Segment:
Compact Executive Grand Tourer (GT)
Competitors 2003:
BMW 3 Series Coupe/Convertible, Audi A4 Cabriolet, Lexus IS Convertible (later models), Infiniti G35 Coupe.
Design Philosophy:
Combines sporty coupe/convertible styling with Mercedes-Benz luxury, comfort, and build quality.
Target Audience:
Discerning buyers seeking a stylish, comfortable, and reliable premium sports coupe or convertible.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, engine management (ECU), transmission (automatic).
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brakes (hydraulic, ABS, ESP), wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Body electrical systems, lighting, instrumentation, power windows, mirrors, seats, climate control, SRS (airbag) system, infotainment wiring.
Body:
Body structure, exterior panels, doors, hood, trunk, convertible top mechanism (A209), interior trim, bumpers.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), common fault identification.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major mechanical, electrical, and body components.
Rebuilds:
Detailed instructions for engine and transmission disassembly, inspection, and reassembly.
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level technical information, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Engine Code And Type:
M112 E32 ML (3.2L V6 SOHC, Supercharged for AMG variants, Naturally Aspirated for standard models)
Engine Code And Type Alternative:
M271 E18 ML (1.8L Inline-4 Supercharged, predominantly for CLK 200 Kompressor)
Engine Code And Type Alternative 2
Engine Code And Type Alternative 2:
M112 E37 ML (3.7L V6 SOHC, for CLK 350 variants)
Horsepower Clk320:
215 hp @ 5700 rpm
Torque Clk320:
221 lb-ft @ 3000-4700 rpm
Horsepower Clk200 Kompressor:
163 hp @ 5300 rpm
Torque Clk200 Kompressor:
177 lb-ft @ 3000-4300 rpm
Injection Type:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Automatic (722.6 '5G-TRONIC')
Transmission Type Optional:
6-Speed Manual (less common, primarily for European market CLK 200 Kompressor)
Automatic Features:
TouchShift (driver-selectable manual shifting), Comfort and Sport modes.
NHTSA Front Impact:
4/5 Stars (driver and passenger)
Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) standard.
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BAS).
Airbags:
Front airbags, side airbags, front and rear head protection airbags.
Convertible Rollover Protection:
Pop-up roll bars integrated behind rear headrests (A209).
Audio System:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) optional, with CD player, radio, optional navigation.
Display:
Central LCD display for COMAND system, instrument cluster information.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control with speed limiter.
Parking Assistance:
Optional PARKTRONIC parking sensors.
Phone Integration:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free preparation (MHI - Mobile Handset Interface).
Oil Change Interval:
Flexible: every 10,000-15,000 miles or 12 months, based on 'Service A'/'Service B' indicators.
Major Service Interval:
Example: Service B typically around 20,000-25,000 miles, includes more comprehensive checks and fluid changes.
Engine Oil Spec:
MB 229.5 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40, Castrol Syntec 0W-30/0W-40).
Transmission Fluid Spec:
MB 236.14 (for 5-speed automatic - ATF 722.6).
Coolant Spec:
MB 325.0 or 326.0 (Ethylene Glycol based, blue or green).
Common Electrical:
Window regulators, SAM module issues, MAF sensor failures, O2 sensors.
Common Mechanical:
Crankshaft position sensors, ignition coils, transmission conductor plate, cooling system leaks (e.g., hoses, water pump).
Common Body A209:
Convertible top hydraulic system issues, seal degradation.
Manufacturer:
Mercedes-Benz AG, a subsidiary of Daimler AG.
Predecessor:
CLK Class W208.
Platform Sharing:
Based on the W203 C-Class platform.
Production Years:
2002-2009 (for C209/A209 generation).
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Sindelfingen, Bremen).