Mercedes CLK Cabriolet // The Luxury Grand Touring Convertible (Review)

[@alexat62]

I’ve had this model for 14 years as my “beach car” and have absolutely loved it. Every couple of years I get jealous of new technology improvements and go into the Mercedes showroom to trade it in for a new convertible. Each time I’ve been disappointed with the build quality of the new models. With the top down, the silk beige interior looks amazing and never fails to elicit compliments. The engine is nowhere near as quick as the new models but still enough to put a smile on the face of anyone that drives it. Have any CLK350 owners found a convertible they like more?

[@Shockload]

SUVs took over Convertibles

[@tonydonoghue3303]

every time I get into my clk it puts a smile on my face... love it to bits....

[@dparham]

my 05 gives me the same feeling once I sorted out the convertible top! when I picked it up the top cylinders were leaking and top hadnt been down for about 6 years... now its working great! I also replaced the rear window regulator.. thats not a hard job if you can do it inside an air conditioned shop or your car isnt needed asap for work lol. took me about 4 hrs and 2 added hrs sorting out one of the stuck rear case top hinges now all read and total cost was $25 for regulator parts lol

[@alexat62]

Yep! Know that feeling 😀.

[@businessmeetings5807]

What year do you have? This car still looks modern wow

[@Anditover]

I've got the 350 Sport Cabriolet, on a 55 plate. Apart from it needing a new rad+hoses, aircon condensor+seals, new suspension arms front and rear, new springs, new water pump, oil heat exchange, thermostat, front brake calipers and rear discs+shoes.... apart from that, it's a truly amazing car. And as for fuel? On long journeys I regularly get 39mpg, with 33 easily attainable on medium sized trips. Oh, when the rear arms were done, the dreaded rear subframe had to be removed, luckily it was solid, so we replaced the bushes, and took the opportunity to get it powder coated. So, hopefully it will never ever need to be taken off again. I'm loving it, just waiting patiently for some sunshine...

[@JJonCars]

That's some impressive fuel economy on a 350! Roll on the sunshine...

[@nazarethpa1833]

I have owned a 2005 CLK200K for the last 15 years. Pale blue metallic (as in this video) with a pale grey roof and full pale grey leather. She has done 70000 trouble free miles, cheap to service (even at MB with their +9 year old vehicle discounts), and with a light right foot gives me 42mpg. I ADORE this car and would never sell her. I would recommend buying the MB air scarf that fits behind the front seats. You do lose the back seats, but it makes her look like an SL on steroids. Even with this 'baby' 1.8 supercharged engine the performance is very impressive. Buy one now while there are still a few good ones around. They are the bargain of the century.

[@OliLH]

Just bought a CLK280 Sport Coupe today and already in love with it. So smooth and refined and effortlessly quick

[@JJonCars]

Excellent, enjoy!

[@richardelson3261]

I bought CLK 280 sport AMG Cabrio in the first year of Covid lockdown because I realise that I wouldn’t be flying anywhere but wanted to make sure I could get out for days holidays here and there was a little bit of style. I specifically chose this car because of the genuine 4 seat capability with 2 adult children and that has proved to be a great decision because I have had many lovely short holidays in this car. JJ has said this is smooth refined and sophisticated and amazingly it is ULEZ compliant so it’s a great city to country car as long as the luggage isn’t too heavyweight. I still think the design on these models are sleek and attractive despite the age. There’s a big question as to whether these can become collectible certainly the very highest spec ones are I don’t really care because I just enjoy owning it as a lovely cup to take care for Leisure Miles. Luxurious smooth and when using the paddles on the steering wheel or you can hold onto the gears if you want to get the wind in your hair and about speed on the windy road.

[@JJonCars]

Agreed with all that! I think they will become collectible eventually, but might as well enjoy the car now :)

[@triciabath7274]

I bought one for £1500, rebuilt the gearbox for £1800 and it's a real Gem

[@modifiedwhips]

Brilliantly done jack , another fantastic video , see that grin when you planted it , made me smile , keep it up mate

[@JJonCars]

It was the first time I planted it, so it's my genuine reaction 😄 Cheers for loaning the car mate!

[@nickzourb190]

Happy to see you again JJ, and car comrade (Also have a CLK 200 C209 if you remember xD). Two things about the convertible compared to the coupé. -Its actually more cramped in the back. Mostly for legroom. -Boot is also smaller. -Car's tail in the convertible sits higher. All that because of the roof mechanism. My friend has a A209 and I remember observing these.

[@JJonCars]

The 200K, the best CLK! (right?) All good points!

[@nickzourb190]

@@JJonCars If it wouldn't be for that timing chain xD. Well I made my points after observing and sitting on both convertible and coupé.

