tire size MERCEDES-BENZ CLK320 COUPE 2003 C209 Owner's Manual

Contents
Practical hints................................. 275
What to do if …?................................. 276
Lamps in instrument cluster ........ 276
Lamp in center console................ 282
Messages in the display ............... 283
Where will I find...? ............................ 305
First aid kit ................................... 305
Vehicle tool kit ............................. 305
Minispare wheel ........................... 307
Unlocking/locking in an emergency .. 310
Unlocking the vehicle ................... 310
Locking the vehicle ...................... 311
Changing batteries ....................... 312
Fuel filler flap ............................... 313
Manually unlocking the
transmission selector lever .......... 313
Opening/closing in an emergency..... 314
Sliding/pop-up roof ..................... 314
Replacing bulbs ................................. 316
Bulbs ............................................ 316
Replacing bulbs for front lamps ... 318
Side marker lamp bulb ................. 321
Replacing bulbs for rear lamps..... 322Replacing wiper blades....................... 323
Removing ...................................... 323
Installing ....................................... 323
Flat tire ............................................... 324
Preparing the vehicle .................... 324
Mounting the Minispare wheel ...... 324
Battery................................................ 329
Disconnecting the battery............. 330
Removing the batteries ................. 330
Charging and
reinstalling batteries ..................... 330
Reconnecting the batteries ........... 331
Jump starting ...................................... 332
Towing the vehicle .............................. 334
Towing the vehicle ........................ 334
Installing towing eye bolt .............. 336
Fuses .................................................. 337
Fuse box in
passenger compartment ............... 337
Fuse box in engine compartment.. 337
Auxiliary fuse box in trunk............. 338
Technical data.................................. 339
Spare parts service ............................ 340
Warranty coverage ............................. 341
Loss of Service and Warranty
Information Booklet ...................... 341
Identification labels ............................ 342
Layout of poly-V-belt drive.................. 343
CLK320 / CLK500 /
CLK 55 AMG ................................. 343
Engine ................................................ 344
Rims and tires .................................... 345
Same size tires ............................. 345
Mixed size tires ............................. 346
Minispare wheel............................ 347
Electrical system ................................ 348
Main dimensions ................................ 349
Weights .............................................. 350

77 Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
More information can be found in the
“Practical hints” section (
page 276).
Warning!
G
Never switch off the ESP when you see the
ESP warning lamp
v
flashing in the in-
strument cluster. In this case proceed as fol-
lows:


While driving off, apply as little throttle
as possible


While driving, ease upon the accelerator


Adapt your speed and driving style to
the prevailing road conditions
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid.
The ESP cannot prevent accidents resulting
from excessive speed.
Warning!
G
The ESP cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase the traction afforded. The ESP
cannot prevent accidents, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, or
hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and
skillful driver can prevent accidents. The ca-
pabilities of an ESP equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or danger-
ous manner which could jeopardize the us-
er’s safety or the safety of others.iDistronic* is switched off when ESP is
activated.
!Because of the ESP’s automatic opera-
t i o n , t h e e n g i n e m u s t b e s h u t o f f ( k e y i n
starter switch position0 or1) when

the parking brake is being tested on
a brake test dynamometer.


the vehicle is being towed with the
front ⁄ rear axle raised.
Active braking action through the ESP
may otherwise seriously damage the
rear axle brake system.
The ESP will only function properly if
you use wheels of the recommended
tire size.

260 OperationTires and wheels
Tires and wheelsSee your authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen-
ter for information on tested and recom-
mended rims and tires for summer and
winter operation. They can also offer ad-
vice concerning tire service and purchase.Retread tires are not tested or recom-
mended by Mercedes-Benz, since previous
damage cannot always be recognized on
retreads. Mercedes-Benz can therefore
not assure the operating safety of the vehi-
cle when such tires are used.Warning!
G
Replace rims or tires with the same designa-
tion, manufacturer and type as shown on the
original part. See your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for further informa-
tion. If incorrectly sized rims and tires are
mounted:

The wheel brakes or suspension compo-
nents can be damaged.


The correct operating clearance of the
wheels and tires is no longer guaran-
teed.
Warning!
G
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the
tire tread is badly worn, or if the tires have
sustained damage, replace them.
When replacing rims, only use genuine
Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts specified for the
particular rim type. Failure to do so can re-
sult in the bolts loosening and possibly an
accident.

