glad to hear that John, enjoy the car! 🙂

[@VivekProinstall]

Hey man, enjoy your video. Mine is a CL K2 80 V6 3.0 L very sporty black interior silver on the outside. Also I love my car very very fast not so heavy reliable powerful I never gets old. Hope you enjoy yours as much as I do mine.

[@hammersboy95]

Another very high quality and interesting video! Very easy to watch and I look forward to the next one :-)

[@JJonCars]

Thanks James!

[@drumpaul1347]

Another great video! :-) I've just bought a 54 reg CLK 320 petrol Avantgarde coupe (80k miles). Really loving it. The slowest of my four cars, but the most comfortable, the smoothest, the classiest and the quietest. Looking forward to longer journeys in it.

[@JJonCars]

Thanks! It will soak up those miles on the longer journeys. Enjoy the car :)

[@itfcjim]

Great vid. According to KZbin auto generated subtitles, your exhaust goes "Uh"

[@JJonCars]

Uh. Uhhh. UHHHH!

[@Rjhs001]

Sounds like you were in the same neck of the woods that my wife comes from, Chinley to be precise. Lovely car you've got there JJ and it's just the kind of quality bargain that I love. Cheers, great channel.

[@JJonCars]

Yep, that's the Peak District area :) Cheers John, much appreciated!

[@terryreilly3949]

I had the suspension lowered my CLK 320 cabriolet with Eibach springs. I also put on a set of 18 inch Michelin Pilot sports 4. It sticks to the road like glue. Handles beautifully around corners. The silky smooth V6 delivers incredible performance. Brilliant car. And when you lower the food….. sheer magic.

[@JJonCars]

Nice. How does it ride, is it still comfortable?

[@SmithM1911]

I have the v6 sport and it’s absolutely amazing. Love it.

[@janneoksanen4162]

Really liking these CLK videos and your channel, great work! I've been planning on buying a cheap "hobby" car in near future, hoping to score a RWD with V6 and now this W209 is becoming a contender. I was into R170 SLK first, IMO it has aged better (especially the nose on W209 with those round headlights look badly dated), it's a bit more compact and thus easier to store. However, with CLK I could get my hands on V6 at lower price and there's the back seat so entire family could tag along joyrides. I also hear the W209 isn't as prone to rust as early R170 SLKs were.

[@JJonCars]

Thank you Janne! The W209 certainly can be great value at the moment. Definitely cars for different needs - if you want something that really handles well, the R170 SLK I can only imagine would be a better bet (a friend of mine has one, but I've not driven it, perhaps he'll let me know day haha). I agree that they are a little more 'timeless' in their design, whereas the CLK looks quite early 00's, though is still a very pretty car in my (biased) opinion. So yes, for a long distance cruiser with a big V6 that will fit family in it, the CLK is the way to go for sure! Most CLKs don't have the sports suspension like mine so I'm guessing will be a little bit more 'boaty' in the corners. I have not heard much about rust on these W209s either, and there's certainly no sign of it on mine. Come back here and let me know what you decide to get 😄

[@georgeachillea5946]

I have a black CLK 350 Sport, had it nearly five years, it’s quick 273bhp super smooth quite and very comfortable and pretty cheap to maintain and handles really well, it’s the kind of car you could drive all day and night and still feel relaxed. Speck is amazing for a 2005 car auto lights and wipers full electric seats comfort mode with the electrically adjustable steering wheel nav etc and mine has the front cup holder lol not a tray. One of the best bits is putting the windows down pillar less makes it look amazing and it’s like driving a convertible. I think these are underrated, there are load on the roads as well. Built to last.

[@JJonCars]

I get the feeling that the CLK350 is the sweet spot for the CLK, wouldn't mind one myself! Definitely built to last.

[@stuarthall2523]

Enjoyed the review. Subscribed

[@JJonCars]

Thanks Stuart!

