MERCEDES-BENZ CLK430 CABRIOLET 2003 C208 Owner's Manual

CLK-Class Cabriolet
Operator’s Manual

CLK 320
CLK 430

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 help assure 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.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
A DaimlerChrysler Company

1 Contents
IntroductionProduct information .......................... 6
Operator’s manual ............................. 7
Where to find it ................................ 12
Reporting Safety Defects ................ 14Instruments and controlsInstruments and controls ............... 16
Center console .............................. 18
Overhead control panel ............... 19OperationVehicle keys ...................................... 22
Start lock-out .................................... 24
General notes on the central locking
system ........................................... 24
Central locking system ................... 25
Radio frequency and infrared
remote control .............................. 25
Opening and closing windows from
outside ........................................... 29
Panic button .................................. 30Mechanical keys .......................... 30
Doors ..................................................31
Central locking switch .................... 33
Automatic central locking .......... 34
Emergency unlocking in case of
accident ........................................ 34
Trunk ................................................. 35
Trunk lamp ....................................... 36
Trunk lid release switch ................ 37
Trunk lid emergency release ........ 38
Antitheft alarm system ................... 39
Tow-away alarm ............................... 40
Power seats, front ............................. 41
Front head restraints .................. 46
Roll bar and head restraints,
rear ............................................... 47
Backrest ............................................ 49
Multicontour seat ............................ 50
Heated seats ......................................51
Seat belts and integrated restraint
system .......................................... 52
Seat belts .......................................... 53
Seat belt nonusage warning
system ............................................ 54BabySmart
TM airbag deactivation
system ........................................... 59
Self-test BabySmart
TM without
special child seat installed ......... 59
Supplemental restraint system
(SRS) ............................................. 60
Emergency tensioning device
(ETD) ............................................. 60
Airbags .............................................. 61
Safety guidelines for the seat belt,
emergency tensioning device and
airbag ............................................. 67
Infant and child restraint
systems .......................................... 69
Child seat anchors- "LATCH",
type ............................................... 71
Adjusting telescoping steering
column .......................................... 73
Inside rear view mirror .................. 74
Antiglare night position .............. 74
Exterior rear view mirrors ............. 75
Instrument cluster ........................... 78
Indicator lamps in the instrument
cluster ........................................... 80

2 ContentsMultifunction steering wheel,
multifunction display ................. 84
Trip and main odometer and sub
menu ............................................. 88
Audio systems .................................. 89
Radio .............................................. 89
CD player ....................................... 90
Cassette player ............................. 91
Telephone .......................................... 92
Telephone book ............................ 92
Redialing ....................................... 94
Incoming call ................................ 96
Navigation system ............................ 97
Trip computer ................................... 98
Malfunction/warning message
memory ...................................... 100
Individual settings ......................... 102
Setting the audio volume .............. 104
Flexible service system (FSS) ...... 105
Engine oil level indicator .............. 108
Engine oil consumption ................ 109
Exterior lamp switch ......................110
Night security illumination ..........111
Headlamp cleaning system .......... 112Combination switch ....................... 113
Hazard warning flasher switch .... 115
Automatic climate control ............. 116
Display and controls .................. 118
Basic setting ................................ 118
Economy ....................................... 119
Special settings ........................... 119
Rear window defroster .............. 120
Air recirculation .........................121
Residual engine heat
utilization .....................................121
Dust filter .................................... 122
Audio and telephone, operation .. 123
Power windows .............................. 142
Interior lighting ............................. 145
Sun visors ....................................... 146
Illuminated vanity mirrors .......... 146
Interior ............................................ 147
Storage compartments, armrest and
cup holder .................................. 147
Glove box ..................................... 147
Ashtray .............................................150
Lighter .............................................. 151
Cargo tie down rings .....................152Parcel net in front passenger
footwell ....................................... 152
Armrest, rear bench ...................... 152
Telephone, general ........................ 153
Cellular telephone ......................... 153
Garage door opener ....................... 154
Soft top ............................................ 158
Wind screen .................................... 166
Roller blind (horizontal) ............... 170
Roller blind (vertical) .................... 171
DrivingControl and operation of radio
transmitters ............................... 174
The first 1 000 miles
(1 500 km) ................................. 175
Maintenance ................................... 175
Catalytic converter ........................ 176
Emission control ............................ 177
Tele Aid ........................................... 178
Steering lock ................................... 188
Starting and turning off the
engine ......................................... 190
Automatic transmission ............... 191

