Segment:
Luxury Grand Tourer / Convertible
Target Audience:
Discerning individuals seeking a blend of performance, comfort, and open-air motoring with prestigious brand cachet.
Key Competitors:
BMW 6 Series Convertible, Audi A5 Cabriolet, Lexus SC 430, Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet.
Body Style:
Four-seat convertible with a retractable hardtop.
Performance Focus:
High-performance V8 engine offering strong acceleration and refined cruising.
Luxury Appointments:
Premium interior materials, advanced comfort features, and sophisticated styling.
Coverage Areas:
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
Manual Type:
Owner's Manual
Digital Delivery:
Instant Download
Systems Covered:
Vehicle operation, dashboard indicators, infotainment, HVAC, lighting systems, driver controls, door locks, anti-theft, seating adjustments, airbag systems, driving techniques, customer support, basic cleaning, engine bay overview, fluid checks (oil, fuel, battery), air filter maintenance, part identification, fluid capacities, lubricant requirements, accessory usage, general service guidelines, routine maintenance procedures.
Procedures Included:
Daily checks, operation of all onboard systems, safety features explanation, driving modes, troubleshooting minor issues, basic cleaning and care, fluid level checks and top-offs, air filter replacement guidance, understanding dashboard warnings, refueling procedures.
Technical Depth:
Owner-level operation and maintenance. Focuses on user interaction with vehicle systems and routine care. Does not include detailed repair procedures or diagnostic fault codes.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V8
Displacement:
5.5 Liters (5461 cc)
Horsepower:
382 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
391 lb-ft @ 2800-4000 rpm
Fuel Induction:
Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Bore X Stroke:
98.0 mm x 90.5 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.7:1
Valve Train:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) with 4 valves per cylinder
Emission Control:
Catalytic converters, secondary air injection, oxygen sensors
Length:
183.1 inches (4650 mm)
Width:
70.1 inches (1780 mm)
Height:
55.2 inches (1402 mm)
Wheelbase:
106.0 inches (2691 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 4,134 lbs (1875 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 5,115 lbs (2320 kg)
Trunk Volume Top Up:
13.2 cu ft (374 liters)
Trunk Volume Top Down:
8.8 cu ft (248 liters)
Standard Wheel Size:
18-inch alloy
Standard Tire Size Front:
225/40 R18
Standard Tire Size Rear:
255/35 R18
NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not explicitly rated by NHTSA for this specific year/model in all categories due to its luxury status, but generally considered very safe.
IIHS Rating:
Likely good ratings in crashworthiness based on contemporary Mercedes-Benz standards, but specific model testing may vary.
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side airbags, front and rear head protection airbags (window airbags), driver knee airbag.
Rollover Protection:
Pop-up roll bars integrated behind the rear headrests, activated automatically in a detected rollover situation.
Seat Belts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters, NECK-PRO active head restraints.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Esp:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Bas:
Brake Assist System (BAS)
Traction Control:
Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR)
Head Unit:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) APS system.
Display:
Color LCD screen integrated into the dashboard.
Audio Features:
AM/FM radio, CD player (often with multi-disc changer), optional SiriusXM satellite radio, Harman Kardon surround sound system.
Navigation:
DVD-based navigation system (updates may be required).
Connectivity:
Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming (may require adapter), optional Media Interface for iPod/USB.
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Optional DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control system.
Parking Assistance:
Optional PARKTRONIC front and rear parking sensors.
Lighting Features:
Bi-Xenon headlamps with integrated cornering lights, automatic headlamp activation, front and rear fog lamps.
Keyless Go:
Optional Keyless Go push-button start system.
Climate Control:
Dual-zone automatic climate control (THERMATIC or optional THERMOTRONIC).
Seat Features:
Power-adjustable front seats with memory, heated front seats, optional ventilated front seats and multi-contour seating.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first, based on Mercedes-Benz flexible service system (Service A/B).
Major Service Points:
Refer to the manual for specific Service A and Service B intervals, which include checks like brake system, suspension, exhaust, and replacement of filters and fluids.
Engine Oil Spec:
MB Approval 229.5 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40, Castrol EDGE 0W-40)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 Liters (8.9 US Quarts) with filter change
Coolant Type:
MB Approval 325.0 or 326.0 (Ethylene Glycol based, blue color)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 9.5 Liters (10.0 US Quarts)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Plus (MB Specification 331.0)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
MB Approval 343.0 (Hydraulic Oil)
Windshield Washer Fluid:
Approved washer fluid concentrate mixed with distilled water (refer to manual for seasonal recommendations).
Common Issues General:
Early W209 models could experience Airmatic suspension issues (if equipped), SBC brake system issues (not applicable to CLK550 which uses conventional hydraulics), and potential oil leaks from valve cover gaskets or oil cooler seals.
Common Issues Clk550:
The 7G-TRONIC transmission can sometimes exhibit harsh shifting or solenoid issues if not properly maintained. Ignition coil failures, crankshaft position sensor issues, and the need for regular carbon cleaning of intake valves are also noted for this era of Mercedes-Benz V8s.
Convertible Top Maintenance:
The hydraulic system for the convertible top requires periodic checks and can develop leaks over time. Lubrication of seals and mechanisms is crucial.
Oil Filter Part Number:
Commonly 273 180 01 09 or similar OEM equivalents.
Air Filter Part Number:
Typically a set of two filters, e.g., 273 094 07 04.
Cabin Filter Part Number:
Often a set of two, e.g., 203 830 02 18 or 203 830 00 18.
Marque Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz, established in 1926, renowned for engineering excellence, luxury, safety, and performance vehicles since its inception.
Clk Class Positioning:
The CLK-Class (C208/A208 and W209/A209) was positioned as a more stylish and personal luxury coupe and convertible, often based on C-Class mechanicals but with distinct styling and premium features.
W209 Introduction:
The W209 CLK-Class was introduced in 2002 as a successor to the C208, featuring updated styling, improved aerodynamics, and a more luxurious interior. The A209 Cabriolet variant followed shortly after.
Clk550 Introduction:
The CLK550 model, featuring the larger 5.5L V8, was introduced in North America for the 2007 model year, replacing the previous CLK500, offering increased power and torque.
Production Period:
W209/A209 CLK-Class: 2002-2009.
Manufacturing Plant:
Mainly produced at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Sindelfingen, Germany.
Discontinuation:
The CLK-Class was discontinued after the 2009 model year and its role was largely absorbed by the new E-Class Coupe (C207) and Convertible (A207).