🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

CLK-Class

Model Variants:

CLK500, CLK320, CLK55 AMG

Body Style:

Cabriolet

Model Year:

2004

Chassis Code:

A209

Clk320 Engine Code:

M112 E32

Clk500 Engine Code:

M113 E50

Clk55 Amg Engine Code:

M113 E55 ML

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Entry-level luxury convertible

Target Audience:

Consumers seeking stylish, comfortable, and performance-oriented luxury convertibles

Primary Competitors:

BMW 3 Series Convertible, Audi A4 Cabriolet, Lexus IS Convertible (later models)

Design:

Elegant styling, comfortable interior, refined driving experience, high-quality materials

Performance Options:

Potent V6 and V8 engines, AMG performance variant

Convertible Top:

Fully automatic, insulated soft top for year-round comfort

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

Comprehensive Owner's Manual

Estimated Page Count:

Approx. 400-500 pages

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual / User Manual / Operator's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printed Paperback

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain Systems:

Engine operation, lubrication, cooling, fuel system, exhaust system, transmission operation, driveline

Chassis Systems:

Braking system, steering system, suspension system, wheels and tires

Electrical Systems:

Lighting system, instrument cluster, gauges, dashboard indicators, battery, charging system, starter motor, fuses, relays, power windows, power locks, central locking

Comfort And Convenience:

Climate control (HVAC), power seats, seat adjustment, seat belts, airbags, convertible top operation, interior lighting, door locks, mirrors, sun visors, storage compartments

Infotainment And Electronics:

Audio system operation, radio, CD player, navigation system (if equipped), COMAND system, antenna system, power outlets

Safety And Security:

Airbag system, seat belt pre-tensioners, anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic stability program (ESP), traction control system (ASR), cruise control, immobilizer, anti-theft alarm system

Basic Operation:

Starting and stopping the engine, shifting gears, parking, operating lights, wipers, horn

Maintenance Procedures:

Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, replacing wiper blades, cleaning and care

Troubleshooting Guidance:

Understanding dashboard warning lights, basic troubleshooting tips for common issues, emergency procedures

Convertible Top Operation:

Detailed instructions for opening, closing, and storing the soft top, soft top maintenance

Depth:

Owner-level understanding of vehicle functions and basic maintenance. Does not include detailed repair procedures or diagnostic codes typically found in a service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

Print Quality:

High-quality print, clear text and diagrams

Binding:

Saddle-stitched or perfect bound

Paper Quality:

Durable, glossy or semi-gloss paper suitable for automotive manuals

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Clk320 Engine:

3.2L V6 (M112 E32)

Clk320 Horsepower:

215 hp @ 5700 rpm

Clk320 Torque:

229 lb-ft @ 3000-4500 rpm

Clk500 Engine:

5.0L V8 (M113 E50)

Clk500 Horsepower:

302 hp @ 5600 rpm

Clk500 Torque:

339 lb-ft @ 2700-4250 rpm

Clk55 Amg Engine:

5.4L V8 Supercharged (M113 E55 ML)

Clk55 Amg Horsepower:

362 hp @ 5500 rpm

Clk55 Amg Torque:

376 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm

Compression Ratio Clk320:

10.0:1

Compression Ratio Clk500:

10.0:1

Compression Ratio Clk55 Amg:

8.5:1

Fuel Induction:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) / Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (SFI)

Recommended Fuel:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher)

🔧 Transmission

Clk320 Transmission:

5-speed Automatic (5G-TRONIC)

Clk500 Transmission:

5-speed Automatic (5G-TRONIC)

Clk55 Amg Transmission:

5-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT Automatic

Optional Transmissions:

N/A for this model year, primarily automatic

Transmission Features:

TouchShift manual shifting capability, adaptive electronic control

📐 Dimensions

Length:

177.7 inches (4514 mm)

Width:

70.2 inches (1783 mm)

Height:

54.0 inches (1372 mm)

Wheelbase:

105.1 inches (2670 mm)

Front Track:

60.1 inches (1526 mm)

Rear Track:

58.9 inches (1496 mm)

Front Headroom:

Approx. 38.1 inches (968 mm)

Rear Headroom:

Approx. 35.0 inches (889 mm)

Front Legroom:

Approx. 42.3 inches (1074 mm)

Rear Legroom:

Approx. 29.9 inches (760 mm)

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 10.2 cu ft (289 L) with top up, reduced when top is down

Curb Weight Clk320:

Approx. 3704 lbs (1680 kg)

Curb Weight Clk500:

Approx. 3792 lbs (1720 kg)

Curb Weight Clk55 Amg:

Approx. 3836 lbs (1740 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

5-Star (for equivalent model years/structure)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

5-Star (for equivalent model years/structure)

IIHS Side Impact:

Good (for equivalent model years/structure)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System

Esp:

Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP)

Asr:

Standard Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR) / Traction Control

Brakes:

Front: Ventilated discs, Rear: Solid or Ventilated discs (AMG has larger, vented discs)

Airbags:

Front airbags, front side airbags, integrated head/thorax airbags

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters, front seat belt height adjustment

Rollover Protection:

Pop-up roll bars integrated behind rear headrests, automatically deployable upon detecting a rollover risk

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system with CD player, optional navigation module, AM/FM radio, cassette player (early models).

Audio System:

Bose premium sound system (optional on some trims, standard on AMG)

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control with electronic speed control

Parking Assistance:

Optional Parktronic parking assist sensors

Connectivity Features:

Optional Mercedes-Benz TeleAid (emergency calling/assistance), cellular phone pre-wiring (e.g., for older car phone systems)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact 'Service A' or 'Service B' indicators)

Major Service Interval:

Every 20,000 miles for transmission fluid and filter, spark plugs (depending on engine), coolant flush at specific intervals (e.g., 100,000 miles for initial change, then 50,000 miles)

Engine Oil Specification Clk320 Clk500:

Mobil 1 Synthetic 0W-40 (MB-Approval 229.5)

Engine Oil Specification Clk55 Amg:

Mobil 1 Synthetic 0W-40 (MB-Approval 229.5)

Transmission Fluid:

MB-Approval 236.10 or 236.12 Automatic Transmission Fluid

Coolant Specification:

Mercedes-Benz Coolant/Antifreeze (G05/G48 equivalent), typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 4 Plus (MB-Approval 331.0)

Common Issues:

Window regulator failures, 'SAM' module issues (Signal Acquisition Module), potential ABS/ESP sensor faults, 'limp mode' issues due to various electronic faults, aging convertible top hydraulic lines, O2 sensor failures, mass airflow sensor issues.

Maintenance Tips:

Regularly check convertible top hydraulics and seals, keep electrical connections clean, use correct fluids and filters, address warning lights promptly.

📚 Vehicle History

Mercedes Benz Heritage:

Founded in 1926, known for luxury, engineering excellence, safety, and innovation in automotive history.

Clk Class Evolution:

The CLK-Class was introduced in 1997 as a mid-size coupe and convertible, bridging the gap between the C-Class and E-Class. The A209 generation (2003-2009) replaced the C208 CLK, offering a more refined chassis and updated styling.

Production Period A209:

2003-2009

Manufacturing Location:

Bremen, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Awards And Accolades:

While specific 'awards' for the 2004 CLK-Class might be fragmented across general luxury car reviews, models from this era were consistently praised for their refined interiors, comfortable ride, strong engine options, and classic Mercedes-Benz build quality and safety. It was a strong contender in the luxury convertible segment.