🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

CLK Class

Chassis Code:

C208

Product Name:

Mercedes Benz C208 CLK Class Full Service & Repair Manual 1996-2003

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact Executive Sports Coupe/Convertible

Market Competitors:

BMW 3 Series Coupe, Audi A4 Cabriolet, Lexus SC

Vehicle Appeal:

Stylish design, comfortable interior, strong performance, Mercedes-Benz build quality and brand prestige

Manual Value Proposition:

Enables owners and independent mechanics to perform dealership-level maintenance and repairs, saving significant costs.

📋 Manual Details

Applicable Years:

1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003

Model Variants Covered:

CLK200, CLK230 Kompressor, CLK320, CLK430, CLK55 AMG

Estimated Page Count:

Hundreds (specific number not provided, but described as very detailed)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English (assumed based on product description context)

Format:

Digital (PDF, downloadable)

License Type:

Lifetime, no expiry, no renewal fees

Device Compatibility:

Multiple computers, tablets, smartphones (Windows & MAC compatible)

Print Capability:

Printable (single pages or entire manual)

Version Type:

Full manual, no limitations or trial versions

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine overhaul, diagnostics, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, exhaust, emissions control

Transmission Systems:

Automatic Transmission (e.g., 722.6, 722.7) service, repair, diagnostics, fluid specifications

Drivetrain Systems:

Front and rear axle, driveshafts, differentials, CV joints

Suspension Steering Systems:

Front and rear suspension components, steering gear, power steering system, wheel alignment

Brake Systems:

Front and rear brakes (disc, ABS), brake lines, master cylinder, calipers, parking brake

Electrical Systems:

Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, wipers, horn, power windows, mirrors, seats, central locking, alarm system, SRS airbag system

Body And Chassis:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, glass, convertible top (if applicable to specific models), frame and underbody

Climate Control HVAC:

Air conditioning system, heater, ventilation, blower motor, controls

Infotainment And Electronics:

Radio/audio system, navigation system (if equipped), instrument cluster, control modules (e.g., SAM, ECU)

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspections and replacement, brake pad/rotor replacement, coolant flush

Repair Procedures:

Engine component replacement (e.g., starter, alternator, water pump), transmission service, suspension component replacement (e.g., shocks, ball joints), brake caliper replacement, electrical component diagnostics and replacement

Troubleshooting Diagnostics:

Step-by-step diagnostic charts for common issues, electrical troubleshooting guides, symptom-based problem solving

Special Tools And Procedures:

Identification of necessary special tools for specific tasks, torque specifications for critical fasteners

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds)

Detail Level:

Highly detailed with step-by-step instructions, exploded diagrams, and pictures

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format Details:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Print Resolution:

High-quality for clear reproduction of text, photos, and diagrams

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital format, no physical binding)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital format, no physical paper)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options Overview:

Inline-4 (2.0L, 2.3L Supercharged), V6 (3.2L, 4.3L), V8 (5.5L)

Clk200 Engine:

M111 E20 (2.0L Inline-4), approx. 136 hp

Clk230 Kompressor Engine:

M111 E23 ML (2.3L Supercharged Inline-4), approx. 193 hp

Clk320 Engine:

M112 E32 (3.2L V6), approx. 215 hp

Clk430 Engine:

M113 E43 (4.3L V8), approx. 275 hp

Clk55 Amg Engine:

M113 E55 (5.5L V8), approx. 342 hp

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) / Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)

Fuel Requirement:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission Type:

5-Speed Automatic (e.g., 722.6, 722.7 variants depending on engine/year)

Optional Transmission Type:

Some early models may have offered a 5-speed manual transmission (rare).

Transmission Features:

Touchshift (driver selectable modes), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) integration

📐 Dimensions

Coupe Wheelbase:

Approx. 2,715 mm (106.9 in)

Convertible Wheelbase:

Approx. 2,715 mm (106.9 in)

Coupe Length:

Approx. 4,538 mm (178.7 in)

Seating Capacity:

4

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 1,500 - 1,700 kg (3,300 - 3,750 lbs), varies by model and equipment

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rating:

Not specifically rated for all model years by NHTSA, but generally considered safe for its era.

Active Safety Systems:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Traction Control System (TCS)

Passive Safety Features:

Front airbags, side airbags (optional/standard depending on year/trim), pre-tensioned seatbelts, reinforced safety cell

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Systems Offered:

Factory AM/FM/CD stereo systems, optional CD changer, Bose premium sound system, optional navigation system (APS series).

Driver Assistance Features:

Cruise control, optional parking assist sensors.

Connectivity Features:

Limited by modern standards; typically includes external auxiliary input for audio on some later models or aftermarket solutions.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil. (Consult manual for exact vehicle-specific recommendations).

Major Service Intervals:

Refer to the manual for 'B' service and other interval-based checks (e.g., spark plugs, transmission fluid, coolant at specific mileages/years).

Engine Oil Specification:

MB 229.3 or 229.5 approved synthetic engine oil (e.g., SAE 0W-40, 5W-40). Consult manual for precise viscosity and spec.

Transmission Fluid Specification:

MB 236.10 or 236.14 (for 722.6 transmissions). Refer to manual for exact type and quantity.

Coolant Specification:

Mercedes-Benz approved coolant concentrate (e.g., G48 or similar) mixed with distilled water, typically a 50/50 ratio.

Common Wear Items:

Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor failures, crankcase ventilation system issues (oil leaks), ignition coil failures, suspension bushings wear, blower motor resistor failure, vacuum line leaks, convertible top hydraulic system issues (on convertibles).

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer History:

Mercedes-Benz: Established in 1926, renowned for luxury, engineering, and safety.

Generation Timeline:

C208 generation launched in 1997 (for the 1998 model year), based on the C-Class platform (W202). Replaced by the C209 CLK Class in 2003.

Production Plants:

Primarily manufactured in Germany (e.g., Sindelfingen).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Popular Mechanics Editors Choice:

Not specifically documented, but the CLK Class was well-regarded for its style and performance.

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Variable depending on model year and specific issues reported by owners.