[@JJonCars]

@@nickzourb190 😂😅

[@nickzourb190]

@@JJonCars What engine oil do you use. I switched from 5w-30 229.5 to 5w-40 229.5 cause a dealership said to use this viscosity according to an advice from Mercedes. I change it after 7.000km Max. Btw, convertible is also narrower for the rear passengers. xD

[@JJonCars]

@@nickzourb190 The last two services I've had 5W-40, prior to that it was 5W-30, but I just leave it to the specialists to decide. I also change oil around every 7k km too (once a year and I do around 4 or 5,000 miles)

[@henq]

I want to add, that I alwys like the double headlights that are semi joint together, forming an 8 on its side. Much nicer as the double seperated ones of the model that came before the W109 !

[@JJonCars]

Interesting, I'm not sure what I think about them. I think perhaps they do suit the CLK well and it might look odd with the separate lights.

[@Coa_Kralj_Coa_The_King]

I neeed this car!!!! The sound!!! Priceless

[@craftenfur]

Such a beautiful car and the aftermarket exhaust is amazing as well.

[@davereimer1797]

Great review . I can agree with this car. I bought an 07 clk350 cabriolet with 100km on the odometer . We’ll kept car . These are just beautiful cars that should just keep going . Great value on the used market .

[@JJonCars]

Thank you. Great value for sure given how much they were new!

[@randalceniceros8157]

I’m buying clk What issues?

[@markhooper1352]

Nice one JJ ! Well you know I am a massive fan as I have a 2009 CLK280 Cabrio (10,000 miles on her....17,000 kms in my Australian money) 😊 What a gorgeous colour that blue is! Mine is not my daily driver, she's a Sunday car and in actual fact I am just back from a spring morning run up the highway, sun shining, blue skies, favourite tunes and wind in the hair. Man does the CLK blow away the working week cobwebs 👍 I'd take the CLK (particularly the Cabrio) over any of the other 4-seater competition. So refined, turns heads and always will with her oh-so-elegant styling, and goes from quiet, refined coupe to convertible with a button click. What else can I say? Keep 'em coming mate, I love your reviews 👍👍

[@modifiedwhips]

Hi it’s called ice blue

[@JJonCars]

Thank you Mark, much appreciated! Your CLK must be one of the nicest examples out there :)

[@willoffer7119]

Wow! Wasn’t a fan of the exhaust until you floored it - sounds incredible at high revs (although would def get on my nerves around town!!)

[@JJonCars]

It would be a bit loud for me in everyday driving too. But I was truly surprised just how good it sounded with foot to the floor!

[@richardelson3261]

I have to say I prefer the sound of the AMG exhaust on mine

[@monk3yboy69]

Same

[@Coa_Kralj_Coa_The_King]

Amazing 🤩 And i just love your videos!!! You’re the best mate!!! Greetings from Malta 🇲🇹 (🇷🇸)

[@JJonCars]

Ahh, thanks mate! ❤️ to Malta

[@atoningunifex6067]

Met Dougie at a clk meet, great guy. Car definitely looks better now he's put the wheels back to silver.

[@JJonCars]

I met him at a show too lol. Yeah I like the silver wheels, and he did a damn good job with them!

[@dalecollison791]

Gotta 2004 clk500 cab. Love it.

[@petrolhead28]

These real are a car you fall in love with. Id never noticed them until i went to look at one thinking it was a 4 door. Another 2 doors would have ruined it.

[@terryreilly3949]

I owned a A209 CLK 320 cabriolet for about twelve years. It a a beautifully handling car especially when I lowered it with Eibach springs and put Michelin Pilots Sport 4 tyres. A dream combo in my opinion. The V6 was silky smooth and boy did it have a low grunt. Unfortunately the roof hydraulic pump packed up and I was due for a change.

[@JJonCars]

Oh yeah, I bet it did handle well. My CLK200 has factory lowered suspension and decent tyres on it, and it can be a hoot on the right road.

[@haraldchristian8970]

Mine is "only" a 200K Cabriolet. But my grin is the same as yours (4:15), even without a special exhaust.

[@JJonCars]

My own car is also a 200K, coupe :)

[@freemelly6191]

200k miles?

[@haraldchristian8970]

170k km built in 2004

[@JJonCars]

@@freemelly6191 200K = 200 Kompressor engine :)

[@freemelly6191]

@@JJonCars 😂

[@henq]

[I copied this comment from one of your other CLK vids, as I did not know then you also had a vid on the convertible] Very nice vid! Learned a few quirks, thx. Have a 2005 V6 320 petrol convertible myself with only 76k kms on it. Bought it from an old gentleman professor in Germany and imported it into the Netherlands, a few years ago. Then corona lockdown struck upon us and care travel was less fun... 😞 This hot summer in Europe I drove it via Germany to Milan, a fantastic road trip with some nice hotel stops along the way. Blasting 160 km/hr , top down on the German autobahn (try A81) with beautiful views on the rolling hills... I noticed the prices of the W109 are no longer sinking, it is slowly becoming a vintage car... ;-) The sensor of the airco cabin unit is broken, so I nice winter project....

[@JJonCars]

Nice one, thanks! I still check all the comments on older videos so would have still seen it :) Sounds like a nice car, from an old gentleman professor, can't get much better than that. Will be interesting to see where the prices go, they still seem quite low in the UK at the moment, but I'm sure they will become classics over time. Good luck with your project!

