Positioning:
Premium coupe and convertible offering from Mercedes-Benz, bridging the gap between the C-Class and the E-Class coupe.
Competitors:
BMW 3 Series Coupe/Convertible (E36/E46), Audi A4 Cabriolet, Porsche Boxster (for convertible variants), Lexus SC300/SC400.
Design:
Stylish, elegant coupe and convertible design, inheriting cues from the larger CLK-Class models and the S-Class coupe of the era.
Quality And Refinement:
Renowned Mercedes-Benz build quality, luxurious interior appointments, comfortable ride, and excellent noise insulation.
Value:
Provides professional-level repair and maintenance information, enabling owners to perform complex tasks, reduce repair costs, and maintain their vehicle effectively.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical (removal/installation, internal components), fuel system (injection, fuel pump, lines), lubrication system (oil pump, filter, cooling), cooling system (radiator, water pump, thermostat), exhaust system, ignition system, emission control systems, transmission (manual and automatic, removal/installation, internal repairs, fluid specifications).
Chassis:
Braking system (hydraulic, ABS, EBD), suspension (front and rear, components, alignment), steering system (power steering, components), wheels and tires, chassis frame and body structure.
Electrical:
Battery and charging system (alternator, starter), lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), meters and gauges, switches, wiring diagrams (comprehensive, by circuit), electronic control units (ECU) diagnostics and repair, body electrical (windows, locks, mirrors, seats).
Body And Interior:
Body panels, fenders, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, upholstery, climate control system (HVAC), safety systems (airbags, seatbelts).
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt replacement, brake pad replacement, tire rotation.
Repair And Rebuild:
Engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper repair, steering rack replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair, body panel repair and replacement.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics, electrical system tracing and testing.
Specifications And Data:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities and types, electrical system voltages and resistances, diagnostic data, engine specifications, dimensional data.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance and troubleshooting to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Comparable to official Mercedes-Benz factory workshop manuals.
Engine Options:
Inline-4 (M111 - 2.0L, 2.3L Kompressor), V6 (M112 - 3.2L), V8 (M113 - 4.3L, 5.5L AMG)
Typical Horsepower Range:
136 hp (CLK200) to 347 hp (CLK55 AMG)
Typical Torque Range:
190 Nm (CLK200) to 510 Nm (CLK55 AMG)
Fuel Injection Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine Control Unit:
ME Series (e.g., ME2.0, ME2.1, ME2.8) for gasoline engines
Transmission Types:
5-speed Manual (e.g., Getrag 285), 5-speed Automatic (e.g., 722.6 '5G-TRONIC' - standard on most V6/V8 models)
Optional Transmission:
4-speed automatic (older models or specific variants), 6-speed Manual (rare on some European models)
Automatic Transmission Features:
Touchshift (manual shifting capability on 5-speed automatic), Electronic Control Unit (ECU) managed for optimal performance and fuel economy.
Crash Test Ratings:
Generally good for its era, benefiting from Mercedes-Benz's focus on safety. Specific ratings from NHTSA/IIHS may vary by year and test methodology.
Active Safety Systems:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Acceleration Skid Control (ASR) or Electronic Stability Program (ESP) available on most models, Brake Assist (BAS).
Passive Safety Features:
Front airbags, side airbags (optional/standard depending on year and trim), pre-tensioning seatbelts with force limiters, reinforced body structure, crumple zones.
Infotainment Systems:
Available with Mercedes-Benz Audio systems (e.g., APS COMAND navigation system on higher trims), cassette players, CD changers, and premium sound systems (e.g., Bose).
Driver Assistance Features:
Cruise control, optional Parktronic parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers.
Connectivity Features:
Limited by modern standards; primarily analog phone integration or CD changer connectivity.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Refer to the manual for specific model year recommendations.
Major Service Intervals:
Major services often involve spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, transmission fluid and filter changes, typically around 50,000-100,000 miles or as specified by the service indicator (ASSYST).
Engine Oil Specification:
MB 229.1, MB 229.3, or MB 229.5 approved synthetic engine oils. Viscosity grades typically 0W-40 or 5W-40. Refer to manual for precise grade for specific engine.
Coolant Specification:
Mercedes-Benz specification MB 325.0 or MB 326.0 (ethylene glycol-based coolant, usually blue or green).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
MB 236.10 or MB 236.12 approved ATF (e.g., Pentosin ATF1, Mobil ATF 134). Crucial for the longevity of the 722.6 transmission.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Common Issues:
Mass airflow sensor (MAF) failures, ignition coil failures (particularly on V6/V8), blower motor resistor failure, EGT sensor issues (on some models), oil leaks (valve cover gaskets, oil cooler seals), transmission conductor plate issues (722.6), SAM unit electrical problems, window regulator failures, clear coat peeling on certain paint colors.
Preventative Maintenance:
Regular fluid changes, attention to any warning lights, proactive replacement of wear items like belts and hoses, regular checks of the cooling system.
Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, safety, luxury, and durability since its inception.
Generation Introduction:
The C208 CLK Class was introduced in 1997 (as a 1998 model year in North America), based on the W202 C-Class platform but styled with influences from the W210 E-Class and the W140 S-Class coupe.
Facelift:
Received a significant facelift in 1999 for the 2000 model year, introducing updated styling, revised engines (e.g., M112 V6, M113 V8), improved interior, and enhanced technology.
Production Period:
1996-2003
Manufacturing Locations:
Bremen, Germany; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA (for certain markets/models).
