Segment:
Luxury Grand Tourer Coupe/Convertible.
Competitors:
BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46), Audi A4 Cabriolet, Lexus SC300/SC430.
Design Philosophy:
Elegant styling, refined interior, powerful V6 engine, comfortable ride, advanced technology for its era.
Target Audience:
Discerning buyers seeking a stylish, comfortable, and well-engineered German luxury coupe.
Powertrain:
Engine (M112 E32), transmission (5G-TRONIC 722.6), drivetrain, exhaust system.
Chassis:
Suspension (front & rear), steering, brakes (ABS, ESP), wheels, tires.
Electrical:
Engine management, lighting, instrument cluster, climate control, power accessories, body control modules (BCM), audio system, CAN bus diagnostics.
Body:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, glass, convertible top (if applicable).
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Repair:
Engine repair, transmission overhaul, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, steering system service, electrical component diagnosis and replacement.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation (OBD-II), diagnostic procedures for all major systems, wiring diagrams, component testing.
Depth:
Detailed, from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics and component-level repair.
File Type:
Proprietary executable or accessible via a dedicated viewer.
Quality:
Digital, with high-resolution diagrams and clear text, printable.
Binding:
Not Applicable (Software)
Paper:
Not Applicable (Software)
Engine Type:
V6, Naturally Aspirated
Displacement:
3.2 Liters (3199 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
89.9 mm x 84.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Valvetrain:
SOHC, 3 valves per cylinder (18 valves total) with Variable Valve Timing (VVT).
Horsepower:
215 hp @ 5700 rpm
Torque:
229 lb-ft @ 3300 rpm
0-60 Mph Acceleration:
Approx. 6.4 seconds (coupe)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with sequential port injection.
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane recommended)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
62 Liters (16.4 US gallons)
Transmission Type:
5-speed Automatic (5G-TRONIC 722.6)
Optional Transmission:
Not applicable for CLK320 in 2001 in most markets.
Transmission Features:
TouchShift (manual shifting capability), Electronic Transmission Control.
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB 236.10 / MB 236.12 (e.g., Pentosin ATF1 or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 7.5 Liters (pan removal and refill)
Length:
4634 mm (182.4 inches)
Width:
1740 mm (68.5 inches)
Height:
1373 mm (54.1 inches)
Wheelbase:
2715 mm (106.9 inches)
Trunk Volume Coupe:
Approx. 350 Liters (12.3 cu ft)
Trunk Volume Convertible:
Approx. 270 Liters (9.5 cu ft) with top up
Curb Weight Coupe:
Approx. 1550 kg (3417 lbs)
Curb Weight Convertible:
Approx. 1750 kg (3858 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 2000 kg (4409 lbs)
NHTSA Front Crash Rating:
4 Stars (Driver), 5 Stars (Passenger)
IIHS Side Impact Rating:
Good
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).
Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP).
Traction Control:
ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation).
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, front side airbags, optional rear side airbags.
Seatbelts:
Pretensioning front seatbelts, force limiters, rear three-point seatbelts.
Rollover Protection:
Automatic pop-up roll bars (convertible model).
Audio System:
Factory premium audio system, optional CD changer, AM/FM radio, cassette player.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system (COMAND 2.0).
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control with speed limiter.
Parking Assistance:
Optional parking sensors (PARKTRONIC).
Phone Integration:
Optional Mercedes-Benz hands-free phone system (via cradle).
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control (THERMATIC) or dual-zone automatic climate control (THERMATIC).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (or as indicated by the 'Service A'/'Service B' system).
Major Service Intervals:
Refer to the manual for 'Service B' (e.g., spark plugs, cabin filter, air filter, brake fluid).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40, MB 229.5 approved.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 8.0 Liters (with filter change).
Coolant Type:
MB 325.0 / MB 326.0 (Ethylene Glycol based, typically blue or green).
Common Problems Engine:
Mass air flow (MAF) sensor issues, vacuum leaks, EGR valve clogging, oil leaks from valve covers and oil cooler seals.
Common Problems Transmission:
Transmission control module (TCM) failures, torque converter issues, conductor plate problems, leaks from transmission lines and seals.
Common Problems Electrical:
Window regulator failures, SAM module (Signal Acquisition Module) corrosion or failure, OVP relay issues (older models, but checks are relevant), headlight leveling sensor failure.
Common Problems Chassis:
Cracked plastic intake manifolds (M112 engine), worn suspension bushings, premature ball joint wear, ABS sensor failures.
Common Problems Convertible:
Hydraulic cylinder leaks for the convertible top, wear in the top mechanism, faulty hydraulic pump.
Manufacturer:
Mercedes-Benz, renowned for luxury, engineering, and safety for over a century.
W208 Generation:
The W208 CLK-Class was introduced in 1997 as a coupe and later a convertible, based on the C-Class (W202) platform, but styled to resemble the E-Class (W210).
Facelift 2001:
The 2001 model year received a significant facelift including revised front and rear styling, updated interior trim, and improved features.
Production Years:
1997-2003 (W208 generation)
Manufacturing Plant:
Sindelfingen, Germany.
Previous Generation Awards:
The CLK-Class generally received positive reviews for its styling and driving dynamics, often praised in automotive publications of the era.
Consumer Reports Rating:
Variable, but generally average to good for reliability compared to segment leaders.
Emissions Certification:
Meets EPA standards for model year 2001.
