Segment:
Compact Luxury Coupe / Grand Tourer
Target Audience:
Discerning buyers seeking performance, luxury, and sophisticated styling.
Key Competitors:
BMW 3 Series Coupe, Audi A4 Cabriolet (though CLK is coupe focused), Lexus SC Series.
Styling:
Elegant, pillarless hardtop coupe design, iconic Mercedes-Benz aesthetic.
Performance Clk430:
Strong V8 power delivery, refined touring capability.
Performance Clk55 Amg:
Hand-built AMG V8 engine, significantly enhanced performance and sport-tuned dynamics.
Comfort And Refinement:
High-quality interior materials, comfortable ride for a sporty coupe.
Safety Technology:
Advanced safety features for its time, including multiple airbags and stability control.
Instrument Panel Controls:
Yes
Climate Control System:
Yes
Navigation System:
Yes (if equipped)
Maintenance Intervals:
Yes
Fluid Recommendations:
Yes
Tire Pressure Information:
Yes
Emergency Procedures:
Yes
Troubleshooting Basic:
Yes
Technical Specifications Summary:
Yes
Warranty Information:
Yes
Disposal Information:
Yes
Estimated Pages:
Approx. 300-400 pages (typical for this era)
Type:
Owner's Manual (User Operator Manual)
Powertrain:
Engine operation, cooling, lubrication, fuel, exhaust systems (general overview).
Drivetrain:
Automatic transmission operation, shifting.
Chassis:
Braking system basics, steering system basics, suspension overview.
Electrical System:
Lighting, power windows, mirrors, locks, wipers, horn, battery, fuses (identification and replacement).
Comfort And Convenience:
Climate control (manual/automatic), power seats, sunroof, keyless entry, cruise control.
Infotainment:
Audio system operation, radio, CD player, COMAND system (if equipped).
Safety Systems:
Airbags, seatbelts, ABS, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), child seat installation.
Instrumentation:
Gauges, warning indicators, service indicator (ASSYST).
Routine Checks:
Checking oil level, coolant level, windshield washer fluid.
Basic Maintenance:
Replacing wiper blades, checking tire pressure, refueling, jump-starting procedures.
Fuse Replacement:
Locating and replacing blown fuses.
Bulb Replacement:
Replacing exterior and interior light bulbs.
Tire Changing:
Using the spare tire and jack.
Emergency Operation:
What to do in case of brake failure, engine overheating, etc.
Keyless Entry Operation:
Using the remote key fob.
Service Indicator Reset:
Understanding and potentially resetting the ASSYST service indicator.
Depth:
Owner-level maintenance, operation, and basic troubleshooting. Not a repair manual; does not cover detailed diagnostics or component removal/installation.
Print Quality:
High-quality, clear text and diagrams typical of OEM Mercedes-Benz manuals.
Binding:
Staple-bound or perfect-bound (common for owner's manuals).
Paper:
Durable, high-quality paper stock suitable for automotive environments.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V8
Displacement:
4.3 Liters (4266 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
91.0 mm x 82.6 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Horsepower:
275 hp @ 5750 rpm
Torque:
295 lb-ft @ 3750 rpm
Valvetrain:
SOHC 3 valves per cylinder (2 intake, 1 exhaust per cylinder)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V8
Displacement:
5.4 Liters (5439 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
97.0 mm x 92.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.5:1
Horsepower:
342 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
376 lb-ft @ 3750 rpm
Valvetrain:
SOHC 3 valves per cylinder (2 intake, 1 exhaust per cylinder)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Injection System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Capacity:
62 Liters (approx. 16.4 US gallons)
Transmission Type:
5-speed automatic transmission (5G-TRONIC)
Transmission Type:
N/A for this model year/variant combination.
Shift Modes:
Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes.
Transmission Fluid:
ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) - specific MB approval required (e.g., MB 236.10, consult manual for exact spec).
NHTSA Front Impact:
4/5 stars (driver/passenger, for similar models)
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable (for similar models)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Esp:
Standard Electronic Stability Program (Adaptive ESP)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (ASR)
Brake Assist:
Standard BAS (Brake Assist System)
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, side airbags (standard on most models).
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters.
Rollover Protection:
Pop-up roll bars for B-pillars (standard on convertible, but this is coupe).
Audio System:
Bose premium sound system (often optional or standard on AMG), AM/FM/CD player. Cassette player also common.
Navigation:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system was available as an option, featuring a central display and control knob.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Rain Sensing Wipers:
Optional, or standard on higher trims.
Auto Dimming Mirrors:
Standard rearview mirror, often auto-dimming; side mirrors may also feature this.
Phone Integration:
Pre-wiring for a car phone or optional Bluetooth module on later models. Hands-free operation.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. (Refer to ASSYST system or manual for specific recommendations).
Major Service Interval:
Around 30,000 miles for inspection of various components, fluid changes (e.g., transmission, brake fluid) based on time and mileage.
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years (regardless of mileage).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Typically around 50,000-70,000 miles, or as indicated by service intervals. (Crucial for longevity).
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 synthetic oil, MB-Approval 229.5 (or equivalent). Check manual for exact requirements.
Coolant Spec:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant (e.g., Mercedes-Benz specification 325.0).
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 4 Plus (or MB-Approval 331.0).
Power Steering Fluid Spec:
MB-Approval 343.0 or CHF 11S (Pentosin).
Common Wear Items:
Valve cover gaskets (oil leaks), spark plug wells, blower motor resistor, OVP relay (older models), suspension bushings, crank position sensors.
Amg Specific Concerns:
AMG engines are robust but require diligent maintenance. Potential for sensor issues, exhaust system components.
Electronics:
Minor electrical gremlins can occur with age; check door module function, heated seat elements.
Rust:
Check wheel well areas, rocker panels, and around the sunroof for potential corrosion.
Manufacturer History:
Mercedes-Benz, a legacy of engineering excellence, luxury, and automotive innovation since the late 19th century.
Clk Class Genesis:
The CLK-Class (W208) replaced the C208 E-Class Coupe and was based on the W202 C-Class platform, offering a more compact and sportier alternative to the E-Class Coupe.
2001 Model Year:
The 2001 model year saw the introduction of the potent CLK55 AMG, significantly enhancing the CLK's performance credentials, alongside the well-regarded CLK430.
W208 Generation:
First generation W208 CLK produced from 1997-2002, with facelifts and powertrain updates throughout its lifespan.
Production Period:
1997-2002 (W208)
Manufacturing Location:
Bremen, Germany