DecodedCars2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl, 5.5L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 20 combined · 17 city / 25 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 14 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class is a subcompact car offered with 3 engines (3.5L 6-cyl, 5.5L 8-cyl and 6.2L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 20 MPG combined (17 city / 25 highway), 5% worse than the 2008 subcompact car average of 21.1 MPG, for an estimated $4,100 a year in fuel.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2008
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 CLK-Class — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 CLK-Class →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLK350 (Cabriolet) | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -5% | $4,100 | 444 |
| CLK350 | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -5% | $4,100 | 444 |
| CLK550 | 5.5L 8-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 17 | -19% | $4,850 | 523 |
| CLK550 (Cabriolet) | 5.5L 8-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | -19% | $4,850 | 523 |
| CLK63 AMG | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic (S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 / 19 / 14 | -34% | $5,850 | 635 |
| CLK63 AMG (Cabriolet) | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic (S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 / 18 / 14 | -34% | $5,850 | 635 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class (this car) | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 BMW 3 Series | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Lexus IS | 24 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2008 Audi A4 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2008 Audi A5 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Maserati GranTurismo | 15 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2008 BMW 6 Series | 18 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other CLK-Class years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 CLK-Class | 20 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2007 CLK-Class | 20 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2006 CLK-Class | 20 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2005 CLK-Class | 21 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mercedes-Benz. How we calculate this →