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

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

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

10 Introduction
Operating 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

21
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index 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 .......... 112
Combination switch .......................113
Hazard warning flasher switch ....115
Automatic climate control .............116
Display and controls ...................118
Basic setting .................................118Economy ....................................... 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 ..................................... 147Ashtray ............................................ 150
Lighter ............................................. 151
Cargo tie down rings ..................... 152
Parcel 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

24 Central locking system
Te ch n i c a l
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
handle. Check the batteries of the electronic key, see
page 285, or synchronize the remote control, see
page 287.
•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.

48 Seats
Te ch n i c a l
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 229 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

50 Seats
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Multicontour seat (optional)
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