Lol enjoy every upload of thr CLK because i enjoy the car as much as you do. I generally just drive it sometimes for the heck of it. Cruisin with all windows down with the sunset on a nice german country street is basically therapy. If the gas prices were like they were in 2010 or so I'd probably do that every weekend. The car is just the perfect cruiser. Pretty economic as well with 6.3L/100km on the autobahn. Also it's actually pretty practical. Good trunk space
Yes, exactly that - windows down, wind in your hair, music on. So good. Glad there are others out there who share my experience! The boot/trunk is massive - goes really far back. Just awkward shape for big boxes!
@@JJonCars i always thought this is probably a rare example of a coupe that's almost like a cabriolet. Also got the sunroof so there's that. Yea if u lay your back row flat you have very deep space but thr opening isn't that wide true
I've got a 2005 CLK 500 convertible and it's probably the nicest car I've ever owned. It drives totally awesome, every time I drive this wonderful luxury, sports car it's a treat. Mercedes Benz is in my life the best car on the road.
It took me about 5 years to realise that pressing the roof switch twice on my 500 lowers all the windows at the same time 🙄. Great channel mate and keep it up 👍
8:58 The dimming of the driver's mirror is controlled by the sensor of the rear view mirror as well. If you shine a light on the rear view mirror sensor, you'll see the driver's mirror go dark. :)
Just had a weekend away London to Bath and back. Perfect. Sunshine driving in the CLK cab with top down, smooth motorway cruising, sound system great heavy rain downpour auto wipers dealing with it. Slight rain on a warm day with all windows down pillarless elegance. 95k miles and not a rattle or squeak.
My daily car, I love it with all my heart. By the way the S in the gearbox is for SPORT. Not standard. And the speaker on the sealing is nos a speaker it’s the ultrasonic sensor for detecting movement inside the car once it’s closed. I love this man this is a great review! Thank you!
JJ please, do a 3 year owner review. I love your videos, smooth chilled savy talking, very enjoyable. I own a 280 cabriolet a209. I do take care of it, I love the car and maintain it. Since 2008 it had only had one major issue: foldable rooftop microswitches and 2 fuses. It was an expensive repair at the dealer, but other than that: nothing! The car is just awesome, and it runs even with 160k Kilometers. Sometimes I do regret not having gotten the 550 :-)
I will do for sure, thank you 😊 I really like to hear about the long term reliability of these cars, and its great to hear it has been good to you. I guess you can at least be happy knowing that 160k kilometres in a 550 would have cost a rather bit more in fuel 😆
My CLK 350 Elegance, has ventilated (air conditioned) seats a button on the gear shifter to start it with the key in your pocket, keyless entry you go up to the car with key in your pocket and gently squeeze the handle and it unlocks. Being a cabriolet the key can also open the roof and lower all the windows by pressing the unlock button. Also there is another button on the door handle that locks the car, plus if the car is locked and you have the key on you you can open the boot and he rest of the car stays locked. Oh I recently found out, when turning into a driveway at night that the lights move in the direction you are turning to light your way better, I don’t no if you have he convenience feature that raises the steering wheel to let you get in and lowers it once you are seated, plus three memory modes for the seat positions. Thanks to you JJ
Omg, your car is specced to the gills! Makes mine looks total poverty spec 😆 Got to have almost everything on it. The turning lights are a feature of newer cars that I'm actually a fan of, it really does help. Cheers :)
I love driving this clk240avantgarde. It had a few warning lights and I was telling myself to pass on it. But then I had to take it for a test drive and I was hooked on it
@@JJonCars Yes JJ, the old CT ploughs on, mind you, it's only got 74k on the clock.. pretty low for a 10 year old car. Just today I've booked it in to get the gearbox fluid changed (taking the advice of Matt at High Peak Autos on that one).
Another quirk: By pressing on the key fob's open and close buttons simultaneously for about 10s, you can switch whether unlocking the car with the key fob only opens the driver's door or both doors. :)
I’ve had my 2007 clk 350 since 2017 and 115,284 miles but now I currently have 137,241 and I rarely drive it but I appreciate the smooth ride and the features
Hi JJ.I enjoy your enthusiam ! It took 3 weeks but I finally picked up my 2003 CLK.75,850 original miles and not a ding anywhere! Totally negligible blemishes .The Bose stereo works! Not a spot of rust . In rust country! It needs the sunroof drains re connected,new pads,rotors and shocks and spring (front Mc Phersons),all of which I'll repair myself,having worked on this era Mercedes many times. I'm excited! A very Cool little car. Brakes this week and I'm thinking a Biltstein suspension kit.Total cost of parts =$1500.I paid $3500 for the vehicle.
@@successbootcamp ou i see you like it that match that you wantet to buy againe, i Feell you! I had the opurtunity to drive many Mercedeses the Clk is a really great car, one of the best by my opinion...
2:04 You can try to long-press the air recirculation button (for about 2-3s, or so) and that may lead to all windows to open or close simultaneously, depending on their state. Some models are apparently equipped with this feature. The A/C probably has to be turned on for this to work and the engine might be required to run. I've never tried it on mine; I just read about it somewhere once.
It works! If you long press the air re-circ to turn it on, it closes all the windows, and if you long press it to turn it off, it opens all the windows (which makes sense as you can't recirculate the air with the windows open). Good call :)
Great feature, use it all the time. . It’s called tunnel mode and supposed to keep out fumes when going through a tunnel then return to pillarless open cruising when you exit.
