snow chains MERCEDES-BENZ CLK430 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

173
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
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 ......................................... 190Automatic transmission ................ 191
Parking 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 ........................ 209Cruise 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

207 Driving instructions
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Snow chains
Use only snow chains that are tested and recommended
by Mercedes-Benz. Your authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center will be glad to advise you on this subject.
Chains should only be used on the rear wheels. Follow
the manufacturer’s mounting instructions.
Snow chains should only be driven on snow covered
roads at speeds not to exceed 30 mph (50 km/h).
Remove chains as soon as possible when driving on
roads without snow.
When driving with snow chains, press the ESP control
switch to OFF, refer to page 218.
Important!
Use of snow chains is not permissible with tire sizes
225 / 45 R17 and 245 / 40 R17.Winter driving instructions
The most important rule for slippery or icy roads is to
drive sensibly and to avoid abrupt acceleration, braking
and steering maneuvers. Do not use the cruise control
system under such conditions.
When the vehicle is in danger of skidding, move
selector lever to position “N”. Try to keep the vehicle
under control by corrective steering action.
Road salts and chemicals can adversely affect braking
efficiency. Increased pedal force may become necessary
to produce the normal brake effect. We therefore
recommend depressing the brake pedal periodically
when traveling at length on salt-strewn roads. This can
bring road salt impaired braking efficiency back to
normal. A prerequisite is, however, that this be done
without endangering other drivers on the road.
Exceeding the maximum speed for which tires are
rated can lead to sudden tire failure causing loss of
vehicle control and resulting in personal injury
and possible death.

208 Driving instructions
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
If the vehicle is parked after being driven on salt treated
roads, the braking efficiency should be tested as soon as
possible after driving is resumed while observing the
safety rules in the previous paragraph.Winter driving
Have your vehicle winterized at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center before the onset of winter.
•Check engine coolant anticorrosion/antifreeze
concentration.
•Additive for the windshield washer and headlamp
cleaning system: Add MB Concentrate “S” to a
premixed windshield washer solvent/antifreeze
which is formulated for below freezing temperatures
see page 255.
•Test battery: Battery capacity drops with decreasing
ambient temperature. A well charged battery helps
to ensure that the engine can be started, even at low
ambient temperatures.
•Tires: We recommend M+S rated radial-ply tires on
all four wheels for the winter season. Observe
permissible maximum speed for M+S rated
radial-ply tires and the legal speed limit.
In winter operation, the maximum effectiveness of the
antilock brake system (ABS) or of the electronic stability
program (ESP) can only be achieved with M+S rated
radial-ply tires and / or snow chains recommended by
Mercedes-Benz. Snow chains maximize performance.
Wa r n i n g !
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, make sure
that snow is kept clear of the exhaust pipe and
from around the vehicle with engine running.
Otherwise, deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may
enter vehicle interior resulting in unconsciousness
and death.To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation, open a
window slightly on the side of the vehicle not
facing the wind.

209 Driving instructions
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index For driving instructions with snow chains, see
page 207.
Standing water
Caution!
Do not drive through flooded areas or water of unknown
depth.
If you must dr ive t hrough stand in g water, dr ive slowly to
prevent water from entering the passenger
compartment or the engine compartment. Water in
these areas could cause damage to electrical
components or wiring of the engine or transmission, or
could result in water being ingested by the engine
through the air intake causing severe internal engine
damage. Any such damage is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Block heater (Canada only)
The engine is equipped with a block heater.
The electrical cable may be installed at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.Passenger compartment
Traveling abroad
Abroad, there is a widely-spread Mercedes-Benz service
network at your disposal. If you plan to travel into areas
which are not listed in the index of your Mercedes-Benz
Center directory, you should request pertinent
information from your authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Wa r n i n g !
Always fasten items being carried as securely as
possible.In an accident, during hard braking or sudden
maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around
inside the vehicle, and cause injury to vehicle
occupants unless the items are securely fastened in
the vehicle.The trunk is the preferred place to carry objects.

217 Driving systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Notes:
The malfunction indicator lamp¿ for the ESP is
combined with that of the BAS.
The yellow BAS/ESP malfunction indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster and the yellow ESP warning
lampv in the speedometer dial come on with the
electronic key in steering lock position 2. They should
go out with the engine running.
If the BAS/ESP malfunction indicator lamp comes on
continuously with the engine running, a malfunction
has been detected in either system. Only partial engine
output will be available.
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system functions in
the usual manner, but without BAS.
If the ESP warning message is displayed, have the BAS
or ESP checked at your authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
For ESP warning message, see page 241.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the ESP is also switched
off.Driving the vehicle with varied size tires will cause the
wheels to rotate at different speeds, therefore the ESP
may activate (yellow ESP warning lamp in speedometer
dial comes on). For this reason, all wheels, including the
spare wheel, must have the same tire outside diameter.
When testing the parking brake on a brake test
dynamometer, the engine must be shut off. Otherwise,
the ESP will immediately be engaged and will apply the
rear wheel brakes.
In winter operation, the maximum effectiveness of the
ESP is only achieved with Mercedes-Benz recommended
M+S rated radial-ply tires and/or snow chains.
Synchronizing ESP
If the power supply was interrupted (battery
disconnected or empty), the BAS/ESP malfunction
indicator lamp may be illuminated with the engine
running.
Turn steering wheel completely to the left and then to
the right. The BAS/ESP malfunction indicator lamp
should go out.

