Segment:
Compact Luxury Sports Coupe/Convertible
Target Audience:
Consumers seeking a premium, stylish, and performance-oriented luxury convertible with German engineering
Key Competitors:
BMW 3 Series Convertible, Audi A4 Cabriolet, Lexus SC 430, Porsche Boxster
Design Philosophy:
Elegant coupe lines adapted to a convertible, embodying Mercedes-Benz's signature blend of performance and luxury
Convertible System:
Fully automatic, power-operated soft top with a heated rear glass window
Powertrain Emphasis:
Focus on smooth, powerful V8 engine performance and refined driving dynamics
Primary Coverage:
All aspects of owning and operating the 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK430 Cabriolet
Secondary Coverage:
Maintenance, specifications, driver controls, safety systems, comfort systems
Estimated Page Count:
Approx. 400-500 pages (based on typical Mercedes-Benz owner manuals of this era)
Manual Type:
Owner's Manual
Powertrain:
Engine, fuel system, exhaust system, ignition system
Chassis:
Suspension, steering, brakes, wheels, tires
Electrical:
Lighting, instrument cluster, battery, fuses, infotainment, climate control
Body:
Doors, locks, security, convertible top operation, glass
Interior:
Seating, safety restraints, climate controls, entertainment systems
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control with dual-zone temperature settings, recirculation mode, cabin air filter replacement location.
Locks And Security:
Central locking system, remote keyless entry, immobilizer system, alarm system operation.
Instrument Cluster:
Explanation of all gauges, warning lights, telltales, and the Driver Information System (DIS).
Operation:
Starting and driving, parking, convertible top operation, basic controls
Maintenance:
Fluid checks and refills, filter replacement, cleaning, general care
Troubleshooting:
Indicator lights, warning messages, basic user-level diagnostics
Safety:
Seat belt usage, airbag system information, child restraint systems
Cleaning:
Interior and exterior cleaning recommendations, convertible top care, wheel and tire cleaning, paint care.
Depth Level:
Owner-level maintenance, operation, and basic troubleshooting; not a full service or repair manual
Diagnostic Tools:
Covers basic warning lights and what they signify, but does not detail use of diagnostic scanners or advanced troubleshooting procedures.
Displacement:
4.3 Liters (4266 cc)
Horsepower:
275 hp @ 5750 rpm
Torque:
295 lb-ft @ 3000-4250 rpm
Fuel Injection:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Engine Layout:
Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
NHTSA Front Crash Test Driver:
Good
NHTSA Front Crash Test Passenger:
Good
IIHS Front Offset Crash Rating:
Good
Traction Control:
ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation)
Stability Control:
ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
Brakes:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags
Rollover Protection:
Pop-up roll bars behind rear headrests (deploy automatically if rollover is detected)
Seat Belts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with front pretensioners and belt force limiters
Audio System:
Bose premium sound system (optional), AM/FM radio, CD player
Navigation:
Optional COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system
Cruise Control:
Standard, electronic
Headlights:
Halogen projector beam headlights, optional Xenon HID headlights
Telephony:
Optional integrated hands-free telephone system (often with cradle)
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (dependent on driving conditions and display message)
Major Service A:
Often indicated by the flexible service system ('Service A') at around 15,000-20,000 miles, including oil change, filter replacement, inspection.
Major Service B:
Often indicated by 'Service B' at around 30,000-40,000 miles, including more comprehensive checks and fluid replacements.
Engine Oil Type:
MB Approved 229.5 or 229.51 synthetic oil (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40 or equivalent)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 quarts (with filter change)
Coolant Type:
MB Approved 325.0 (Ethylene Glycol based, OAT type) mixed with distilled water
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB Approved ATF LT 71141 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin ATF 1)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (MB Approved 331.0 or 402.0)
Common Wear Item:
Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor, ignition coils, O2 sensors, blower motor resistor, valve cover gaskets (oil leaks)
Convertible Top Issues:
Hydraulic pump leaks, microswitch failures, fabric wear, hydraulic hose degradation
Oil Filter Example:
Mann-Filter HU 718/5y, Bosch 72308 (verify with VIN)
Air Filter Example:
Mann-Filter C35145/1 (Right Bank), C35144/1 (Left Bank) or equivalent (verify with VIN)
Brand Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz, founded in 1926, is renowned for engineering excellence, luxury, and innovation in the automotive industry.
Clk Platform Origin:
Based on the W202 C-Class platform, but styled and positioned as a sportier, more luxurious coupe/convertible.
Clk Generation C208 Introduction:
Introduced in 1997 as the successor to the E-Class Coupe (C124).
Production Period:
1997-2003
Manufacturing Location:
Bremen, Germany
General Reputation:
The CLK-Class was generally well-received for its styling, comfort, and strong V8 performance, contributing to Mercedes-Benz's luxury brand image.
Consumer Reports Rating:
Historically mixed, with strengths in performance and comfort but occasional concerns about reliability compared to some competitors (as per period reviews).
