Positioning:
Premium luxury coupe/convertible targeting performance-oriented luxury car buyers
Competitors:
BMW 3 Series Coupe/Convertible, Audi A4 Cabriolet, Lexus SC models
Vehicle Focus:
Performance, luxury, advanced engineering, safety
Manual Advantage:
Officially licensed, comprehensive coverage, detailed diagrams, diagnostic information
Engine:
M113 4.3L V8 Engine (Troubleshooting, diagnostics, overhaul, repair procedures)
Transmission:
5G-TRONIC Automatic Transmission (722.6) - Service, repair, electronic control unit (ECU) diagnostics
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) system, differential, driveshafts, axle components
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, steering linkage
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ESP (Electronic Stability Program), brake fluid flushing and bleeding procedures
Steering:
Hydraulic power steering system, steering column, steering gear
Electrical:
Full electrical system schematics, fuse box diagrams, lighting, battery, alternator, starter, ignition system, ECUs (Engine Control Unit, Transmission Control Unit, etc.)
Body:
Body and frame repair, exterior trim, doors, windows, convertible top mechanism (if applicable), interior trim, bodywork procedures
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control (Klimatronic) system, A/C refrigerant service, heater core, blower motor
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel filter replacement, fuel pressure testing
Cooling System:
Radiator, thermostat, water pump, coolant type and capacity, leak detection
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil and filter changes, fluid checks and replacements, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon problems, OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics) code interpretation and resolution
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major and minor components
Overhaul:
Engine and transmission overhaul procedures
Installation:
Component replacement and installation guides
Adjustment:
Wheel alignment specifications, component adjustments
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine/transmission rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V8
Engine Displacement:
4.3 Liters (4266 cc)
Engine Configuration:
90-degree V8, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) per bank with 3 valves per cylinder
Horsepower:
275 hp @ 5750 rpm
Torque:
295 lb-ft @ 3750 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Bore X Stroke:
3.70 in x 3.00 in (92.9 mm x 76.0 mm)
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Engine Management:
ME 2.8 ECU (Motronic Electronic)
NHTSA Frontal Crash:
5-Star (Driver), 5-Star (Passenger)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for equivalent models of the era)
Traction Control:
ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation)
Stability Control:
ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
Braking System:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), Brake Assist (BAS)
Airbags:
Front airbags, side airbags (front), optional head curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
Pretensioners and force limiters for front seats
Body Structure:
Reinforced passenger cell, crumple zones
Audio System:
Standard Mercedes-Benz audio system, optional Bose sound system, CD changer
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system (APS 30)
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Parking Sensors:
Optional Parktronic parking assist system
Telephony:
Optional integrated hands-free telephone system (often with a cradle)
Seat Features:
Power-adjustable front seats with memory, heated seats
Lighting:
Xenon HID headlamps with automatic leveling, fog lights
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact conditions)
Major Service:
Includes spark plugs, transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant flush at specific mileage intervals (e.g., 60,000 - 100,000 miles)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-40 or 0W-30 Synthetic, API SN or ACEA A3/B4, MB-Approval 229.5 or 229.3
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 8.0 liters (16.9 US quarts) with filter change
Coolant Type:
MB 325.0 or 326.0 (Blue or Green Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrate, mixed 50/50 with distilled water)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (MB-Approval 331.0)
Common Wear Items:
Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor, ignition coils, fuel pump, drive belts, serpentine belt tensioner, blower motor resistor
Interior Wear:
Headliner sagging, leather wear on seats, convertible top hydraulic leaks (for convertible models)
Electrical Gremlins:
Can be attributed to CAN-BUS system issues or faulty SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) units, though less common than on later models.
Transmission Quirks:
Occasional harsh shifts or slipping can be due to worn O-rings in the valve body or low transmission fluid level. Torque converter issues can occur at higher mileage.
Brand Focus:
Luxury, performance, engineering innovation, safety
Platform:
Based on the W203 C-Class platform but with a longer wheelbase and distinct coupe/convertible body
Generation:
Second generation (W208), introduced in 1997, facelifted in 2002. This manual covers the post-facelift model.
Production Years:
1997-2003 (W208 chassis)
Manufacturing Location:
Bremen, Germany
Historical Accolades:
While specific awards for the 2003 CLK430 might be scarce, the CLK-Class as a range consistently received praise for its styling, luxury, and driving dynamics in its era.
Consumer Reports Era Rating:
Typically rated well for performance and luxury, though maintenance costs could be a factor.
