Segment:
Compact Executive Convertible / Coupe
Target Audience:
Luxury car buyers seeking stylish, comfortable, and technologically advanced personal transportation.
Key Competitors:
BMW 3 Series Convertible, Audi A4 Cabriolet, Saab 9-3 Convertible, Porsche Boxster (in terms of premium convertible appeal).
Convertible Top:
Fully automatic, fabric convertible top with a glass rear window, offering a refined open-air experience.
Design Philosophy:
Elegant styling with Mercedes-Benz's signature blend of luxury, performance, and advanced engineering.
Interior Comfort:
Premium materials, comfortable seating, and a driver-focused cockpit with high-quality finishes.
Primary Coverage:
Vehicle Operation, Maintenance, and Basic Troubleshooting
Technical Scope:
Owner Information, System Overviews, and Routine Servicing
Estimated Pages:
N/A (Digital Download)
Type:
Owner's Manual / Operator's Manual
Purpose:
Guidance for vehicle owners on operation, maintenance, and features.
File Format:
PDF Download
Delivery Method:
Instant Digital Download
Powertrain:
Engine operation, fuel, cooling, lubrication, ignition, and exhaust systems overview.
Chassis:
Braking system, steering system, suspension system, wheels, and tires.
Electrical:
Lighting system, instrument cluster, power accessories, battery, and basic electrical component identification.
Body Interior:
Seating, safety restraints, climate control, interior trim, convertible top operation, and locks/security.
Electronics:
Entertainment systems (radio, CD player), navigation system (if equipped), and driver assistance systems (overview).
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid level checks, filter replacement guidance, and cleaning recommendations.
Troubleshooting:
Basic troubleshooting tips for common issues, warning lamp explanations, and diagnostic indicators.
Operation:
Detailed instructions on vehicle operation, including starting, driving, parking, and using vehicle features.
Safety:
Information on safety restraints, child seat installation, and general driving safety practices.
Customization:
Information on adjusting seats, mirrors, steering wheel, and operating accessories.
Depth:
Covers owner-level maintenance and operation; not a comprehensive workshop or repair manual.
Diagnostic Level:
Basic diagnostic indicators and troubleshooting for common user-encountered problems.
Repair Scope:
Limited repair information, focusing on owner-maintainable items (e.g., bulb replacement, fluid checks).
Compatibility:
Readable on any device with a PDF reader (Windows, macOS, Linux, tablets, smartphones).
Additional Software:
May require WinZip or WinRAR for unzipping if provided in a compressed format.
Printability:
Printable on any standard printer.
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Size Guideline:
Up to 2550 MB (variable based on content and compression).
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V6
Displacement:
3.2 Liters (3199 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
89.9 mm x 84.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Valve Train:
SOHC, 3 valves per cylinder (18 valves total)
Horsepower:
215 hp @ 5750 rpm
Torque:
229 lb-ft @ 3000-4500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane Recommended)
Engine Oil Capacity:
8.0 Liters (8.5 US Quarts)
Recommended Oil Spec:
MB 229.1, SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 (check manual for specific viscosity recommendations based on climate)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 9.5 Liters (9.9 US Quarts) with heater
Recommended Coolant:
Mercedes-Benz Specification 325.0 (50% mixture of antifreeze and distilled water)
Type:
5-Speed Automatic Transmission (5G-Tronic)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 7.5 Liters (7.9 US Quarts) for torque converter and transmission
Transmission Fluid Spec:
MB 236.10 / MB 236.12 (Dexron III or equivalent often listed as compatible, but official MB spec is preferred)
NHTSA Front Driver Side:
5-Star (for 2001 models)
NHTSA Front Passenger Side:
5-Star (for 2001 models)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Esp:
Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (ASR - Acceleration Slip Regulation)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, side airbags, and pop-up roll bar protection.
Seat Belts:
Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and belt-force limiters.
Roll Over Protection:
Automatic pop-up roll bars integrated behind the rear seats.
Audio System:
Premium sound system with AM/FM radio, CD player, and potentially Bose or Harman Kardon premium audio options.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system (COMAND system).
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Rain Sensing Wipers:
Optional rain-sensing windshield wipers.
Telephony:
Optional integrated hands-free telephone system.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil.
Major Service Interval:
Major services (e.g., spark plugs, transmission fluid) recommended around 60,000-100,000 miles (refer to manual for specifics).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (MB Specification 331.0)
Power Steering Fluid:
MB Specification 236.3 (Dexron II E or similar)
Convertible Top Hydraulics:
Leaking hydraulic lines or pump failure for the convertible top mechanism. Manual suggests checking fluid levels.
Window Regulators:
Common issues with power window regulators and motors, especially in older vehicles.
Coil Packs:
Occasional ignition coil pack failures can lead to misfires and rough running.
Mass Airflow Sensor:
Can become dirty or fail, affecting engine performance and fuel economy.
Brand Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for luxury, engineering excellence, and automotive innovation dating back to the late 19th century.
Platform:
Based on the W202 C-Class platform, sharing many mechanical components.
Generation Timeline:
The A208 CLK convertible was produced from 1998 to 2003, succeeding the E-Class Cabriolet and preceding the A209 CLK.
Manufacturing Location:
Bremen, Germany
Brand Reputation Awards:
Mercedes-Benz consistently ranked high in customer satisfaction surveys and brand prestige awards during this period.
IIHS Ratings:
Likely received 'Good' ratings in relevant IIHS crash tests for its era, though specific 2001 ratings may vary.
Emissions Standards:
Compliant with U.S. Federal emissions standards for the 2001 model year.