@@JJonCars Going to have to run outside and try this now! There's also the little infrared sensor in the driver's door handle. Point the key quite close, push lock or unlock and the windows should open or close. Bit temperamental on my '03 though.
It looked great when it came out, no B pillar, looked cool, still looks brilliant, luckily you, my 2012 C Class has wiper washer delay/indicator stalk the same, it works great.
If you hold on the button on the AC that recirculates the air into the cabin, it closes all windows and remembers the positions they were, so if you press and hold it once again, they return to their previous state.
Hey JJ, thanks so much for this informative vid. A couple of those features I didn't even know I had - I've just passed the 12mth mark of owning mine. I must check now if I have the ambient light feature, maybe not on the 280 Cabrio. I do have the CD Changer in the glovebox (yes it does take a lot of space), and the original blue-tooth device under the centre armrest (which works perfectly). I hear the blue-tooth was quite rare in Australia and an expensive option at the time. The build quality never fails to impress me when I drive mine :-) And you are right mate, its more of an "event" for me to take her out, which I plan and thoroughly enjoy. Much appreciated, always enjoy your uploads mate ! Cheers, Mark
It's funny how many things I keep finding with this car. I wonder what else it's hiding from us! I presume the Bluetooth thing was quite rare in general, I bought mine for about £70 off eBay, so not especially cheap for an old thing like that, and it weighs almost nothing so I bet there's hardly any electronics in there haha. Cheers for watching Mark :)
Very nice vid! Learned a few quirks, thx. Have a 2005 V6 320 petrol convertible myself with only 76k kms on it. Bought it from an old gentleman professor in Germany and imported it into the Netherlands, a few years ago. Then corona lockdown struck upon us and care travel was no fun... 😞 This hot summer in Europe I drove it via Germany to Milan, a fantastic road trip with many hotel stops along the way. Blasting 160 km/hr , top down on the German autobahn (try A81) with beautiful views on the rolling hills... I noticed the prices of the W109 are no longer sinking, it is slowly becoming a vintage car... ;-) The sensor of the airco cabin unit is broken, so I nice winter project....
Always enjoy these videos JJ. I bought my '03 CLK 240 back in May and have to say your content did play a part in my decision. Like you I use it as my daily and I'm really taken with it. I've been quite surprised. The 9-3 barely gets a look in at the moment!
Thank you, and glad to hear it has helped in your decision. Thats a nice duo of cars you have, one that I wouldn't be surprised if I ended up with myself...
For the window switches: I place my thumb and index finger between the the buttons for the upper and lower ones, that is enough pressure to engage all of them and roll all windows down at the same time.
@@JJonCars Always wanted a 320. had a 2.0 w208 clk for about 4-5 years which was horrendously slow but oh so comfortable. i’m glad i got a clk again after driving honda’s for about 4 years. it truly seems there’s cars for every type a person haha
The way i do it is go to neutral, use the foot break, set the parking break and then slowly let go of the foot break so the weight doesn't stress the transmission and then last step i put it in park
My CLK 55 AMG 2003. Aussie delivery Best car I have owned !! Now at 200, 000 km Still goes like a rocket! Merc built a good one in the CLK series. Is it a future classic?
I own a 2008 CLK 550 Cabriolet in what Mercedes calls Mars Red. It's a real head turner. While I'm fueling her up, I have had many admirers asking about the car and wishing they had one. Especially with the top down. Of course, here in Michigan, USA, the time to motor El Fresco is limited. She is very quick spirited and fun to drive. My mechanic has one that I've seen photos of him driving on the famous Indianapolis Speedway, where the Indy 500 is run annually. He is a member of a track club who have lessons on the track, and race the cars. When she was approaching her 3rd birthday, the pneumatic system to raise-lower the top failed. Thankfully It was covered on the extended warranty, or I'd be going hungry for a while.
Very nice car. Don't get many in red. I know what you mean about the weather, we have a similar limited number of days where you can get the roof down!
I have a 2005 CLK500. You can open and close all the windows from the key fob from outside the car by pushing and holding the unlock button and pointing the key at the redish plastic bit on the driver's door handle. When you go to lock the car the reverse applies using the lock button so will close all windows and sunroof.
Yes, a nice feature - hardly ever works on my car for some reason, and I have to hold it right up against the little sensor to have any chance of it working :D
I think that braking with cruise control came on later models, mine doesn't have it and instead it just downshifts to use engine braking. Quite often i go way over the speed limit if i forget about this. Also i think the windshield washer spray came later too, mine just squirts it like old cars.
Oh that's interesting! Tbh, I would prefer it not to brake, as it's bad for fuel economy haha. It's interesting what they changed over time. Does your light switch light up?
To put the windows all up or down at the same time with a one touch button use the recirculation button. Ensure the ventilation is on and first put them down with the door buttons, then hit and hold the recirculation button and they will all go up at the same time. As long as you don't turn the car off if you again press and hold recirc off they will all open together at once again. Also the roof does not have speakers, those are motion sensors for the alarm to sense if someone reaches in when the car is locked with the windows open. Hope this helps you 🙂
I think you are aware of it, but just to be safe: The bottom portions of the rear seats have a handle on the side which, when pulled, allows them to be flipped over forward. After that manoeuvre, the rear backrests fold down completely flat. :)
Thanks Chris! Fred is right (well spotted Fred), it's in France - specifically Boulonge-sur-Mer. Not much to give it away and I'd have assumed it was England too
Nice, glad to have helped! Something I forgot to mention in the vid is that the seat base actually folds up too, so that you can get the back down even flatter
hi there. one little tip for your clk 200 kompressor cabriolet is that you can lower all the windows at the same time by pushing down once on the roof retracting button in the middle of your consol 😊
Yes, though I haven't driven a diesel CLK, I know they are punchy engines and reliable if cared for. They can also be remapped easily for more power...
