Vehicle Segment:
Luxury Grand Tourer / Personal Luxury Coupe/Convertible
Infotainment System Positioning:
Premium, integrated system offering advanced navigation, audio, and communication for its era.
Competitors:
BMW 3 Series Coupe/Convertible, Audi A4 Cabriolet, Lexus SC, Cadillac XLR
Exterior Design:
Sleek, sporty coupe and convertible styling synonymous with Mercedes-Benz elegance.
Interior Appointments:
High-quality materials, ergonomic design, focus on driver comfort and luxury.
Performance Orientation:
Emphasis on comfortable yet engaging driving dynamics.
Infotainment Integration:
Centralized control for essential functions, enhancing user experience and reducing dashboard clutter.
Coverage Scope:
COMAND APS Navigation System Operation and Features
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 150-250 pages (estimated based on typical COMAND manuals)
Manual Type:
Operator's Manual / User Guide
Language:
English (Assumed based on common product listings for this market)
Primary System:
COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation EXpert) Infotainment System
Audio System Features:
Radio operation (AM/FM/LW), CD player, CD changer control, Media interface (if applicable)
Navigation System Features:
Map display, Destination input (address, points of interest), Route calculation, Voice guidance, Traffic information (if equipped)
Climate Control Interface:
Integration with climate control system for display and basic adjustments (if applicable)
Telephone Features:
Bluetooth connectivity (if equipped), Hands-free operation, Phonebook management
Vehicle Settings Interface:
Access to certain vehicle settings and information displays via COMAND
Initial Setup:
System power on/off, initial configuration steps
Basic Operation:
Navigating menus, using controls (buttons, rotary knob, touch-sensitive elements)
Destination Entry:
Entering addresses, searching for POIs, using previous destinations
Route Management:
Selecting route preferences, recalculating routes, managing waypoints
Audio Playback Control:
Selecting sources, adjusting volume, tuning stations, managing CD/changer
Phone Pairing And Usage:
Connecting a mobile phone, making/receiving calls, managing contacts
Troubleshooting Basic:
Common error messages, basic system resets
Depth Of Coverage:
Operator-focused, detailing functional use and user interface. Does not cover internal component repair or advanced diagnostics.
Engine Code Common:
M112 (V6), M113 (V8 - for CLK55 AMG)
Engine Configuration:
90-degree V6 or V8
Displacement Clk320:
3.2 Liters (3199 cc)
Displacement Clk500:
5.0 Liters (4966 cc)
Displacement Clk55 Amg:
5.4 Liters (5439 cc)
Horsepower Clk320:
215 hp @ 5700 rpm
Torque Clk320:
221 lb-ft @ 3000-4250 rpm
Horsepower Clk500:
302 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque Clk500:
339 lb-ft @ 2700-4250 rpm
Horsepower Clk55 Amg:
362 hp @ 5750 rpm
Torque Clk55 Amg:
376 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Transmission Type V6:
5-speed automatic transmission (5G-TRONIC)
Transmission Type V8 Amg:
5-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT automatic transmission
Optional Transmission:
N/A for 2003 CLK-Class (all models featured automatic)
Transmission Modes:
Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Good (as per IIHS reports for similar models of the era)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Good (as per IIHS reports for similar models of the era)
Traction Control:
ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation)
Electronic Stability:
ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
Braking System:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Airbags Front:
Dual-stage front airbags
Airbags Side:
Front side-impact airbags
Airbags Window:
Front and rear window airbags (curtain airbags)
Rollover Protection:
Automatic pop-up roll bars (Cabriolet)
Display Type:
Color LCD screen (typically 7-inch)
Control Interface:
Rotary knob and buttons, sometimes with touch-sensitive elements
Navigation Media:
DVD-ROM for map data
Parking Assistance:
Optional PARKTRONIC parking sensors (front and rear)
Bluetooth Interface:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free interface
Auxiliary Input:
Optional auxiliary audio input (3.5mm jack) or Media Interface for external devices.
Oil Change Interval:
Variable (based on Mercedes-Benz Flexible Service System - typically 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first)
Major Service Intervals:
Refer to specific service intervals for spark plugs, transmission fluid, coolant, etc. (e.g., spark plugs around 100,000 miles, transmission fluid around 40,000-60,000 miles, depending on driving conditions).
Engine Oil Specification:
MB 229.5 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40 Synthetic)
Transmission Fluid Specification:
MB 236.10 or MB 236.12 (e.g., ATF Shell 134 or equivalent)
Coolant Specification:
MB 325.0 / MB 326.0 (Glycol Ether based, blue color - approved coolant)
Common Wear Item:
Suspension components (e.g., control arm bushings, ball joints), Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor
Infotainment Concerns:
Navigation disc read errors, pixelation on COMAND display (screen aging/failure), Bluetooth connectivity issues (older phone compatibility)
Electrical Concerns:
Window regulator failures, SAM module (Signal Acquisition Module) issues
Mercedes Benz Heritage:
Founded in 1926, Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, and safety.
Clk Class Positioning:
Positioned as a more youthful and sporty alternative to the E-Class sedan, drawing design cues from the SL and S-Class.
W208 To W209 Transition:
The 2003 model year marked the introduction of the second generation CLK-Class (W209), replacing the W208. It featured a bolder styling, a larger chassis, and updated technology including the COMAND APS system.
Production Years W209:
2002-2009
Manufacturing Location:
Germany
Safety Awards:
While specific awards for the 2003 CLK-Class COMAND system are not typically highlighted, Mercedes-Benz vehicles of this era consistently received high safety ratings and accolades for overall engineering and luxury.
IIHS Crash Test Ratings Similar Models:
Good across front and side impact categories for comparable Mercedes-Benz sedans and coupes of the period.
