Segment:
Entry-level Luxury Coupe/Convertible
Target Audience:
Discerning buyers seeking stylish, comfortable, and well-engineered personal luxury vehicles
Key Competitors 2008:
BMW 3 Series Coupe/Convertible, Audi A5, Lexus SC, Infiniti G37 Coupe
Design:
Sleek, aerodynamic styling, hallmark Mercedes-Benz build quality and interior refinement
Performance:
Refined and potent engine options, comfortable ride quality, capable handling
Technology:
Advanced safety features, optional premium infotainment systems
Powertrain:
Engine (all variants), Transmission (automatic), Drivetrain, Exhaust System
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), Steering, Brakes (including ABS/ESP), Wheels and Tires
Electrical:
Engine Control Module (ECM), Body Control Module (BCM), Lighting Systems, Infotainment, Instrument Cluster, Power Accessories, SRS (Airbag) System
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Convertible Top Mechanism (A209), HVAC System
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid), filter replacements, spark plug service
Repair:
Engine component replacement (e.g., injectors, sensors, timing components), transmission overhaul, brake caliper and rotor replacement, suspension component repair/replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, component testing procedures, wiring diagrams
Special Procedures:
Convertible top hydraulic system service, keyless-go system programming, ECU re-flashing procedures
Depth:
Full factory specifications, detailed exploded diagrams, torque specifications for all fasteners, diagnostic flowcharts
Rebuild Procedures:
Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures included
Engine Code Common:
M271 (1.8L Supercharged Inline-4), M272 (3.5L V6)
Displacement Clk200 Kompressor:
1.8 liters (1796 cc)
Horsepower Clk200 Kompressor:
184 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque Clk200 Kompressor:
250 Nm (184 lb-ft) @ 3000-4300 rpm
Displacement Clk350:
3.5 liters (3498 cc)
Horsepower Clk350:
268 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque Clk350:
350 Nm (258 lb-ft) @ 2400-5000 rpm
Compression Ratio M271:
8.8:1
Compression Ratio M272:
11.7:1
Fuel Injection:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) / Direct Injection (DI) on later variants, but 2008 CLK primarily MPI
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Emission Control:
Catalytic Converter, On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II)
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Automatic (722.6 for V6), 6-Speed Manual (optional on some markets/engines)
Transmission Options:
7-Speed Automatic (722.9 - '7G-TRONIC') available on V6 models
Transmission Features:
Touchshift (manual selection of gears), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) integration
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
MB Spec 236.14 (e.g., Pentosin ATF 134)
Coupe Length:
approx. 4635 mm (182.5 in)
Cabriolet Length:
approx. 4635 mm (182.5 in)
Coupe Width:
approx. 1740 mm (68.5 in)
Cabriolet Width:
approx. 1740 mm (68.5 in)
Coupe Height:
approx. 1409 mm (55.5 in)
Cabriolet Height:
approx. 1391 mm (54.8 in)
Curb Weight Clk200:
approx. 1500 kg (3307 lbs)
Curb Weight Clk350:
approx. 1650 kg (3638 lbs)
Coupe Trunk Volume:
approx. 430 liters (15.2 cu ft)
Cabriolet Trunk Volume:
approx. 330 liters (11.7 cu ft) with top up
NHTSA Rating Typical:
5-Star Frontal Crash Rating (often achieved by models of this era)
IIHS Rating Typical:
Good in Frontal Offset, Side Impact (often achieved by models of this era)
Standard Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Traction Control System (TCS), Brake Assist (BAS)
Optional Safety Features:
Bi-Xenon Headlights with Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), Parktronic Parking Assist
Airbags:
Frontal airbags (driver/passenger), Side airbags (front), Window airbags (front and rear)
Cabriolet Rollover Protection:
Deployable rollover bars
Infotainment System:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) APS system available, Audio 20 CD system standard
Audio Features:
AM/FM Radio, CD Player, optional Satellite Radio, MP3 Playback, optional Harman Kardon Logic 7 Surround Sound System
Driver Assistance Features:
Cruise Control, Rain-Sensing Wipers, optional COMAND Navigation, optional Parking Assist (PARKTRONIC)
Connectivity Options:
Bluetooth hands-free calling (optional telematics module)
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first (depending on driving conditions and oil used, refer to manual for exact specifics)
Major Service Interval:
e.g., Spark Plugs: 60,000-100,000 miles; Coolant: every 3-5 years or as per schedule; Transmission Fluid: 40,000-60,000 miles (for 722.6 and 722.9)
Engine Oil Spec:
MB Spec 229.5 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40, Castrol SLX Professional 0W-30)
Engine Oil Capacity Clk200:
approx. 5.5 liters (5.8 quarts) with filter change
Engine Oil Capacity Clk350:
approx. 6.5 liters (6.9 quarts) with filter change
Coolant Spec:
MB Spec 325.0 / 326.0 (Ethylene Glycol based, blue or green)
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 4 Plus (MB Spec 331.0)
Common Issues M271 Engine:
Timing chain wear/tensioner failure (early models), oil leaks from valve cover gasket, MAF sensor issues
Common Issues M272 Engine:
Balance shaft sprocket wear leading to timing issues (pre-2007, but can affect later models), intake manifold flap runner issues, MAF sensor issues
Common Issues Cabriolet:
Hydraulic leaks in convertible top system, wear in top fabric/seals
Common Issues Electrical:
Window regulator failures, SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) issues, corrosion in electrical connectors
Brand Focus:
Long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, safety, and luxury in automotive manufacturing
Predecessor:
CLK Class W208
Successor:
E-Class Coupe/Convertible (C207/A207)
Production Years:
2002-2010 (W209/A209 generation)
Manufacturing Locations:
Sindelfingen, Germany; Bremen, Germany
Typical Award Categories:
Often recognized for design, luxury, and safety in its segment by automotive publications
Consumer Reports Rating:
Varied based on model year and specific issues, but generally good for reliability in later years of the generation
