Segment:
Compact Executive Luxury Convertible/Coupe
Target Audience:
Discerning buyers seeking a blend of sporty performance, luxury, and open-air driving experience from a premium European brand.
Key Competitors:
BMW 3 Series Convertible, Audi A4 Cabriolet, Saab 900 Convertible, Volvo C70
Convertible Top:
Fully automatic, electro-hydraulically operated soft top with heated rear window, offering excellent weather sealing and acoustic insulation when closed.
Powertrain Philosophy:
Emphasis on smooth power delivery, refinement, and V6 engine character.
Design Language:
Sleek, aerodynamic coupe-like styling for the convertible, carrying the signature Mercedes-Benz elegance of the era.
Infotainment And Climate:
Radio operation, CD changer controls (if equipped), climate control system (manual/automatic), seat heating/ventilation
Driver Controls And Instruments:
Steering wheel controls, dashboard layout, instrument cluster indicators and warning lights, power seats, mirrors, windows, and convertible top operation
Lighting And Security:
Headlight operation (automatic, manual), interior lighting, central locking system, remote key fob operation, anti-theft alarm system
Safety And Restraints:
Airbag system operation, seat belt usage and adjustment, child seat installation (ISOFIX/LATCH compatibility if applicable), ABS, ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
Engine And Fluids:
Engine oil type and capacity, coolant type and capacity, brake fluid type, power steering fluid type, windshield washer fluid
Maintenance And Care:
Recommended service intervals, tire pressure, cleaning instructions for interior and exterior, convertible top care
Basic Operation:
Starting and stopping the engine, gear selection, parking brake operation, convertible top operation
Routine Maintenance:
Checking and topping up fluids, checking tire pressure, replacing wiper blades, changing air filter (basic instructions)
Troubleshooting:
Understanding warning lights and messages, basic troubleshooting for common issues (e.g., battery, lights)
Depth:
Owner-level information, focusing on operation, basic maintenance, and feature understanding. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or component-level repair instructions.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V6
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)
Engine Block Material:
Aluminum Alloy
Cylinder Head Material:
Aluminum Alloy
Horsepower:
215 hp @ 5750 rpm
Torque:
229 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded (91 octane or higher)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approx. 16.4 gallons (62 liters)
Length:
Approx. 179.1 inches (4550 mm)
Width:
Approx. 67.7 inches (1720 mm)
Height:
Approx. 53.5 inches (1360 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 101.8 inches (2585 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3700 - 3800 lbs (1680 - 1725 kg)
Trunk Capacity:
Approx. 8.1 cu ft (230 liters) with top up; significantly reduced with top down.
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for 2000 model year typically)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for comparable models of the era)
Stability Control:
Standard ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
Braking System:
Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, side-impact airbags (thorax airbags)
Rollover Protection:
Integrated rollover protection system (pop-up roll bars behind headrests)
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional CD changer, premium sound system (e.g., Bose audio package available).
Navigation:
Optional GPS navigation system (typically CD-ROM based).
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Parking Assistance:
Optional rear park assist (Parktronic).
Remote Key Fob:
Infrared or radio frequency remote for central locking, trunk release, and alarm arming/disarming.
Seating:
Power-adjustable front seats with memory function for driver's seat and mirrors, lumbar support.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first (or as indicated by the 'Service A/B' indicator).
Major Service Intervals:
Refer to the manual for specific mileage-based services (e.g., spark plugs, transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid).
Engine Oil Specification:
MB 229.3 or MB 229.5 (e.g., 0W-40 or 5W-40 synthetic) - Consult manual for exact approval numbers.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 U.S. quarts (8.0 liters) with filter change
Coolant Specification:
MB 325.0 (Approved Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrate - typically a silicate-free, long-life formula)
Transmission Fluid Specification:
MB 236.10 or MB 236.12 (e.g., ATF Dexron III or equivalent approved fluid)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 Plus (MB 331.0)
Power Steering Fluid Specification:
MB 343.0 or MB 345.0 (typically hydraulic oil)
Common Maintenance Items:
Ignition coils and spark plugs (M112 engine can be sensitive), MAF sensor cleaning/replacement, O2 sensors, vacuum leaks, convertible top hydraulic system (pump, cylinders, hoses), blower motor resistor, crankcase ventilation system (CCV) hoses, ABS/ESP sensor issues.
Preventative Care:
Regular fluid changes, maintaining proper tire pressure, inspecting the convertible top for wear and tear, periodic battery terminal cleaning.
Heritage Summary:
Mercedes-Benz is renowned for its engineering excellence, luxury, safety, and pioneering automotive innovations since its inception.
Model Lineage:
The CLK-Class, introduced in 1997, was positioned as a more sporting and stylish alternative to the E-Class sedan, based on the C-Class platform. The A208 Cabriolet variant offered open-top motoring within this range.
Production Years For A208:
1997-2003
Manufacturing Location:
Germany
