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Mercedes-Benz CLK C208, facelift 1999 CLK 230 Kompressor (193 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, facelift 1999 Overview:
Mercedes-Benz CLK (C208, facelift 1999). With 280 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1425 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8.4 s). The top speed reaches 231 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.
CLK 230 Kompressor (193 Hp) 5G-TRONIC Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Similar to the 197 Hp variant, this engine delivers strong, responsive power thanks to the supercharger, making it a capable and enjoyable drive.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption is acceptable for the performance offered, though it can be thirsty if pushed hard. Slightly less efficient than the 197 Hp version.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Timeless and elegant coupe styling
- • High-quality interior materials and comfortable cabin
- • Smooth and refined ride, ideal for long journeys
- • Wide range of engines, from economical to high-performance V8s
- • Strong brand prestige and image
- • Comprehensive safety features for its era (ABS, ESP, multiple airbags)
Cons:
- • Fuel economy can be high, especially with V6 and V8 engines
- • Potential for rust, particularly on early C208 models and specific body areas
- • Maintenance and parts can be expensive due to Mercedes-Benz premium
- • Limited rear passenger space for adults on extended trips
- • Some interior plastics may show wear over time
- • Older automatic transmissions can feel less responsive compared to modern units
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(C209, facelift 2005: April, 2007 - May, 2009).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | CLK |
| Generation: | C208, facelift 1999 |
| Modification (Engine): | CLK 230 Kompressor (193 Hp) 5G-TRONIC |
| Start of production: | August, 1999 |
| End of production: | June, 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 193 Hp @ 5300 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 84.1 Hp/l [90mm less] |
| Torque: | 280 Nm @ 2500-4800 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 111.975 More details about the engine M 111.975 |
| Engine displacement: | 2295 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Supercharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5.5 l |
| Coolant: | 8 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 90.9 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 88.4 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8.8:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 14.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 9.9 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 8.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 8.4 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 231 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.4 kg/Hp, 135.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.1 kg/Nm, 196.5 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 8 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1425 |
| Max. weight: | 1850 |
| Max load: | 425 |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 1500 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 62 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 715 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4567 mm mm [90mm less] |
| Width: | 1722 mm mm [111mm less] |
| Height: | 1371 mm mm [6mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2690 mm mm [25mm less] |
| Front track: | 1505 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1474 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.70 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 | 205/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 16 |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
Your first impression of the Mercedes-Benz CLK in one word? Go!