Mercedes-Benz CLK Cabriolet (2003-2009) running costs and reliability

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Running costs rating: 2.5 out of 52.5

Written by David Ross Published: 6 June 2019

Miles per pound (mpp)

Reliable fuel consumption data for comparison purposes is not available for this model.

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Fuel economy

A more stringent standard for fuel economy (WLTP) was introduced from September 2017, and this model was not required to undergo that test. Its fuel economy measured under the previous test system was 24 - 32 mpg. However these figures are less likely to be achievable in real world driving and so should never be compared to another car's mpg which was measured under the newer, more realistic WLTP system.

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Mercedes-Benz servicing rates are particularly high, but residual values are very good so you won’t lose much in depreciation. Fuel and insurance costs will depend upon your extravagance in the engine department. The CLK500 averages just 24mpg and is group 20 insurance.

CLK scores badly on the eco front. With an average of 248 g/km CO2 across the range, its emissions are quite high for a sports cabriolet. There are no diesels in the line-up so the greenest model is the CLK200 K which emits 205g/km of CO2 with the manual gearbox, averaging 33mpg.

We haven’t heard of any major mechanical issues with the CLK and it should prove as reliable as other modern Mercedes. All the engines have proved durable in other models.