CLK-Class (W209) 2003 on: CLK 270 CDI, CLK 200K, CLK 200 CGI, CLK 240, CLK 320, CLK 350, CLK 500, CLK 550 [Coupes & Cabriolets]

Love/Not Love

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Jan 20, 2012 | 06:37 AM
  #1  
Since I was 16's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
350 CLK
Love/Not Love

Ok so now that the Benz is getting some use..some things I love ( I am a girl so I can toss the love term around)
the drive
The acceleration
The turning radius
The look
The seats..position and heat
The unlock lights ( it is like the car puts itself on stage)
the wind buffer..top down, windows up 45 at night and I am warm at 80 mph
The Bluetooth

Things I not love
Cup holders are cramped...console won't close with a can in it
No easy console to put things in..small things end up on the seat..I miss an opening in the Dash for things like sunglasses, phone
Radio display...gag! I thought I would be able to change the display but is it always those huge blue letters on a big white screen? I always put to map display.
Navigation...clunky clunky! Will I ever get used to this? Great while on, but entering an address takes me 5 minutes!
No extra phone charger. My old old explorer has two. Maybe there is one in the back that I am missing? Are there cup holders back there? Extra cup holders are a good place for empties. Back too small for s small trash can.

You have thoughts?
Reply
Old Jan 20, 2012 | 07:34 AM
  #2  
mikata's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,595
Likes: 1
From: Sweden
Mercedes CLK 320 W209
I agree with you on the navigation part, it takes forever to enter an address compared to using the mobile as a navi.
Reply
Old Jan 20, 2012 | 07:50 AM
  #3  
discoduck's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 771
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, Ontario
W209 55
Benz navi has always sucked lol.

The newer NTG2.5+ I hear is a bit better
Reply
Old Jan 20, 2012 | 07:56 AM
  #4  
Since I was 16's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
350 CLK
i do add one thing--i love how i FEEL driving this puppy. nothing compares.

Seriously, can i change the look of the radio read out? I'm a talk radio Junkie so I don' know if music stations scoll the artist, etc. no way to change to look of that monstrosity in the center?

will just have to deal with the navi-unless i can upgrade down the road---
Reply
Old Jan 20, 2012 | 08:12 AM
  #5  
Yidney's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,109
Likes: 112
2008 CLK550 Cab
Originally Posted by Since I was 16
i do add one thing--i love how i FEEL driving this puppy. nothing compares.

Seriously, can i change the look of the radio read out? I'm a talk radio Junkie so I don' know if music stations scoll the artist, etc. no way to change to look of that monstrosity in the center?

will just have to deal with the navi-unless i can upgrade down the road---
Yeah, the radio display looks like the display on some diagnostic tool made by Smurfs. I assume yours changes at night to a navy blue background? If not, you can change that in the menus. Otherwise, it cannot be altered. No artists are displayed on regular radio, but are on sat radio.
Reply
Old Jan 20, 2012 | 08:20 AM
  #6  
Yidney's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,109
Likes: 112
2008 CLK550 Cab
And when you say phone charger in back, do you just mean 12v power outlet? If so, then I have one and assume you do too - little door in the back of the center console - but no cupholders back there.
Reply
Old Jan 20, 2012 | 09:22 AM
  #7  
Kevwood's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,748
Likes: 0
From: A Canadian in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
'05 C200K SS, '05 Kleemann CLK500K, '08 Hummer H3 & '92 Z34 5sp (track car in Canada)
The NAV/COMAND blows, I'm gutting my system and going aftermarket, that was my biggest complaint about the car. Prettynsimple the only thing left that will be OEM is the paint.