[@Supremacy1967]

Great review, carry on with the good work!

[@JJonCars]

Thank you!

[@boardernut]

JJ , quality content as always

[@JJonCars]

Thank you :)

[@NikosDIY]

You absolutely should make longer videos.

[@JJonCars]

Cheers, perhaps I will at some point. If people want to hear my rambling opinions on things haha

[@Bikergal800]

Interesting review, I am thinking of the CLK200 to replace my Celica Convertible for a weekend destress car roof down and enjoy the road

[@emjay1249]

I've got the m271 v4 petrol right now. But the CLK is so dope i kinda think of buying another one after this one i got. Preferably a facelift V6 diesel with amg line. The car is just that well made

[@JJonCars]

I'm certainly tempted too - a little more power and a 6 cylinder noise would be rather nice

[@eldareldar7174]

Love my 2002 A208 430 CLK.

[@JJonCars]

I would like to get one of those on the channel eventually

[@zdravkomamic8505]

Great video and great car. Please make more videos of CLK, I have 270 CDI and fuel economy is great, but petrol is more suitable for this type of car :)

[@JJonCars]

Thank you! There will be more CLK videos to come yet :)

[@eforceyoutube]

Nice video JJ, I also have the C209 convertible. Can you give some more information on the exhaust seen in the video? Sounds fantastic! Greetings from Germany and the Autobahn.

[@JJonCars]

Thank you! I need to take a trip to Germany :) @modifiedwhips can you tell us what the exhaust is?

[@modifiedwhips]

@eforceyoutube , hi I had the centre. Resonator and rear box removed regards

[@RSX.91G]

Nice example! What exhaust setup are you running?

[@MartinJones123]

Yep, you sure do love your CLK's lol... Not a fan of the aftermarket stuff on this car, as it takes away from some of the class IMO... You should review a MK2 Focus ST as I'm interested on your thoughts, and I own one lol...

[@JJonCars]

Would love to review the ST. Ideally a bright orange or green one. Bet that 5 cylinder is a peach :)

[@MartinJones123]

@@JJonCars Yep, the 5 cylinder is a great engine 👍

[@jonathanpardoe8722]

I am just about to take delivery of a 2000 model Kompressor Its got just 80k on the clock , and it cost me just £350 Chap wanted £400 but I bartered with him ! Looking forward to exploring the car and making some journeys enjoyable that currently with my MG Midget are misery ! Insurance is just £150 (Adrian Flux) and am hoping for at least 6 months of trouble free use .

[@JJonCars]

That's a bargain!! Does it need work? Any rust? I'd love to review that generation of CLK

[@jonathanpardoe8722]

@@JJonCars Apparently no work required although as a matter of course I will be looking at replacing the rear brake sensors as the car has been unused for 3 weeks . When I get it valeted , Maybe you can borrow the car to do a review ?? I am based at Worcester in the midlands .

[@thespy5845]

I have had an 09 CLK350 cab. Obesidian black on tan leather with the so called sport package here in NY since 2011. great car and will I will keep is as long as I can. The new ones just dont compare. The new styling is unappealing in comparison to the swept back look of the CLK. Plus they dont have the classic MB solid, weighty feel (this is my 4th and newest). One pleasant surprise is highway fuel economy, where it averages 27+/- MPH at 70mph. Im glad I didnt get the V8 version that was so tempting at the time

[@JJonCars]

Yes, the weighty feel! I love that about mine. And the elegant looks, you just don't get either of those in the newer Mercs, even though they are nice cars.

[@thespy5845]

Agreed.. Nice but a bit too light weight feeling. I understand the need for this but will keep the CLK. MB is still better in long-term ownership than BMW etc. @@JJonCars

[@pistolg95]

The exact color I want

[@kelvinogden4073]

You’d love driving my 500 convertible with the updated interior and Harmon kardon sound system

[@JJonCars]

Rare beast with the updated interior!

[@michaelhall4798]

i love mine

[@sumkunt0r]

First impressions after 2 weeks of ownership are that it will cost me £8 more a week for my 250 miles (210 motorway 40 urban) E46 325 petrol versus CLK 500

[@JJonCars]

Worth it I'd say 👍

[@jimmybattiston4192]

Clk on loving my 55amg

[@tientrinh943]

Another good job

[@JJonCars]

Thank you!

[@johnnieboi]

Hi JJ....you wouldn't know the colour and paint code number would you?....

[@JJonCars]

Hi, I don't but perhaps @modifiedwhips does (if tagging works in comments...?)

[@JJonCars]

ah doesn't seem to work :(

[@rscosworthfan]

nice but i would ditch that loud exhaust it will become annoying after a while

[@SanjayR-v9z]

All benz car super ❤❤😅😅

[@changeyourenergy708]

That color!! With the blue tint?!?! Very nice..👍🏾

[@kebedemekonnen3630]

I have clk320 m

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

Exhaust sounds hideous on what is basically a luxurious cabriolet. Not a chav’s boy racer

[@JJonCars]

Each to their own eh!

[@randalceniceros8157]

I’m buying ISSUES?!