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Mercedes-Benz CLK C208 CLK 430 V8 (279 Hp) 5G-TRONIC
Overall Rating
Mercedes-Benz CLK:
The Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class is a former series of mid-size or entry-level luxury coupés and convertibles produced by Mercedes-Benz between 1996 and 2010. Although its design and styling was derived from the E-Class, the mechanical underpinnings were based on the smaller C-Class, and was positioned between the Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class and CL-Class. The name CLK is either derived from the German words "Coupé", "Luxus" and "Kurz" or "Coupé", "Leicht" and "Kurz" , as the clear definition was never published. It primarily competes with the two-door BMW 3 and 6 Series, as well as the Audi A4 Cabriolet and Audi A5 Coupe/Cabriolet, as well as the Maserati Coupe and its convertible variant....(Read more on Wikipedia)
C208 Overview:
Mercedes-Benz CLK (C208). With 400 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1480 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 6.4 s). The top speed reaches 250 km/h. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Mercedes-Benz CLK (C208) generation was not officially tested by Euro NCAP. However, it featured standard safety equipment for its era, including multiple airbags and ABS, reflecting Mercedes-Benz's commitment to safety.
CLK 430 V8 (279 Hp) 5G-TRONIC Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The potent V8 delivers effortless power and a thrilling exhaust note, making it a true performance cruiser with rapid acceleration.
Fuel Economy
As expected for a V8, fuel consumption is higher, especially in urban environments, but acceptable for its performance class.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Timeless, elegant styling
- • Comfortable and refined ride quality
- • High-quality interior materials for its era
- • Strong engine options (V6 and V8)
- • Good build quality and durability
- • Excellent highway cruiser
Cons:
- • Entry-level engines can feel underpowered
- • Rear seat space is limited for adults
- • Some common electrical issues with age
- • Rust can be an issue on older models
- • Automatic transmission can feel dated compared to modern units
- • Maintenance costs can be higher than average
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(A209, facelift 2005: July, 2005 - August, 2009).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | CLK |
| Generation: | C208 |
| Modification (Engine): | CLK 430 V8 (279 Hp) 5G-TRONIC |
| Start of production: | June, 1998 |
| End of production: | August, 1999 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 279 Hp @ 5750 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 65.4 Hp/l [85mm less] |
| Torque: | 400 Nm @ 3000-4400 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 113.943 More details about the engine M 113.943 |
| Engine displacement: | 4266 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 3 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 8 l |
| Coolant: | 11 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 89.9 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 84 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 16.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC): | 11.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC): | 16.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC): | 8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 11.2 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 3 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 6.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 6.4 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 250 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 5.3 kg/Hp, 188.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 3.7 kg/Nm, 270.3 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 6.1 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1480 |
| Max. weight: | 1960 |
| Max. roof load: | 100 kg |
| Max load: | 480 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 420 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 62 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4567 mm mm [85mm less] |
| Width: | 1722 mm mm [18mm less] |
| Height: | 1380 mm mm [33mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2690 mm mm [25mm less] |
| Width including mirrors: | 1960 mm |
| Front track: | 1505 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1474 mm |
| Front overhang: | 860 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 1017 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.7 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Gearbox type | G-TRONIC |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | Front wheel tires: 205/55 R 16 |
| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 7 J x 16 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring, Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension, Transverse stabilizer |
Fuel, speed, and comfort: How does the Mercedes-Benz CLK rank in your book?