You make a good point about the turning radius, it is exceptionally good compared to other cars I've had.
Reply
Old Jan 20, 2012 | 02:54 PM
  #8  
Schmitty63's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
From: Ky
2005 CLK 500 cabriolet
I agree with all of those, especially the radio screen and center console. Wish I had the bluetooth to love. Ah well, the "loves" definitely outweigh the "love-nots" for me by a long shot. I probably love my designo interior the most!
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jan 20, 2012 | 03:35 PM
  #9  
Since I was 16's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
350 CLK
Schmitty--you have the stone/black interior? That is the bomb. I searched and searched-but it just wasn't around at the right price two weeks ago---(now of course, one i liked is on sale--lol--ain't that life?)
and no Yidney, it does not change colors on the radio at night. I am going to check that setting thanks--I am also on the look out for that 12V charger. i have had too much fun driving too look--
and I agree with you--the loves DEF outweight the not loves. I do love this car. oh, do I love this car!
Reply
Old Jan 20, 2012 | 03:47 PM
  #10  
Schmitty63's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
From: Ky
2005 CLK 500 cabriolet
Originally Posted by Since I was 16
Schmitty--you have the stone/black interior? That is the bomb. I searched and searched-but it just wasn't around at the right price two weeks ago---(now of course, one i liked is on sale--lol--ain't that life?)
Its actually mocha black and sand. Have to admit I wasn't specifically looking for that combo but once i saw it i had to have it!
Reply
Old Jan 20, 2012 | 03:52 PM
  #11  
Since I was 16's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
350 CLK
That was like me--i found the black with the lighter tone (they told me it was stone, but I'm not sure)I had never even seen it before-- car was priced CRAZY high and i wanted it anyway. Made and offer and they would not even counter---price dropped and i had asked them to call me, they didnt--and it dropped three times. they did not at all earn my business :o( I bought mine and THEN they slashed the price on that car.....oh well...enjoy yours!

Looked for three months and could not find another--that interior is amazing.
Reply
Old Jan 20, 2012 | 05:03 PM
  #12  
Yidney's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,109
Likes: 112
2008 CLK550 Cab
There are three radio screen settings. Day, Night, and Auto. Day is too bright at night and is that hideous blue, Night looks much better, but is hard to see in daylight. So Auto is usually best.
Reply
Old Jan 20, 2012 | 11:35 PM
  #13  
Rudeney's Avatar
MBworld Guru
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 10,782
Likes: 1,011
NO LONGER ACTIVE
Originally Posted by Since I was 16
Cup holders are cramped...console won't close with a can in it
Uh, this care was designed to drive 100mph+ down the Autobahn - you should have your hands on the wheel, not on a Big Gulp!

No easy console to put things in..small things end up on the seat..I miss an opening in the Dash for things like sunglasses, phone
Again, at 100mph+ you shouldn't be phoning and your sunglasses need to be on your face.

Radio display...gag! I thought I would be able to change the display but is it always those huge blue letters on a big white screen? I always put to map display.
It could be worse - you could have no NAV and have to deal with that glary, shiny plastic screen over washed-out white LED letters for the station display.

Navigation...clunky clunky! Will I ever get used to this? Great while on, but entering an address takes me 5 minutes!
Yeah, my wife's Jeep has voice recognition - I just say "liquor store" and there I go!

No extra phone charger. My old old explorer has two. Maybe there is one in the back that I am missing?
What, with the phone again???

Are there cup holders back there? Extra cup holders are a good place for empties.
No rear cupholders for the cabriolet. I mean, really, the back seat in the cab is so tiny, you only put people you hate back there anyhow, so why would you want them to have refreshments? Besides, wit the top down cruising at 80mph, just toss your empties in the air and they are instantly "gone".

Back too small for s small trash can.
See above.

Seriously, those are all common complaints of the CLK. I guess everything has compromises. In my case, I am used to the MBZ NAV system so it doesn't bother me much, but compared to other systems, yes, it is clunky. It's too bad some manufacturer doesn't just sick an iPad on the dash and tie it into the speakers and amp. I don't often have beverages in the car, so the cupholder is not an issue, and I my in-cabin "cargo" is very minimal so I am happy with the storage. Oh, and I really wasn't joking about putting people I hate in the back seat.
Reply
Old Jan 21, 2012 | 12:06 AM
  #14  
Since I was 16's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
350 CLK
See how I am? Hardcore about my sunglasses and sodas! Really I have learned a lot here, even about the back seat! Already adjusted my display, but probably should not use the radio, can't have it distract me while negotiate off ramps on the autobahn.

It's good to know that my car is not glichy...that the nav is that odd..and that even if I don't like who I throw in the back....they can charge their phone!