3:00 I know what you mean about the key, I had a mercedes A220 2015 that was the same, I then went to a BMW 330Ci which didn't do that (was like a normal key), but now have a BMW 645Ci and that's got the one touch start thing again but when I drove my 330 I still go to turn it not enough and it doesn't start obviously 🤣👍
Wish mine was a facelift as well. Doesnt have the ambient lights and the windshield washer isnt a fine mist like on yours. Also the interior looks so much better on the facelift
@@JJonCars She kept it super clean to be fair 😁. My neighbour has one of those cars 2008 and it's in super condition as well and they bought it new, just shows people value these cars a lot and they're lovely to be fair 👌
Hey - the last time I got the car serviced was at a place called Merx in Macclesfield. They are a nice bunch and the prices are fair - can't remember exactly what they charge though. I'd also consider going to SPR in Stockport as they have a UA-cam channel now and come recommended from Matt at High Peak Autos. I think they do a good price on the B service.
I love the dash too, but the fuel gauge is surprisingly annoying, as I would expect the fuel light to come on when it is empty, but empty is really empty and the light comes on around three bars left. This surprised me know and then that it was already empty xD
One thing to watch, if it has a saddle tank (I believe it's common to rear wheel drive Mercs & BMWs) is that the fuel pump is only on one side. It relies on the venturi effect from the other side (where the return line from the engine comes in) to move fuel back to the other side. This can mean the gauge reads about half full because it's reading the fuller side, but the car can't start due to fuel starvation on the other. Repair costs about £400 for the venturi assembly. Mine is an '05 CLK240. Cheers.
Hi J , great videos! I’m currently looking at buying one myself. I’ve always wanted one after driving my dads 270cdi. Can I ask what sort of mpg do you get from the 200? Looking online people seem to give a wide range of answers. Thanks
Thank you! That would be great - a father and son pair of CLKs. I'm just back from an hour and a half drive of mostly 50-60mph A-Roads (typical cross country drive with no motorway), and I got 38 mpg. On a 70mph motorway run it's possible to get 40+, and the best I ever got was 45 on a trip down to France recently. But that was a one off I think! In town of course it's in the 20's, and I tend to average around 33 mpg overall. The 200k is a nice smooth car, but not quite as quick as the diesels models.
I hear these do also suffer with timing chain issues sadly. I'm hoping with the low mileage and the fact I change the oil every 4 or 5k miles, it will be fine for a long while yet!
You do get rust issues sadly, particularly around the wheel arches. They're not as bad as the W208. I don't know if there's a difference between the rust proofing of this and the W203
It's been pretty darn good for an old Merc. Check out this vid where I go through all the costs in 18 months of ownership (I cover every expense I've had with it, including any repairs) ua-cam.com/video/JwYwBLbvDR8/v-deo.html I'm planning to do one once I've had the car three years too.
Hi JJ. Really enjoying your CLK videos. Got a question for you? I have had 2 CLKs - a 220cdi and a 320cdi - loved both but the 320cdi was particularly great both to drive and for fuel economy. So my dilemna is I am getting rid of my VW campervan and was thinking of getting C class coupe circa 14 plate. However, i keep thinking back to a CLK as was so cool and different. Just get a bit hung up on the idea of buying a 2008/9 car in 2024. So question is would you buy anothrr CLK or 'modernise' to a C Class coupe - probably and AMG style 250 CDI? Thanks in advance Colin from Glasgow
Hi Colin, thanks :) I am big fan of the CLK, it's a special feeling car. I think if I wanted to get a more modern car that felt a bit like the CLK I'd get an E Class coupe - as it's a pillarless design and therefore has the same DNA. Right now personally I'd still pick the CLK, but I understand your concern with it being an older car. If you're doing a lot of miles then the newer C Class would probably be a safer bet. Like for like, the C Class coupe is going to cost more to buy(same mileage and condition etc). But it's also a very nice car! If you pick a cared for one, I don't think you can go wrong with either. So that's probably not especially helpful :D Let me know if you do decide on one or the other.
sorry for the late reply, like for example the washing function for the headlights, i could not see that feature on some clks i watched, maybe because yours is newer @@JJonCars
You better buy a C124. Much better driving experience and quality, and its nicer. All the successors are smaller and feel cheap, because the managers had taken over the company and more money had to be made.
I own a W126 SEL and an E class. I have casually thought of an R107 SL, and my fiance developed an itch for a CLK soft top. We went to Melbourne and I test drove 2 CLK Elegances and 1 SL. She chose the dark blue 240. At 4 times the price I could not justify the SL with its obvious and undoubted hidden faults tossed in for free. I ended up buying the silver blue 280, bone interior. It is classy, comfy, and fun to drive but not perfect. The boot is far too small for a body :), just picnic basket sized. The hydraulic folding roof is a disaster waiting to happen, but it is designed to also be manually operated. Now, which to drive today?
