Mercedes-Benz CLK 230 Coupe Review (2000)

Phil Sayer dives into the exhilarating world of the 2000 model Mercedes-Benz CLK 230 Coupe, delivering a riveting review that delves into its dynamic performance, impeccable handling, and stylish interior design.
Join him as he unravels the practicality woven into every aspect of this automotive masterpiece, making the review a journey beyond the ordinary.
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[@seba911VTT]

And 20 years later, the interior is still brand new. The center console has play but doesn't break, the leather holds up very, all the electronics still work. This car was a very good car.

[@r9cheverny433]

And it is today hehe

[@portfeliz]

Apart from the rusting issue.. (have facelifted model with the least amount of rust I could find in my price range lol)

[@andresnigrinisstapper1418]

and nobody wants a jaguar s-type

[@thomashumber9762]

The model that replaced this really is bloody awful !! crap to drive...figgity on the road and everything breaks...like the w203 c class.....horrible

[@jtiagosd]

I have one, from 1999, for seven years now, every problem I had was self inflicted by me :) Any kind of parts I needed from bumpers, doors, traction control valves and mechanisms, always got in 2nd hand or junkyard. My mechanic even bought 2 british ones, I'm fom Portugal, to put pieces on my own, and pieces of other mercedes in the junkyard are compatible. I bought mine in 2016 for 5000€ and now they are selling for 8000. Because in Portugal tere were only sold 300, as they cost new, a sport edition like mine 60000€

[@rebellionautos2206]

I'm about to buy that exact car. Year 2000 Black, tan interior with AMG alloys. But it's a 200k engine. The Kms is only (88,000) and 2 owners. The price €4850. With the weather in Southern Spain the body work is like new as is interior. A real gem

[@Krezo200]

Sounds good, did you buy it

[@jamescosby2343]

I own the 320 CLK! EXCELLENT AUTOMOBILE! THE BEST OR NOTHING!

[@BenzinioB]

Although the "distinctive oval lamps" the CLK W208 is based on C-class (W202) platform not the E-class (W210) as the presenter mention

[@donkgated8074]

Yes, specifically the chassis and suspension are based on the W202 platform, hence why it rides pretty harshly on those big alloys. The exterior, electrics and interior are based on the E-class though.

[@jordimartorell6600]

I can buy the story about the 320 clk and stuff. But after owning the same exact car for 15 years I assure u it sounds and drives like almost new. Nothing to do with a BMW that sounds like an 15 year old washing machine. Bath of reality

[@yesitwasme118]

I have clk 200,and i can say that you are right 100%

[@jimlucas0]

could be that it couldn't really compare to other cars when it was new, but that it just aged well

[@paulconnelly2711]

I own one of these now it's 17yrs old but I still love driving it..... Its not the best merc ever made but still puts a smile on my face much better than an ugly s type

[@adam3508]

I own a CLK430 and he is right on.

[@deathrager2404]

i need me 1 of these.

[@KimoCMuni]

The guy said the 'front end' was based in the E-Class. He wasn't alluding to the chassis.

[@SM-zx9mx]

Which golf exactly is the CLK interior like?? I wonder because i have one and it is NOTHING like a GOLF inside.

[@generalprice5230]

I wanna buy a 200 one (193 bhp) are reason not to bc this review makes me nervous

[@MrAndreCoutinho]

With the MK4, VW really stepped up its built quality, it's on par with the Merc.

[@Alpha4plaYer]

@@MrAndreCoutinho LOL you can only dream XD

[@Foxlover10161]

I love the car I have 2001 clk all blacked out and market rents and gold and black

[@dannyroach554]

i just purchased a clk 320 designo yesterday for a friend of mines son.older luxury cars have always scared me due to the damage bill if something goes wrong but it seems to be a good running lil car with about 130k on the clock.hopefully i made the right choice but for a whopping 2900 bucks i guess i cant complain if something does take a shit on it.

[@Kassiusday]

Does your clk320 still ok ? Coz wants to try one .. review in auto trader are rather good of ... 3,9/ 5 average ..

[@jes9856]

I prefer my 1988 300ce for better build quality but the 230 CLK k is my daily driver and until I bought it I didnt realise that it is not like the CE based on an E class it is as the name suggests underneath a C class do your home work buddy.

[@Mercedes_Benz_Bros.]

wooow your comparing this to a jag and golf??? this guy talkin through his backside.

