🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

CLK-Class

Variant:

CLK320 Cabriolet

Year:

2003

Chassis Code:

A208 (for Cabriolet)

Engine Code Designation:

M112 E32

Transmission Code Designation:

722.6 (5G-TRONIC)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Entry-level Luxury Convertible/Coupe

Competitors 2003:

BMW 3 Series Convertible (E46), Audi A4 Cabriolet, Lexus SC 430, Saab 9-3 Convertible.

Powertrain Emphasis:

Smooth V6 power delivery and Mercedes-Benz's signature ride comfort.

Design Philosophy:

Combines sporty styling with the practicality and luxury expected from Mercedes-Benz.

Demographics:

Affluent individuals seeking a stylish, comfortable, and refined convertible for daily driving or leisure.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Content Summary:

Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. only), Cleaning, Maintenance and Specifications, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter(s), Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories, Service Information and Specifications, Maintenance Information and Specifications.

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 250-350 pages (typical for factory owner's manuals of this era)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Electrical System:

Detailed coverage of lighting systems, instrument cluster indicators, and basic electrical component identification.

Powertrain:

Information on engine oil, fuel, air filter, battery, and refill capacities. General guidance on engine operation and maintenance.

Comfort And Convenience:

Comprehensive coverage of climate control systems, entertainment systems (radio, CD player), locks, security features, and power accessories.

Safety Systems:

Details on seating, safety restraints (seat belts, airbags), child seat installation, and operation of safety-related features.

Chassis And Body:

Information on cleaning procedures, tire inflation, and general care for the vehicle's body and interior.

Routine Maintenance:

Guidance on checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, and bulb replacement.

Operation And Usage:

Instructions on operating the vehicle, understanding dashboard controls and indicators, using the climate control, audio system, and convertible top (if applicable to specific manual version).

Troubleshooting Basic:

Basic operational advice and indicator light explanations to help diagnose minor issues.

Safety Warnings:

Emphasis on safety precautions, proper use of safety restraints, and responsible driving practices.

Depth:

Designed for the vehicle owner, providing operational, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting information. Does not typically include in-depth diagnostic procedures or repair instructions typically found in a service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

Compatibility:

Readable on any device with a PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader).

Quality:

High-quality digital reproduction of the factory original manual.

Type:

Not applicable (digital format)

Type:

Not applicable (digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

V6, SOHC

Displacement:

3.2 Liters (3199 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

89.9 mm x 84.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Horsepower:

215 hp @ 5700 rpm

Torque:

229 lb-ft @ 3100 rpm

Induction:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Engine Management System:

ME 2.8 (or similar variant depending on exact market)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Automatic (5G-TRONIC)

Optional Transmission:

N/A for CLK320 Cabriolet in this year

Shift Modes:

Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes.

Fluid Type:

MB 236.10 or MB 236.12 Automatic Transmission Fluid

📐 Dimensions

Length:

177.6 inches (4511 mm)

Width:

68.5 inches (1739 mm)

Height:

53.9 inches (1370 mm)

Wheelbase:

105.9 inches (2690 mm)

Front Headroom:

Approx. 38.0 inches

Front Legroom:

Approx. 41.7 inches

Rear Headroom:

Approx. 35.3 inches

Rear Legroom:

Approx. 27.4 inches

Trunk Volume Convertible Up:

Approx. 11.2 cu ft

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3660 lbs (1660 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 4675 lbs (2120 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Driver Side:

5-Star (for Coupe variant, convertible may differ)

NHTSA Front Passenger Side:

5-Star (for Coupe variant, convertible may differ)

Stability Control:

Electronic Stability Program (ESP)

Traction Control:

ASR (Acceleration Skid Control)

Braking System:

4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist (BAS)

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags (in doors or seats).

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seat belts with front belt tensioners and force limiters.

Roll Protection:

Integrated roll-over protection bars concealed behind rear headrests (deploy automatically in a rollover scenario).

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

COMAND 2.0 (optional, with navigation and CD player), or standard Audio 10/15/20 CD/radio system.

Speaker System:

Typically 6 or 8 speakers, with optional Harman Kardon premium sound.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control with speed limiter.

Parking Assistance:

Optional Parktronic system (audible and visual parking sensors).

Phone Integration:

Optional factory-fitted hands-free telephone system with UHI connector.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions and oil quality (refer to manual for specific Assyst system guidance).

Major Service A:

At approximately 10,000 miles/1 year (e.g., oil, filter change, tire rotation, comprehensive inspection).

Major Service B:

At approximately 20,000 miles/2 years (includes Service A items plus cabin air filter, brake inspection).

Engine Oil Type:

Mobil 1 Synthetic 0W-40 or equivalent meeting MB 229.5 specification.

Engine Oil Capacity:

8.0 Liters (approx. 8.5 US quarts) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

MB approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., ZEREX G-48 or equivalent, mixed 50/50 with distilled water).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 Plus (or MB 331.0 specification).

Power Steering Fluid:

MB approved Hydraulic Fluid (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent).

Common Wear Items:

Mass airflow sensor (MAF), crank position sensor, blower motor resistor, vacuum leaks, fuel pump relay, transmission conductor plate.

Interior Durability:

Headliner sagging, wear on seat bolsters, dashboard plastic crystallization (less common than earlier models).

Convertible Top Mechanism:

Hydraulic leaks, microswitches, and general wear on the fabric or seals.

Part Number Example:

Mann-Filter C2531 or equivalent

Part Number Example:

Mann-Filter HU718/1k or equivalent

📚 Vehicle History

Foundation:

Mercedes-Benz, established in 1926, with a long history of engineering excellence and luxury vehicles.

Clk Generation:

A208 (Cabriolet) is based on the W208 coupe platform, which itself was derived from the C-Class (W202) and E-Class (W210) platforms.

Design Influence:

Styling influenced by the CLK GTR race car and the C112 concept car.

Production Period:

The W208/A208 generation was produced from 1997 to 2003. The CLK320 variant was available throughout this period.

Manufacturing Location:

Germany (primarily Bremen plant)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Previous Model Awards:

The CLK-Class (W208/A208) often received praise for its styling, comfortable ride, and luxury appointments from automotive journalists of the era.

Safety Ratings General:

Generally good safety ratings for its time, reflecting Mercedes-Benz's commitment to safety engineering.