Segment:
Entry-level Luxury Grand Tourer Coupe
Target Audience:
Discerning buyers seeking style, performance, and the prestige of a Mercedes-Benz.
Key Competitors:
BMW 3 Series Coupe, Audi A4 Cabriolet (though this is a coupe), Lexus SC Series.
Design:
Elegant pillarless coupe design, distinctive Mercedes-Benz styling cues.
Powertrain:
Powerful V8 engine offering strong performance and refinement.
Interior Appointments:
Luxurious materials, high-quality fit and finish, focus on driver comfort and technology.
Powertrain Management:
Covers basic engine operation, fuel, and oil specifications.
Chassis Systems:
Details on brakes, steering, and suspension are implied through driving sections and general maintenance.
Electrical Systems:
Covers lighting, instrument cluster, and basic electronic features.
Comfort And Convenience:
Extensive coverage of climate control, locks, security, and entertainment systems.
Safety Systems:
Covers seating, safety restraints, and general driving safety.
Routine Maintenance:
Yes (e.g., fluid checks, filter replacement guidance)
Operation And Adjustment:
Yes (e.g., climate control, seat adjustment, lighting)
Troubleshooting Basic:
Limited to indicator lights and driver alerts.
Safety Features Operation:
Yes (e.g., airbags, seatbelts)
Depth:
Owner-level information for operation, basic checks, and fluid specifications. Does not cover in-depth mechanical or electrical repair procedures.
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5-Star
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5-Star
Traction Control:
ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation)
Electronic Stability:
ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
Antilock Brakes:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, side-impact airbags, front and rear head curtain airbags (optional/standard depending on exact spec).
Seatbelt Pretensioners:
Yes
Rollover Protection:
Pop-up roll bars integrated behind rear headrests (for Cabriolet, but relevant to overall CLK safety philosophy).
Audio System:
Bose premium sound system (optional), AM/FM radio, CD player.
Navigation:
Optional COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control with speed limiter.
Parking Assistance:
Optional Parktronic parking sensors.
Cellular Integration:
Optional hands-free communication system (e.g., Motorola V60 cradle).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil.
Major Service A:
Around 15,000-20,000 miles (includes synthetic oil change, filter replacements, inspection of belts, hoses, brakes, etc.).
Major Service B:
Around 30,000 miles (includes Service A items plus cabin air filter replacement, more thorough inspection).
Engine Oil Type:
Synthetic SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 API SM/SL or newer.
Engine Oil Capacity:
8.5 U.S. quarts (with filter change)
Coolant Type:
MB Spec 325.0 (Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically blue or green).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Plus (or MB Spec 331.0).
Common Electrical Issues:
Window regulators, door lock actuators, SAM unit (Signal Acquisition Module) failures can occur.
Common Engine Issues:
Balance shaft failures in some M112/M113 engines (though less common on the 4.3L than the 3.2L), oil cooler seals.
Common Suspension Issues:
Worn control arm bushings, strut mounts.
Common HVAC Issues:
Blower motor resistor failure, blend door actuator issues.
Oil Filter Example:
Mann-Filter HU 718/5 Y or Mercedes-Benz A 112 180 00 09.
Air Filter Example:
Mann-Filter C 35146 or Mercedes-Benz A 113 094 00 04.
Brand Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz has a long history of producing luxury vehicles, known for engineering, durability, and innovation.
Predecessor:
CLK-Class replaced the E-Class Coupe (W124 chassis) as Mercedes-Benz's dedicated mid-size coupe.
Generation C208 Introduction:
The C208 CLK-Class was introduced for the 1998 model year.
C208 Facelift:
Received a facelift for the 2000 model year, introducing updated styling, engines, and features.
Production Years C208:
1998-2003
Manufacturing Location:
Bremen, Germany
Car And Driver Editors Choice:
Frequently cited by automotive publications like Car and Driver for its style and performance in its class.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Reliability ratings varied, often average to above average for its segment, depending on specific model year and components.