[@jordanyeohjinyi9035]

Great video, can't wait for a comparison video between the CLK 200 and the higher trims, primarily the 350.

[@JJonCars]

Thank you! I'll be making that video as soon as I get the opportunity to drive one :)

[@johnminshell7595]

Your right about cruising on Motorway so smooth went passed my Interchange from M25 to MI by about 30 miles. Just got carried away

[@bobupen6476]

Great car, superb to drive and wonderful to drive a lady back home in.

[@OktoberFilms]

I’ve had a 2005 200 Kompressor cabrio since 2018 and I haven’t managed to get used to it. In a good way. When I drive another car and get back to the CLK, I’m always pleasantly surprised at just how smooth it is. And opening the roof on a good day is worth the running costs. I really don’t see myself selling this car any time soon. I’d love to install a new head unit with Apple CarPlay, but that’s the only thing that makes the car feel “old”. The CLK is pretty close to perfection.

[@JJonCars]

Good aren't they! Though I can't get the roof down, I do get all the windows down for that big open pillarless space whenever I can :)

[@phil25051]

Good video. I have had the same clk320 w209 petrol for 4 years. 111000 miles. Replaced just about every suspension, brake part on it, by my choice. Drove her to northern Germany for work 2 years ago. I also have a clk500. Full factory fitted Amg body and wheels, which is having a gearbox replacement as we speak. Due to water contamination of gearbox oil. Radiator issue. 72000 miles. Good cars.

[@JJonCars]

Thanks! Very nice cars you have. I would love a CLK 500 :)

[@phil25051]

Hi again, Ive just got a CLK55 amg.35000 miles FSH. Thats a different tool all together. Amazing,

[@JJonCars]

Ahhh very nice! I want one. And that is super low mileage. Future classic for sure.

[@droge192]

Lovely car and great vid! I just picked up a 2005 CLK270 CDi manual for £900. Absolutely faultless drive! I wanted an auto but actually, where diesels are concerned, I found the manuals better. I had a E220 CDi auto and found sport mode completely useless - it held onto the revs way beyond the max torque RPM of 3700, so actually made the car slower, but using more fuel! In a petrol Merc I'd always go auto but love my 270CDi manual. I have it booked in to be remapped, taking it from 170hp to 205hp, and 460nm torque!

[@JJonCars]

Bargain! I don't really use sport mode either tbh, as you say, hangs on to the revs too long for normal driving. I wish there was something similar you could do with the kompressor engines with a remap, but sadly not. Anyway, good to hear from you and enjoy the car!

[@graham6229]

My 2004 CLK320 is the best MB I have owned ever. 160000 and its like I bouht it yesterday. Can't seem to buy a LHS front head rest adjusting button. My car is RHD of course.

[@md-detailing]

Im buying a 220 diesel CLK from 2006 as a 1st car. i just love them.

[@JJonCars]

What a great first car 👍

[@leebrown6623]

Lovely looking motor 👌

[@JJonCars]

Cheers Lee!

[@markbrian8519]

Just bought a CLK 220 CDI. The exact same options like yours, but a 6 speed manual. Other than that, identical twins. Cool videos, keep up the good work !

[@JJonCars]

Thanks Mark! A rare specification I think. Enjoy the car :)

[@benjourniee9285]

Very nice 👌 . I think cars of this era are mega .

[@JJonCars]

Cheers Ben. Agreed!

[@peterbarton8367]

All the CLKs look great i dont think there ever look old just total class i think

[@peterbarton8367]

Got my 55 plate CLK 200 kompressor love it beautiful cars total class love watching your vids in the clk hope theres lots more to come

[@matthewross6918]

Good review JJ. 4 new boots for just £400, I'd say that's a decent price, not expensive at all for Dunlop :-)

[@JJonCars]

Thanks Matthew. The tyres were definitely worth it!

