Positioning:
Premium mid-size coupe/convertible offering luxury, performance, and advanced engineering for its era.
Competitors:
BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46), Audi A5, Lexus SC series.
Design:
Elegant, aerodynamic styling with distinctive Mercedes-Benz design cues.
Powertrain:
Smooth and powerful M112 V6 engine paired with a refined automatic transmission.
Interior:
High-quality materials, comfortable seating, and advanced features for the period.
Engine:
Complete diagnostics, repair, and overhaul for M112 V6 engine
Transmission:
5-speed automatic transmission (722.6) diagnosis and repair
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive system, driveshaft, differential, axles
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, including components, alignment, and geometry
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, and linkages
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS, ESP, component replacement, bleeding procedures
Electrical System:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, component testing, troubleshooting of all electrical circuits
Body And Frame:
Body panel repair, interior trim removal and installation, door mechanisms, glass replacement
Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning HVAC:
Climate control system diagnosis, refrigerant handling, component repair
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, injectors, fuel filter, EVAP system
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant specifications
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers, component replacement
Emission Control:
Components and troubleshooting for emissions compliance
Lighting System:
Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, bulb specifications
Infotainment And Audio:
Radio, amplifier, speaker system diagnosis and repair
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance procedures, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component replacement and repair
Overhaul:
Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostics, fault code interpretation, electronic system analysis
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for all critical fasteners
Wiring Diagrams:
High-quality, color-coded wiring schematics for all systems
Exploded Diagrams:
Detailed exploded views of all major components and assemblies
Depth:
Comprehensive coverage from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Diagnostic Tools:
Information pertinent to using Mercedes-Benz diagnostic tools (e.g., STAR DIAGNOSIS)
Engine Type:
V6, SOHC (with 3 valves per cylinder)
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 @ 3500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), sequential multi-point
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane)
Oil Capacity:
8.5 Liters (8.9 US quarts)
Ignition System:
Distributorless ignition system (DIS) with individual coil packs
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4/5 Stars (for the W208 platform generally)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4/5 Stars (for the W208 platform generally)
Electronic Stability Program:
Standard (ESP)
Anti-Lock Braking System:
Standard (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard (ASR - Acceleration Slip Regulation)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, optional side airbags
Seatbelts:
Pretensioning front seatbelts with force limiters
Rollover Protection:
Pop-up roll bars integrated behind headrests (for convertible models)
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette/CD player with optional Bose premium sound system.
Navigation:
Optional factory-installed navigation system (APS).
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Parking Assist:
Optional Parktronic parking sensors.
Phone Integration:
Optional hands-free telephone system (often requiring a specific cradle).
Seats:
Power adjustable front seats with memory function, heated front seats available.
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control with dual-zone temperature settings.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil).
Major Service Interval:
Service A (minor) and Service B (major) intervals recommended by Mercedes-Benz, typically around 15,000-20,000 miles for Service A and 30,000-40,000 miles for Service B, though specific needs can vary. The manual will detail these.
Engine Oil Spec:
API SJ, ACEA A2 or A3, MB-Approval 229.1 or 229.3 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40, Castrol Syntec 0W-30).
Coolant Spec:
MB-Approval 325.0 or 326.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrate, typically a silicates-based formula).
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 4 (Mercedes-Benz recommends their own brand or equivalent meeting MB-Approval 331.0).
Common Issues M112:
Cracked plastic intake manifold (early M112 engines), Variable Intake Manifold (VIM) actuator failure, O-ring degradation on oil cooler.
Common Issues Transmission:
Conductor plate issues in the 722.6 transmission leading to shifting problems, O-ring failure in the pilot bushing.
Common Issues Electrical:
Window regulator failures, climate control module faults, SRS (airbag) warning lights due to seat occupancy sensor issues or wiring harness problems.
Common Issues Suspension:
Wear in front control arm bushings and ball joints, strut mount wear.
Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, and automotive innovation dating back to the late 19th century.
Clk Generation:
First generation (C208) introduced in 1997 as a coupe, with a convertible (A208) following in 1998. Replaced the C124 E-Class Coupe and Convertible.
Platform Sharing:
Based on the W202 C-Class platform, but with styling and features more aligned with the E-Class range.
Production Years:
1997-2002 (C208 Coupe) / 1998-2003 (A208 Convertible)
Manufacturing Location:
Sindelfingen, Germany