261 Operation
Tires and wheels
Important guidelines

Only use sets of tires and rims of the
same type and make.


Tires must be of the correct size for the
rim.


Break in new tires for approximately
60 miles (100 km) at moderate
speeds.


Regularly check the tires and rims for
damage.


If vehicle is heavily loaded, check tire
pressure and correct as required.


Do not allow your tires to wear down
too far. Adhesion properties on wet
roads are sharply reduced at tread
depths under
1/8in (3 mm).


When replacing individual tires, you
should mount new tires on the front
wheels first (on vehicles with
same-sized wheels all around).
Life of tires
The service life of a tire is dependent upon
various factors including but not limited to:

Driving style


Tire pressure


Distance driven
Direction of rotation
Unidirectional tires offer added advantag-
es, such as better hydroplaning perfor-
mance. To benefit, however, you must
make sure that the tires rotate in the direc-
tion specified.
An arrow on the sidewall indicates the in-
tended direction of tire rotation.
Warning!
G
Tires and spare tire should be replaced after
six years, regardless of the remaining tread.!Keep unmounted tires in a cool, dry
place with as little exposure to light as
possible. Protect tires from contact
with oil, grease and gasoline.

263 Operation
Tires and wheels
Rotating wheels
On vehicles with the same wheel size all
around, wheels can be rotated every 3000
to 6000 miles (5000 to 10000 km), or
sooner if necessary, according to the de-
gree of tire wear. The same direction of tire
rotation must be retained.
Rotate the wheels before the characteris-
tic tire wear pattern becomes visible
(shoulder wear on front wheels and tread
center wear on rear wheels).
Thoroughly clean the inner side of the
wheels after each rotation. Check and en-
sure proper tire inflation pressure.Warning!
G
Rotate front and rear wheels only if they are
of the same size.
Warning!
G
Have the tightening torque checked after
changing a wheel. Wheels could become
loose if not tightened with a torque of
80 ft.lb. (110 Nm).
Only use genuine Mercedes-Benz wheel
bolts specified for your vehicle's rims.

345 Technical data
Rims and tires
Rims and tires
Only use tires and rims which have been
specifically developed for your vehicle and
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Other tires and rims can have detrimental
effects, such as

poor handling characteristics


increased noise


increased fuel consumption
Same size tires
!Moreover, tires and rims not approved
by Mercedes-Benz may, under load, ex-
hibit dimensional variations and differ-
ent tire deformation characteristics
that could cause them to come into
contact with the vehicle body or axle
parts. Damage to the tires or the vehi-
cle may be the result.
iFurther information on tires and rims is
available at any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. A tire inflation
pressure table is located on the fuel fill-
er cap of the vehicle. The tire pressure
should be checked regularly and
should only be adjusted on cold tires.
Follow tire manufacturer’s mainte-
nance recommendation included with
vehicle.
CLK 320
CLK 500 /
CLK 320 with Sport Package*
CLK 55 AMG
Rims (light alloy)
7J x 16 H2
71/2 J x 17 H2
71/2 Jx17H2
Wheel offset
1.45 in (37 mm)
1.45 in (37 mm)
1.45 in (37 mm)
Winter tires (radial-ply
tires)
205/55 R 16 91 H M+S
225/45 R 17 91 H M+S
1
1Must not be used with snow chains.
225 / 45 R17 91 H M+S
1

346 Technical dataRims and tiresMixed size tires
CLK 320
CLK 500 /
CLK 320 with Sport Package*
CLK 55 AMG
Front axle:Rims (light alloy)
7 J x 16 H2
71/2 J x 17 H2
71/2 J x 17 EH2
Wheel offset
1.45 in (37 mm)
1.45 in (37 mm)
1.45 in (37 mm)
Summer tires
(radial-ply tires)
205/55 R 16 91 H
225/45 R 17 91 W
225/45 R 17 91 Y
Rear axle:Rims (light alloy)
8 J x 16 H2
81/2 J x17 H2
81/2 J x17 EH2
Wheel offset
1.26 in (32 mm)
1.18 in (30 mm)
1.18 in (30 mm)
Summer tires (radial-ply
tires)
225/50 R 16 92 H
1
245/40 R 17 91 W
1
1Must not be used with snow chains.
245/40 R 17 91 Y
1