ML Dude, Gillybenztech,

I've never thought of kleiner but have heard kompact suggested and, to be truthful, I don't know which is correct. However, in classic (ie pre-war) Mercedes-Benz nomenclature, K was for kurz. I think.

However, in this month's Car (June 2002), Georg Kacher (whom I regard as one of the very best auto-journalists) writes under the title "Newcomers: Mercedes-Benz CLK: All Merc and no play":

...Mercedes has indeed replaced the CLK with a new model based on the latest C-Class. More than before, the CLK badge stands for Coupé, Luxus, Kurz. That's exactly what you get: a shorter version of the posh full-size CL.

And Kacher goes on to ask (and answer) the question that started this thread:

In price and size, the CLK is more of an E-class coupé than a C-class. Its DNA speaks a different language, though: no air suspension, no electro-hydraulic brakes, no 4Matic four-wheel drive.

Despite the title, it's a pretty positive review.

Moreover, in the seminal (and available for only $6.99 apparently, which is gutting when, like me you paid £40 for it) Schlegelmilch/Lehbrink work Mercedes (Könemann, Köln 1997) it is said at p. 574:

SLK is a blend of well-known Mercedes designations of the past, and stands for Sport, Leicht, Kurz (Sport, Light, Short).

All I know is... I'd quite like one!

Gillybenztech,

Yeah, you're absolutely right that a CLK/W208 is not simply a two-door W202. But the floor pan and major suspension components are borrowed with only minor changes. Apparently even the SLK R170 is based on that platform but I know from looking that there's not much (if anything) in common! It's much the same as the VW Golf, Seat Leon, Audi A3, Audi TT and Skoda Octavia are based on the same platform, event though they are all very different in size and shape.

And the CLK is made in Bremen, while the C-Class is made in Sindelfingen.

__________________
JJ Rodger
2013 G350 Bluetec
1999 SL 500
1993 E300 diesel T
1990 190