Chassis Codes:
C209 (Coupe), A209 (Cabriolet)
Model Years Covered:
2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Generation Designation:
Second Generation (W209/A209)
Factory Identification Code:
C209/A209
Positioning Of Clk Class:
The CLK-Class (C209/A209) occupied the luxury coupe and convertible segment, blending sporty performance with Mercedes-Benz comfort and luxury. It served as a more accessible entry into the brand's coupe offerings compared to the E-Class coupe of its era.
Competitors:
Competed with models like the BMW 3 Series Coupe/Convertible (E46/E90 generation), Audi A4 Cabriolet, and Lexus SC.
Vehicle Highlights:
Elegant styling, comfortable interior, advanced safety features, refined ride quality, potent engine options, and the availability of a retractable hardtop convertible (A209).
Dealership Quality Advantage:
This manual provides the same detailed, accurate, and specific information that Mercedes-Benz dealership technicians rely on for diagnosis and repair, ensuring a high level of accuracy and efficiency for any maintenance or repair task.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine electrical, fuel system, emission control, cooling system, lubrication, exhaust system, engine management (ECU), automatic and manual transmissions, drivetrain (rear-wheel drive, differentials, drive shafts).
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system (hydraulic power steering, steering column), brakes (hydraulic system, ABS, ESP, brake components, parking brake), wheels and tires, chassis alignment.
Electrical:
Body electrical systems, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors, seats), instrument cluster, diagnostics (OBD-II, CAN bus), infotainment system, climate control electronics, comfort systems.
Body And Interior:
Body structure, exterior panels, doors, hood, trunk, convertible top mechanism (for A209), interior trim, seating, safety restraints (airbags, seatbelts).
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad and rotor replacement.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnostics, fault code interpretation, electrical circuit diagnosis, fuel system testing, emission control system diagnosis.
Repair Procedures:
Component removal and installation (engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, steering, electrical components), body panel repair, convertible top system repair, interior component repair, exhaust system repair.
Technical Specifications And Data:
Torque specifications, fluid types and capacities, electrical component resistance and voltage values, alignment specifications, engine timing data, emission control data.
Depth Of Information:
Dealer-level, comprehensive. Covers routine maintenance through complete engine and transmission overhauls, complex electrical diagnostics, and structural repairs.
Type Of Manual:
Exact same manual used by dealership technicians. Provides factory-authorized procedures and specifications.
Engine Options:
CLK320 (M112 E32 V6), CLK500 (M113 E50 V8), CLK55 AMG (M113 E55 V8), CLK280 (M272 E30 V6), CLK350 (M272 E35 V6), CLK63 AMG (M156 E63 V8 - later models/facelift).
Engine Power And Torque Ranges:
Horsepower ranged from approximately 215 hp (CLK280) to 475 hp (CLK63 AMG). Torque figures varied similarly, providing a range of performance characteristics.
Fuel Delivery:
Fuel injection, typically multi-port (MPI) or direct injection (for later models), managed by sophisticated engine control units (ECUs) like Bosch Motronic variants.
ECM Details:
Detailed diagnostics and component information for ME-SFI, SIM, or similar Mercedes-Benz engine management systems including sensor data, actuator control, and fault code interpretation.
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz approved G48 coolant (or equivalent specification), typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Specific capacity varies by engine but is generally around 8-10 liters.
Standard Transmission Type:
Automatic transmission, predominantly the 5G-TRONIC (722.6) for V6 and V8 models, and later the 7G-TRONIC (722.9) for certain models. Manual transmissions were rarely offered in North America for this generation.
Optional Transmission Type:
Limited availability of manual transmissions in certain markets. AMG models featured AMG Speedshift variants of the automatic transmissions.
Transmission Features:
Tiptronic shifting, Comfort and Sport modes, electronic control units for optimized performance and shift points.
Transmission Fluid:
MB Approval 236.14 (for 722.6) or MB Approval 236.15 (for 722.9). Common ATF types like Dexron III/Mercon are NOT compatible and will cause damage. Specific fluid capacities are provided for each transmission type within the manual.