[@adrianosparlapipas]

​ @JJonCars i had a clk200 same interior as yours (grey leathers) with bose system and sold it 3 years ago. Now im on the search again for one altought prices in greece gone almost double.. What version of clk is the one JJ is driving and has the shift paddles?

[@JJonCars]

Awesome, though a shame you sold it of course! I think that it was an optional sports package you could get with the Avantgarde model. It's got bigger wheels, brakes, shift paddles and lower suspension

[@benzodiy4053]

No doubt this is the one of the best drivers car, in the rain yesterday I went slip n sliding on the turns, busting speed on the highways, and bumping dance with dead near dark windows all open, I own w209 m112k(320-v6) 04, I'll sell my wife before I sell my car

[@JJonCars]

😂

[@zoldfulu8102]

Nice Video again. The tires mean a lot. On standard rims the car feels far more softer and definitely not sporty. Also the isolated and indirect steering adds a lot to that "Mercedes feeling" :) But there is a lot on the good aspect of Mercedes Feeling as well, e.g equipment. The design may have been behind other when new, but it now adds a lot to that classic feeling of the car, while the luxurious equipment recalls a car 10 years younger (or two categories higher).

[@JJonCars]

Yeah for sure, the grippy tyres, wide wheels and sports suspension certainly help. I can imagine it's a bit more boaty as standard. I quite like the steering on my CLK, but I think they actually changed something with the 06 facelift, so perhaps it's got a different set up to the first W209s. I hadn't considered it, but you're right, the older design of the interior does make it seem more classic now :)

[@zoldfulu8102]

​@@JJonCars The facelift might explain, my 2004 240 is anything but sporty. I did accept it though, A I bought it as a compromise car that fits family and way more comfy than an SLK.

[@pedromiguelpires7599]

Hello JJ I'm thinking about buying an Merc clk 240 of 2004 - Do you have any opinion about this 2.6 aspirated motor and the car? Looking forward to see more clk videos

[@JJonCars]

Hi Pedro. Good call. My thoughts on the 240 - I haven't driven one, but I think that they are similar performance to my 200. So not very fast, but also not a really slow car. If you want more speed then I'd get a 280 or 320 or higher. But with the 240 you will get the V6 noise, which is always a good thing, and something I miss from mine. Personally, and its what I did - I'd just get whichever CLK I could find in the nicest possible condition :) Whatever engine it is will be a bonus!

[@allanriches9381]

Tyres are so important. They are the only contact point between car and road.

[@ericwright8498]

Good video JJ. Is the 200K engine refined at motorway speed? This car being more of a motorway cruiser than out and out sports car

[@JJonCars]

Thank you. Yes, it is :) And it accelerates well at motorway speed too. I'd say it's actually one of the best places for it, and it gets great economy at 70mph (above that it will suffer, but of course I don't drive above 70 and don't know for sure)

[@williamsuttie1693]

You’ve convinced me to buy one so tracked a car with 69k at well below £4K so roll on June 1st

[@JJonCars]

Very nice William, what engine does it have?

[@kelvinogden4073]

I’m impressed by what you are doing. The CLK has long been over looked. You definitely need to have a go in a 500 or 55 to get the best from the chassis.

[@JJonCars]

Cheers Kelvin. It's definitely an overlooked and underrated car. I hope to get the chance one day :)

[@awesomeshark43]

why not 550

[@kelvinogden4073]

@@awesomeshark43 I didn’t mean to miss the 550 out. Just my era of clk is those V8. Would love a 550 or even 63 ❤️

[@INTJATarot]

Does the towing button above the radio flash after you've locked the car? Any one know what that means?

[@JJonCars]

I think that just means your alarm is activated? Mine flashes red when locked too.

[@stefanofedele4820]

I have almost all the electronic broken on my CLK 208 2002 with 340k km. The rest of the car still works pretty good. Hopefully I'll find the way to fix it's electronics

[@JJonCars]

That's a lot of kms!