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

4 ContentsTELE AID .....................................243
Practical hintsFirst aid kit .....................................246
Shelf below rear window ..............246
Stowing things in the vehicle ......246
Luggage cover .................................246
Fuses ................................................248
Hood .................................................250
Checking engine oil level .............252
Automatic transmission fluid
level .............................................253
Coolant level ...................................253
Adding coolant ...........................254
Windshield washer / headlamp
cleaning system .........................255
Windshield and headlamp washer
fluid mixing ratio .......................255
Spare wheel, vehicle tools, storage
compartment .............................256
Vehicle jack .....................................257
Wheels .............................................258
Tire replacement ........................258
Rotating wheels ..........................259Spare wheel .................................... 260
Spare wheel bolts .......................... 260
Spare wheel bolts ...................... 260
Spare wheel .................................... 260
Changing wheels ........................... 263
Tire inflation pressure ................. 268
Battery ............................................. 270
Jump starting ..................................271
Towing the vehicle ........................ 273
Exterior lamps ............................... 277
Headlamp assembly .................. 278
Taillamp assemblies .................. 280
Adjusting headlamp aim .............. 282
Changing batteries in the electronic
key .............................................. 285
Synchronizing remote
control ........................................ 287
Raising soft top manually ............ 288
Antenna .......................................... 295
Manual release for fuel filler
flap .............................................. 296
Replacing wiper blade insert ...... 296
Vehicle careCleaning and care of the
vehicle ........................................300
Power washer .............................. 301
Paintwork, painted body
components ................................. 301
Engine cleaning ..........................302
Tar stains .....................................302
Vehicle washing .........................302
Ornamental moldings ................302
Headlamps, taillamps, turn signal
lenses ...........................................303
Window cleaning .......................303
Plastic and rubber parts ............303
Wiper blade .................................303
Light alloy wheels ......................303
Instrument cluster .....................304
Steering wheel and gear selector
lever ..............................................304
Cup holder ...................................304
Seat belts .....................................304
Headliner .....................................304
Upholstery ...................................305

5 ContentsHard plastic trim items .............305
Plastic and rubber parts ............305
Wind screen ...............................305
Rubber weatherstrip .................305
Soft top .........................................306
Technical dataSpare parts service ....................... 308
Warranty coverage ........................ 308
Identification labels ...................... 309
Layout of poly-V-belt drive ............ 310
Technical data ................................. 311
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. –
capacities .................................... 316
Engine oils ....................................... 318
Engine oil additives ....................... 318
Air conditioner refrigerant ........... 318
Brake fluid ....................................... 318
Premium unleaded gasoline ......... 319
Fuel requirements ......................... 319
Gasoline additives ......................... 320
Coolants .......................................... 320
Consumer information ................. 322
IndexIndex ................................................324

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.

7 IntroductionOperator’s manual
This Operator’s Manual contains a great deal of useful information. We urge you to read it carefully and familiarize
yourself with the vehicle before driving.
For your own safety and longer service life of the vehicle, we urge you to follow the instructions and warnings
contained in this manual. Ignoring them could result in damage to the vehicle or personal injury to you or others.
Vehicle damage caused by failure to follow instructions is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Your vehicle may have some or all of the equipment described in this manual. Therefore, you may find explanations
for optional equipment not installed in your vehicle. If you have any questions about the operation of any equipment,
your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will be glad to demonstrate the proper procedures.
Service and warranty information
The Service and Warranty Information Booklet contains detailed information about the warranties covering your
Mercedes-Benz, including:
•New Car Limited Warranty,
•Emission System Warranty,
•Emission Performance Warranty,
•California, Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont Emission Control System Warranty
(California, Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont only),
•State Warranty Enforcement Laws (Lemon Laws).