Vehicle Segment:
Compact Luxury Coupe/Convertible (Grand Tourer)
Target Audience:
Discerning buyers seeking a blend of performance, luxury, and style.
Key Competitors:
BMW 3 Series Coupe/Convertible, Audi A4 Cabriolet, Lexus IS Convertible, Infiniti G37 Coupe/Convertible
Design Philosophy:
Elegant and athletic styling, characteristic of Mercedes-Benz's design language.
Premium Appointments:
High-quality interior materials, advanced comfort features, and refined driving dynamics.
Versatility:
Offered in both coupe and convertible body styles, catering to different preferences.
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Drivetrain, Transmission, Differentials, Axles
Chassis:
Suspension System, Steering System, Brake System, Wheels and Tires
Electrical:
Body Electrical System, Powertrain Electrical System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Climate Control Electronics, Infotainment System, Safety Systems Electronics
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Interior Trim, Glass, Seals, Convertible Top Mechanism (if applicable)
Routine Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Top-offs, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspections and Replacements, Tire Rotations
Mechanical Repairs:
Engine Component Replacement (e.g., pistons, valves, bearings), Transmission Overhaul and Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake Component Replacement, Steering Rack Replacement, Drive Axle Repair
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring Diagrams, Component Testing, Troubleshooting Fault Codes, ECU Diagnosis and Programming, Sensor Testing and Replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Flowcharts, Symptom-Based Troubleshooting Guides, Common Fault Identification
Special Tools:
Identification and Usage of Mercedes-Benz Specific Tools
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostics including sensor data interpretation, actuator testing, and ECU programming procedures.
Rebuilding Procedures:
Detailed instructions for complete engine, transmission, and differential rebuilds.
Wiring Information:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems, including detailed wire routing and connector pinouts.
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all fasteners and critical components.
Tolerances And Clearances:
Specific measurements for component alignment and wear limits.
Engine Code Examples:
M112 (V6), M271 (Inline-4 Supercharged), M113 (V8)
Clk320:
3.2L V6 (M112 E32) - Approx. 215 hp
Clk350:
3.5L V6 (M272 E35) - Approx. 268 hp
Clk500:
5.0L V8 (M113 E50) - Approx. 302 hp
Clk55 Amg:
5.4L V8 (M113 E55 ML) - Approx. 362 hp
Clk200 Kompressor:
2.0L Inline-4 Supercharged (M271 E20 ML) - Approx. 163 hp
Horsepower Range:
160 - 360 hp (depending on engine variant)
Torque Range:
240 - 376 lb-ft (depending on engine variant)
Fuel Injection Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) / Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane)
Cooling System Type:
Liquid-cooled
Spark Plug Type Example:
NGK PFR5G-11E (or equivalent)
Transmission Type Examples:
5-speed automatic (722.6), 7-speed automatic (722.9)
Manual Transmission Availability:
Rarely offered, primarily in European markets for some engine variants.
Transmission Control:
TouchShift functionality allowing manual gear selection.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type Example:
MB 236.10 or MB 236.14 (e.g., Pentosin ATF 1)
NHTSA Front Impact Rating:
5-Star (for models tested)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Likely awarded Top Safety Pick status for relevant model years.
Electronic Stability Program:
Standard (ESP/ASR)
Antilock Braking System:
Standard (ABS)
Brake Assist:
Standard (BAS)
Airbags:
Front, Side, and Curtain Airbags (as standard or optional)
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioning and force-limiting seatbelts.
Convertible Safety:
Integrated roll-over protection bars (deployable in event of rollover)
Head Unit Examples:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation Display) with CD player, optional navigation, radio, and climate controls.
Audio System:
Bose premium sound system available on higher trims.
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Optional DISTRONIC cruise control system.
Parking Assistance:
Optional PARKTRONIC parking assist system.
Telematics System:
Optional Mercedes-Benz Tele Aid system for emergency services.
Climate Control Type:
Automatic Climate Control (THERMATIC) or Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control (THERMATIC)
Oil Change Interval Km Miles:
15,000 km / 10,000 miles (or as indicated by the 'Assyst' service reminder system)
Major Service Interval Km Miles:
Variable, based on Assyst (typically around 30,000-60,000 km for spark plugs, transmission fluid, etc.)
Engine Oil Type Viscosity Example:
Mobil 1 Formula M 5W-40 (or equivalent meeting MB 229.5 specification)
Coolant Type Example:
Mercedes-Benz Genuine Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., part # Q10300005)
Brake Fluid Type Example:
DOT 4 (meeting MB 331.0 specification)
Common Maintenance Items:
Serpentine belt and tensioner replacement, intake manifold flaps (M272 V6), O2 sensors, catalytic converters, transmission conductor plate (722.6), window regulator motors, trunk lid struts.
Typical Wear Items:
Brake pads and rotors, suspension bushings, tie rod ends, wheel bearings.
Manufacturer History:
Mercedes-Benz, established 1926, renowned for luxury, engineering, and automotive innovation.
Successor:
E-Class Coupe/Convertible (A207/C207, based on W212 E-Class platform)
Production Period:
2002-2009
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Sindelfingen, Bremen)
General Accolades:
Consistently praised for its stylish design, comfortable ride, and engaging driving experience.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Varies by model year and engine, generally considered average to above average.
