Mercedes’ C209 CLK Coupe was its second run at a mid-sized compact executive coupe which attempted to mix E class styling with C class proportions. Much more successful in the styling department than its predecessor, the C209 cuts an elegant pillarless dash and comes laden with standard kit including air conditioning, antilock brakes, cruise control, electric seats and dual zone climate control.
A wide range of engines were fitted from a supercharged 1.8 four cylinder right up to a 5.4 litre V8 with the 3.2 litre V6 seen here making a happy compromise between performance, sonics and fuel consumption. Mated to a five speed automatic gearbox driving the rear wheels, performance was more than adequate and the model excelled as a comfortable GT car which is also rewarding to drive.
Today, a well-maintained example definitely falls into the ‘lots of car for the money’ category.
This example started off as a southerner, with main dealers in Bournemouth and Salisbury taking care of servicing until 2012 when it migrated to the Midlands where it continued with main dealer servicing to 2015. Thereafter it has been regularly maintained by independent specialists, with the last service carried out on the 21st April this year. The MOT history shows a couple of items that were swiftly dealt with and has been clean since 2016. The only apparent modification is an after-market parking sensor kit covering both the front and rear.
The document folder contains all of the original manuals and a service record which contains a complete set of sixteen stamps from new. Both in the documents and its condition, the car never seems to have wanted for anything. The V5 is present and the current MOT expires on 18 May 2022.
The light grey colour scheme complements the light blue paintwork well and the interior retains a sense of elegant luxury. The seats are unmarked with only some light wear to the driver’s seat bolster showing any sign of use and the carpets (including Mercedes Benz overmats) having a few marks but nothing that detracts from the overall ambience, and probably all that could be addressed by a keen valeter.
All of the buttons and switches function as intended, including the parking sensors, and the wood trim all remains in good condition. For clarity for our younger readers, the head unit is a single slot CD player and the unit in the glovebox which resembles a CD changer is in fact a storage unit. The boot is clean and tidy and houses a full toolkit and space saver spare under the floor.
Overall, it’s in lovely condition and shows all the signs of it having been a well-cared for car.Mercedes CLK320-35.jpg1.15 MB
The Exterior
The car presents very smartly with the icy blue ‘Eisblau’ metallic paint showing off the design to a tee. It has little wear to show for its age with an all round lustre and no flat spots to the paintwork. The bodywork is all straight with tight panel gaps and no apparent dents or scrapes. The wheels are in generally good condition and, although they do have some small kerbing marks and light discolouration in parts, they still look presentable. The set of Falken tyres, meanwhile, all have good tread.
The aftermarket parking sensors are a tidy installation and almost look OEM. With a set of private plates, we’d guess that most people would struggle to correctly identify the age of the car.Mercedes CLK320-15.jpg1.47 MB
The Mechanics
The engine is sufficiently modern to be largely swathed in plastic covers but the engine bay is original and tidy and the car starts without hesitation. The sound from the V6 is creamy and on the road the car covers ground effortlessly with no untoward noises and smooth changes from the automatic box.
A comfy pillarless coupe that’s also rewarding to drive, the C209 is a low-cost way into Mercedes ownership. Hailing from an era in which Mercedes were looking to rebuild their reputation for quality after a bit of a fallow period, they wear their miles well and, if properly maintained, then they will have plenty of life left in them.
With a service book that demonstrates a fastidious approach to maintenance and in a condition that reflects that, this example is everything you would wish for when shopping for a Mercedes of this era. So if you want to make the neighbours think that you’re punching above your automotive weight, or just need some discreet, relaxed transport, then get bidding now.
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