The Mercedes-Benz CLK 230 Kompressor, produced from August 1999 to June 2000, represents a significant iteration of the A208 CLK series following its 1999 facelift. Positioned as a mid-range offering within the CLK lineup, it combined a supercharged four-cylinder engine with a five-speed automatic transmission, aiming to deliver a balance of performance and comfort. This variant was primarily marketed in Europe and other international markets, offering a more accessible entry point into the CLK range compared to the more powerful six and eight-cylinder models. The CLK 230 Kompressor catered to buyers seeking a stylish, open-air experience with the prestige of the Mercedes-Benz brand, without the higher price tag of its larger-engined siblings.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CLK |
| Generation | CLK (A208, facelift 1999) |
| Type | CLK 230 Kompressor (193 Hp) 5G-TRONIC |
| Start of production | August, 1999 |
| End of production | June, 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Cabriolet |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 15.1 l/100 km (15.6 US mpg, 18.7 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7.6 l/100 km (30.9 US mpg, 37.2 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 10.3 l/100 km (22.8 US mpg, 27.4 UK mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 245 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 227 km/h (141.05 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 3 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 193 Hp @ 5300 rpm |
| Torque | 280 Nm @ 2500-4800 rpm (206.52 lb.-ft. @ 2500-4800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M 111.975 |
| Engine displacement | 2295 cm3 (140.05 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 90.9 mm (3.58 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 88.4 mm (3.48 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 8.8:1 |
| 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 (5.81 US qt | 4.84 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 8 l (8.45 US qt | 7.04 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1550 kg (3417.17 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2030 kg (4475.38 lbs.) |
| Max load | 480 kg (1058.22 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space (min) | 237 l (8.37 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space (max) | 350 l (12.36 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 62 l (16.38 US gal | 13.64 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load (braked) | 1500 kg (3306.93 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load (unbraked) | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Length | 4567 mm (179.8 in.) |
| Width | 1722 mm (67.8 in.) |
| Height | 1380 mm (54.33 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2690 mm (105.91 in.) |
| Front track | 1505 mm (59.25 in.) |
| Rear track | 1474 mm (58.03 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.32 |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.7 m (35.1 ft.) |
| Drivetrain | Rear wheel drive |
| Gearbox | 5 gears, automatic transmission G-TRONIC |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Power steering | Hydraulic |
| Tires size | 205/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the CLK 230 Kompressor is the M111.975 engine, a 2.3-liter inline-four cylinder powerplant. This engine is notable for its use of a mechanically driven supercharger (Kompressor in Mercedes terminology) and an intercooler. The supercharger provides increased air intake to the engine, boosting power and torque across the rev range, particularly at lower engine speeds. Fuel delivery is managed by a multi-port fuel injection system. The engine features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, optimizing gas flow for improved performance. The 5G-TRONIC automatic transmission, a five-speed unit, was specifically chosen for its smooth shifting characteristics and ability to handle the engine’s torque output. This transmission offered a balance between fuel efficiency and responsive acceleration.
Driving Characteristics
The CLK 230 Kompressor offered a noticeably different driving experience compared to its naturally aspirated counterparts or the higher-performance CLK 320 and CLK 430 models. The supercharger provided a strong surge of torque from low RPMs, making it feel more responsive in everyday driving situations. While not a sports car, the 193 horsepower output and the automatic transmission’s gear ratios allowed for respectable acceleration – 0 to 60 mph in approximately 8.6 seconds. The automatic transmission, while smooth, wasn’t as engaging as a manual gearbox, and some drivers found it to be slightly hesitant during quick downshifts. The rear-wheel drive configuration provided a balanced feel, but the relatively modest power output meant it wasn’t prone to oversteer.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The CLK 230 Kompressor typically came equipped with a respectable level of standard features. Interior appointments included cloth upholstery, although leather was available as an option. Standard features often included power windows, power locks, a multi-function steering wheel, and an automatic climate control system. Optional extras included leather upholstery, heated seats, a premium sound system, and a sunroof. The exterior styling was consistent with the facelifted A208 CLK, featuring revised headlights and taillights, along with a more modern front bumper design.
Chassis & Braking
The CLK 230 Kompressor utilized a double wishbone suspension setup at the front and an independent multi-link spring suspension at the rear, providing a comfortable ride quality. A transverse stabilizer bar was fitted to both axles to reduce body roll during cornering. The braking system consisted of ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, coupled with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for enhanced safety. The steering was a cone worm with recirculation balls, and hydraulic power steering was standard.
Market Reception & Comparison
The CLK 230 Kompressor was generally well-received by automotive critics as a stylish and comfortable grand tourer. It offered a good balance of performance and fuel economy, making it an attractive option for buyers who didn’t require the outright power of the larger-engined CLK models. Compared to the CLK 320, the 230 Kompressor offered similar levels of luxury and refinement at a lower price point, but with less overall performance. Fuel economy was a strong point, with combined figures around 22.8 US mpg, making it more economical than the V6 and V8 variants. Reliability was generally good, although the supercharger system required periodic maintenance.
Legacy
The M111 engine, as used in the CLK 230 Kompressor, proved to be a durable and reliable powerplant when properly maintained. Today, these vehicles are sought after by enthusiasts who appreciate their classic styling and relatively affordable entry price. While the supercharger can require attention over time, the engine itself is generally considered robust. The CLK 230 Kompressor represents a sweet spot in the CLK range, offering a blend of performance, comfort, and style that continues to appeal to drivers today. Finding well-maintained examples is becoming increasingly difficult, but they remain a desirable option for those seeking a classic Mercedes-Benz convertible.