[@eerodhhd]

I would love to drive it too!!!

[@JJonCars]

Are you thinking of buying a CLK?

[@balintczobor216]

I would love it too! A friend of mine owned one few years ago. It was lovely. I'm looking to buy a car after the summer. I probably try to find a CLK

[@borax92]

I have 2007 clk 5,5 l , 340.000km very reliable car,love it

[@JJonCars]

Nice one, that's big miles! They are well made engines the V8s (and V6s)

[@elementalb3m957]

I'm glad that there are advantages to having the smaller engine because I used to wish that I could get insurance on a 350 but now I understand that I probably don't need an upgrade from the 200. Although maybe I'll swap out the Avantgarde interior parts for the elegance ones but that might cost a lot. Also no matter how I type it into Google nothing will tell me what the 200 actually means

[@JJonCars]

If your 200 is in good working order, no need to upgrade :) Do you prefer the elegance wood interior? I'm more a fan of the aluminium look in the Avantgarde. 200 doesn't really mean much - I think it's to differentiate from the engine in the C180 C-Class - the 200 is a 1.8 litre just like in the C180, but has more power. So they call it a 200 :)

[@elementalb3m957]

@@JJonCars I prefer the wooden interior just because the car looks as if it was styled to look a bit like a 50s Mercedes with the curved roof, circular headlights and chrome effect but I might be wrong. If it is though, I think the wood would be more fitting with the classic look. Either way, I think I'll be keeping mine for a long time if I can so it might need new interior parts eventually anyway. I don't mind it being the 200 now because it has all the power it needs for normal driving and in addition to what you said it's probably easier to fix aswell because I read something about in line engines being easier to fix than a v engine like the 350. Then again I'm not a mechanic or anything

[@JJonCars]

@@elementalb3m957 I can see where you're coming from actually, the CLK is definitely an elegant car so I can understand why it might suit wood trim :) glad to hear you plan to keep it for a long time!

[@panoramasgarage5382]

I m looking to buy a clk 200 or a mazda rx-8. Im looking for something a little bit fast (rear wheel drive so I can drift a little bit) and comfortable for daily use. Im scared of the rx-8 fuel economy thats why Im considering the clk. What do you think?

[@JJonCars]

I'm not sure the CLK would be a good drift car! It's quite heavy and most of them are automatic. RX-8 would be better but if you're worried about fuel consumption then maybe some sort of BMW would be a better bet. The CLK is more of a grand tourer than a sports car and I think you'd struggle to break traction with the CLK200 too as it's not the most powerful car for its weight. But if you want a nice car to cover distance in, get a CLK :)

[@droge192]

Don't get a RX-8!! Don't be tempted by the devil. I test drove one and couldn't get the grin off my face at the 8000rpms, so bought it. It lasted 2 weeks before the infamous "hot start problem" begun, then a week later died. I lost £2500 in a month. Mine is NOT a rare case - they are staggeringly unreliable cars.

[@ryan9543]

I just bought recently a 03 CLK500 , i love it ,but i don't like too much the steering behave, is quite numb compare to my Bmw E92 , but very stable at high speed. I'm thinking to buy Bilstein B14 coilover kit to lowering the car and improving the handling

[@JJonCars]

Yeah, they aren't at BMW level. 500 is a nice car though!

[@francescoa1325]

I have a 220 cdi elegance but the suspension are not so comfortable like you think , i didin't notice so much difference with the avantgarde model

[@JJonCars]

Oh well that makes me feel a bit better about my choice, thanks 😄

[@victorokeahialam8925]

check the specs of your car with the VIN, I've got a 2002 320 elegance model but they selected the sports suspension as well as the AMG wheels and bumpers. so looks and feels more sporty, but I still get the lovely cream leather and wood inlays.

[@billkant849]

I bought a CLK550 (aka 500 sometimes, all I know is that mine is 5.5l and 382hp). Liked it so much that the next year I bought an E350, I snowbird so ones parked and I drive the other, then switch when I go to the other place.

