Segment:
Entry-level Luxury Grand Tourer Coupe
Target Audience:
Discerning buyers seeking a blend of performance, comfort, and luxury with a sporty design
Key Competitors:
BMW 6 Series Coupe, Audi A5 Coupe (though A5 is slightly later generation), Lexus SC 430
Styling:
Elegant and timeless coupe design, iconic Mercedes-Benz grille, frameless windows
Performance Focus:
Powerful V8 engine, comfortable ride, sophisticated suspension system
Luxury Appointments:
Premium interior materials, advanced comfort features for its time, high-quality craftsmanship
Cockpit And Controls:
Instrument cluster, climate controls, infotainment system, driver controls, lighting systems
Interior Features:
Seating adjustments, safety restraints (airbags, seatbelts), locks and security features, power accessories
Powertrain And Chassis:
Engine compartment overview, fluid types and capacities, basic maintenance procedures
Operation:
Vehicle startup, driving techniques, parking, operation of vehicle features
Maintenance:
Recommended service intervals, fluid checks and top-offs, basic cleaning instructions
Safety:
Proper use of safety restraints, understanding warning indicators, reporting safety defects (U.S. market)
Depth:
Owner-level operation, maintenance, and basic information. Does not include in-depth repair diagnostics or component-level troubleshooting.
File Type:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Readability:
Requires PDF reader software (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader)
Device Compatibility:
Compatible with any device capable of reading PDF files (computers, tablets, smartphones)
Quality:
High-resolution digital reproduction of factory original
Binding:
N/A (Digital format)
Paper:
N/A (Digital format)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V8
Engine Displacement:
4.966 liters (5.0L)
Valvetrain:
SOHC (Single Overhead Cam), 3 valves per cylinder (2 intake, 1 exhaust)
Bore X Stroke:
97.0 mm x 84.0 mm
Horsepower:
302 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
339 lb-ft @ 2700-4250 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Sequential Port Injection
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
67 liters (17.7 gallons)
Transmission Type:
5-speed Automatic
Transmission Model:
722.6 (Mercedes-Benz 5G-TRONIC)
Driving Modes:
Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes
Gear Ratios:
Refer to manual for specific gear ratios, but generally geared for a balance of acceleration and highway cruising
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB Approved ATF specification (e.g., Shell ATF 134 or equivalent)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (Driver and Passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact:
4-Star (Front Seat Passenger)
Brakes:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BAS)
Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Airbags:
Front airbags (driver and passenger), side airbags (front), window airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters
Seat Structure:
Integrated head restraints, advanced seat construction
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player with optional CD changer, likely featuring premium speaker systems (e.g., Bose).
Navigation:
Optional factory COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system with a color display and GPS navigation.
Connectivity:
Basic analog or early digital connectivity, possibly including a CD changer input or auxiliary audio input on some units.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Parking Assistance:
Optional front and rear parking sensors (PARKTRONIC).
Climate Control:
Automatic Climate Control (THERMATIC) with dual-zone temperature control, optional heated and ventilated seats.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil. Exact interval dictated by the 'Service A' or 'Service B' indicator system.
Transmission Service:
Recommended fluid and filter change every 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on driving conditions. Refer to manual for specific guidance.
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 8.0 liters (8.5 US quarts) with filter change
Engine Oil Type:
Full Synthetic SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 meeting MB 229.5 specification
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 9.0 liters (9.5 US quarts)
Coolant Type:
MB Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., Pentosin, Havoline, Shell) mixed 50/50 with distilled water
Power Steering Fluid:
MB Approved Power Steering Fluid (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11 S or equivalent)
Windshield Washer Fluid:
Approved washer fluid concentrate or water
Common Wear Items:
Ignition coils, spark plugs, serpentine belt, front suspension components (control arms, bushings), oil cooler seals, transmission conductor plate (722.6).
Common Electronic Issues:
Window regulators, climate control blower motor resistor, CAN bus communication issues (less common but possible).
Preventative Maintenance Recommendations:
Regular fluid flushes (coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), timely replacement of wear items, thorough inspection of rubber hoses and seals.
Part Number Reference:
Manual may contain references to specific part numbers for maintenance items like filters and fluids, but a dedicated parts catalog would be more comprehensive.
Capacities Coverage:
Provides essential fluid refill capacities for engine oil, coolant, windshield washer fluid, and transmission fluid.
Manufacturer:
Mercedes-Benz, a globally recognized leader in automotive engineering and luxury vehicles since the early 20th century.
Clk Class Introduction:
The CLK-Class (W208) was introduced in 1997 as a coupe and convertible based on the C-Class platform. The W209 generation, launched in 2002, offered a more substantial chassis, improved styling, and a wider range of engine options.
Clk500 Positioning:
The CLK500 represented a significant step up in performance within the CLK lineup for the W209 generation, bridging the gap between the CLK320/CLK350 and the high-performance AMG variants.
Production Years W209:
2002-2010
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Germany (Sindelfingen plant) and potentially other Mercedes-Benz global assembly facilities.
General Reputation:
The CLK500 of this era was generally well-regarded for its V8 performance, refined ride, and elegant styling, earning praise in automotive reviews for its GT capabilities.
IIHS Ratings:
Likely received good ratings from the IIHS for frontal and side crash tests, consistent with Mercedes-Benz's safety focus.