W126, what a car! Yeah, the CLK is a much more affordable car to run than the SL, or CL for that matter. The coupe has a really decent sized boot, but yeah the convertible is compromised because of the roof. What a dilemma you have :)
This is true. Someone else has corrected me on that too. It's funny because I thought it was Sport, but someone else on a previous video told me it was Standard. Guess I learned not to just take a random internet comment's word for it
Oh, I only said it was 'Standard' because someone else on the internet corrected me last time I said sport 😂 Anyway I've looked it up in the manual and you're right it's for Sport. Not that it really matters eh.
i prefer the convertible version which im buying soon hopefully ...ive had a few mercs and bmws merc engines are much better they dont run hot like bmw ones
CLK C209 is even better quality in some places and worse in others. We're just in that period of time to praise the W124 and bash every other newer Merc. CLK 209 will eventually have it's reputation restored. Just like the CLK 208...
My 500 was 20 years old this week, still gives a buzz to drive
Amazing that the CLK is 20 years old now!
Lol enjoy every upload of thr CLK because i enjoy the car as much as you do. I generally just drive it sometimes for the heck of it. Cruisin with all windows down with the sunset on a nice german country street is basically therapy. If the gas prices were like they were in 2010 or so I'd probably do that every weekend. The car is just the perfect cruiser. Pretty economic as well with 6.3L/100km on the autobahn. Also it's actually pretty practical. Good trunk space
Yes, exactly that - windows down, wind in your hair, music on. So good. Glad there are others out there who share my experience!
The boot/trunk is massive - goes really far back. Just awkward shape for big boxes!
@@JJonCars i always thought this is probably a rare example of a coupe that's almost like a cabriolet. Also got the sunroof so there's that.
Yea if u lay your back row flat you have very deep space but thr opening isn't that wide true
6.3...? Lowest i've seen ours is 8.5 wth
@@user-rd3ou5ev6o yea only really works when it's warmer and im driving a constant 100-120 km/h. Think I even managed under 6 L once
I really want to buy one, but idk if it'sworth to buy or not, I mean is it any reliable? How expensive is it to own one? Any common issue?
I've got a 2005 CLK 500 convertible and it's probably the nicest car I've ever owned. It drives totally awesome, every time I drive this wonderful luxury, sports car it's a treat. Mercedes Benz is in my life the best car on the road.
I found the same but a CLK 200 convertible, really thinking about getting it
It took me about 5 years to realise that pressing the roof switch twice on my 500 lowers all the windows at the same time 🙄. Great channel mate and keep it up 👍
It's amazing what things we can keep finding out about these cars. Shame I don't have a roof button 😄 thanks Kelvin!
Perfect quality after 20years 🎉
Yep! 😊
8:58 The dimming of the driver's mirror is controlled by the sensor of the rear view mirror as well. If you shine a light on the rear view mirror sensor, you'll see the driver's mirror go dark. :)
Ah, of course, that makes complete sense. I mean why have a second sensor which would be a waste of money, can't believe I didn't think of that 😂
mine's a 2009 CLK 350 Grand Edition with sports package with 153K miles on it already and still running smooth. I love your videos!
Thanks 😁 Good to hear the 350 is running well :)
Just had a weekend away London to Bath and back. Perfect. Sunshine driving in the CLK cab with top down, smooth motorway cruising, sound system great heavy rain downpour auto wipers dealing with it. Slight rain on a warm day with all windows down pillarless elegance. 95k miles and not a rattle or squeak.
Bet it looked good with Bath as a backdrop, very pretty city.
My daily car, I love it with all my heart. By the way the S in the gearbox is for SPORT. Not standard. And the speaker on the sealing is nos a speaker it’s the ultrasonic sensor for detecting movement inside the car once it’s closed. I love this man this is a great review! Thank you!
My CLK handbook, S = Standard
JJ please,
do a 3 year owner review. I love your videos, smooth chilled savy talking, very enjoyable.
I own a 280 cabriolet a209. I do take care of it, I love the car and maintain it. Since 2008 it had only had one major issue: foldable rooftop microswitches and 2 fuses. It was an expensive repair at the dealer, but other than that: nothing!
The car is just awesome, and it runs even with 160k Kilometers.
Sometimes I do regret not having gotten the 550 :-)
I will do for sure, thank you 😊
I really like to hear about the long term reliability of these cars, and its great to hear it has been good to you.
I guess you can at least be happy knowing that 160k kilometres in a 550 would have cost a rather bit more in fuel 😆
My CLK 350 Elegance, has ventilated (air conditioned) seats a button on the gear shifter to start it with the key in your pocket, keyless entry you go up to the car with key in your pocket and gently squeeze the handle and it unlocks. Being a cabriolet the key can also open the roof and lower all the windows by pressing the unlock button. Also there is another button on the door handle that locks the car, plus if the car is locked and you have the key on you you can open the boot and he rest of the car stays locked.
Oh I recently found out, when turning into a driveway at night that the lights move in the direction you are turning to light your way better, I don’t no if you have he convenience feature that raises the steering wheel to let you get in and lowers it once you are seated, plus three memory modes for the seat positions.