[@ivan9066]

It's based on the C class. Ignore that it is styled after the E.

[@fcukmegently]

I know it's an old video, but this bloke really doesn't know what he's talking about. It's nearly 2020; I have a 1999 C208 230clk, it runs beautifully. it has worn well, has hardly any rust; it's pretty too and yes you have to shut the door with a little effort, but put the window off the top rubber and the doors shut easily i.e. door shuts nice and tight on the rubber making a good waterproof seal. Best thing is they are as cheap as chips to buy and look after; even the older diesel coupes are cheap as chips....why buy less?!

[@vdochev]

The car is not exactly based on C or E class. It's CLK class. The doors are harder to shut because they have no frames and the glass has to seal on the rubber. When the windows are rolled down they shut very easy.

[@TheBMWBUM]

BMW had rimless windows which cracked upon opening then resealed upon closing, even on their basic 3 series.

[@portfeliz]

@@TheBMWBUMyes, same with facelifted clk. Had both, a fl e46 coupe and fl clk and both doors shutted with about the same amount of effort

[@moreira8967]

You can see my guy is a BMW guy, you shouldn't speak bad about a car for no reason just because you prefer another brand, I have one and it's perfect, interior is spotless,leather seats are confortable,it's powerfull and looks amazing, manual transmission is buttery smooth, even the smell in the interior is amazing, it smells like quality leather, steering is more than lively, suspension is amazing ,aged like fine wine unlike many BMW's and Jaguars from the same era.

[@zfloz9895]

You Mr. Phil are a patriot I understand, keep on publishing the Jaguar. But olso BMW (boat's with under damped suspension and no grip ) and Jag have to work a lot on they're suspension and staring until they get close to this car. even the traction control from clk it can beat a lot of 4wd cars, that don't know how to use electronics to simulate a lsd dif.

[@seba911VTT]

I agree on everything except for the traction control. These cars don't move an inch even in the smallest slope. CLK for the summer, Quattro for the winter

[@DAGATHire]

My father had one from new. it was a disaster. The electrics were duff, the gaps between the window and the frame allowed wind rush when the damn thing was parked! meaning the alarm would go off constantly if there was a stiff breeze in the air. not to mention the fact it made breaking into the car a 30 second operation with nothing more than a coat hanger!!! Oh trust me i did it! twice! as the keys had been locked in by mistake and mother dear had the spare keys but she was away! so coat hanger in hand, it slipped effortless through the gap to grab the handle and pop the door open in seconds. The boot open/close sensor (an electrical switch) gave up the ghost after less then 3 years, and it's replacement did exactly the same. Meaning you couldn't open the Boot!!! I can't remember all the other niggles he had with it. but make no mistake, this was a low point in Merc's history. In fact the previous line up before this one, were far far better, and the last of the really bulletproof Mercedes days. I can't speak to how they are these days, but the the period between 2000 and 2010 was a dark period for Mercedes build quality. But man it was a pretty car. despite this reviewer's opinion, it was a damn good looking car. very imposing and a real head turner.

[@seba911VTT]

You were unlucky I think

[@izrealtruefelicis3309]

I currently still own mine and 21 years later it is perfect. Soon I’m sure I’ll come around a bad Mercedes though.

[@DAGATHire]

@@izrealtruefelicis3309 you just got lucky with one coming off the production line in decent shape. Far too many others were crap. this era for merc was a shocker. But if you have one and its still good. Enjoy it. its a damn good looking car still to this day.

[@5Siver]

I have the same issue with the gap between the window and the frame on driver's side, but other than that it still runs like a brand new car.

[@Nthstar]

@@5Siver put self adhesive door seal on the rubber It will be quiet

[@leelauer517]

That's a 99 not 2000. It is clearly pre-face lift as evidenced by the repeater lamps on the fender instead of the mirrors and the steering wheel MB logo.

[@ubamothereffer1]

"coupeayyyy" is something your gonna need to wear in a couple years...

[@frankwheeler5764]

The widows should open slightly so the door closes easy.

