Segment:
Luxury Personal Coupe/Convertible
Competitors:
BMW 6 Series, Audi A5, Lexus SC, Cadillac XLR
Design Philosophy:
Elegant, sporty, and sophisticated styling with a focus on luxury and performance.
Target Audience:
Discerning buyers seeking a blend of performance, luxury, and advanced technology.
Powertrain:
Engine starting, operation, stopping, parking brake, driving.
Safety Systems:
Occupant safety, airbags, seat belts, active head restraints, children in vehicle (child safety restraint systems), driving safety systems (ABS, BAS, ESP), anti-theft systems (Immobilizer, anti-theft alarm, tow-away alarm), panic alarm.
Convenience Features:
SmartKey operation, KEYLESS-GO, unlocking/locking, door operation, trunk operation, adjusting seats, steering wheel, mirrors, easy-entry/exit.
Controls And Instruments:
Cockpit overview, instrument cluster, multifunction steering wheel, center console (upper/lower), overhead control panel, door control panel, headlamp switching, turn signals, windshield wipers.
Basic Operation:
Getting started, unlocking vehicle, starting and stopping the engine, driving, parking, locking vehicle.
Maintenance And Ownership:
Service and warranty information, roadside assistance, change of address/ownership, operating vehicle outside USA/Canada, reporting safety defects, vehicle data recording.
Depth:
Comprehensive owner-level information for safe and proper operation, troubleshooting minor issues, understanding vehicle features, and initial care.
Clk350 Transmission:
7G-TRONIC 7-speed automatic
Clk500 Transmission:
7G-TRONIC 7-speed automatic
Transmission Modes:
Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB Spec 236.14 (e.g., Mobil ATF 134, Valvoline SynPower ATF+4, Pentosin ATF1)
Length:
183.2 in (4653 mm)
Height:
54.7 in (1390 mm)
Curb Weight Clk350:
Approx. 3616 lbs (1640 kg)
Curb Weight Clk500:
Approx. 3814 lbs (1730 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 4718 lbs (2140 kg) for CLK350, Approx. 4916 lbs (2230 kg) for CLK500
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
5-star rating (driver and front passenger)
NHTSA Side Crash Test:
5-star rating (front and rear passengers)
IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:
Good (Top Safety Pick)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System
Esp:
Electronic Stability Program
Airbags:
Front airbags, side airbags (front), window curtain airbags (if equipped), optional side airbags for rear passengers.
Seat Belts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and belt force limiters.
Head Restraints:
Active head restraints to reduce whiplash injuries in rear impacts.
Audio System:
Often features COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system, optional CD changer, radio, and premium sound systems (e.g., Harman Kardon).
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control, potentially DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control on some models.
Parking Assist:
Parkingtronic system (front and rear parking sensors) likely available.
Communication System:
Optional hands-free communication system with Bluetooth connectivity.
Flexible Service System:
Assyst Plus system, indicating service needs based on driving conditions and mileage (e.g., Service A, Service B). Typically between 10,000-15,000 miles or 12 months.
Engine Oil Type:
Synthetic SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 meeting MB-Approval 229.5
Coolant Type:
Antifreeze/coolant (Glycol-based) meeting MB-Approval 325.0 or 326.0 (typically blue or green)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Plus (MB Spec 331.0)
Common Wear Items:
Ignition coils and spark plugs, valve cover gaskets, balance shaft issue in early M272 V6 engines (check for recalls/TSBs), suspension components (bushings, ball joints), O2 sensors.
Electrical Gremlins:
Can occur in older Mercedes models; refer to manual for basic troubleshooting, but complex issues may require dealer diagnosis.
