Market Segment:
Premium Grand Tourer Coupe, targeting discerning luxury and performance car buyers.
Key Competitors:
BMW 6 Series, Audi A5 (later model), Lexus SC 430, Porsche 911 (entry-level).
Defining Characteristics:
AMG performance enhancement, sophisticated styling, high-quality interior, advanced technology for its era, comfortable ride for a performance coupe.
General Coverage:
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 this era Mercedes-Benz owner's manual)
Manual Type:
Owner's Manual
Automotive Systems:
Engine, Transmission, Brakes, Steering, Suspension, Electrical System, HVAC, Infotainment, Lighting, Security, Safety Restraints, Body & Exterior, Interior Controls.
Operational Procedures:
Vehicle startup and shutdown, instrument cluster interpretation, climate control operation, lighting functions, driver assistance features, lock and security system usage, seating and restraint adjustments, basic driving techniques, customer assistance contact procedures, cleaning and care, basic maintenance checks, engine compartment familiarization, fluid level checks, battery care, fuel system operation, air filter inspection, accessory usage.
Technical Depth:
Covers operation, features, basic maintenance, and safety. Does not include detailed repair procedures or diagnostic steps, which would be found in a separate service manual.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V8
Engine Displacement:
5.4 Liters (5439 cc)
Engine Code:
M113.984 (AMG tuned)
Horsepower:
362 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque:
376 lb-ft @ 3750 rpm
Fuel Injection:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz G05 Specification (Blue/Green)
Spark Plugs:
NGK PFR5G-11F (or equivalent, check manual for specific part number)
NHTSA Front Impact Rating:
4/5 Stars (Driver/Passenger)
IIHS Front Offset Crash Rating:
Good
Active Safety Systems:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Traction Control System (ASR).
Airbags:
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags (head airbags).
Seat Belts:
Pre-tensioning seat belts with force limiters, active head restraints (NECK-PRO).
Head Unit:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system, featuring AM/FM radio, CD player, optional navigation, and auxiliary input.
Speaker System:
Harman Kardon premium sound system with amplifier.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control; Distronic adaptive cruise control available on some models.
Bluetooth Connectivity:
Optional, typically via a separate Bluetooth module or integrated system in later production runs.
Seat Adjustments:
12-way power-adjustable front seats with memory, lumbar support, and heating/ventilation (optional).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, but always refer to the manual for exact recommendations based on driving conditions.
Major Service Intervals:
Service B typically around 20,000 miles, Service C around 30,000 miles, Service D around 40,000 miles, with more comprehensive checks and replacements (e.g., spark plugs, brake fluid) at specific intervals detailed in the manual.
Engine Oil Specification:
MB 229.5 specification (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40 Synthetic)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 8.5 liters (9 US quarts) with filter change.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 Plus (MB 331.0)
Power Steering Fluid:
MB 236.3 specification
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 10 liters (10.5 US quarts)
Common Wear Items:
Ignition coils, crank position sensors, transmission conductor plate, serpentine belt, front control arm bushings, camshaft magnets/sensors, catalytic converters.
Common Maintenance Tasks:
Regular oil changes with correct specification oil, transmission service, brake fluid flush, coolant flush, air filter replacement.
Engine Oil Filter Part Number:
Exact part number varies by manufacturer (e.g., Mann-Filter HU718/5k, Mahle OX153/1D).
Air Filter Part Number:
Exact part number varies by manufacturer (e.g., Mann-Filter C35164/1, Mahle LX805/1).
Mercedes Benz Legacy:
Longstanding reputation for luxury, engineering excellence, and performance since the early 20th century.
Clk Class Positioning:
Positioned as a more stylish and personal luxury coupe, based on the C-Class platform (W203 for the second generation CLK).
Clk55 Amg Development:
AMG, Mercedes-Benz's in-house performance division, developed the CLK55 AMG to offer significantly enhanced power and sportiness over the standard CLK models.
Production Period:
Second generation CLK (W209) produced from 2002-2010. The CLK55 AMG variant was prominent in the earlier years of this generation, with later models transitioning to the CLK63 AMG.
Performance Accolades:
While specific awards for the 2005 CLK55 AMG are not widely publicized as a single entity, the CLK-Class and AMG models consistently received praise for their blend of performance, luxury, and AMG engineering.
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Consumer Reports generally rated Mercedes-Benz vehicles highly for predicted reliability and owner satisfaction during this era, though specific models could have individual reported issues.
