2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class Review
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
A stylish, if expensive, melding of comfort and performance suitable for all but the most serious driving enthusiasts.
Pros
Solid chassis, composed ride, comfortable front seats, fast power top operation in Cabriolet.
Cons
High price, some subpar plastic trim, a few hard-to-use controls.
What's New for 2005
This year the CLK's standard eight-speaker Bose audio system is scrapped in favor of a 10-speaker Harman Kardon unit, while the navigation system is now DVD-based. The 320 model gets upgraded standard wheels, and offers a lighting package with foglights that illuminate with the turn signals, or when the steering wheel is turned. The 500's five-speed automatic is replaced with a new seven-speed unit with steering wheel shift controls. Also, ventilated front seats are now optional. The complimentary scheduled maintenance program has been dropped for 2005.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Beautiful Car: Horrid Reliablitiy
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 3 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class CLK320 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
Review
Reliability issues. Climate control: 5 times in the shop for now, and going in now for the 6th. Rough Idle: 4 times. Seat belt motor: 3 times. Driver's seat motor. Rain sensor activating on a dry windshield. Reverse Ttilt for rear view mirror: repaired 4 times. Radio: 2 times. Steer clear. Overall reliability of electrical items is horrid.
Favorite Features
Key dependency Automatic closing of windows by holding the key fob in the lock position.
Suggested Improvements
Improve electrical component quality.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Wife's car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class CLK500 2dr Cabriolet (5.0L 8cyl 7A)
Review
As the title explains, this is my wife's car, I drive a 4-Runner. With a totally un-biased account, I can honestly say this car is too narrow for my 6' 215 lbs. frame. The seats aren't very comfortable, No lumbard support/ adjustment. The controls/ navigation are difficult to master and as mentioned in previous ratings, one cup holder. Now with all that said, I do have to compliment it's mechanical refinement. I mean The Germans are leaps and bounds ahead of us in the automobile industry. I don't have to change the oil for 13,000 miles! We debate over 3 to 5000? The 5 ltr. engine is mated to a 7-spd A/T. for a flawless performance. Man, I wish it were wider...or I was smaller.
Favorite Features
302 hp, 339lbs. of torque, 7-speed auto. tran. w/ steering wheel shifting, craftsmanship and quality of materials.
Suggested Improvements
Get rid of the overpriced phone system and add plain old blue tooth.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Exceeded expectations
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class CLK320 2dr Cabriolet (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
Review
I consider myself a savvy consumer and when a popular consumer's mag didn't produce a top notch review, at first I was skeptical. Now after living with the MB320CLK for almost 2 1/2 years, I couldn't be more in love with this vehicle since the day I purchased it for my wife's wedding. It remains absolutely flawless in every aspect. Great looking car, great handling, and you just can't beat a convertible like this in the California sun!
Favorite Features
Handling, engine response remain true at any speed. Road feedback is precise. The heated seats are a must have option.
Suggested Improvements
A second cup holder would be great!
I love my car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class CLK320 2dr Cabriolet (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
Review
This car is excellent. It is peppy and tight, handles and corners beautifully. The top retracts rapidly and is the quietest convertable I have ever had. The finish is fine and I have no second thoughts at having leased it.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
Don't be fooled
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 5 | Build Quality: | 4 |
| Comfort: | 4 | Interior Design: | 3 | Reliability: | 5 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class CLK500 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 7A)
Review
Don't be fooled by the fact that the emblem says Mercedes Benz. The car is poorly designed and poorly built. Interior is cramped; upgraded sound system is tinny; radio reception is awful; climate control is poor, navigation system is impossible to use. At least 5 service visits in less than a year due to defects. This is more like a Reliant K than a Mercedes Benz!
Favorite Features
Styling is great but conceals the fact that this is a highly overpriced vehicle.
Suggested Improvements
Quality control, quality control, quality control!
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
- 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
- 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
- 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
- 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
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