Thanks!
Reply
Old Jan 21, 2012 | 02:55 PM
  #15  
kbahl21's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,253
Likes: 2
From: Syosset, NY
CLK & GL
there is another cigarette lighter adapter thing that comes out from behind the center console where the secondary ashtray is. When you open up the middle thing in the rear seats there is a plastic slot thing in the middle of the top part. Push that in and 2 more cupholders come out. you cant fit any drink in there and expect them not to spill though.
Reply
Old Jan 21, 2012 | 02:56 PM
  #16  
kbahl21's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,253
Likes: 2
From: Syosset, NY
CLK & GL
As far as the NAV system goes... the e46 m3 one is easily the worst i have ever seen ours are much easier to use
Reply
Old Jan 21, 2012 | 04:08 PM
  #17  
Rudeney's Avatar
MBworld Guru
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 10,782
Likes: 1,011
NO LONGER ACTIVE
Originally Posted by kbahl21
When you open up the middle thing in the rear seats there is a plastic slot thing in the middle of the top part. Push that in and 2 more cupholders come out. you cant fit any drink in there and expect them not to spill though.
FYI, "16" has a cabriolet and there are no rear-seat cup holders (the armrest is a different design from your coupe).
Reply
Old Jan 21, 2012 | 10:05 PM
  #18  
Since I was 16's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
350 CLK
Thanks rudeney I swear I almost ripped my back seat out today, searching for those Cupholders. Lol. But kbah....I got my phone plugged in!
And did first POI with success on first try. And more comments from complete strangers about car. Do love that!
Reply
Old Jan 21, 2012 | 11:28 PM
  #19  
whtclk's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: Victoria, BC (Calgarian tho)
CLK550
haha i agree 100% with putting everything on the seat. my passenger seat almost always has receipts, headphones, sunglasses, and a magazine on it
Reply
Old Jan 22, 2012 | 06:50 AM
  #20  
Glyn M Ruck's Avatar
Super Moderator
MBWorld Ambassador

 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
She's still a great car for what is afterall a 10 year old design. I'm amazed that in 2009 motoring scribes were still using superlatives like "beautiful", "lovely", "stunning" etc. to describe the CLK. It has to be one of Benz' best styling excercises in the past 20 years. The sheer balance of design is amazing. For a compact design it is still a pleasure to drive.
Reply
Old Jan 22, 2012 | 06:55 PM
  #21  
ellcapitan's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: Beacon NY
'03 CLK 320 Coupe
At least you have nav. The only navigation system my '03 CLK 320 has is the two map pockets in the doors! I did not know about the second cigar lighter in back. I'm about to go check on that. One of my BIG beefs with this car was (the presumption) that it only has one charging port.

EDIT: I just checked, and mine does not have anything resembling a second cigar lighter in the rear ashtray. It must be only on newer models. So, my BIG beef still stands. (Hush, this is a family establishment...)

Last edited by ellcapitan; Jan 22, 2012 at 07:04 PM.
Reply
Old Feb 3, 2012 | 07:03 AM
  #22  
Since I was 16's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
350 CLK
hey speakin of Nav (somewhere in here) I am SURE i can pour over the owners manual for answers but you guys are way more fun. I cannot find a setting to turn down/off the nav voice. Half the time I am just using it for ETA not directions, can I mute her? I see the options of no tunnels, bridges or freeways--not no option for "no voice" does it exist? Girl always talkin' over my tunes!!
Reply
Old Feb 3, 2012 | 09:47 AM
  #23  
M-bENZ's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,136
Likes: 5
Corrolla
Well tell her shuuudup lol.
Reply
Old Feb 3, 2012 | 01:18 PM
  #24  
kbahl21's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,253
Likes: 2
From: Syosset, NY
CLK & GL
when she starts talking, press mute
Reply
Old Feb 3, 2012 | 02:36 PM
  #25  
Since I was 16's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
350 CLK
Mbenz--I looked and that's not in the manual. lol
Kbahl---I tried that and the radio muted--maybe i did not do that while Nav was talking. I will try again~

Last edited by Since I was 16; Feb 3, 2012 at 02:40 PM.
Reply


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:21 AM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE