Chassis Code Convertible:
A209
Production Years Covered:
2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Internal Platform Code:
W203 derived platform
Market Segment:
Entry-level luxury coupe and convertible, positioned as a stylish and performance-oriented alternative to traditional sedans.
Key Competitors:
BMW 3 Series Coupe/Convertible (E46/E92/E93), Audi A4 Cabriolet, Lexus SC, Infiniti G35 Coupe.
Design Philosophy:
Combines Mercedes-Benz's signature build quality and comfort with a sportier, more dynamic aesthetic. Known for its elegant lines and refined interior.
Target Audience:
Individuals seeking a premium coupe or convertible experience with a blend of performance, luxury, and everyday usability.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, engine management (ECU, sensors, actuators).
Drivetrain:
Automatic transmission (722.6 5-speed, 722.9 7-speed), transfer case (if applicable), drive shafts, differentials, axles.
Chassis:
Suspension (front & rear), steering system, brakes (ABS, ESP, SBC - Sensotronic Brake Control for early models), wheels, tires.
Body:
Exterior body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, convertible top mechanism (for A209), interior trim, seating.
Electrical:
Body control module (BCM), instrument cluster, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), power windows, mirrors, seats, infotainment system (COMAND), climate control, SRS (Airbag) system, CAN bus communication.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspections and replacement.
Repair Procedures:
Engine component repair and replacement (e.g., cylinder head, pistons, camshafts), transmission overhaul and component replacement, brake caliper and rotor replacement, suspension arm and bushing replacement, power steering rack replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their meanings, sensor testing, actuator testing, circuit testing.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized Mercedes-Benz tools required for specific procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level detail, including schematics, wiring diagrams, torque specifications, component locations, diagnostic flowcharts, and step-by-step repair instructions.
Engine Variant 1:
M271 E18 ML (1.8L Supercharged Inline-4)
Engine Variant 1 Power:
184 hp @ 5500 rpm
Engine Variant 1 Torque:
250 Nm (184 lb-ft) @ 3000-4300 rpm
Engine Variant 2:
M112 E32 (3.2L V6)
Engine Variant 2 Power:
215 hp @ 6000 rpm
Engine Variant 2 Torque:
310 Nm (229 lb-ft) @ 3000-4800 rpm
Engine Variant 3:
M112 E37 (3.7L V6)
Engine Variant 3 Power:
238 hp @ 5750 rpm
Engine Variant 3 Torque:
345 Nm (254 lb-ft) @ 3000-4500 rpm
Engine Variant 4:
M272 E35 (3.5L V6)
Engine Variant 4 Power:
268 hp @ 6000 rpm
Engine Variant 4 Torque:
350 Nm (258 lb-ft) @ 3500-5000 rpm
Engine Variant 5:
M113 E50 ML (5.0L V8 - CLK500)
Engine Variant 5 Power:
302 hp @ 5600 rpm
Engine Variant 5 Torque:
460 Nm (339 lb-ft) @ 2700-4250 rpm
Engine Variant 6:
M113 E55 ML (5.4L Supercharged V8 - CLK55 AMG)
Engine Variant 6 Power:
362 hp @ 6100 rpm
Engine Variant 6 Torque:
510 Nm (376 lb-ft) @ 3250-5000 rpm
Engine Variant 7:
M156 E63 (6.2L Naturally Aspirated V8 - CLK63 AMG)
Engine Variant 7 Power:
475 hp @ 6800 rpm
Engine Variant 7 Torque:
600 Nm (443 lb-ft) @ 5000 rpm
0 60 Mph Typical:
Varies by engine: ~7.0s (CLK320) to ~4.3s (CLK63 AMG)
Top Speed Governed:
Typically electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with multi-point injection (MPI) or direct injection (DI) on some later variants.
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Emission Controls:
Catalytic converters, O2 sensors, secondary air injection (on some models), EVAP system.
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed automatic (722.6) or 7-speed automatic (722.9) depending on model year and engine.
Transmission Type Optional:
AMG SpeedShift 7-speed automatic (722.3/722.9) for AMG models.
Shift Modes:
Comfort (C), Sport (S), Manual (M) modes available on most automatic transmissions.
