2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK CLK 500

2005 Mercedes Benz CLK500 Convertible Against the old benchmarks, this new for 2003 CLK500 is something of an extremist. It packs very reasonable room for four adults into a package that's downright compact, not quite 183 inches long, nearly a foot shorter than a Camaro. Extreme, too, is the 5.0 liter V8's thrust; 0 to 60 in 5.7 seconds will get you the last word in most exchanges. Back on those long ago summer nights, this Benz would have shown its tail lights to all the bad boys on the blacktop and had the girls paying for rides. Car and Driver, September 2002  For consignment a 2005 CLK500 showing 37,750 title verified actual miles. This sports convertible offers Mercedes quality, a luxurious interior, and soft, rounded exterior lines, veering from the Benz propensity of previous generation for boxy cars with lots of right angles.  Exterior Cubanitsilber Metallic colors this car with quality, two stage coverage like a vat of liquid platinum. Nearly seamless in its design with integrated round headlights which melt right into the front quarters and border the hood and grille with chrome bars within the oval opening. The tri pointed star shines bright on the center of this grille, and a body matching integrated bumper all leads the way for this relatively compact car. A black canvas top is in good shape, holding a glass window in the back and connected to the raked windshield in front. On either side a rounded color keyed body, molding continues towards the rear of the car where a tasteful spoiler rises from the decklid. Flush tail lights harken Mercedes design with horizontal reverse lenses while a third brake light is perched on the decklid as well while an oval exhaust tip finds a place within the rear splitter. AMG branded 17-inch five spoke wheels combine sportiness with luxury and present in nice condition with a few scratches noted. With the top down, the hard tonneau cover hints at fairings with slight humps behind each rear seat. Imperfections include multiple chin scrapes, a scratch on the door, and two small tears in the canvas top.  Interior For the inside a nice mixture of black leather, molded plastic and vinyl along with a peppering of wood appliqué accenting is noted in the doors and center console. Robust bucket seats are positioned in front and a 2+2 bench is in back. These are all in black pristine leather which are in very nice condition. This handsome design carries through to the dash where instruments are clearly present under the semicircular dash top and matching circumference steering wheel with a firm, black rubber rim. Warm and glossy burl wood framing surrounds the AM/FM/CD radio on the center stack along with the climate panel and upper control switchgear, finally flowing down to the center console where the shifter of obvious quality rises from a leather boot. Black carpeting floods the floors protected by rubber mats and the trunk is finished and clean.  Drivetrain Under the hood hidden within the confines of a clean engine bay is a completely covered 5.0 liter SOHC V8 rated at 302 horsepower and fuel injected via a Bosch Motronic ME 2.8 system. A Daimler Benz 5G Tronic 5-speed automatic sends power to a 2.82 final drive axle in the rear. Naturally, power disc brakes are employed front and rear.  Undercarriage Fantastically clean and mostly covered, the underside has minimal surface rust on untreated hardware and no errant fluid or grease. Dual exhaust becomes one and runs through an original equipment muffler just before exiting via a chrome tip. Independent McPherson strut suspension is upfront, and independent coil sprung suspension on back.     Drive-Ability We take our comfortable seat and were torn between the sheer luxury of the interior and the potential sportiness of the ride. Impressive acceleration and handling accompanies this personal luxury car with enough room for the family. The solid thunk of the door is met with a solid chassis. No rattles, n