Mercedes CLK 230 kompressor coupé

...my thoughts on my 1999 Mercedes CLK 230 (W208) Kompressor Coupe, in Elegance trim.

Bought in 2001, with one previous owner (originally registered in 1999 so its an "S" reg) and 25,000 miles, my CLK has now done 72,000 miles and is soon to be sold as the baby seat doesn't fit in the back !

Mine is the 230K (4 cylinder, 2,295cc), and turns out 197 bhp with a 0-62mph time of 9.5 seconds (the manual is a claimed ...
...its way to a top speed of 136mph - although I clearly couldn't claim to have ever gone that fast, officer.... Also available is a 3.2 V6, a 4.3 V8, and the ultimate, the CLK55 AMG high-performance model.

The "Elegance" trim means walnut wood inlays in the doors and centre console, plus a chrome strip around the wondows, while the alternative, "Avantgarde" has black maple wood, and different (7-spoke) wheels.
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Once again, a review of a discontinued model (!), but here are my thoughts on my 1999 Mercedes CLK 230 (W208) Kompressor Coupe, in Elegance trim.

Bought in 2001, with one previous owner (originally registered in 1999 so its an "S" reg) and 25,000 miles, my CLK has now done 72,000 miles and is soon to be sold as the baby seat doesn't fit in the back !

Mine is the 230K (4 cylinder, 2,295cc), and turns out 197 bhp with a 0-62mph time of 9.5 seconds (the manual is a claimed 9.1 seconds, as opposed to my 5 speed automatic) on its way to a top speed of 136mph - although I clearly couldn't claim to have ever gone that fast, officer.... Also available is a 3.2 V6, a 4.3 V8, and the ultimate, the CLK55 AMG high-performance model.

The "Elegance" trim means walnut wood inlays in the doors and centre console, plus a chrome strip around the wondows, while the alternative, "Avantgarde" has black maple wood, and different (7-spoke) wheels.

The 230K engine can get a bit coarse at when pushed hard, but is super quiet when cruising, however, and the CLK does a fine job of minimising wind and road noise (205/55 R16 wheels).

The "K" stands for Kompressor, which is German for supercharger, where air is compressed before entering the cylinders by a system mechanically linked to the engine, so you get all the power, with none of teh "lag" associated with a turbo-charger.

The CLK is most at home on motorways, or nice A roads, where it feels as solid and and comfortable as a you would expect from a Mercedes.

The CLK, from the front, and actually the back, come to think of it, looks very much like a sleeker version of the big (old) E-class saloon, and I believe, looks a lot niver than the new version that replaced in in 2003. Mine is metallic sliver (aren't all Merc's ?) with a nice, understated black leather interior. Standard air-con, and a factory sunroof are nice in the summer time, and the heated windscreen washer's a great bonus in the winter. There's a Sony 10 CD-changer in the boot playing through the standard 8 speakers.

The CLK is a proper four-seater coupe, with enough space for two adults in the back - but only two, there is no "middle" seat for a third back seat passenger. A useful tilt-and-slide mechanism on the front seats makes it easy to climb into the rear seats, and space in the front is excellent. The boot's massive, with plenty of room for all your gear - although four suitcases might be a bit of a squeeze...

I've been delighted with my car, although the fuel consumption's not great (claimed 30mpg combined), and servicing & insurance are expensive, but what the hell, I could drive round in a Yugo, but would I look as cool as I do in a CLK ? No way Jose ! (sorry Yugo drivers)

The only problem I've had, and it's pretty insignificant, is that the rear right brake light has blown a number of times, and this is a known problem apparently, although a few garages haven't suggested any useful resolution, apart from keeping a supply of bulbs from Halfords in the boot - probably cheaper than getting it fully examined/fixed anyway...

If you want a coupe that's a bit different, gorgeous to look at and drive, then give one a go... you will not be disappointed, I promise

I hope this helps... 

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