Coupe Length:
Approx. 179.9 inches (C209)
Convertible Length:
Approx. 179.9 inches (A209)
Coupe Width:
Approx. 69.7 inches (C209)
Convertible Width:
Approx. 69.7 inches (A209)
Coupe Height:
Approx. 54.7 inches (C209)
Convertible Height:
Approx. 53.7 inches (A209)
Seating Capacity:
4 passengers
Coupe Trunk Volume:
Approx. 13.1 cu ft (C209)
Convertible Trunk Volume:
Approx. 11.3 cu ft with top up, significantly less with top down (A209)
Curb Weight Range:
Approximately 3400-3800 lbs, varying significantly with engine and body style.
NHTSA Crash Test Ratings:
Generally received good ratings in front and side impact tests from NHTSA and IIHS during its production run, reflecting Mercedes-Benz's emphasis on safety engineering. Specific ratings should be verified for individual model years.
Active Safety Systems:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ESP (Electronic Stability Program), ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation), Brake Assist (BAS), optional Distronic (adaptive cruise control).
Passive Safety Systems:
Front airbags, side airbags, window airbags (for C209), optional rollover protection for A209, active front head restraints (Neck-Pro), front and rear crumple zones, reinforced body structure.
Audio And Navigation:
The manual covers the COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system, audio systems, CD changers, and optional navigation modules. Diagnostics and troubleshooting for these systems are included.
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Details on the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of the optional Distronic adaptive cruise control system, including radar sensor calibration.
Telematics And Phone:
Information on the integrated phone systems (e.g., UHI interface), Bluetooth connectivity (if equipped), and other communication modules within the vehicle.
Automatic Climate Control:
Comprehensive coverage of the THERMATIC or THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control systems, including HVAC components, sensors, actuators, and diagnostic procedures for issues like faulty blower motors or climate control modules.
Scheduled Maintenance A B:
Mercedes-Benz utilizes a flexible service system (e.g., Service A, Service B) indicated by the instrument cluster. Typically, Service A occurs around 10,000 miles or 1 year, and Service B around 20,000 miles or 2 years, with specific items within each service. The manual details the exact components and procedures for each service interval based on mileage and time.
Engine Oil Specification:
MB Approval 229.5 (for gasoline engines). Viscosity grades like 0W-40 or 5W-40 are common. The manual will specify exact grades based on engine and climate.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 (or DOT 4 Plus/High Performance DOT 4). Mercedes-Benz often specifies fluids meeting their own stringent approvals (e.g., MB Approval 331.0).
Power Steering Fluid Specification:
MB Approval 343.0 (typically a synthetic hydraulic fluid, NOT generic ATF).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Varies by engine: approx. 6.5-8.5 liters (depending on V6 or V8 configuration). Manual provides exact figures.
Common Wear Items:
Front suspension components (control arm bushings, ball joints), rear main crankshaft seal leaks (M112/M113 engines), EPROM failure in early transmission control units, rust on wheel arches and rocker panels, aging convertible top hydraulic lines and seals (A209).
Electrical Gremlins:
Can occur due to aging wiring harnesses, SAM module issues (Signal Acquisition Module), or failing window regulators and convertible top controls. Detailed diagnostic procedures for these are in the manual.
Key Preventative Tasks:
Regular fluid changes (engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant), inspection of suspension bushings, checking for oil leaks, maintaining the convertible top mechanism.
Mercedes Benz Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing history of producing high-quality, luxury, and performance-oriented vehicles, a heritage that the CLK-Class embodies with its sophisticated engineering and design.
Clk Class Development:
The C209/A209 generation replaced the C208/A208 CLK-Class. It was based on the W203 C-Class platform but featured a unique body style. Key updates included engine choices, transmission advancements, and chassis refinements throughout its production run.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Germany.
Facelift Details:
Received a significant facelift in 2005, which introduced updated styling (e.g., revised bumpers, grille, headlights, taillights), improved interior materials, and new engine options (e.g., M272 V6 engines, M156 V8 in CLK63 AMG).
Industry Accolades:
While specific awards may vary, the CLK-Class was generally well-regarded for its design, comfort, and performance in its segment, often receiving positive reviews from automotive publications.
Owner Satisfaction:
Owner satisfaction typically reflected the luxury and refinement expected of a Mercedes-Benz, though like many German luxury vehicles of the era, maintenance costs could be higher than average.
Safety Certifications:
Built to meet all applicable European and North American safety certifications and standards for luxury coupes and convertibles.