Thanks to you JJ
Omg, your car is specced to the gills! Makes mine looks total poverty spec 😆 Got to have almost everything on it. The turning lights are a feature of newer cars that I'm actually a fan of, it really does help. Cheers :)
Just bought this as my first car and love the look and little details of the car, looking forward to enjoy this car for many more years.
Nice first car! Enjoy!
@@JJonCars thanks!
I love driving this clk240avantgarde. It had a few warning lights and I was telling myself to pass on it. But then I had to take it for a test drive and I was hooked on it
Beautiful car JJ. Solid and reliable (I assume) but also stylish, elegant, luxurious and reasonably practical. Ticks all my boxes.
Cheers John! It has certainly been what I'd call reliable, though it's not quite at Lexus level (but then what is?)
@@JJonCars Yes JJ, the old CT ploughs on, mind you, it's only got 74k on the clock.. pretty low for a 10 year old car. Just today I've booked it in to get the gearbox fluid changed (taking the advice of Matt at High Peak Autos on that one).
@@Rjhs001 I think Matt is the #1 advocate for the prevention of cruelty to automatic gearboxes :)
@@JJonCars 😂😂😂
Another quirk: By pressing on the key fob's open and close buttons simultaneously for about 10s, you can switch whether unlocking the car with the key fob only opens the driver's door or both doors. :)
this is my dream car for now, i try to save money for one, very nice
Awesome, I hope you manage to get one soon :)
The oil check feature is cool
I’ve had my 2007 clk 350 since 2017 and 115,284 miles but now I currently have 137,241 and I rarely drive it but I appreciate the smooth ride and the features
My partner just brought a one owner Mercedes Benz clk kompressor avantgarde in silver ....85.000 miles very nice car 👍😁
It trips me out this car is 20 years old...it's makes me want to cry..I'm only 38...
Hi JJ.I enjoy your enthusiam ! It took 3 weeks but I finally picked up my 2003 CLK.75,850 original miles and not a ding anywhere! Totally negligible blemishes .The Bose stereo works! Not a spot of rust . In rust country! It needs the sunroof drains re connected,new pads,rotors and shocks and spring (front Mc Phersons),all of which I'll repair myself,having worked on this era Mercedes many times. I'm excited! A very Cool little car. Brakes this week and I'm thinking a Biltstein suspension kit.Total cost of parts =$1500.I paid $3500 for the vehicle.
Hey, thanks :) sounds like a great example of a CLK! Where is rust country? Because I know where I am is also rust country 😄
Maine is rust country due to Winter salt on the roads. This car never saw Winter.
I have the same car for a 9 years, its a really great car, i still can not find any car in this category that i enjoy more than the CLK
Same here. I have had a 2009 (totaled) and I bought a 2006 to replace the one I lost.
@@successbootcamp ou i see you like it that match that you wantet to buy againe, i Feell you! I had the opurtunity to drive many Mercedeses the Clk is a really great car, one of the best by my opinion...
2:04 You can try to long-press the air recirculation button (for about 2-3s, or so) and that may lead to all windows to open or close simultaneously, depending on their state. Some models are apparently equipped with this feature. The A/C probably has to be turned on for this to work and the engine might be required to run. I've never tried it on mine; I just read about it somewhere once.
I'll give that a go and report back!
It works! If you long press the air re-circ to turn it on, it closes all the windows, and if you long press it to turn it off, it opens all the windows (which makes sense as you can't recirculate the air with the windows open). Good call :)
@@JJonCars :)
Great feature, use it all the time. . It’s called tunnel mode and supposed to keep out fumes when going through a tunnel then return to pillarless open cruising when you exit.
@@JJonCars Going to have to run outside and try this now!
There's also the little infrared sensor in the driver's door handle. Point the key quite close, push lock or unlock and the windows should open or close. Bit temperamental on my '03 though.
It looked great when it came out, no B pillar, looked cool, still looks brilliant, luckily you, my 2012 C Class has wiper washer delay/indicator stalk the same, it works great.
If you hold on the button on the AC that recirculates the air into the cabin, it closes all windows and remembers the positions they were, so if you press and hold it once again, they return to their previous state.
Ah yes, someone else mentioned that and I tried it - game changer!
Hey JJ, thanks so much for this informative vid. A couple of those features I didn't even know I had - I've just passed the 12mth mark of owning mine. I must check now if I have the ambient light feature, maybe not on the 280 Cabrio. I do have the CD Changer in the glovebox (yes it does take a lot of space), and the original blue-tooth device under the centre armrest (which works perfectly). I hear the blue-tooth was quite rare in Australia and an expensive option at the time. The build quality never fails to impress me when I drive mine :-) And you are right mate, its more of an "event" for me to take her out, which I plan and thoroughly enjoy. Much appreciated, always enjoy your uploads mate ! Cheers, Mark
It's funny how many things I keep finding with this car. I wonder what else it's hiding from us! I presume the Bluetooth thing was quite rare in general, I bought mine for about £70 off eBay, so not especially cheap for an old thing like that, and it weighs almost nothing so I bet there's hardly any electronics in there haha. Cheers for watching Mark :)
You can add to cluster a feature that tells how much fuel you got in tank. Only need star diagnostics to activate that
Very nice vid! Learned a few quirks, thx. Have a 2005 V6 320 petrol convertible myself with only 76k kms on it. Bought it from an old gentleman professor in Germany and imported it into the Netherlands, a few years ago. Then corona lockdown struck upon us and care travel was no fun... 😞
This hot summer in Europe I drove it via Germany to Milan, a fantastic road trip with many hotel stops along the way. Blasting 160 km/hr , top down on the German autobahn (try A81) with beautiful views on the rolling hills...
