Engine MERCEDES-BENZ CLK320 CABRIOLET 2002 A208 Owner's Manual
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Our company and staff congratulate you on the purchase of your new Mercedes-Benz.
Your selection of our product is a demonstration of your trust in our company name. Further, it exemplifies your desire 
to own an automobile that will be as easy as possible to operate and provide years of service.
Your Mercedes-Benz represents the efforts of many skilled engineers and craftsmen. To ensure your pleasure of 
ownership, and for your safety and that of your passengers, we ask you to make a small investment of your time:
•Please read this manual carefully before putting it aside. Then return it to your vehicle where it will be handy for 
your reference.
•Please abide by the recommendations contained in this manual. They are designed to acquaint you with the 
operation of your Mercedes-Benz.
•Please abide by the warnings and cautions contained in this manual. They are designed to help improve the safety 
of the vehicle operator and occupants.
We extend our best wishes for many miles of safe, pleasurable driving.
DaimlerChrysler AG
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2 Contents
Multifunction steering wheel, 
multifunction display  ................. 88
Trip and main odometer 
and sub menu  .............................. 92
Audio systems  .................................. 93
Radio  .............................................. 93
CD player  ....................................... 94
Cassette player  ............................. 95
Telephone  .......................................... 96
Telephone book  ............................ 96
Redialing  ....................................... 98
Incoming call  .............................. 100
Navigation system .......................... 101
Trip computer  ................................. 102
Malfunction/warning 
message memory  ...................... 104
Individual settings ......................... 106
Setting the audio volume .............. 108
Flexible service system 
(FSS) ............................................ 109
Engine oil level indicator .............. 112
Engine oil consumption  .................113
Exterior lamp switch  ......................114
Night security illumination  ..........115Headlamp cleaning system  ........... 116
Combination switch  ....................... 117
Hazard warning flasher 
switch  .......................................... 119
Automatic climate control ............ 120
Display and controls  ................. 122
Basic setting  ............................... 122
Economy ...................................... 123
Special settings  .......................... 123
Rear window defroster  .............. 124
Air recirculation  ........................ 125
Residual engine heat 
utilization .................................... 125
Dust filter  .................................... 126
Audio and telephone, 
operation  .................................... 127
Power windows  .............................. 146
Interior lighting  ............................. 149
Sun visors  ........................................150
Illuminated vanity mirrors  ...........150
Interior  ............................................. 151
Storage compartments, armrest 
and cup holder  ........................... 151
Glove box ...................................... 151Ashtray  ............................................ 154
Lighter  ............................................. 155
Cargo tie down rings  ..................... 156
Parcel net in front 
passenger footwell  .................... 156
Armrest, rear bench  ...................... 156
Telephone, general  ........................ 157
Cellular telephone  ......................... 157
Garage door opener  ....................... 158
Soft top  ............................................ 162
Wind screen .................................... 170
DrivingControl and operation of 
radio transmitters  ..................... 178
The first 1 000 miles 
(1 500 km)  ................................. 179
Maintenance  ................................... 179
Catalytic converter  ........................ 180
Emission control  ............................ 181
Tele Aid  ........................................... 182
Steering lock  ................................... 192
Starting and turning off 
the engine  .................................. 194
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3 ContentsAutomatic transmission  ............... 195
Parking brake  .................................204
Driving instructions  ......................205
Drive sensibly – 
save fuel  .......................................205
Drinking and driving .................205
Pedals  ...........................................205
Power assistance  ........................206
Brakes  ..........................................206
Driving off  ...................................207
Parking  ........................................208
Tires  .............................................208
Snow chains  ................................ 211
Winter driving 
instructions  ................................. 211
Deep water  .................................. 213
Passenger compartment  ........... 213
Traveling abroad  ........................ 213
Cruise control  ................................. 214
Brake assist system 
(BAS)  ........................................... 216
Antilock brake system 
(ABS)  ........................................... 218Electronic stability program 
(ESP)  ........................................... 220
What you should know 
at the gas station  ...................... 224
Check regularly and 
before a long trip  ...................... 226
Instrument cluster displayMalfunction and 
indicator lamps in the 
instrument cluster .................... 228
On-board diagnostic system 
Check engine malfunction 
indicator lamp  ............................ 228
Brake warning lamp  .................. 229
Supplemental restraint 
system (SRS) indicator lamp  .... 230
Fuel reserve and fuel cap 
placement warning  ................... 230
Electronic stability program 
(ESP) — warning lamp  ............... 231
BAS/ESP malfunction 
indicator lamp  ............................ 231ABS malfunction 
indicator lamp ............................. 231
Telescoping steering column – 
indicator lamp .............................232
Seat belt warning lamp  .............232
Malfunction and 
indicator lamps in the 
center console  ...........................232
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp .....232
Roll bar warning lamp  ...............233
Malfunction and 
warning messages in the 
multifunction display  ...............234
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE 
(engine control unit) ..................235
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE 
(several systems)  ........................235
BATTERY/ALTERNATOR  ...........236
ABS-SYSTEM ...............................237
BRAKE ASSIST  ...........................237
BRAKE LINING WEAR  ..............238
BRAKE FLUID .............................238
PARKING BRAKE  .......................239
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4 Contents
ENGINE FAN  ...............................239
COOLANT (coolant level)  ..........240
COOLANT TEMP. 
