2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class Consumer Reviews

Caveat Emptor

Written by: LVS on 05/19/2008

Vehicle

2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class CLK350 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 7A)

Review

I purchased my CLK coupe in April of '06 and have regretted it every single day since. It looked beautiful at the dealership with it's full Brabus tuning and appearance package. But as they say about Monet's paintings; it was good from afar and far from good. The litany of problems with this car ranges from a new transmission at 20,000 miles to multiple broken window motors. And I don't even want to get started on the apocalyptic depreciation. In exactly 2 years of ownership, it is worth less than half of what I bought it for. It is such a terrible feeling to get into a car everyday and wonder what will go wrong with it next. So please take note and do not buy this car.

Favorite Features

Like a super model it looks beautiful, but you can only imagine the maintenance required.

Suggested Improvements

Yeah...I don't even know where to begin. Let's see...maybe build a transmission that doesn't need to replaced at 20,000 miles? Or an electric system that doesn't need constant tinkering? Also, Mercedes needs to take hint and learn a thing or two from Audi and BMW with their customer service.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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I Highly Recommend the BMW

Written by: Melissa on 09/21/2007

Vehicle

2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class CLK500 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 7A)

Review

I traded in a BMW 330 convertible on this car a little over a year ago. I was looking for something a little more luxurious, but with the fun of the convertible. I really wish I had the 5 year old BMW back. This car looks good, but that's about it. Boring to drive, doesn't hug the curves like I'm used to. I've also been very disappointed in the interior of this car. Very cheaply designed for the price. Navigation system is so outdated that most of my commute on a highway completed two years ago is not even on the system. No one can tell me when this will be updated. I put the top down about once a week and put it back up in the garage. It is showing far more wear than 5 yr old BMW.

Favorite Features

Lines of the car are elegant. Fewer blind spots with the top up than most convertibles.

Suggested Improvements

GPS should be updated more than every 5 years. Needs a slightly more sporty feel to make it more fun. Upgrades needed to top workmanship to make it hold up to use. Mine is far to worn for one year. Stereo system is awful for a car at this price.

6 out 7 people found this review helpful

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2 Years Later

Written by: Max Headroom on 08/21/2007

Vehicle

2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class CLK350 2dr Convertible (3.5L 6cyl 7A)

Review

We picked this car up in Germany in Oct,2005, fresh off the 2006 production line. I highly recommend their white-glove international delivery. We tooled around on the autobahn at speeds of 120- 130mph with little effort. I only recently went on a road trip of any length in the U.S.; 2000 miles to NY and back to Atlanta. What a dream on the road! Surprizingly, room for 2 suitcases,a computer tower,various coolers and tote bags without having to put the top up! Mileage ran at 30mpg @ 70-80 cruising speed. Because this is a performance car, the ride is stiff, but not intolerable for long trips. The adjustability of the driver seat makes finding a comfortable setting easy. Navi system is adequate.

Favorite Features

Very dependable, low maintenance car. Cruise control is the best I've used with true one-finger adjustment at increments of 1 mph up or down. One touch top-down is great. Leg and head room is phenomenal, my husband is 6'4" and has room to spare. Back seat is actually usable for two of average size.

Suggested Improvements

Radio controls on steering wheel don't progress satellite stations according to the presets.It only progresses them station by station,but AM/FM works fine. Passengers are unable to see the clock in the middle of the drivers view. Larger glove box would be nice, as would cupholders for the back.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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After having a 3rd Lexus...

Written by: Dave's MB on 08/17/2007

Vehicle

2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class CLK350 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 7A)

Review

This is my first Mercedes and I love it! I've owned 3 Lexus models and a BMW but have never enjoyed a car as much. How much do I love this car? I never had one single problem with any of my previous Lexus cars and I've had 10 things replaced or fixed on this CLK... and I still wouldn't switch back. (Nothing related to the drivetrain and all covered under warranty of course... hope you like your service department!) The car looks best with the windows down... no B pillar- sexy!

Favorite Features

The drive. No B pillar. PS- If you think your CLK only has one cup holder, push the dash directly to the left of the glove box and a (very) concealed cup-holder slides out.

Suggested Improvements

Wake up Mercedes and get touch screen navigation. It's hard to go back to a car without.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Best Car Purchase

Written by: Scott Woodward on 06/26/2007

Vehicle

2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class CLK350 2dr Convertible (3.5L 6cyl 7A)

Review

I previously owned an SLK 320, but wanted more room and luxury without sacrificing fun and performance. This car is the perfect answer. The only trip to the dealer so far was to remedy an electrical connector on the transmission and replace the CD player. Pleasantly surprised at delivery to find the newer console with two additional cup holders. Comfortable seats, and interior fit and finish is first rate. With the roof up there is good visibility, and it is surprisingly quiet. Absolutely fun to drive and easy on the eyes. This one is a keeper.

