TheC209/A209 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class is the second generation of theMercedes-Benz CLK-Class range of grand tourers, produced between 2001 and 2009. There were two body styles available: a 2-doorcoupé (C209) and a 2-doorconvertible (A209). The latter being assembled at theKarmann plant inOsnabrück. It was also the last complete car made by Karmann before closing the facility.^[4]

Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class (C209/A209)
Overview
Manufacturer	DaimlerChrysler (2001–2007)Daimler AG (2007–2009)
Production	February 2001[1] – November 2008 (coupé) February 2002[2] – August 2009 (convertible)
Assembly	Germany:Bremen Germany:Osnabrück (Karmann, cabriolet)
Body and chassis
Class	Grand tourer (S)
Body style	2-doorcoupé 2-doorconvertible
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
Related	Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W203) Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W211)
Powertrain
Engine	Petrol: 1.8 LM271superchargedI4 2.6 – 3.2 LM112V6 3.0 – 3.5 LM272 V6 5.0 – 5.4 LM113V8 5.5 LM273 V8 6.2 LM156 V8 Diesel: 2.1 LOM646turboI4 2.7 LOM612 turboI5 3.0 LOM642 turboV6
Transmission	6-speedmanual 6-speedSequentronicautomated manual[3] 5-speed5G-Tronicautomatic 7-speed7G-Tronic automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,715 mm (106.9 in)
Length	4,638–4,652 mm (182.6–183.1 in)
Width	1,740 mm (68.5 in)
Height	1,400–1,415 mm (55.1–55.7 in)
Kerb weight	1,540–1,875 kg (3,395–4,134 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor	Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class (C208/A208)
Successor	Mercedes-Benz E-Class (C207/A207)

It was replaced by theMercedes-Benz C207/A207 E-Class in 2010.^[5]

The C209/A209 CLK is based on theMercedes W203 C-Class platform, and usesrack-and-pinion steering, instead of therecirculating ball design from the previous generation.^[6] It also uses athree-link front suspension, and aluminium rearmulti-link suspension.^[6] Compared to its predecessor, the second generation CLK is 61 mm (2.4 in) longer, 18 mm (0.7 in) wider, and 28 mm (1.1 in) taller.^[7]

At introduction, a 3.2-litreV6, 5.0-litreV8, 5.4-litreV8, and 2.7Linline-5diesel engine were available, which were all replaced by 2006.^[8]

•  
  C209 coupé (Japan)
•  
  A209 convertible (United Kingdom)

The production version CLK was unveiled at the2002 Geneva Motor Show.^[9]

Convertible CLK models feature a three-layered electricsoft top, that can be operated via the keyfob or at speeds up to 8 km/h (5 mph) in 20 seconds.^[10] Convertible models were originally manufactured byKarmann inOsnabrück in 2003, but production was later moved toBremen,Germany in 2004.^[11] The CLK Cabriolet was unveiled at the2003 Geneva Motor Show.^[12]

Standard equipment includesantilock brakes,electronic stability control, power seats, and dual-zone climate control.^[13][14] Models were also offered inElegance andAvantgarde specification.^[15]Elegance models feature green-tinted glass, a grey coloured grille, 7-spoke polished 16-inch alloy wheels, and wood interior trim, whileAvantgarde models featured blue-tinted glass, a black coloured grille, 5-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels, aluminium interior trim, as well as stiffer springs, thickeranti-roll bars, and a 15 mm (0.6 in) lower ride height.^[16]

In 2005, a Sports edition, based on theAvantgarde specification, was introduced and featured six-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels, cross-drilled brake rotors, and bi-xenon headlights.^[17][18] An AMG Sports package was also available, featuring a restyled front bumper, a spoiler lip on the boot, and 18-inch wheels. TheElegance andAvantgarde models were also updated, now featuring nine-spoke 16-inch wheels, and five spoke 17-inch wheels respectively.^[19]

*Note: CLK 550 was still marketed as CLK 500 in most markets.

The CLK DTM AMG is a limited edition high-performance version of the CLK, built to celebratethe racing version of the CLK winning the 2003German Touring Car Championship (DTM) season.^[21] Only 100coupés and 80convertibles were built for the European market only, with the coupé version produced for the 2004 model year, and theconvertible version made for the 2006 model year.^[22] The road version features asupercharged 5,439 cc (5.4 L; 331.9 cu in)SOHC3 valves percylinderV8 engine rated at 428 kW (582 PS; 574 bhp) at 7000rpm and 800 N⋅m (590 lb⋅ft) at 3500 rpm oftorque, with power sent through a5G-Tronic automatic transmission to the rear wheels, capable of a top speed of 322 km/h (200 mph).^[23] Weighing 1,742 kg (3,840 lb), the CLK DTM AMG goes from 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 3.9 seconds.

•  
  CLK DTM AMG Coupé
•  
  CLK DTM AMG Convertible

The CLK 63 AMG Black Series is a high-performance version of the CLK 63 AMGcoupé, produced between 2007 and 2009.^[24] 500 examples were produced in total, with 349 headed to the United States and only 120 examples built with right-hand drive. It is powered by theM156 6.2 L (6,208 cc)V8, producing 500 bhp (507 PS; 373 kW) at 6,800 rpm and 630 N⋅m (465 lb⋅ft) of torque at 5,250 rpm. It usesPirelli P-Zero Corsa tyres and features Mercedes'SpeedShift 7G-Tronic transmission.^[25][26] Additional features also include a manually adjustable suspension system designed and manufactured byKW, alimited-slip differential, larger airintakes,bucket seats, 19-inchalloy wheels, aspoiler,diffuser, and widerfenders made ofcarbon fibre.^[27][28] The rear seats have also been removed in order to save weight,^[29] and the top speed has been increased to 300 km/h (186 mph).^[30]

In 2003, the CLK 55 AMG was used as anF1 safety car. The CLK 63 AMG was also used as an F1 safety car for the 2006 and 2007 seasons.^[31]

• Handling improvements in the form of modified axle bearings and more direct steering^[32]

A facelift was introduced in June 2005. Major changes include:

• Exterior design changes including: redesigned front and rear bumpers, grille with three louvres instead of four, and restyled taillights^[13]
• COMAND 2.0 upgraded to DVD-basedCOMAND-APS system, introducing iPod integration^[33]
• Updated center console with improved layout and switches
• New7G-Tronic automatic transmission replaces the old5G-Tronic system^[13]
• The CLK 240, CLK 320, and CLK 55 AMG are replaced by newer models^[34][35]

• Introduction of CLK 550 and CLK 63 AMG models^[36]
• Introduction of Sports and AMG Sports package^[37]

The following are the sales figures for the CLK in Europe and in the United States:^[38][39]

TheMercedes-Benz CLK DTM was a race version of the CLK that raced from2002 DTM season and won the2003 DTM season.