Transmission Fluid Spec:
MB 236.10 or MB 236.14 (e.g., ATF 7G-Tronic)
Length:
Approx. 4635-4712 mm (182.5-185.5 in)
Width:
Approx. 1741-1764 mm (68.5-69.4 in)
Height:
Approx. 1382-1417 mm (54.4-55.8 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2717 mm (107.0 in)
Cargo Volume Coupe:
Approx. 370-400 liters (13.1-14.1 cu ft)
Cargo Volume Convertible:
Approx. 270-300 liters (9.5-10.6 cu ft) with top up
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1500-1750 kg (3300-3850 lbs), varies by engine and body style.
NHTSA Rating:
Generally rated well in frontal and side impact tests, consult specific year NHTSA reports for precise ratings.
IIHS Rating:
Typically 'Good' or 'Acceptable' in various crashworthiness categories. Consult specific IIHS reports.
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Traction Control System (TCS), optional Brake Assist (BAS), optional Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC) on early models.
Passive Safety Features:
Front and side airbags, curtain airbags (on coupe), seatbelt pretensioners, active head restraints (on some models), reinforced body structure.
Convertible Top Safety A209:
Integrated rollover protection system (pop-up roll bars behind rear headrests activated by sensors).
Infotainment System:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system, featuring CD player, optional GPS navigation, radio, and optional auxiliary input or media interface.
Audio System:
Standard premium audio, optional Harman Kardon surround sound system.
Driver Assistance Features:
Cruise control, optional Parktronic parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, automatic climate control.
Connectivity Options:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free communication system (often integrated into COMAND).
Lighting Technology:
Standard Halogen projector headlights, optional Xenon (HID) headlights with dynamic beam control.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, or as indicated by the Flexible Service System (ASSYST).
Major Service Interval:
Refer to ASSYST or specific mileage intervals for spark plug replacement (e.g., 60,000-100,000 miles depending on plug type), coolant flush, brake fluid flush (every 2 years), transmission fluid and filter service (often around 40,000-60,000 miles).
Engine Oil Spec:
MB 229.5 (e.g., SAE 0W-40, 5W-40, 5W-30 depending on climate and specific engine).
Coolant Spec:
MB 325.0 or MB 326.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant, typically a silicate-free, ethylene glycol-based mixture).
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 4 PLUS (MB specification 331.0).
Power Steering Fluid Spec:
MB 343.0 or MB 345.0 (Hydraulic Fluid).
Common Issues Engine:
Balance shaft wear in early M271 engines, oil leaks from valve cover gaskets and oil filter housing, spark plug well oil contamination, potential timing chain issues on higher mileage M272/M273 engines.
Common Issues Transmission:
Leaking transmission cooler lines, conductor plate issues in 722.6 and 722.9 transmissions, torque converter solenoid issues.
Common Issues Chassis:
Worn suspension bushings (control arms, sway bar links), premature wear of ball joints and tie rod ends, ABS/ESP sensor failures, SBC system faults (early models).
Common Issues Electrical:
HVAC blower motor resistor failure, headlight leveling sensor issues, power seat module failures, COMAND system glitches, window regulator failures, convertible top hydraulic leaks or sensor faults (A209).
Brand Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for automotive engineering excellence, safety, and luxury, established in the early 20th century.
Generation Codification:
The C209/A209 CLK replaced the C208/A208 and was based on the W203 C-Class platform, offering a more modern chassis and technology.
Facelifts And Updates:
Received a significant facelift for the 2005 model year, featuring updated exterior styling (headlights, grille, bumpers), interior enhancements, and updated powertrain options (e.g., introduction of the M272 V6).
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured at Mercedes-Benz's Bremen plant in Germany.
Production End Year:
2010, succeeded by the W207 E-Class Coupe/Convertible.
Industry Awards:
While specific awards may vary by year and region, the CLK Class generally received positive reviews for its styling, comfort, and engineering, contributing to Mercedes-Benz's strong brand perception in the luxury segment.
Reliability Ratings:
Reliability varied by specific model year and engine. Early models with the M271 engine and the SBC system required particular attention. Later models with the M272 and M113/M156 engines generally demonstrated better reliability with proper maintenance.