(coolant temperature)  ................ 241
LIGHTING SYSTEM  ....................242
LIGHT SENSOR ...........................243
STEER. WHEEL ADJUST.  ...........243
ENGINE OIL LEVEL  ...................244
ELEC. STABIL. PROG. 
(Electronic stability 
program)  ......................................245
REMOVE KEY  .............................245
WASHER FLUID ..........................246
TELE AID  .....................................247
Practical hintsFirst aid kit  .....................................250
Shelf below rear window  ..............250
Stowing things in 
the vehicle  ..................................250
Luggage cover .................................250
Fuses  ................................................252
Hood  .................................................254
Checking engine oil level  .............256Automatic transmission 
fluid level  ................................... 257
Coolant level ................................... 257
Adding coolant  ........................... 258
Windshield washer / headlamp 
cleaning system  ........................ 259
Windshield and headlamp 
washer fluid mixing ratio  ........ 259
Spare wheel, vehicle tools, 
storage compartment  ............... 260
Vehicle jack  .................................... 261
Wheels  ............................................ 262
Tire replacement  ....................... 262
Rotating wheels  ......................... 263
Spare wheel .................................... 264
Changing wheels  ........................... 266
Tire inflation pressure  ..................271
Battery ............................................. 272
Jump starting  ..................................274
Towing the vehicle  .........................276
Exterior lamps  ............................... 280
Headlamp assembly  .................. 281
Taillamp assemblies  .................. 283
Adjusting headlamp aim  .............. 285Changing batteries in 
the electronic key  .....................288
Synchronizing remote 
control  .........................................290
Raising soft top manually ............. 291
Antenna  ...........................................298
Manual release for 
fuel filler flap .............................299
Replacing wiper blade insert  .......299
Vehicle careCleaning and care 
of the vehicle  .............................302
Power washer ..............................303
Paintwork, painted body 
components  .................................303
Engine cleaning ..........................304
Tar stains  .....................................304
Vehicle washing  .........................304
Ornamental moldings ................304
Headlamps, taillamps, 
turn signal lenses  ......................305
Window cleaning  .......................305
Plastic and rubber parts ............305
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5 ContentsWiper blade  .................................305
Light alloy wheels  ......................305
Instrument cluster  .....................306
Steering wheel and 
gear selector lever  ......................306
Cup holder ...................................306
Seat belts  .....................................306
Headliner  .....................................306
Upholstery  ...................................307
Hard plastic trim items  .............307
Plastic and rubber parts ............307
Wind screen   ...............................307
Rubber weatherstrip  .................307
Soft top  .........................................308
Technical dataSpare parts service  ........................ 310
Warranty coverage  ......................... 310
Identification labels  ....................... 311
Layout of poly-V-belt drive  ............312
Technical data  ................................. 313
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. – 
capacities  .................................... 318
Engine oils ...................................... 320
Engine oil additives  ...................... 320
Air conditioner 
refrigerant  ................................. 320
Brake fluid ...................................... 320Premium unleaded 
gasoline  ...................................... 321
Fuel requirements  ......................... 321
Gasoline additives  .........................322
Coolants ...........................................322
Consumer information ..................324
IndexIndex  ................................................326
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11 IntroductionOperating your vehicle outside the USA or Canada
If you plan to operate your vehicle in foreign countries, please be aware that:
•Service facilities or replacement parts may not be readily available,
•unleaded gasoline for vehicles with catalytic converters may not be available; the use of leaded fuels will damage 
the catalysts,
•gasoline may have a considerably lower octane rating, and improper fuel can cause engine damage.
