ESP MERCEDES-BENZ CLK320 CABRIOLET 2003 C208 Owner's Manual

3 ContentsParking brake .................................200
Driving instructions ...................... 201
Drive sensibly – save fuel ......... 201
Drinking and driving ................. 201
Pedals ........................................... 201
Power assistance ........................202
Brakes ..........................................202
Driving off ...................................203
Parking ........................................204
Tires .............................................204
Snow chains ................................207
Winter driving instructions ......207
Standing water ...........................209
Passenger compartment ...........209
Traveling abroad ........................209
Cruise control ................................. 210
Brake assist system (BAS) ............ 212
Antilock brake system (ABS) ....... 214
Electronic stability program
(ESP) ........................................... 216
What you should know at the gas
station .........................................220
Check regularly and before a long
trip ...............................................222
Instrument cluster displayMalfunction and indicator lamps in
the instrument cluster ............. 224
On-board diagnostic system Check
engine malfunction indicator
lamp ............................................. 224
Brake warning lamp .................. 225
Supplemental restraint system
(SRS) indicator lamp ................. 226
Fuel reserve and fuel cap
placement warning ................... 226
Electronic stability program (ESP)
— warning lamp .......................... 227
BAS/ESP malfunction indicator
lamp ............................................. 227
ABS malfunction indicator
lamp ............................................. 227
Telescoping steering column –
indicator lamp ............................ 228
Seat belt warning lamp ............. 228
Malfunction and indicator lamps in
the center console .................... 228
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp .... 228
Roll bar warning lamp .............. 229Malfunction and warning messages
in the multifunction display ...230
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE (engine
control unit) ................................ 231
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE (several
systems) ....................................... 231
BATTERY/ALTERNATOR ...........232
ABS-SYSTEM ...............................233
BRAKE ASSIST ...........................233
BRAKE LINING WEAR ..............234
BRAKE FLUID .............................234
PARKING BRAKE .......................235
ENGINE FAN ...............................235
COOLANT (coolant level) ..........236
COOLANT TEMP. (coolant
temperature) ...............................237
LIGHTING SYSTEM ....................238
LIGHT SENSOR ...........................239
STEER. WHEEL ADJUST. ...........239
ENGINE OIL LEVEL ...................240
ELEC. STABIL. PROG. (Electronic
stability program) ...................... 241
REMOVE KEY ............................. 241
WASHER FLUID .........................242

6 Introduction
Product information
Kindly observe the following in your own best interest:
We recommend using Mercedes-Benz original parts as well as conversion parts and accessories
explicitly approved by us for your vehicle model.
We have tested these parts to determine their reliability, safety and their special
suitability for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
We are unable to make an assessment for other products and therefore cannot be held responsible
for them, even if in individual cases an official approval or authorization by governmental or other
agencies should exist. Use of such parts and accessories could adversely affect the safety, performance
or reliability of your vehicle. Please do not use them.
Mercedes-Benz original parts as well as conversion parts and accessories approved by us are available
at your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center where you will receive comprehensive information, also on
permissible technical modifications, and where proper installation will be performed.

18 Instruments and controls
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Center console1Soft top switch, see page 158
2ESP control switch, see page 218
3Program mode selector switch, see page 198
4Left power window switch (front), see page 142
5Right power window switch (front), see page 142
6Left power window switch (rear), see page 142
7Trunk lid release switch, see page 37
8Mirror adjustment switch, see page 75
9Right power window switch (rear), see page 142
10AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp, see page 228
ESP ESP
P68.10-2555-2710
12
3
6
7
8
9
5
4

44 Seats
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Storing
Three sets of seat/head restraint positions may be
programmed into memory.
Together with the driver’s seat position you can store
the exterior rear view mirror positions.
After the seat/head restraint and exterior rear view
mirrors are positioned, push memory button (6),
release, and within 3 seconds push position button “1”.
A second and third set of positions for the same seat/
head restraint and exterior rear view mirrors can be
programmed into memory by pushing first memory
button (6) and then “2”, respectively “3”.
Note:
See page 75 for instructions on adjustment of mirrors.Recalling
To recall a seat/head restraint and exterior rear view
mirror position, push and hold position button “1”, “2”
or “3” until seat/head restraint and exterior rear view
mirror movement has stopped. The seat/head restraint
and exterior rear view mirror movement stops when the
position button is released.
Caution!
Do not operate the power seats using the memory
button if the backrest is in an excessively reclined
position. Doing so could cause damage to front or rear
seats.
First move the backrest to an upright position.
Synchronizing power seats and head restraints
If the power supply was interrupted (battery
disconnected or empty), the power seats and head
restraints are no longer adjusted automatically.
To resynchronize the adjustment feature, turn
electronic key in steering lock to position 2, move the
seat completely forward and the head restraint fully
down, and hold respective buttons for approx.
2seconds.

66 Restraint systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
• Sit properly belted in an upright position with
your back against the backrest.• Adjust the driver seat as far as possible
rearward, still permitting proper operation of
vehicle controls. The distance from the center
of the driver’s breastbone to the center of the
airbag cover on the steering wheel must be at
least ten inches (25 cm) or more. You should be
able to accomplish this by a combination of
adjustments to the seat and steering wheel. If
you have any problems, please see your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.• Do not lean with your head or chest close to the
steering wheel or dashboard.• Keep hands on the outside of steering wheel
rim. Placing hands and arms inside the rim
can increase the risk and potential severity of
hand/arm injury when the driver front airbag
inflates.• Adjust the front passenger seat as far as
possible rearward from the dashboard when
the seat is occupied.
• Occupants, especially children, should never
lean their heads in the area of the door where
the side airbag inflates. This could result in
serious injuries or death should the airbag be
triggered. Always sit upright, properly use the
seat belts, and appropriate size infant or child
restraint system.• Children 12 years old and under must never
ride in the front seat, except in a
Mercedes-Benz authorized BabySmart
TM
compatible child seat, which operates with the
BabySmart
TM system installed in the vehicle to
deactivate the passenger front airbag when it
is properly installed. Otherwise they will be
struck by the airbag when it inflates in a crash.
If this happens, serious or fatal injury can
result.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in
severe or fatal injuries to you or other occupants.

