Segment:
Luxury Grand Tourer Convertible
Target Audience:
Discerning buyers seeking a blend of performance, luxury, and open-top driving experience.
Key Competitors:
BMW 6 Series Convertible, Audi A5 Cabriolet (later models), Lexus SC 430, Jaguar XK Convertible.
Design:
Elegant coupe-like styling with a power-operated soft-top for open-air motoring, representing Mercedes-Benz's sophisticated design language of the era.
Performance:
Positioned as a high-performance luxury convertible, offering strong acceleration and refined handling.
Primary Coverage:
Owner's Information and Operation
Specific Topics:
Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. only), Cleaning, Maintenance and Specifications, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter(s), Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories, Service Information and Specifications, Maintenance Information and Specifications.
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for a Mercedes-Benz owner's manual of this era, exact count not specified in product info)
Type:
Owner's Manual (Factory Original)
Powertrain:
Engine basics, fluid types, fuel information, battery, air filter. Specific maintenance tasks for the V8 engine are covered generally under maintenance.
Chassis:
Brake system operation (general), tire information, wheel specifications (implied by part numbers/capacities). Detailed brake component repair is not covered.
Electrical Systems:
Instrument cluster functions, lighting operation, lock and security systems, entertainment system basics, climate controls.
Body And Interior:
Seating, safety restraints, driver controls, convertible top operation (implied by Cabriolet designation), interior features, cleaning.
Operation:
How to operate all vehicle features, controls, and systems including climate, audio, lighting, and driver assistance features.
Maintenance:
Recommended maintenance intervals (general), fluid checks and specifications, basic checks (e.g., engine oil, tire pressure), cleaning procedures.
Safety:
Information on airbags, seat belts, child seat installation, and reporting safety defects.
Depth:
Owner-level information for operation, basic checks, and maintenance. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures, repair instructions, or wiring diagrams found in a service manual.
Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Compatibility:
Requires a PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader) and compatible with any device capable of reading PDFs.
Searchability:
Typically searchable text within a PDF, allowing users to find specific information quickly.
Quality:
Digital reproduction of factory original, quality dependent on scan and digitization process. Designed for screen viewing.
Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
Engine Code:
M113 E50 (or similar variant)
Engine Type:
V8, Naturally Aspirated
Displacement:
5.0 Liters (4966 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
97.0 mm x 84.0 mm (Typical for M113)
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1 (Typical for M113)
Horsepower:
302 hp @ 5600 rpm (SAE Net)
Torque:
339 lb-ft @ 2800-4000 rpm (SAE Net)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Cooling System:
Pressurized liquid cooling system with engine-driven fan and coolant reservoir.
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Automatic Transmission (5G-TRONIC)
Transmission Features:
Touchshift (manual shifting capability), Electronic Control Unit (ECU) for adaptive shifting, Winter/Comfort mode.
Optional Transmission:
N/A for CLK500 in this generation
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB Spec 236.10 or MB Spec 236.12 (e.g., ATF Dexron III/Mercon equivalent with MB approval)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 7-9 liters (dry fill, varies with torque converter)
Length:
182.2 inches (4628 mm)
Width:
68.2 inches (1732 mm)
Height:
54.5 inches (1384 mm)
Wheelbase:
106.9 inches (2715 mm)
Front Track:
59.2 inches (1504 mm)
Rear Track:
57.9 inches (1471 mm)
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 10.2 cu ft (with roof up, varies slightly with model year/options)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 4000-4150 lbs (1814-1882 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 5070 lbs (2300 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Not Recommended/Available
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
5-Star (Driver), 5-Star (Passenger) - Typical for this model and era
IIHS Side Impact Test:
Good - Typical for this model and era
IIHS Rear Impact Test:
Good - Typical for this model and era
Traction Control:
ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation)
Electronic Stability Control:
ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
Braking System:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), BAS (Brake Assist System)
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, head protection airbags (windowbags). Occupant classification system.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with front belt tensioners and force limiters, rear seat belts.
Rollover Protection:
Automatic rollover protection system (pop-up hoops behind rear headrests)
Audio System:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system, likely featuring AM/FM radio, CD player, optional CD changer, and potentially navigation functionality. Harman Kardon audio system was a common option.
Display:
Central color display screen for COMAND system, auxiliary controls on steering wheel and dashboard.
Parking Assist:
Optional PARKTRONIC parking assist system (audible and visual parking sensors).
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control with speed limiter function.
Phone Integration:
Optional hands-free telephone system, often integrated via Bluetooth or a cradle.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (depending on driving conditions and specific Mercedes-Benz service recommendations, as indicated by the car's Flexible Service System).
Major Service:
Key service items like spark plugs, transmission fluid, differential fluid, and coolant typically recommended around 60,000-100,000 miles or as indicated by the vehicle's maintenance schedule.
Engine Oil Type:
Mobil 1 Synthetic 0W-40 (MB Approval 229.5)
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., MB Spec 325.0 or 326.0 - typically a silicated, long-life blue/green coolant)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Plus (MB Spec 331.0)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 US quarts (8.0 liters) with filter change
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 10.0 US quarts (9.5 liters)
Common Wear Items:
Sagging headliner (common in many older coupes/convertibles), SBC hydraulic unit failure (early models of this generation, though less common on later 2005 models compared to pre-2004), drive belt tensioner and idler pulley noise, catalytic converter failure, window regulator issues.
Maintenance Advice:
Regularly check and top off all fluids, inspect hoses and belts for wear, and ensure the convertible top mechanism is lubricated and functioning smoothly.
Marque History:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for automotive engineering excellence, luxury, safety, and performance dating back to the late 19th century.
Clk Class Evolution:
The CLK-Class (C208/A208, C209/A209) was positioned as a stylish, sporty coupe and convertible offering a more youthful and dynamic alternative to the S-Class coupe, often sharing mechanicals with the C-Class and E-Class of their respective generations.
Manufacturing Location:
Bremen, Germany
Model Year Introduction:
The second-generation CLK (C209/A209) was introduced for the 2003 model year, with the Cabriolet (A209) following.
