🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

CLK320

Year:

1999

Chassis Code:

W208

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Executive Luxury Coupe/Convertible

Target Audience:

Luxury car buyers seeking performance, style, and the Mercedes-Benz brand reputation.

Key Competitors:

BMW 3 Series Coupe, Audi A4 Cabriolet, Lexus SC, Infiniti G35 Coupe (later models)

Vehicle Appeal:

Stylish design, comfortable interior, refined V6 engine, strong brand prestige, safety features.

Manual Value Proposition:

Authoritative, comprehensive, and officially licensed information essential for accurate diagnosis and repair of a complex luxury vehicle.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Service, Repair, Diagnostics, Maintenance

Secondary Coverage:

Wiring Diagrams, Troubleshooting Guides, Specifications

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 1500-2500 (typical for comprehensive software manuals of this era)

Type:

Official Factory Service Manual (Software)

Language:

English

Format:

Software (likely CD-ROM or digital download, searchable PDF equivalent)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

M112 (V6, 3.2L) - Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel injection, ignition, emissions control, engine management (ECU/DME)

Transmission:

5G-Tronic (722.6) Automatic Transmission - Gearbox operation, servicing, diagnostics, control module

Drivetrain:

Rear-wheel drive, driveshafts, differential, axle components

Suspension:

Front McPherson strut, multi-link rear suspension, springs, shock absorbers, control arms, anti-roll bars

Steering:

Hydraulic power steering system, steering gear, tie rods, column

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ESP (Electronic Stability Program), brake system components, hydraulic lines

Electrical:

12V electrical system, battery, charging system (alternator), starter, lighting system, fuse box, relays, power windows, mirrors, seats, central locking

Bodywork:

Body construction, panels, doors, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, interior trim, glass, seals

Climate Control:

Automatic climate control (THERMATIC/THERMOTRONIC), HVAC unit, blower motor, A/C system, heater core, refrigerant circuits

Safety Systems:

Airbags (SRS - Supplemental Restraint System), seatbelt pre-tensioners, crash sensors

Instrumentation:

Instrument cluster, gauges, warning lights, trip computer

Infotainment:

Audio system, navigation (if equipped), antenna systems

Maintenance:

Routine servicing (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks), spark plug replacement, drive belt inspection/replacement

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts for common problems, fault code interpretation, electrical system diagnosis

Repair:

Engine component removal/installation (e.g., alternator, starter, water pump), brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, interior trim removal/installation

Diagnostics:

OBD-II diagnostics, specific Mercedes-Benz diagnostic codes (DTCs), testing of sensors and actuators

Component Replacement:

Detailed steps for replacing key components across all covered systems

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle circuits

Depth:

Comprehensive factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission overhauls.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format Type:

Proprietary software or searchable PDF (depending on distribution)

Searchability:

High (text-searchable content for quick information retrieval)

Print Capability:

Printable pages (standard for digital manuals)

Binding:

N/A (Software)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Software)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M112.941

Engine Type:

SOHC 90-degree V6

Displacement:

3199 cc (3.2 Liters)

Horsepower:

215 hp @ 5750 rpm

Torque:

229 lb-ft @ 3000-4250 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)

ECM Type:

ME 2.8 (Motor Electronic) or similar Bosch ECU

Spark Plugs:

Long-life Iridium (e.g., Bosch FGR7KQP or NGK IFR5N10)

Engine Oil Capacity:

8.5 Liters (9 US Quarts) with filter change

Engine Oil Specification:

MB 229.1 or MB 229.3 (SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 recommended)

Coolant Type:

Mercedes-Benz Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., MB 325.0 or 326.0)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Automatic Transmission

Transmission Code:

722.6 (5G-Tronic)

Electronic Control:

Fully electronic control with adaptive shifting programs.

Torque Converter:

Lock-up torque converter for improved efficiency.

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approximately 8.0 Liters (service fill), 9.5 Liters (dry fill)

Transmission Fluid Specification:

MB 236.10 or MB 236.12 (e.g., Pentosin ATF1 or equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Coupe Length:

4651 mm (183.1 in)

Coupe Width:

1740 mm (68.5 in)

Coupe Height:

1392 mm (54.8 in)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 1540 kg (3395 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approximately 2000 kg (4409 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test:

Not specifically rated for 1999 model year by NHTSA in current format, but early W208 chassis generally performed well for its time.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Esp:

Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP)

Traction Control:

ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation) integrated with ESP

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags, optional side airbags

Seatbelts:

Front and rear seatbelts with pre-tensioners

Rollover Protection:

Pop-up roll bars integrated behind the rear headrests (for convertible models, not applicable to coupe).

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with CD player or cassette, optional Bose sound system.

Navigation:

Optional COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation Device) system.

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Phone Integration:

Optional factory or aftermarket hands-free phone systems (e.g., Mercedes-Benz hands-free communication systems).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil And Filter Change:

Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (or as indicated by the 'Service A'/'Service B' indicator system).

Transmission Fluid Service:

Typically every 30,000-50,000 miles (refer to manual for exact interval based on driving conditions).

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.

Brake Fluid Change:

Every 2 years.

Power Steering Fluid:

MB 236.3 (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 (MB 331.0)

Common Faults:

Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor issues, ignition coil failures, OVP relay problems, valve cover gasket leaks, transmission conductor plate issues (722.6), window regulator failures, SRS warning light illumination.

Item:

Check and replace serpentine belt regularly, inspect hoses and vacuum lines for cracks.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, and safety dating back to the late 19th century.

Generation:

The CLK320 (W208) is the first generation CLK-Class, launched in 1997 as a successor to the E-Class Coupe (C124). It was based on the C-Class platform (W202) but featured styling and features more akin to the E-Class.

1999 Updates:

The 1999 model year saw the introduction of the M112 V6 engine, replacing the inline-6 engines from earlier W208 models, offering improved performance and efficiency.

Production Period:

1997-2003 (for W208 chassis)

Manufacturing Plant:

Bremen, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Award Type:

While specific awards for the 1999 CLK320 are not widely publicized as standalone accolades, the W208 chassis generally received positive reviews for its blend of performance, luxury, and design, contributing to Mercedes-Benz's consistent recognition as a premium automotive brand.