67 Restraint systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care IndexSafety guidelines for the seat belt,
Emergency tensioning device and airbag
Wa r n i n g !
Accident research shows that the safest place for
children in an automobile is in the rear seat.
Should you choose to place a child 12 years old or
under in the front passenger seat of your vehicle,
you must properly use a BabySmart
TM child
restraint which will turn off the passenger side
front airbag. BabySmart
TM will not, however, turn
off the passenger’s side impact airbag.
It should be noted however that there is a
possibility for a side airbag related injury if
occupants, especially children, are not properly
seated or restrained when next to a side airbag
which needs to deploy rapidly in a side impact in
order to do its job.To help avoid the possibility of injury, please follow
these guidelines: (1) occupants, especially
children, should never place their bodies or lean
their heads in the area of the door where the side
airbag inflates. This could result in serious
injuries or death should the side airbag be
activated; (2) always sit upright, properly use the
seat belts and use an appropriately sized infant or
child restraint system for all children 12 years old
or under; and (3) always wear seat belts properly.
Wa r n i n g !
• Damaged seat belts or belts that were highly
stressed in an accident must be replaced and
their anchoring points must also be checked.
Use only belts installed or supplied by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.• Do not pass belts over sharp edges.• Do not make any modification that could
change the effectiveness of the belts.• Ai rba gs an d E T Ds are d esi gned to fun c tion on a
one-time-only basis. An airbag or Emergency
tensioning device (ETD) that was activated
must be replaced.

74 Rear view mirrors
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Inside rear view mirror
Manually adjust the inside mirror.
Use your inside mirror to determine the size and
distance of objects seen in the passenger side convex
mirror.
Antiglare night position
With the electronic key in steering lock position 2, the
mirror reflection brightness responds to changes in
light sensitivity.
With gear selector lever in position “R”, or with the
interior lamp switched on, the mirror brightness does
not respond to changes in light sensitivity.Note:
The automatic antiglare function does not react, if
incoming light is not aimed directly at sensors in the
inside rear view mirror.
The automatic antiglare function will not react for
example, if the wind screen is installed.
Wa r n i n g !
In the case of an accident liquid electrolyte may
escape the mirror housing when the mirror glass
breaks.Electrolyte has an irritating effect. Do not allow the
liquid to come into contact with eyes, skin,
clothing, or respiratory system. In cases it does,
immediately flush affected area with water, and
seek medical help if necessary.

75 Rear view mirrors
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Exterior rear view mirrors
The switch is located on the center console.
Turn electronic key in steering lock to position 2.
First select the mirror to be adjusted – press button:
%Left mirror
&Right mirror
To adjust, toggle the switch forward, backward or to
either side.With the electronic key in steering lock position 2, the
driver’s side mirror reflection brightness responds to
changes in light sensitivity.
With gear selector lever in position “R”, or with the
interior lamp switched on, the driver’s side mirror
brightness does not respond to changes in light
sensitivity.
Notes:
The exterior mirrors have electrically heated glass. The
heater switches on automatically, depending on outside
temperature.
If an exterior mirror housing is forcibly pivoted from its
normal position, it must be repositioned by applying
firm pressure until it snaps into place. The automatic
antiglare function will not react for example, if the wind
screen is installed.
Wa r n i n g !
Exercise care when using the passenger-side
mirror. The passenger-side exterior mirror is
convex (outwardly curved surface for a wider field
of view). Objects in mirror are closer than they
appear. Check your inside rear view mirror or
glance over your shoulder before changing lanes.

76 Rear view mirrors
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Important!
Electrolyte drops coming into contact with the vehicle
paint finish can only be completely removed while in
their liquid state, by applying plenty of water.
Storing mirror positions in memory
The exterior rear view mirror positions are stored in
memory with the seat/head restraint position and can
be recalled when necessary, see page 43.
Wa r n i n g !
In the case of an accident liquid electrolyte may
escape the mirror housing when the mirror glass
breaks.Electrolyte has an irritating effect. Do not allow the
liquid to come into contact with eyes, skin,
clothing, or respiratory system. In cases it does,
immediately flush affected area with water, and
seek medical help if necessary.

79 Instrument cluster
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index 1Push buttonsVandWfor intensity of instrument
lamps, see page 81
2Push buttonJ for resetting trip odometer, see
page 83, or to acknowledge a malfunction or
warning message, see page 100.
3Coolant temperature gauge, see page 82
4Fuel gauge with reserve and fuel cap placement
warning lamp, see page 226
5Outside temperature indicator, see page 82
6Left turn signal indicator lamp, see combination
switch on page 113
7ESP warning lamp, see page 2278Speedometer
9Trip odometer, see page 83
10Main odometer, see page 88
11Multifunction indicator, see page 84
or FSS indicator, see page 105
or engine oil level indicator, see page 108
12Right turn signal indicator lamp, see combination
switch on page 113
13Tachometer, see page 83
14Gear range indicator display, see selector lever
positions on page 194
15Clock, see page 102