Market Position:
The 2001 CLK430 (C208) positioned Mercedes-Benz as a manufacturer of stylish, performance-oriented luxury coupes and cabriolets. It competed with models like the BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46) and Audi A4 Cabriolet.
Competitive Analysis:
The CLK430 offered a potent V8 engine in a chassis derived from the W202 C-Class and W210 E-Class, providing a balance of performance, luxury, and Mercedes-Benz's renowned build quality.
Key Features:
Powerful V8 engine, sophisticated styling, comfortable interior, advanced safety features for its era, availability as both a coupe and a soft-top convertible.
Coverage:
Complete service, repair, and maintenance for 2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK430.
Page Count:
Estimated 1500+ pages (digital format may vary)
Manual Type:
Service and Repair Manual Software
Format:
Digital Software (e.g., PDF, executable application)
Engine:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions control, engine management (ECU).
Transmission:
5-speed automatic transmission (722.6), service, repair, diagnostics, fluid specifications.
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive, driveshaft, differential, axle shafts.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment specifications, shock absorbers, springs.
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ESP (Electronic Stability Program), brake fluid specifications, procedures.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, wheel alignment.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starter motor, lighting (headlamps, taillamps, interior), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams.
Climate Control:
HVAC system, A/C compressor, refrigerant, climate control module, actuators.
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, seats, convertible top mechanism (if applicable).
Restraint Systems:
Airbag system, seat belts, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) diagnosis.
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting guides, component testing.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel, cabin), spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes.
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair, brake component replacement, suspension overhaul, electrical component replacement.
Troubleshooting:
System-specific diagnostic procedures, common fault finding.
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, component measurements.
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers basic maintenance to advanced engine and transmission rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics.
Engine Type:
V8, Naturally Aspirated
Engine Displacement:
4.3 Liters (4266 cc)
Horsepower:
275 hp @ 5750 rpm
Torque:
295 lb-ft @ 3000-4300 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Bosch Motronic ME 2.8 engine management.
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded 91 Octane or higher.
Ignition System:
Distributorless ignition with individual coil packs.
Emissions Control:
Secondary air injection, catalytic converters, oxygen sensors, evaporative emission control (EVAP).
Transmission Type:
5-speed Automatic (722.6)
Transmission Features:
TouchShift (manual shifting mode), electronic control, Adaptive Transmission Control (ATC).
Optional Transmission:
N/A for CLK430 model in 2001.
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB 236.10 ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 Liters (check manual for specific fill procedure and capacity).
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
4 Stars (Driver), 4 Stars (Passenger)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for models equipped with side airbags)
Active Features:
ABS, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), Traction Control System (ASR).
Passive Features:
Front airbags, side airbags (optional), seatbelt pretensioners, crumple zones.
Convertible Safety:
Automatic rollover protection bars (deploy when rollover is imminent).
Infotainment System:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation Device) optional for navigation and premium audio, standard Bose sound system often included.
Audio Features:
AM/FM stereo, CD player, cassette player (early models), optional CD changer.
Driver Assistance:
Optional Xenon headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, heated seats.
Connectivity:
Optional integrated cellular phone system (analog or early digital).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil). Check specific manual for details.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended every 40,000 to 60,000 miles (check manual for specific interval and procedure).
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years regardless of mileage.
Coolant Change:
First change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles.
Engine Oil Type:
Mobil 1 0W-40 Synthetic (or equivalent meeting MB-Approval 229.5)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 8 Liters (6.7 quarts) with filter change. Consult manual for exact capacity.
Coolant Type:
Zerex G-05 (Antifreeze/Coolant, HOAT - Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or equivalent meeting MB-Approval 325.0
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent meeting MB-Approval 343.0
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (or DOT 4 Plus) meeting MB-Approval 331.0
Known Issues:
Mass airflow sensor (MAF) issues, catalytic converter failures, ignition coil failures, sagging headliner (especially in coupes), window regulator problems, early transmission issues (though the 722.6 is generally robust).
Oil Filter Pnp:
Mann-Filter HU 834 x, Mahle OX 153/1 DE, Bosch 0 986 452 042
Air Filter Pnp:
Mann-Filter C 35 160, Mahle LX 999, Bosch 1 457 433 712
Brand Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, and innovation in the automotive industry since its inception.
Model Evolution:
The C208 CLK-Class was introduced in 1997 as a sportier, more stylish alternative to the C-Class sedan, sharing its platform. The CLK430 joined the lineup later, offering a significant performance upgrade with its V8 engine.
Production Years:
C208 CLK-Class: 1997-2003
Manufacturing Location:
Germany