Certain Mercedes-Benz models are available for delivery in Europe under our European Delivery Program. For details, 
consult your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or write to:
In the USA: In Canada:
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
European Delivery Department
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
European Delivery Department
849 Eglinton Avenue East
Toronto, Ontario M4G 2L5
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23 Contents – Operation
Technical
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Telephone  .......................................... 96
Telephone book  ............................ 96
Redialing  ....................................... 98
Incoming call  .............................. 100
Navigation system .......................... 101
Trip computer  ................................. 102
Malfunction/warning 
message memory  ...................... 104
Individual settings ......................... 106
Setting the audio volume .............. 108
Flexible service system 
(FSS) ............................................ 109
Engine oil level indicator .............. 112
Engine oil consumption  .................113
Exterior lamp switch  ......................114
Night security illumination  ..........115
Headlamp cleaning system  ...........116
Combination switch  .......................117
Hazard warning flasher 
switch ...........................................119Automatic climate control ............ 120
Display and controls  ................. 122
Basic setting  ............................... 122
Economy ...................................... 123
Special settings  .......................... 123
Rear window defroster  .............. 124
Air recirculation  ........................ 125
Residual engine heat 
utilization .................................... 125
Dust filter  .................................... 126
Audio and telephone, 
operation  .................................... 127
Power windows  .............................. 146
Interior lighting  ............................. 149
Sun visors  ........................................150
Illuminated vanity mirrors  ...........150
Interior  ............................................. 151
Storage compartments, armrest 
and cup holder  ........................... 151
Glove box ...................................... 151Ashtray  ............................................ 154
Lighter  ............................................. 155
Cargo tie down rings  ..................... 156
Parcel net in front 
passenger footwell  .................... 156
Armrest, rear bench  ...................... 156
Telephone, general  ........................ 157
Cellular telephone  ......................... 157
Garage door opener  ....................... 158
Soft top  ............................................ 162
Wind screen .................................... 170
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26 Central locking system
Technical
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Start lock-out
Important!
Removing the electronic key from the steering lock 
activates the start lock-out. The engine cannot be 
started.
Inserting the electronic key in the steering lock 
deactivates the start lock-out.
Note:
In case the engine cannot be started (vehicle’s battery is 
in order), the system is not operational. Contact an 
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or call 1-800-FOR-
MERCedes (in the USA) or 1-800-387-0100 (in Canada).General notes on the central locking system
If the electronic key is inserted in the steering lock, the 
vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked with the remote 
control.
If the vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked:
•Aim transmitter eye at a receiver of either door 
han d le.  Check  t he b atter ies  of t he elec tr oni c key,  se e 
page 288, or synchronize the remote control, see 
page 290.
•Use the mechanical key to unlock the driver’s door. 
To start the engine, insert the electronic key in the 
steering lock. There could be a slight delay until the 
electronic key can be turned in the steering lock.
Important!
When unlocking the driver’s door with the mechanical 
key, the exterior lamps will flash and the alarm will 
sound.
To cancel the alarm, insert the electronic key in the 
steering lock or press buttonŒ or‹ on the 
electronic key.
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53 Seats
Technical
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Switch for roll bar and head restraints, rear
The switch is located in the center console. 
Turn electronic key in steering lock to position 2. 
Press switch: 
1Raise roll bar
2Lower roll bar 
The lowering or raising procedure is immediately 
interrupted by releasing the roll bar switch. With the engine running and the roll bar lowered, the 
warning lamp in the roll bar switch will blink for 
approx. 15 seconds. The blinking is reminding you to 
raise the roll bar if the rear passenger seats are 
occupied. See also page 233 for roll bar warning lamp.
Important! 
The roll bar is intended to be a safety enhancement to 
the other features designed into the vehicle. No system 
in any vehicle can eliminate the possibility of serious 
injury or fatality in an accident. Properly fastened seat 
belts and child restraints must be used! 
Notes: 
If the warning lamp in the switch comes on, then a 
malfunction has been detected. In this case, drive only 
with the roll bar raised until the problem has been 
corrected. Raise the roll bar by pressing the upper half 
of the roll bar switch.
Have the system checked at your authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible. 
Items being transported in the rear passenger 
compartment should be placed in such a manner as not 
to affect the movement of the roll bar when being 
raised.
P91.59-2001-26
12
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55 Seats
Technical
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Multicontour seat 
(optional; standard on model CLK 55 AMG)
Some models may be equipped with multicontour seats. 
These seats have movable seat cushions, and inflatable 
air cushions built into the backrest to provide additional 
lumbar and side support.We recommend to adjust the multicontour seat in the 
following order:
1Seat cushion depth 
Slide the switch fore or aft until your legs are 
supported comfortably.
2Backrest bottom
3Backrest center
4Side bolster adjustment 
Adjust the side bolster to provide good lateral 
support.
The seat cushion movement and amount of backrest 
cushion height and curvature can be continuously 
varied with regulators (1, 2 and 3) after turning the 
electronic key in steering lock to position 2.
The side bolsters of the backrest can be adjusted with 
rocker switch (4):
•press to the right – increase side support,
•press to the left – decrease side support.
If the engine is turned off, the last cushion setting is 
retained in memory, and automatically adjusts the 
cushion to this setting when the engine is restarted.
1
2
3
4
P91.25-2063-26
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