Mercedes CLK220 CDI Sport 2009

Living with the CLK day to day.

Welcome to my automotive blog post. My reviews are based on ownership of the vehicle over a minimum period of two to three years and are honest daily use comments.

“Anyone can own a Mercedes if you do your research, i bought this one for the price of a similar age Ford Focus”

My CLK Review

The CLK is a Coupe (Two Door) and is in my opinion very well screwed together, It is not without its faults but on the whole has been 100% reliable and for a Mercedes, cheap to run and maintain (if you avoid main dealers). I have owned this particular model for almost four years now, i usually change my vehicles every two years so this is a first for me.

I owned a 2003 CLK a while ago (two cars ago) and i missed it so much i had to get another once the lease was up on my Volvo XC60 (see my review).

Overview

Interior space is generous and leg room is good (i am 6ft tall), Equipment specification is good, the Audio 20 system is excellent in terms of sound quality, Bluetooth for the phone is available thru a dongle that sits inside the centre arm rest.

Cruise control is very good and i use it on long journeys and have noticed that the fuel consumption improves with its use.

There is paddle shift for gear changes on the steering wheel, however i feel this is pointless on an automatic car and never use it.

The ride quality is good even with the stiffer sport suspension set up and skinny tires.

The seat belts are automatically passed forward when you shut the door, very cool.

There a some very useful features like self retracting mirrors, the parking sensors front and rear are very good.

There are a few small niggles if i was to be picky.....

1) Oil level is electronic - No dipstick

2) Diesel engine is a little noisy compared to other similar brands

3) Rust on rear arches starting to appear

4) No proper spare wheel, it comes with a "pram" style wheel

5) Climate control / AC controls can be erratic

6) Front steering joints replaced annually

The good points....

1) Fuel consumption 35-50 mpg

2) Parts are relatively inexpensive

3) Brakes and general handling are superb

4) Reliability has been fantastic (compared to other brands owned)

5) Looks and style

6) Safety features are as good as any new car

7) Seats are fabulously comfortable

Parts Info

All service and general mechanical parts can be purchased thru GSF Autoparts online and delivered right to your door. The prices are a fraction of the cost of the main stealers and quality is excellent. Look out for their 50% off vouchers on line, highly recommend registering for an account.

My annual service with oil filters and labour is usually less that 100 pounds and thats with quality oil.