[@JJonCars]

Nice pair. Would love a 550.

[@billkant849]

@@JJonCars - I originally was looking for a CLK350, BMW 335, or Audi A? 3.2 or 3.5 and ran into the CLK550. Decided I could kill myself with a 550 just as easily as I could with a 3.2 to 3.5 somethingelse. Price was right, it was there in front of me, and it had 39K miles on it. For the next car I had different requirements. Same low mileage, 6 cylinders or more, no damage history, and for the second it had to be AWD because of the possibility of snow. Oddly enough the 550 has more miles in snow than the 350.

[@JJonCars]

@@billkant849 Great choice, I'd always pick that 5 litre V8 over a smaller V6 :)

[@TomCosgrave]

I'm not sure really that the CLK is made for that sort of road if you want to have crazy fun. It's brilliant on motorways as you said but where it really excels is on N level roads (N in Ireland and A in the UK) - really fantastic to drive.

[@JJonCars]

No you're right - it's probably a little too heavy for the tight twisty roads, but it does do surprisingly well with the sports pack!

[@patrickb827]

♥️

[@JJonCars]

:)

[@patrickb827]

@@JJonCars Such a calming voice :-)

[@allanoneill1023]

Hi there, I could use any helpful info on the rear windows failing to open but still sealing in normal operation? it`s a new problem out of the blue.

[@JJonCars]

Sorry, it's not a problem I've had with mine (yet?) Maybe someone else will see your comment here!

[@jambear7862]

Looking to buy a CLK200 on 120k what would you recommend to look out for? Cheers!

[@JJonCars]

I can't give you a full list here but here are a few things: check all the windows work correctly, they are complicated! The Kompressor engine is fairly reliable but can suffer from timing chain issues. Look for full service history. The gearbox can leak oil through an electronic plug (mine did this, very common) Check the vents in the dashboard are blowing air as they should, and that when you turn the car on there is no clicking coming from the dashboard as that can mean broken motors for the air vents and it's a complicated job to sort out

[@jambear7862]

@@JJonCars cheers man very much looking forward to it had a 190e 2.6 and w202 aswell love the well built stuff. Need to find some multi-spoke AMG 17inch alloys and the Sport front bumper to finish the look. It’s the only one I’ve ever seen with a full dark blue interior and steering wheel too! Also have you heard about how easy it is to retro fit heated seats as doesn’t have them cheers!

[@JJonCars]

@@jambear7862 190e! Awesome car. Dark blue interior sounds good, mine's a bit... grey haha. Not sure on the heated seats, mine doesn't have them either. The Facebook groups for the W209 are really good for that kind of thing so could ask on there

[@krzysztofurbaniak964]

Wow. you are the guy who loves driving and riding. I am literally tired of people who talk about electric seats or how smooth the plastic inside the cabin is. Will see in few months If I wiil be confident enough to buy CLK. I believe it could be worth twice as much in 10 years if it stays with me. My every other option (serie 1, focus 2.0) will be worhtless in 10 years. I am very tall that's why I have limited options. Since I work from home now I only ride my Trek Xcaliber lately haha. Anyway thanks for the review!

[@JJonCars]

Haha, thanks Krzysztof! CLK is much more interesting than a Focus or a 1 series, so you wouldn't regret it if you like cars and driving :) How tall are you? My brother is about 2 metres tall so I can always see how well he fits in the car next time I see him 😄

[@jscifres100]

I’m an equally-proportioned 6’7” and just bought a 2005 CLK320 Coupe. Fit is excellent.

[@evangelosmindis739]

Which one you prefer for your daily commute, the SLK or the Astra 200hp?