I noticed the prices of the W109 are no longer sinking, it is slowly becoming a vintage car... ;-)
The sensor of the airco cabin unit is broken, so I nice winter project....
Replied to your other comment :)
im about to go get a 05 500 in a bit i cant wait to start enjoying my car
Always enjoy these videos JJ. I bought my '03 CLK 240 back in May and have to say your content did play a part in my decision.
Like you I use it as my daily and I'm really taken with it. I've been quite surprised. The 9-3 barely gets a look in at the moment!
Thank you, and glad to hear it has helped in your decision. Thats a nice duo of cars you have, one that I wouldn't be surprised if I ended up with myself...
Isn’t that grille on the roof part of the alarm rather than speakers?
Yes, I think you're right
For the window switches: I place my thumb and index finger between the the buttons for the upper and lower ones, that is enough pressure to engage all of them and roll all windows down at the same time.
I'll give that a go 😄
thanks a lot for all your videos! picked up a 320 petrol about 3 months ago
Ah no problem! 320 is supposed to be the best built and most reliable engine :)
@@JJonCars Always wanted a 320. had a 2.0 w208 clk for about 4-5 years which was horrendously slow but oh so comfortable. i’m glad i got a clk again after driving honda’s for about 4 years. it truly seems there’s cars for every type a person haha
Tip when parking first go to neutral then apply the foot break, then put it in park this reduces the ware and stress on the transmission.
Been Doin that for years
The way i do it is go to neutral, use the foot break, set the parking break and then slowly let go of the foot break so the weight doesn't stress the transmission and then last step i put it in park
Thanks for the tip Rudi!
@@emjay1249 That's what I meant to say
My CLK 55 AMG 2003. Aussie delivery
Best car I have owned !!
Now at 200, 000 km
Still goes like a rocket!
Merc built a good one in the CLK series.
Is it a future classic?
CLK 55 is 100% a future classic :) great car and I want one myself 😄
I own a 2008 CLK 550 Cabriolet in what Mercedes calls Mars Red. It's a real head turner. While I'm fueling her up, I have had many admirers asking about the car and wishing they had one. Especially with the top down. Of course, here in Michigan, USA, the time to motor El Fresco is limited. She is very quick spirited and fun to drive. My mechanic has one that I've seen photos of him driving on the famous Indianapolis Speedway, where the Indy 500 is run annually. He is a member of a track club who have lessons on the track, and race the cars. When she was approaching her 3rd birthday, the pneumatic system to raise-lower the top failed. Thankfully It was covered on the extended warranty, or I'd be going hungry for a while.
Very nice car. Don't get many in red. I know what you mean about the weather, we have a similar limited number of days where you can get the roof down!
We need a 3 year reliability report :)!
Here’s mine. Reliable!
I shall definitely do one. November is its third year with me :)
I have a 2005 CLK500. You can open and close all the windows from the key fob from outside the car by pushing and holding the unlock button and pointing the key at the redish plastic bit on the driver's door handle. When you go to lock the car the reverse applies using the lock button so will close all windows and sunroof.
Yes, a nice feature - hardly ever works on my car for some reason, and I have to hold it right up against the little sensor to have any chance of it working :D
I think that braking with cruise control came on later models, mine doesn't have it and instead it just downshifts to use engine braking.
Quite often i go way over the speed limit if i forget about this.
Also i think the windshield washer spray came later too, mine just squirts it like old cars.
Oh that's interesting! Tbh, I would prefer it not to brake, as it's bad for fuel economy haha. It's interesting what they changed over time. Does your light switch light up?
@@JJonCars No, my light switch is identical, though it's missing the washer button since that was optional.
Amazing review. You should do audiobooks, love your voice man. I will buy this car ASAP😍
Wow thank you very much :) good luck in your search for a nice CLK!
With the softop you just double tap the roof button to do all 4 windows up or down
Nice. Didn't know that 👍
I have a 2009 CLK with 84k on the clock. Its in great nick too. Cheers!
Nice! Last of the line, 2009
Mines a 04' CLK 320 Avantgarde Drop top, the V6 is buttery smooth
To put the windows all up or down at the same time with a one touch button use the recirculation button. Ensure the ventilation is on and first put them down with the door buttons, then hit and hold the recirculation button and they will all go up at the same time. As long as you don't turn the car off if you again press and hold recirc off they will all open together at once again. Also the roof does not have speakers, those are motion sensors for the alarm to sense if someone reaches in when the car is locked with the windows open. Hope this helps you 🙂
Someone else also mentioned the recirc button :) but I didn't know that about the 'speakers'. Cheers
I think you are aware of it, but just to be safe: The bottom portions of the rear seats have a handle on the side which, when pulled, allows them to be flipped over forward. After that manoeuvre, the rear backrests fold down completely flat. :)
Ah yes I've done it before - but I'd forgotten about it as a feature for the vid, would have been a good one to mention :)
Had one for 17 years and 370.000km. Unbelievable car…..they fon make them like this anymore.
Wow! Amazing, long time to have a car. I imagine you miss it!
I think S is for Sport
Just done a timing chain amd pulleys on one150 k on clock runs like new again easyish job for the diy mechanic saved a furntune 👍
Great video. Is the driving shot at the end Chester? (11:27)
It looks like it's in France, judging by the road signs.