Favorite Features

Active lighting and sport suspension are must haves. 17" split spoke wheels discourage aftermarket shopping. Acceleration is smooth and strong, I smile every time I merge onto the highway.

Suggested Improvements

The styling starts out great at the front of the car, but it seems the designers gave up by the time they got to the rear. Camry-like tail lights are a bit disappointing. Something similar to the SL LED units would make a big difference.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Love At First Sight

Written by: Dean Farris on 05/29/2007

Vehicle

2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class CLK350 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 7A)

Review

Well, OK, since I could not swing the 1970 280 SL of my dreams, since it would be very impractical in South Florida, I opted for the '06 Mercedes CLK-350 coupe. Oh yes, it's a sweet ride, and I jump out of bed every morning and look forward to the pleasure of driving this little jewel to work. I chose black with an ivory interior. My last CLK was a 320 and it was in a gorgeous pewter color, but I did have some electrical probs with it. So far this '06 CLK350 has been a dream. It is a work of art, and when you get behind the wheel you feel like you've arrived with all the leather, polished burlwood, and the slightly retro design of the dash and fittings. Yes, it's my baby.

Favorite Features

The look and the feel. This is one gorgeous set of wheels.

Suggested Improvements

It is very hard to improve perfection. Perhaps the ivory leather should be discontinued, since it is very impractical.

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Tires and Transmission

Written by: L. Miller on 05/23/2007

Vehicle

2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class CLK350 2dr Convertible (3.5L 6cyl 7A)

Review

Fun to drive, but lossing its appeal. Nothing but tire problems and now transmission problems. 2 blowouts, one bubble on sidewall, replaced rear tires at 18,0000 miles. Faulty transmission valve and now O rings are going out. This is a very expensive car for all these problems. When the lease is up, we will not get another Mercedes. I am sure there are a lot of great cars, less expensive and more dependable. Perhaps Audi or Volvo. Very disenchanted!

Favorite Features

Looks great, very comfortable

Suggested Improvements

Tires, brakes, transmission problems need to be solved. Too many less expensive cars on the market for Mercedes just to rely on their name as a reason for consumers to buy

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Best Car ever

Written by: Glenn on 04/19/2007

Vehicle

2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class CLK350 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 7A)

Review

This is the best car I have owned, and I have gone thru 14 cars and vans over the last 30 years and by far this car is the most fun to drive . Many people stop and comment on how cool the car looks due to no B pillar. Mileage on the highway is 31 mpg

Favorite Features

The transmission is very smooth and the interior is very comfortable.

Suggested Improvements

The car could use a compass and more shoulder room.

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What are they thinking?

Written by: Mark L. on 04/07/2007

Vehicle

2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class CLK350 2dr Convertible (3.5L 6cyl 7A)

Review

This car has no drink holders for soda cans or coffee cups at all. The seatbelts come forward for you to use them only if you start the car with the doors open. The roll bar in my convertible pops up whenever I go over a rumble strip in the road. The car looks great, but would I buy it again? Never. I will go back to the Mercedes sedans. Poor design of interior features and just no thought into what americans deem nice in their cars.

Favorite Features

The convertible top is just awsome, at least they got something right.

Suggested Improvements

Scrap it and start over. Whoever designed the features of this car needs to go back to the drawing board. The car runs great and looks great, but the obvious Mercedes features in this model are lacking for sure.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Ask me Again in 10 Years

Written by: Dave on 04/07/2007

Vehicle

2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class CLK500 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 7A)

Review

Bought the car new 20 months ago. Absolutely love it, but I only have 9,000 miles on it. Did this coming off of 18 years of Toyota ownership. Have replaced the amplifier on the premium sound system and a malfunctioning key fob under warranty. Don't know if this is standard operating procedure for pricy German cars. Not a sports car as much as it is a muscle car with 21st century refinement. Bought it after deciding I was too old and too fat to climb in and out of a 911 Cabriolet at the Porsche dealership. Went to the MB dealership expecting to buy an SL. Test drove both CLK 500 and an SL 500. Decided to get a back seat and pay $30,000 less than what the SL would have cost.

Favorite Features

Switch between Comfort and Sport modes. Engine and transmission are exceptional. Traction stability control.

Suggested Improvements

Electronics are not nearly as intuitive as Japanese luxury cars. Ask me again in 10 years.

2 out 3 people found this review helpful

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