[@bullmoose9299]

It's not a big coupe, it's a smaller one. The 4 cylinder is not the best choice, 6 cylinder or 8 cylinder fit much better to the cruising character. It is not a sporty car and never will be. Sayer is surely right with the problems of shutting the doors. And yes, the glove box is a joke as well as some of the details in manufacturing. And yes, the ride is too harsh for this kind of car. Nevertheless, I bought a 320 V6 some months ago and it is (besides the mentioned problems) a nice and tender fellow. Fast too, if you need that. Today you can buy these cars for around 4500€ in a good state (rost free, low mileage like mine) and fully loaded. Mine was over 82000DM in those days. And still you have an impression of the quality it was meant to be. Nice one, I like it.

[@Kassiusday]

I have a clk convertible 2000 and still drives very well are you still happy with your 320 ??

[@jujagthemag]

Wow! How your review is so on point. I totally agree with everything. The glove box doesn't close. It a easy fix tho. The handling is not like my 325 Ci of the same year 2001. Sound system is nice and luxury items are cool. Sunroof is intermittent and sticks. Brakes are easy to fix and it looks great. Very inexpensive way to get into the MB badge.

[@danlins1407]

is this a good first car?

[@bigman-rj6ow]

Yes

[@anthonylewis2080]

👍👍👍👍👍!.

[@SlightlyDank]

De 2.0 without turbo or supercharger aint underpowered at all! The steering is just the same as in any E type mercedes its a tank on wheels with high speed performance so yeahh it ofcourse has to be steady!

[@seba911VTT]

Don't know where you live, but as soon as you take some inclined road, that car IS underpowered. Dacias with a 90 hp engine drive better haha. It still is lovely car thought

[@ChromeN9ne]

I've just bought a 2001 CLK 230 370 000 km lol !

[@forshootsandgiggles]

How is it going? Looking to get one with 344000 miles.

[@ChromeN9ne]

@@forshootsandgiggles Bad luck with the gearbox, it just stopped working, so RIP... but it is a beast, the engine pulls really hard, if you can find a manual and in good condition and you have a place to work on it yourself, its a great car.

[@ChromeN9ne]

@@forshootsandgiggles Also make sure there is no rust, that is the main problem for this model, the rain pipes gets clogged and then it starts to rot from the inside

[@ionutmihaimoldovan6258]

Who is this frustrated man?!?

[@bastiaandeerns9266]

This guy doesnt know what hes talking about. I have the n/a 2 liter version but in avantgarde (not elegance with al the options as his) and its a wonderful car. the stiffer ride helps with the sportiness en the steering is not bad at all. the seats in the avantgarde are very sporty and luxurious at the same time. and its not about how much power but how it gets delivered an my 136 hp gets down really well. cant wait to get it tuned and get a bit more.

[@yasaarar4244]

Same here

[@sirf0xyy]

I own a W202 C200 and i think for day to day driving around town its fine, but sporty driving isnt as much fun. Because of the way the Steering is constructed, its light but spongy and indirect, stock springs are okayish but quite a bit of body roll tho harder springs help a lot. The power delivery is fine as it is but 136hp feel a bit lacking when you try to be quick accelerate a little quicker

[@user-yj5ue4jx4b]

машина моєї мрії-My dream car.

[@stefanoslalic2199]

How similar is this to CLK 200 kopressor?

[@5Siver]

The same just with higher performance.

[@user-pk4en3it9l]

R they bulletproof

[@Dan_druft]

I thought he was Matt Watson lol

[@marynaandreevna9979]

Clk based on E class LOL

[@1983rush]

Do consider that the tank like build quality includes the effort to close the doors with a comforting thud! Your review is so-so.

[@EEAMD-co6nw]

very good reviewer!

[@claudioblanco1896]

Buy a Rover and be happy...

[@TheAwakez]

mine is 19 years old and i've never seen anybody delusional enough to compare clk to jag or beemer in terms of reliability

[@natashe7555]

Is it ok in reliability.. I want to buy a 2002 clk230

[@MB_5804]

Ralf Rangnick???

[@dion4o666]

i bought one for 1500 euros

[@dion4o666]

Bulgaria...i bought the car in good condition but without a plate and insuarance but it was still a good deal for me

[@axelschafer7139]

Still Running ?

[@Krezo200]

Curious as well

[@thomashumber9762]

MB IS NOT VERY PRESTIGOUS ANYMORE.....GO TO A SHOWROOM AND GET IGNORED!! TO FEEL LIKE A TURD I CAN GO TO A FARM YARD AND ROLL WITH THE PIGS. SERIOUSLY A KIA SHOWROOM IS BETTER