Segment:
Entry-level Luxury Coupe / Convertible
Competitors:
BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46), Audi A4 Cabriolet, Lexus SC Series.
Design Philosophy:
The C208 CLK-Class embodied Mercedes-Benz's characteristic blend of sporty elegance and sophisticated engineering, offering a stylish and comfortable personal luxury vehicle.
Target Audience:
Individuals seeking a premium, stylish, and well-engineered German coupe or convertible with a focus on comfort and performance.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, lubrication, cooling system, transmission (automatic), drive shafts, differentials.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS/ESP), wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Complete vehicle wiring diagrams, lighting system, battery and charging system, starting system, instrument cluster, comfort systems (climate control), power accessories, diagnostic connectors (OBD-II).
Body:
Body shell construction, exterior trim, doors, windows, sunroof, interior trim, seats, HVAC system, body control modules.
Other:
Traction Control (ASR/ETS), Climate Control (including automatic systems), Special Tools (identification and usage).
Maintenance:
Routine service, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspection schedules.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnostics, fault code interpretation.
Repair:
Component removal and installation, rebuilding procedures, calibration and adjustment.
Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical schematics, part identification.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed diagnostic trees and wiring schematics.
Printability:
All pages are printable, allowing for hard copy use.
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Operating Systems:
Compatible with all PC-based Windows operating systems and Mac. Also compatible with APP ISO, iPhone, iPod, Android, and other devices capable of opening PDF files.
Software Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader (or compatible PDF viewer)
Engines Offered:
2.0L Inline-4 (supercharged - CLK200), 2.3L Inline-4 (supercharged - CLK230), 2.6L V6 (CLK240/CLK320), 3.2L V6 (CLK320/CLK32 AMG), 4.3L V8 (CLK430, CLK55 AMG).
Typical Hp Range:
136 hp (CLK200 Kompressor) to 342 hp (CLK55 AMG)
Typical Torque Range:
192 Nm (CLK200 Kompressor) to 510 Nm (CLK55 AMG)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with sequential port injection.
Required Fuel Octane:
Premium Unleaded (91+ Octane)
Transmission Type:
5-speed Automatic (722.6 '5G-Tronic')
Optional Transmission:
Some early models or specific engine variants might have offered a manual transmission, though less common.
Transmission Features:
TouchShift (manual shifting capability), Comfort and Sport modes.
NHTSA Front Impact Rating:
4-star (driver and passenger)
Active Safety Systems:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (ASR/ETS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP - standard on later models/higher trims).
Passive Safety Features:
Front airbags, side airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, rollover protection (for convertible).
Infotainment System:
Early models featured basic cassette/CD players with optional navigation. Later models saw updates to the COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system.
Driver Assistance Features:
Cruise control, parking sensors (on some later models), rain-sensing wipers.
Connectivity Features:
Limited by modern standards; typically featured analog phone integration or CD changer connections.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or 12 months, depending on driving conditions and specific oil used (refer to manual for exact intervals).
Transmission Fluid Interval:
Often recommended at 60,000-100,000 miles, or every 5-7 years. Consult manual for exact service intervals and fluid type. Some sources recommend more frequent changes for optimal longevity.
Engine Oil Specification:
MB 229.5 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40 or equivalent synthetic).
Transmission Fluid Specification:
MB 236.10 or MB 236.12 (e.g., Pentosin ATF1 or equivalent).
Coolant Specification:
MB 325.0 (Mercedes-Benz coolant concentrate, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water).
Common Problems:
Sagging headliner, vacuum leaks (affecting central locking/HVAC), blower motor resistor failure, SRS module issues, oil cooler seal leaks, transmission conductor plate failures (less common but costly), rust (especially around wheel arches and sills).
Common Problems Continued:
Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor issues, ABS/ESP sensor failures, CAN bus communication errors.
Brand Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, safety, and durability.
C208 Introduction:
The C208 CLK-Class was introduced in 1997 as a coupe, based on the W202 C-Class platform but featuring styling cues and components from the W210 E-Class. A convertible (A208) was introduced in 1998.
C208 Facelift:
A significant facelift occurred in 1999 for the 2000 model year, introducing updated styling, new engines (V6 and V8 options), and improved interior features.
Production Period:
1997-2003
Manufacturing Locations:
Mainly Bremen, Germany.