218 Driving systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
ESP control switch
ESP control switch located on center console.
To switch ESP off, press upper half of the switch.
ESP warning lampv, located in speedometer dial,
comes on.
To switch ESP on again, press lower half of the switch.
ESP warning lampv, located in speedometer dial,
goes out.To improve the vehicle’s traction when driving with
snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand or gravel,
switch off ESP by pressing the upper half of the ESP
switch. The ESP warning lampv, located in the
speedometer dial, is continuously illuminated.
With the ESP system switched off, the engine torque
reduction feature is cancelled. Therefore, the enhanced
vehicle stability offered by ESP is unavailable.
Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road
conditions.
A portion of the ESP system remains active, even with
the switch in the OFF position.
If one drive wheel loses traction and begins to spin, the
brake is applied until the wheel regains sufficient
traction. The traction control engages at vehicle speeds
up to approximately 24 mph (40 km/h), and switches off
at 50 mph (80 km/h).
P54.25-2037-26
Wa r n i n g !
When the ESP warning lamp is illuminated
continuously, the ESP is switched off. Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road
conditions.

312 Technical data
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Rims – Tires (except Sport Package) Rims – Tires (Sport Package)
1 Also permissible 225/45 ZR 17.
2 Also permissible 245/40 ZR 17.
3
3 Must not be used with snow chains.
4 Also permissible 225/45 ZR 17 91 Y.
5 Also permissible 245/40 ZR 17 91 Y.
3
Model CLK 320
Rims (light alloy)
Wheel offset7 J x 16 H 2
1.46 in (37 mm)
All season tires:
Radial-ply tires 205/55 R 16 91 H
Winter tires:
Radial-ply tires 205/55 R 16 91 H M+S
Spare wheel
Rim (steel)
Wheel offset:7 J x 16 H 2
1.46 in (37 mm)
All season tire:
Radial-ply tire 205/55 R 16 91 HModel CLK 320
Rims front axle
(AMG light alloy)
Wheel offset7
1/2 J x 17 H 2
1.46 in (37 mm)
Rims rear axle
(AMG light alloy)
Wheel offset8
1/2 J x 17 H 2
1.18 in (30 mm)
Radial-ply tires
Summer tires, front axle:
Summer tires, rear axle:225/45 R 17 91 W
1, 4
245/40 R 17 91 W
2, 3, 5
Spare wheel
Rim (steel)
Wheel offset:7 J x 16 H 2
1.46 in (37 mm)
All season tire:
Radial-ply tire 205/55 R 16 91 H

313 Technical data
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
1 Also permissible 225/45 ZR 17
2 Also permissible 245/40 ZR 17
3
3 Must not be used with snow chains.4 Also permissible 245/40 ZR 17 91 Y.
3
Model CLK 430
Rims front axle
(AMG light alloy)
Wheel offset:7
1/2 J x 17 H 2
1.46 in (37 mm)
Rims rear axle
(AMG light alloy)
Wheel offset:8
1/2 J x 17 H 2
1.18 in (30 mm)
Radial-ply tires:
summer tires, front axle
summer tires, rear axle225/45 R 17 91 W
1
245/40 R 17 91 W
2, 3, 4
Spare wheel
Rim (light alloy)
Wheel offset:7
1/2 J x 17 H 2
1.46 in (37 mm)
Summer tire:
Radial-ply tire 225/45 R 17 91 W
1

333 Index
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex Shelf below rear window ..............................................246
Side marker lamp .......................................................... 281
Snow chains .................................................................... 207
Soft top ............................................................................ 158
Emergency operation ...............................................288
Lowering ..................................................................... 160
Raising ........................................................................ 162
SOS-call
See Tele Aid ............................................................... 178
Spare parts service ........................................................ 308
Spare wheel ........................................................... 256, 260
Spare wheel bolts ..........................................................260
Special settings (Automatic climate control) ............. 119
SRS indicator lamp ........................................................ 226
SRS malfunction .............................................................. 62
Start lock-out..................................................................... 24
Starting and turning off the engine ............................ 190
STEER. WHEEL ADJUST. - malfunction and
warning messages ........................................................ 239
Steering column, adjustable ........................................... 73
Steering lock ................................................................... 188
Storage compartment
Trunk floor ................................................................. 256
Storage compartments
Center console ........................................................... 148
Glove box .................................................................... 147Storage compartments, armrest and cup holder ....... 147
Stowing things in the vehicle...................................... 246
Sun visors ........................................................................ 146
Supplemental restraint system (SRS) ........................... 60
Synchronizing remote control .................................... 287
TTachometer ........................................................................ 83
Technical data ................................................................. 311
Electrical system ....................................................... 314
Main dimensions ...................................................... 315
Rims and tires ........................................................... 312
Weights ....................................................................... 315
Tele Aid ............................................................................ 178
Emergency calls ........................................................ 179
Information ................................................................ 183
Initiating an emergency call manually .................. 181
Roadside Assistance ................................................. 182
TELE AID - malfunction and
warning messages ........................................................ 243
Telephone .......................................................................... 92
General notes ............................................................. 153
Incoming call ............................................................... 96
Redialing....................................................................... 94