Thanks.@@fredonline
Thanks Chris! Fred is right (well spotted Fred), it's in France - specifically Boulonge-sur-Mer. Not much to give it away and I'd have assumed it was England too
Thank you. Bought a clk 200k in mid August. I had no idea the seats folded.
Nice, glad to have helped! Something I forgot to mention in the vid is that the seat base actually folds up too, so that you can get the back down even flatter
hi there. one little tip for your clk 200 kompressor cabriolet is that you can lower all the windows at the same time by pushing down once on the roof retracting button in the middle of your consol 😊
Oh nice one, wish my car had that button haha
Would you recommend 2,7 cdi diesel engine for this car ?
Yes, though I haven't driven a diesel CLK, I know they are punchy engines and reliable if cared for. They can also be remapped easily for more power...
Its an amazing car indeed !!!
Yep :)
Very good video. I have the exact same car now but gray. Love it
Thank you! Enjoy your car!
I own an ('07) 320cdi elegance and agree with all that you say-great video thanks
Brilliant, glad you agree and thanks for watching :)
Also when you put in reverse the side mirrors go down so you can see better when parking
I love that feature, but mine doesn't do it! Must have been yet another option
3:00 I know what you mean about the key, I had a mercedes A220 2015 that was the same, I then went to a BMW 330Ci which didn't do that (was like a normal key), but now have a BMW 645Ci and that's got the one touch start thing again but when I drove my 330 I still go to turn it not enough and it doesn't start obviously 🤣👍
Haha, glad it's not just me then 😂
Wish mine was a facelift as well. Doesnt have the ambient lights and the windshield washer isnt a fine mist like on yours. Also the interior looks so much better on the facelift
I do prefer the facelift, but the original isn't bad. The ambient light is so subtle, almost not noticeable haha
Your car looks brand new 😁
I'm doing my best to keep it looking that way. I can thank the old lady who had it for years before me! 😁
@@JJonCars She kept it super clean to be fair 😁. My neighbour has one of those cars 2008 and it's in super condition as well and they bought it new, just shows people value these cars a lot and they're lovely to be fair 👌
I'm a bit disappointed there was no review of the back seats 😅 is there space behind if you want to give someone a ride?
I recommend watching this video for information on the back seats :)
ua-cam.com/video/KsXlqUZXwlo/v-deo.html
Very roomy in the back. I'm 6'0'' and I can sit in the back without being cramped.
Thanks for sharing, very helpful ❤ I'm actually watching the same car, today they came out. Look just 🤩 amazing
Hey no problem. That's cool, you're going to get one?
Hey, I was wondering where in Manchester you get your b service done and how much it is.
Thanks for the videos!!
Hey - the last time I got the car serviced was at a place called Merx in Macclesfield. They are a nice bunch and the prices are fair - can't remember exactly what they charge though.
I'd also consider going to SPR in Stockport as they have a UA-cam channel now and come recommended from Matt at High Peak Autos. I think they do a good price on the B service.
Nice review 👍Tell us more about the motor,auto trans.etc please 👌
Thank you 👍 I do have a good few other videos on the CLK if you fancy checking those out
@@JJonCars 😉👍
This car has a 270 CDI manual version, and its everything I could ask when it comes to specs. 5 cylinders, diesel, coupe, manual, mercedes quality.
I love the dash too, but the fuel gauge is surprisingly annoying, as I would expect the fuel light to come on when it is empty, but empty is really empty and the light comes on around three bars left.
This surprised me know and then that it was already empty xD
I find it interesting that when the light comes on it says something about "reserve fuel" as though there's a second fuel tank (there isn't 😄).
One thing to watch, if it has a saddle tank (I believe it's common to rear wheel drive Mercs & BMWs) is that the fuel pump is only on one side. It relies on the venturi effect from the other side (where the return line from the engine comes in) to move fuel back to the other side. This can mean the gauge reads about half full because it's reading the fuller side, but the car can't start due to fuel starvation on the other. Repair costs about £400 for the venturi assembly. Mine is an '05 CLK240. Cheers.
Hi J , great videos! I’m currently looking at buying one myself. I’ve always wanted one after driving my dads 270cdi. Can I ask what sort of mpg do you get from the 200? Looking online people seem to give a wide range of answers. Thanks
Thank you! That would be great - a father and son pair of CLKs.
I'm just back from an hour and a half drive of mostly 50-60mph A-Roads (typical cross country drive with no motorway), and I got 38 mpg. On a 70mph motorway run it's possible to get 40+, and the best I ever got was 45 on a trip down to France recently. But that was a one off I think! In town of course it's in the 20's, and I tend to average around 33 mpg overall.
The 200k is a nice smooth car, but not quite as quick as the diesels models.
Do you suggest the clk 350 avantgarde 2005 ??
Really tempted to buy
Nice cars. I'd say yes go for it, just make sure it's been cared for!
Any timing chain issues with this model or was it just the 3 ltr and the 3.5
I hear these do also suffer with timing chain issues sadly. I'm hoping with the low mileage and the fact I change the oil every 4 or 5k miles, it will be fine for a long while yet!
I need to fix my broken o4....not started in months
W203 had rust issues before facelift, but what about this one? Is it galvanised as facelift W203?
