Positioning:
The Mercedes-Benz CLC Class was positioned as a more affordable, sportier coupe variant based on the C-Class platform, targeting a younger demographic or those seeking a stylish Mercedes-Benz at a lower entry price point.
Competitors:
Competed against premium compact coupes and sport sedans from brands like BMW (1 Series Coupe), Audi (A3/A4 Coupe variants), Volkswagen (Scirocco), and potentially entry-level models from other luxury manufacturers.
Appeal:
Sporty styling, Mercedes-Benz brand prestige, accessible pricing for a Mercedes-Benz coupe, efficient engines, and a premium interior.
Owner Benefit:
Enables owners to perform routine maintenance, diagnose issues, and undertake repairs, significantly reducing dealership labor costs and extending vehicle lifespan.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanicals, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system.
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission systems, including clutch, gearbox, torque converter, and shift mechanisms.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS, ESP), wheel and tire information.
Electrical:
12V electrical system, battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting systems, wiring diagrams, control modules (ECU, BCM, etc.).
Bodywork:
Body panels, doors, windows, locks, interior trim, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), exterior trim, bumpers.
Comfort And Convenience:
Power windows, power seats, central locking, sunroof, mirrors, infotainment system basics, climate control.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-ups, spark plug replacement, belt inspections and replacement.
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Identification of common problems, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), systematic fault finding for all major systems.
Major Repairs:
Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, electrical component repair/replacement.
Component Overhaul:
Detailed procedures for disassembling, inspecting, repairing, and reassembling key components.
Adjustments:
Wheel alignment, parking brake adjustment, clutch adjustment (if applicable).
Specifications And Torques:
All necessary torque values for fasteners, specifications for critical components.
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed diagnostic procedures and electrical schematics.
Engine Options Overview:
The CLC Class was offered with a range of petrol and diesel engines, typically shared with the W203 C-Class range, including 1.8L, 2.0L, 2.2L, 2.5L, and 3.5L variants.
Engine Code:
M271.940 (example for 1.8L Kompressor)
Configuration:
Inline-4, supercharged
Horsepower:
Approx. 143-156 hp (depending on specific tune)
Torque:
Approx. 220-230 Nm
Engine Code:
OM646.811 (example for 2.2L CDI)
Configuration:
Inline-4, turbocharged diesel with common rail injection
Horsepower:
Approx. 150 hp
Fuel Type:
Petrol (95 RON recommended), Diesel
Injection Type:
MPI (Multi-Point Injection) or Direct Injection for petrol, Common Rail Direct Injection (CDI) for diesel.
0 60 Mph:
Varies significantly by engine, but typically 7-10 seconds.
Top Speed:
Varies significantly by engine, but typically 210-230 km/h.
Euro Ncap Rating:
Likely 4 or 5 stars (based on W203 C-Class data, as CLC is derived from it)
Electronic Stability Program:
Standard (ESP - Electronic Stability Program)
Anti Lock Braking System:
Standard (ABS - Anti-lock Braking System)
Brake Assist:
Standard (BAS - Brake Assist System)
Airbags:
Front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags (depending on trim and options).
Seatbelts:
Pretensioner front seatbelts with belt force limiters.
Head Restraints:
Active front head restraints (optional or standard depending on market).
Audio System:
Various audio systems available, including Audio 20 with CD player, optional CD changer, and navigation systems (e.g., COMAND APS).
Display:
Central dashboard display for audio, climate, and vehicle settings.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control with speed limiter.
Parking Sensors:
Optional front and rear parking sensors (PARKTRONIC).
Tire Pressure Monitoring:
Optional tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming.
Oil Change Interval Petrol:
Typically every 15,000 km or 1 year, whichever comes first (flexible service system - ASSYST).
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
Typically every 15,000-20,000 km or 1 year, whichever comes first (flexible service system - ASSYST).
Major Service Interval:
Approximately every 60,000 km or 3 years, often including spark plug replacement (petrol) or fuel filter replacement (diesel).
Engine Oil Petrol:
MB 229.5 or MB 229.51 (e.g., 0W-40, 5W-40, 5W-30 synthetic)
Engine Oil Diesel:
MB 229.51 or MB 229.52 (low SAPS specification, e.g., 5W-30 synthetic)
Coolant:
MB 325.0 or MB 325.5 (Antifreeze/Coolant)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Plus (MB 331.0)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
MB 236.10 or MB 236.12 (for 7G-TRONIC)
Common Complaints Petrol:
Timing chain stretch (M271 engine), oil leaks from valve cover gasket, MAF sensor issues, coil pack failures.
Common Complaints Diesel:
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) issues, glow plug failures, injector problems, turbocharger issues (especially with high mileage).
Common Complaints General:
Suspension component wear (bushings, ball joints), minor electrical gremlins, A/C system leaks, rust in common areas (wheel arches, sills).
Manufacturer:
Mercedes-Benz, a globally recognized luxury automotive manufacturer with a long history of engineering excellence and innovation.
Predecessor:
The CLC Class is a facelifted and re-engineered version of the previous Mercedes-Benz Sportcoupe (CL203), which was based on the W203 C-Class platform.
Segment Introduction:
The Sportcoupe/CLC segment was Mercedes-Benz's foray into a more compact, stylish, and sportier offering within the C-Class family, bridging the gap to larger coupes.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily produced at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen, Germany.
Model Line Discontinuation:
The CLC Class was discontinued in 2011 and was not directly replaced, with its niche being absorbed by other Mercedes-Benz models or market shifts.
