Mercedes-Benz CLK reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Mercedes-Benz CLK is a executive car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 111 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 200 of 442, and 39.1% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is ball joint (8.7% of tests).
Ranked 200 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League, and 14 of 16 executive cars
In 2024, 22,032 Mercedes-Benz CLKs aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 39.1% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Mercedes-Benz CLK is 10% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage.
First-time fail rate
39.1%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
–
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
6,000
Typical age at test: 18 years
Mercedes-Benz CLK MOT failure rate by age
Most common Mercedes-Benz CLK MOT faults
- Ball joint: ball joint excessively worn8.7% of tests
- Coil spring: fractured or broken6.9% of tests
- Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect3.7% of tests
- Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction3.3% of tests
- Pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn3.3% of tests
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.2% of tests
What the Mercedes-Benz CLK fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 20.9% | ▲ 1.2× as often |
| Lights and electrics | 14.0% | ▼ 34% less often |
| Brakes | 11.0% | ▼ 14% less often |
| Tyres | 8.1% | ▲ 1.1× as often |
| Visibility | 5.6% | ▼ 23% less often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 5.1% | ▼ 25% less often |
| Steering | 3.4% | ▼ 13% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 2.6% | About average |
| Body and structure | 2.4% | ▼ 71% less often |
| Wheels | 1.2% | ▲ 2.3× as often |
What MPG does the Mercedes-Benz CLK do?
Official economy for the Mercedes-Benz CLK ranges from 18.5 to 44.8mpg across the 227 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2010). A typical petrol version manages 29.7mpg and a typical diesel 40.9mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Mercedes-Benz CLK?
Any Mercedes-Benz CLK first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Mercedes-Benz CLK registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £325 to £790 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carMercedes-Benz CLK specs and running costs
Official figures for 227 versions sold in the UK between 2004 and 2010.
Fuel types
Diesel, Petrol
Official economy
18.5–44.8 mpg
CO2
167–369 g/km
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLK Coupé (209) CLK 220 CDI no DPF 225 Tyres at rearM6 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 44.1 mpg | 169g | £325 |
| CLK Coupé (209) CLK 220 CDI no DPF 225 Tyres at rearA5 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 41.5 mpg | 180g | £360 |
| CLK Coupé (209) CLK 220 CDI no DPF 245/255 Tyres at rearM6 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 43.5 mpg | 172g | £325 |
| CLK Coupé (209) CLK 220 CDI no DPF 245/255 Tyres at rearA5 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 40.9 mpg | 183g | £360 |
| CLK Coupé (209) CLK 320 CDI no DPF 245 Tyres at rearA7 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 38.7 mpg | 193g | £410 |
| CLK Coupé (209) CLK 320 CDI with DPF 245 Tyres at rearA7 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 38.7 mpg | 193g | £410 |
| CLK Coupé (209) CLK 320 CDI no DPF 255 Tyres at rearA7 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 36.7 mpg | 205g | £445 |
| CLK Coupé (209) CLK 320 CDI with DPF 255 Tyres at rearA7 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 36.7 mpg | 205g | £445 |
| CLK Cabriolet (209) CLK 200 Kompressor 225 Tyres at rearM6 · listed 2010 | Petrol | 32.8 mpg | 205g | £445 |
| CLK Cabriolet (209) CLK 200 Kompressor 245/255 Tyres at rearM6 · listed 2010 | Petrol | 31.7 mpg | 212g | £445 |
| CLK Cabriolet (209) CLK 200 Kompressor 225 Tyres at rearA5 · listed 2010 | Petrol | 32.5 mpg | 207g | £445 |
| CLK Cabriolet (209) CLK 200 Kompressor 245/255 Tyres at rearA5 · listed 2010 | Petrol | 31.4 mpg | 214g | £445 |
| CLK Cabriolet (209) CLK 280 225 Tyres at rearA7 · listed 2010 | Petrol | 30.4 mpg | 222g | £445 |
| CLK Cabriolet (209) CLK 280 245 Tyres at rearA7 · listed 2010 | Petrol | 29.7 mpg | 227g | £760 |
| CLK Cabriolet (209) CLK 280 255 Tyres at rearA7 · listed 2010 | Petrol | 29.4 mpg | 229g | £760 |
Economy and CO2 are official NEDC (before 2018) or WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Showing the 15 most recent of 227 versions.
What a Mercedes-Benz CLK costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 29.7mpg…
- diesel, typical official 40.9mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Mercedes-Benz CLKBuying a used Mercedes-Benz CLK?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Compare the Mercedes-Benz CLK with other executive cars
Reliability, economy, car tax and running costs side by side.
Other Mercedes-Benz models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Mercedes-Benz CLK reliable?
Its MOT record is better than average: the Mercedes-Benz CLK is 10% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 111 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Mercedes-Benz CLK?
The most common MOT fault is “Ball joint: ball joint excessively worn”, found in 8.7% of tests. It fails on wheels more often than similar cars.
›What MPG does the Mercedes-Benz CLK do?
Official economy for the Mercedes-Benz CLK ranges from 18.5 to 44.8mpg across the 227 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2010). A typical petrol version manages 29.7mpg and a typical diesel 40.9mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Mercedes-Benz CLK?
Any Mercedes-Benz CLK first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Mercedes-Benz CLK registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £325 to £790 a year.
›How many Mercedes-Benz CLKs fail their MOT?
39.1% of Mercedes-Benz CLKs aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Mercedes-Benz CLK combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.