Segment:
Luxury Grand Tourer / Coupe
Positioning:
A stylish, comfortable, and powerful coupe offering a blend of performance and luxury, bridging the gap between sportiness and everyday usability.
Competitors:
BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46), Audi A4 Cabriolet (B6), Lexus SC 430, Porsche 911 (Carrera).
Design:
Sleek, flowing lines, distinctive Mercedes-Benz grille, available panoramic sunroof (or convertible top for the Roadster variant, though this manual specifies Coupe).
Interior:
High-quality materials, premium sound system, advanced climate control, comfortable seating for four.
Performance:
V6 and V8 engine options delivering robust power and smooth acceleration, coupled with Mercedes-Benz's renowned ride comfort.
Powertrain:
Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, transmission operation, drivetrain components.
Chassis:
Brake system (ABS, ESP), steering system, suspension system, wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Lighting system, instrument cluster, gauges, warning indicators, battery, starter, alternator, fuse box locations and functions.
Comfort And Convenience:
Climate control (HVAC), power windows, power seats, mirrors, door locks, keyless entry, sunroof, convertible top operation (if applicable), interior features, seating adjustments, seat belts, airbags.
Infotainment And Navigation:
Audio system operation, radio functions, CD player, navigation system (if equipped), display menus, voice control (if equipped).
Safety Systems:
Airbag system operation, seatbelt pre-tensioners, ISOFIX child seat anchors, electronic stability program (ESP), traction control system (ASR), ABS functionality.
Routine Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement, wiper blade replacement.
Operation:
Starting and stopping the engine, driving techniques, using transmission modes, operating lights, wipers, HVAC, power accessories, convertible top mechanism (if applicable).
Troubleshooting Basic:
Interpreting warning lights, basic electronic system resets, fuse replacement guidance.
Emergency Procedures:
Changing a flat tire, using the emergency toolkit, jump-starting the battery, towing procedures.
Depth:
Operator-level. Focuses on safe and correct operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Does not include in-depth repair procedures or diagnostic codes.
File Format:
N/A (Printed)
Print Quality:
High-quality, professional printing with clear diagrams and legible text.
Binding:
Staple-bound or perfect-bound, designed for durability in automotive environments.
Paper Type:
Durable, coated paper stock to withstand grease and moisture common in garages.
Clk320 Clk500:
5-Speed Automatic (722.6 'Speedshift' Tiptronic)
Clk55 Amg:
5-Speed AMG Speedshift Automatic
Transmission Options:
None for the 2003 CLK Coupe; all models featured automatic transmission.
Shift Modes:
Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes available on standard transmissions. AMG transmission offered more aggressive shift points and manual control via steering wheel buttons or shifter.
Length:
Approx. 181.5 inches (4610 mm)
Width:
Approx. 68.9 inches (1750 mm)
Height:
Approx. 54.0 inches (1372 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 105.9 inches (2690 mm)
Seating Capacity:
4 (2+2 configuration)
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 10.2 cubic feet (289 liters)
Curb Weight Clk320:
Approx. 3450 lbs (1565 kg)
Curb Weight Clk500:
Approx. 3600 lbs (1633 kg)
Curb Weight Clk55 Amg:
Approx. 3700 lbs (1678 kg)
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
5-Star (Driver and Passenger)
IIHS Side Impact Test:
Good
IIHS Rear Impact Test:
Acceptable
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Esp:
Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Asr:
Standard Acceleration Skid Control (ASR) / Traction Control
Brake Assist:
Standard BAS (Brake Assist System)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags (driver and passenger), front side-impact airbags, optional curtain airbags (check specific vehicle).
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters; rear seat belts.
Rollover Protection:
Integrated roll-over protection bars behind the headrests for Coupe models.
Audio System:
Standard Mercedes-Benz COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation Display) or Audio 20 with cassette/CD player. Optional Bose sound system available.
Navigation:
Optional integrated GPS navigation system with CD-ROM maps.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control with speed limiter.
Parking Sensors:
Optional PARKTRONIC parking assist system.
Bluetooth:
Optional UHI (Universal Hands-free Interface) module for Bluetooth connectivity (requires separate phone cradle).
Climate Control:
Dual-zone automatic climate control (THERMATIC or THERMOTRONIC).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 1 year, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil (Service A/B indicators in the vehicle will prompt). Consult manual for exact requirements based on driving conditions.
Transmission Fluid Service:
Recommended every 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km), depending on driving conditions. Check manual for specific fluid type and capacity (e.g., ATF MB 236.10 or similar).
Coolant Flush Interval:
Initial flush at 100,000 miles (160,000 km), then every 50,000 miles (80,000 km). Use MB-approved coolant (e.g., ZEREX G05 or equivalent).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on conditions. Part number example: A2030940104.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by engine. For M112 (3.2L V6), typically around 100,000 miles. For M113 (5.0L/5.4L V8), iridium plugs often last 100,000+ miles. Consult manual for specific recommendations and part numbers (e.g., NGK IFR5N-11 for M112).
Engine Oil:
SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 Synthetic (MB 229.5 Specification)
Transmission Fluid:
ATF MB 236.10 / 236.12 (e.g., Pentosin ATF1 or Mobil ATF 134)
Coolant:
MB-Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., BASF Glysantin G05 / ZEREX G05)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Plus (MB 331.0 Specification)
Common Wear Items:
Suspension components (control arm bushings, ball joints), mass airflow sensor (MAF), ignition coils, front SAM unit moisture ingress, blower motor resistor.
Body And Interior:
Door seal degradation, interior trim creaks, convertible top hydraulic system (if applicable), dashboard pixelation on instrument cluster (less common in early W209 coupes but possible).
Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz, a pioneer in automotive engineering and luxury, known for innovation, safety, and durability since the late 19th century.
Clk Generation W208 To W209:
The 2003 model year marks the introduction of the second generation CLK-Class (W209), replacing the W208. It featured a more modern design, improved aerodynamics, and increased interior space, inspired by the larger CL-Class and the popular C-Class platform (W203).
Production Location:
Bremen, Germany
Production Years:
2002-2009 (for W209 generation, with 2003 being an early model year).
Design Award:
The W209 CLK-Class received favorable reviews for its styling and often lauded for its blend of sportiness and elegance, winning various 'Best Design' accolades from automotive publications.
Vehicle Reliability General:
Generally considered reliable for its class, with maintenance being key to longevity. Consumer reports and JD Power often placed Mercedes-Benz in the mid-to-upper tier for reliability during this era.