You do get rust issues sadly, particularly around the wheel arches. They're not as bad as the W208. I don't know if there's a difference between the rust proofing of this and the W203
Thanks @@JJonCars
Can I, like add the features to my current clk if I dont have them?
You can, but depending on what the feature is, it might be quite a bit of work to do it. What are you missing?
@@JJonCarsI wanna add the folding mirrors
@@JJonCarswould like the memory seats and the rear window sunshade too but I think that would be really complicated and expensive
How's the reliability?
It's been pretty darn good for an old Merc. Check out this vid where I go through all the costs in 18 months of ownership (I cover every expense I've had with it, including any repairs)
ua-cam.com/video/JwYwBLbvDR8/v-deo.html
I'm planning to do one once I've had the car three years too.
Hi JJ. Really enjoying your CLK videos. Got a question for you? I have had 2 CLKs - a 220cdi and a 320cdi - loved both but the 320cdi was particularly great both to drive and for fuel economy.
So my dilemna is I am getting rid of my VW campervan and was thinking of getting C class coupe circa 14 plate. However, i keep thinking back to a CLK as was so cool and different. Just get a bit hung up on the idea of buying a 2008/9 car in 2024.
So question is would you buy anothrr CLK or 'modernise' to a C Class coupe - probably and AMG style 250 CDI?
Thanks in advance
Colin from Glasgow
Hi Colin, thanks :) I am big fan of the CLK, it's a special feeling car. I think if I wanted to get a more modern car that felt a bit like the CLK I'd get an E Class coupe - as it's a pillarless design and therefore has the same DNA.
Right now personally I'd still pick the CLK, but I understand your concern with it being an older car. If you're doing a lot of miles then the newer C Class would probably be a safer bet. Like for like, the C Class coupe is going to cost more to buy(same mileage and condition etc). But it's also a very nice car! If you pick a cared for one, I don't think you can go wrong with either. So that's probably not especially helpful :D Let me know if you do decide on one or the other.
What year is it? Is this version somehow special? Because lots of clk dont have all these features.
It's a 2006 200 kompressor and not particularly well specced - doesn't have heated seats! Which features are you thinking about?
sorry for the late reply, like for example the washing function for the headlights, i could not see that feature on some clks i watched, maybe because yours is newer @@JJonCars
@@supercharged1482 yes that's possible, it's a facelift model, so maybe that means headlight washers, not sure
okay thanks@@JJonCars
What year is your CLK
Replied to your other commment, but it's 2006 lol
@@JJonCars I have 04
@@miamibeachsunnydays8274 Nice one, which engine?
@@JJonCars v8 302,
@@JJonCars I have what they call a m g package,
HI! I own a CLK 200 from 2004. It Has now abou 60.000 miles and seem completyly new.
You better buy a C124. Much better driving experience and quality, and its nicer. All the successors are smaller and feel cheap, because the managers had taken over the company and more money had to be made.
I own a W126 SEL and an E class. I have casually thought of an R107 SL, and my fiance developed an itch for a CLK soft top. We went to Melbourne and I test drove 2 CLK Elegances and 1 SL. She chose the dark blue 240. At 4 times the price I could not justify the SL with its obvious and undoubted hidden faults tossed in for free.
I ended up buying the silver blue 280, bone interior. It is classy, comfy, and fun to drive but not perfect. The boot is far too small for a body :), just picnic basket sized. The hydraulic folding roof is a disaster waiting to happen, but it is designed to also be manually operated. Now, which to drive today?
W126, what a car! Yeah, the CLK is a much more affordable car to run than the SL, or CL for that matter. The coupe has a really decent sized boot, but yeah the convertible is compromised because of the roof. What a dilemma you have :)
The “S” on the gearbox doesn't stand for standard 🗿 it's for sport…
This is true. Someone else has corrected me on that too. It's funny because I thought it was Sport, but someone else on a previous video told me it was Standard. Guess I learned not to just take a random internet comment's word for it
My CLK handbook states. S = Standard
S mode good for drag racing😇
Mines got heated seats but not electric operated
Standard, Comfort and Manual? Bro, "S" is for Sport, not for Standard ;-)
Thanks for the correction, bro.
I have a 2003 CLK320 Avant-garde, moving house so need it sold, you interested?
Not currently looking to change. Good luck with the sale!
The gearbox S is for Sport NOT standard.
Oh, I only said it was 'Standard' because someone else on the internet corrected me last time I said sport 😂 Anyway I've looked it up in the manual and you're right it's for Sport.
Not that it really matters eh.
Want me one now mfs really low key u don’t see em like that
My headlamp washers dont work only fault can anyone help
Welch Neck
i prefer the convertible version which im buying soon hopefully ...ive had a few mercs and bmws merc engines are much better they dont run hot like bmw ones
Nice one. I've done a vid with the convertible too if you want to check that out :)
Pretty sure S means Sports😂 not standard
In Germany it means Standard - I got corrected by a German when I called it Sport. So I can't win :)
Sorry Abou 44.000 miles that is a little few....
Very nice, that is low mileage. Even lower than mine now, which has recently hit 45,000
W124 was the last quality mercedes
It's true that there are certain aspects of the car that are not at the level of the older Mercs. But they're not so bad.
CLK C209 is even better quality in some places and worse in others. We're just in that period of time to praise the W124 and bash every other newer Merc.
CLK 209 will eventually have it's reputation restored. Just like the CLK 208...