Segment:
Entry-level Luxury/Performance Coupe
Target Audience:
Discerning buyers seeking a blend of performance, comfort, and Mercedes-Benz prestige
Competitors 2005:
BMW 3 Series Coupe, Audi A4 Cabriolet, Lexus SC 430, Infiniti G35 Coupe
Design Philosophy:
Elegant styling, comfortable interior, refined driving dynamics
Performance Variants:
Offers a range from the V6 CLK320 to the potent V8 CLK500 and the high-performance V8 CLK55 AMG
Powertrain:
Engine operation, lubrication, cooling, fuel, exhaust, ignition systems
Chassis:
Brakes, steering, suspension, wheels, tires
Electrical:
Lighting, instruments, wipers, power accessories, fuses, basic battery care
Comfort And Convenience:
Climate control, seats, interior features, infotainment basics, door locks, windows, mirrors
Safety Features:
Airbags, seat belts, ABS, ESP, lighting operation, child restraint systems
Driver Information System:
Instrument cluster functions, display messages, trip computer, service indicators
Operation:
Starting the engine, driving, parking, operating all vehicle controls and features
Maintenance:
Recommended fluid checks, tire pressure, bulb replacement, general cleaning advice
Troubleshooting:
Understanding warning lamps and messages, basic troubleshooting for common issues
Emergency:
Emergency procedures, jacking, tire changing, jump starting
Diagnostic Level:
Basic operator diagnostics (understanding dash lights/messages)
Repair Scope:
Minimal repair procedures; primarily focused on user operation and maintenance
Specifications Availability:
Basic fluid capacities and types, tire sizes, recommended pressures
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V6
Displacement:
3.2 Liters (3199 cc)
Horsepower:
215 hp @ 5700 rpm
Torque:
229 lb-ft @ 3000-4500 rpm
Fuel System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V8
Displacement:
5.0 Liters (4966 cc)
Horsepower:
302 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
339 lb-ft @ 2700-4250 rpm
Fuel System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V8 (AMG Tuned)
Displacement:
5.4 Liters (5439 cc)
Horsepower:
362 hp @ 5750 rpm
Torque:
376 lb-ft @ 3250-5000 rpm
Fuel System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Engine Oil Spec:
MB 229.5 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40 Synthetic)
Coolant Spec:
MB 325.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant)
Transmission Type:
5-speed Automatic (722.6 'SpeedShift')
Transmission Fluid Spec:
MB 236.14 (or equivalent, e.g., Pentosin ATF1)
Transmission Type:
5-speed AMG SpeedShift Automatic
Transmission Fluid Spec:
MB 236.14 (or equivalent, e.g., Pentosin ATF1)
Shift Modes:
Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes
NHTSA Front Crash:
5-Star (typical for Mercedes-Benz of this era)
IIHS Front Offset:
Good (typical for Mercedes-Benz of this era)
Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Braking:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BAS)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, side airbags, window airbags
Seat Belts:
Pretensioners, force limiters, height adjusters
Rollover Protection:
Pop-up roll bars integrated behind rear headrests (deploy automatically if risk detected)
Audio System:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) or Audio 20 system with CD player, AM/FM radio.
Navigation:
Optional GPS navigation system with map updates on CD-ROM or DVD.
Parking Aid:
Optional PARKTRONIC parking assist system
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control with speed limiter function
Phone Integration:
Optional hands-free communication system (UHI interface) with various cradle options.
Keyless Go:
Optional Keyless Go system for keyless entry and ignition.
Sunroof:
Optional panoramic sunroof with tilting and sliding function.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (flexible service system - ASSYST).
Major Service Interval:
Major services (e.g., spark plugs, transmission fluid) typically around 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on specific ASSYST indicators.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 4 Plus (MB 331.0)
Power Steering Fluid Spec:
MB 236.3 (Hydraulic Fluid)
Common Wear Items:
Front sway bar links, ABS wheel speed sensors, ignition coils, mass air flow sensor (MAF).
Electrical Concerns:
Occasional issues with climate control module (SAM unit), door lock actuators.
Engine Specific Clk55:
Slightly higher wear on valve stem seals in some high-mileage examples.
Oil Filter Part Number:
e.g., Mann-Filter HU 718/5 y (requires specific O-rings)
Cabin Air Filter Part Number:
e.g., Mann-Filter CU 2459
Manufacturer Legacy:
Pioneering automotive manufacturer with a history of innovation and luxury dating back to the late 19th century.
Platform Basis:
Based on the W203 C-Class platform, but with a longer wheelbase and unique styling.
Generation Details:
Second generation CLK (C209) introduced in 2002, this 2005 model represents a mid-cycle update or continuation.
Production Plant:
Bremen, Germany (primary manufacturing facility)
