Segment:
Luxury Personal Coupe/Convertible
Target Audience:
Owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops
Competitors:
BMW 3 Series Coupe, Audi A4 Cabriolet (later generations), Lexus SC
Licensing:
Officially Licensed Product
Access:
Instant online access
Primary Focus:
Service, Repair, Maintenance
Diagnostic Scope:
Extensive diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting charts
Electrical Coverage:
Detailed wiring diagrams and component testing
Type:
Service and Repair Manual Software
Format:
Digital Software (Likely PDF or proprietary executable)
Engine:
M112 Engine (3.2L V6), including fuel injection, ignition, emissions, cooling, lubrication
Transmission:
5G-TRONIC Automatic Transmission (722.6), including hydraulics, electronics, and service
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive, driveshaft, differential, axles
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension, steering system, wheel alignment
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
Electrical:
Starter, alternator, battery, lighting, power windows, mirrors, seats, climate control, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)
Body:
Body panels, doors, trunk, convertible top (if applicable), interior trim
HVAC:
Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, climate control module
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement
Repair:
Engine component replacement (e.g., water pump, alternator), transmission service, brake component replacement, suspension part replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting common drivability issues, electrical faults, and system malfunctions
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic trees for various symptoms
Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to in-depth mechanical and electrical repairs
Audi Expertise:
Expert-level diagnostic procedures, including explanations of system logic and common failure points
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed, system-specific wiring diagrams with component locations and pinouts
Configuration:
4.2L (3199cc) V6, SOHC, 18 valves
Horsepower:
214 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
221 lb-ft @ 3750 rpm
Type:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
ECU:
ME 2.0 Engine Control Unit (ECU)
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 8.5 liters (8.9 US quarts)
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 6.5 liters (6.8 US quarts) with filter
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
SAE 0W-40 or SAE 5W-40 (MB 229.3 or 229.5 approved)
Type:
5-Speed Automatic Transmission
Transmission Code:
722.6 (5G-TRONIC)
Optional Transmission:
N/A for 1998 CLK320
Driving Modes:
Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB 236.10 ATF (Dexron III/Mercon compatible, but MB spec preferred)
Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 7.5-8.0 liters for torque converter refill
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not officially rated by NHTSA for this specific model year
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Esp:
Standard Electronic Stability Program
Airbags:
Front driver and passenger airbags, side airbags (optional/standard depending on market)
Srs:
Supplemental Restraint System
Seatbelts:
Pretensioning seatbelts with force limiters
Head Unit:
Mercedes-Benz Audio 10/20/30 RDS (options varied by market and trim)
Navigation:
Optional COMAND 2.0 navigation system available in later model years or as an aftermarket upgrade.
Cruise Control:
Standard Cruise Control
Traction Control:
ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation) is integrated with ESP.
Telematics:
Tele Aid system (optional, for emergency assistance)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first (or as indicated by the 'Service A/B' indicator)
Transmission Service Interval:
Recommended every 40,000-60,000 miles (fluid and filter replacement)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Around 60,000-100,000 miles (refer to manual for specific plug type and interval)
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., MB 325.0 or 326.0, typically a silicate-free formula)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (or DOT 4 Plus) brake fluid
Engine Mounts:
Hydraulic engine mounts can degrade, leading to increased vibration.
Crankshaft Position Sensor:
Failure can cause intermittent starting issues or stalling.
Mass Airflow Sensor:
Can become dirty or fail, affecting engine performance and fuel economy.
Interior Electronics:
Window regulators, central locking, and climate control issues are not uncommon.
Rust:
Can occur in wheel wells, rocker panels, and around window seals if not properly maintained.
Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz, renowned for engineering excellence, luxury, and safety since 1926.
Platform:
Based on the W202 C-Class platform, but with a longer wheelbase and unique styling.
Generation:
First generation CLK (A208/C208) launched in 1997.
Design Inspiration:
Styling cues from the E-Class (W210) and the CL-Class (C140).
Production Start Year:
1997
Production End Year:
2003
Manufacturing Location:
Bremen, Germany