[@JJonCars]

I don't actually have the Astra any more, as it was on lease for 2 years. But - on the motorway for longer journeys, the CLK is better, it is quieter and more refined. I think for nipping about town, and if I wanted to perform mega overtakes, the Astra is better, and I do miss that 200bhp. It also was fantastic in the winter with the heated steering wheel and seats, and the satnav screen was great.

[@evangelosmindis739]

@@JJonCars Thanks for your answer, I'm actually considering buying a CLK 200 M271, one of the later ones actually. First thing I will be doing after that, installing satnav with Spotify capabilities! Cheers!

[@JJonCars]

@@evangelosmindis739 Nice one. They're really nice cars. Not fast, but a pleasure to drive, and the later ones have nicer steering too. Will be right up to date with satnav and Spotify 👍

[@FH-pn1tm]

I got a 2002 CLK Coupé! The handling is really nice... such a shame that it gets eaten away by rust because Mercedes chose garbage metal :/

[@JJonCars]

Is that a W209 like mine, or the older W208? I think they started using better metal later in the production (I hope so, mine seems rust-free at the moment!)

[@FH-pn1tm]

@@JJonCars CL203, actually CLK was the wrong term by me

[@JJonCars]

@@FH-pn1tm I keep seeing those and mistaking them for CLKs from the front :)

[@lukeduke9304]

👍

[@Rakocy22]

What about stering wheel..?? I have clk 200 but stering wheel is heavy..

[@JJonCars]

It's heavier than most modern cars, but I don't find it too heavy :)

[@Rakocy22]

@@JJonCars yes is not too heavy but when I parking sometimes is very hard turn with one hand. But maybe because I have 225/40/18 on front

[@davefrance3721]

Same here, I have to make a few manoeuvres to get into my driveway and I noticed that it's quite heavy, though I'm sure the 18 inch wheels with 255 40 tyres don't help. . But I find it is just right once you are on the move and gives great feedback on the road conditions and grip levels and not over assisted like my old Jag XF was.

[@TomCosgrave]

I didn't realise your mileage was so low - watch out for the timing chain and sprockets! It's a well known issue You won't get it till maybe 70 or 80 thousand miles at least but if the engine rattles / shakes on startup, switch it off and get it towed to a good Merc specialist. I'm at 93k miles on mine and no sign of it but I keep a careful watch for it.

[@JJonCars]

Thanks for the tip! I'll keep an eye/ear out for it :)

[@no-tu4zh]

Ok need to make a correction here. S mode standards for standard mode. Comfort is a pig on fuel economy as it starts in second gear. Even if you run the clk55.

[@JJonCars]

I think there's something odd going on here. What country are you from? In the UK manual for the CLK, it says S is for Sport mode. But you're not the first to say it is for 'Standard'. So perhaps you are in Germany or something? In one of my later videos, I referred to it as 'Standard' mode, and I got corrected for that too 😂

[@no-tu4zh]

@@JJonCars Interesting. I am a Brit but live abroad. There really is however no "sport" mode rather standard. Standard because it starts off as standard in 1st gear rather than 2nd and doesn't slip the clutch. Comfort or winter mode (it used to be called W for winter in older mercs) uses a lot more fuel and isn't really ideal for the transmission in terms of wear and stress in good dry weather. The only mode that might equate somewhat to a sport mode is M. I have a C55 and in M mode the gear changes are much harder and snappy vs standard and clutch slippage equally reduced to minimum/not at all. I think you have the same in your clk so it is likely similar. I hope this helps :)

[@elzbin]

Is that NOW 63?

[@JJonCars]

Hehe, wrong video :)

[@almedinz1]

I drove it at once 1700km /1000 miles clk 240.

[@JJonCars]

Nice. I want to do a long road trip like that in mine

[@stuarthunter7559]

put a bigger supercharger pulley on it. From the 230 etc

[@JJonCars]

🤔 😁

[@simonf8902]

You bet it is.

[@hopjumpfly]

It's not s for sport it's s for standard

[@JJonCars]

Ah yes, you're right 👍