winter tires MERCEDES-BENZ CLK320 COUPE 2003 C209 Owner's Manual

ContentsOperation......................................... 239
The first 1000 miles (1500 km) ......... 240
Driving instructions ............................ 241
Drive sensibly – save fuel ............. 241
Drinking and driving ..................... 241
Pedals .......................................... 241
Power assistance ......................... 241
Brakes .......................................... 242
Driving off..................................... 243
Parking ......................................... 243
Tires ............................................. 244
Hydroplaning ................................ 245
Tire traction .................................. 245
Tire speed rating .......................... 245
Winter driving instructions ........... 246
Standing water ............................. 247
Passenger compartment .............. 247
Driving abroad .............................. 247
Control and operation of
radio transmitters......................... 248
Catalytic converter ....................... 248
Emission control........................... 249
Coolant temperature .................... 250At the gas station .............................. 251
Check regularly and
before a long trip.......................... 252
Engine compartment ......................... 253
Hood ............................................ 253
Engine oil ..................................... 254
Transmission fluid level ................ 256
Coolant ........................................ 256
Battery ......................................... 258
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system* ......... 259
Tires and wheels ................................ 260
Important guidelines .................... 261
Life of tires ................................... 261
Direction of rotation ..................... 261
Checking tire inflation pressure ... 262
Rotating wheels ........................... 263
Winter driving .................................... 264
Winter tires .................................. 264
Block heater* ............................... 265
Snow chains ................................. 265Maintenance...................................... 266
Clearing the service indicator ...... 266
Service term exceeded ................ 266
Calling up the service indicator .... 267
Resetting the service indicator .... 267
Vehicle care....................................... 268
Cleaning and care of vehicle ........ 268

74 Safety and SecurityDriving safety systems
Driving safety systemsIn this section you will find information on
the following driving safety systems:

ABS (A
ntilock B
rake S
ystem)


BAS (B
rake A
ssist S
ystem)


ESP (E
lectronic S
tability P
rogram)
ABS
The ABS regulates the brake pressure so
that the wheels do not lock during braking.
This allows you to maintain the ability to
steer your vehicle.
The ABS is functional above a speed of ap-
proximately 5 mph (8 km/h) independent
of road surface conditions.
At the instant one of the wheels is about to
lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in the
brake pedal, indicating that the ABS is in
the regulating mode. Keep firm and steady
pressure on the brake pedal while experi-
encing the pulsation.
iIn winter operation, the maximum ef-
fectiveness of the ABS and the ESP is
only achieved with winter tires (M + S
tires), or snow chains as required.
Warning!
G
The following factors increase the risk of ac-
cidents:

Excessive speed, especially in turns


Wet and slippery road surfaces


Following another vehicle too closely
The ABS, BAS and ESP cannot reduce this
risk.
Always adjust your driving style to the pre-
vailing road and weather conditions.
Warning!
G
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm,
steady brake pedal pressure instead. Pump-
ing the brake pedal defeats the purpose of
the ABS and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.

239 Operation
The first 1000 miles (1500 km)
Driving instructions
At the gas station
Engine compartment
Tires and wheels
Winter driving
Maintenance
Vehicle care

245 Operation
Driving instructions
Hydroplaning
Depending on the depth of the water layer
on the road, hydroplaning may occur, even
at low speeds and with new tires. Reduce
vehicle speed, avoid track grooves in the
road and apply brakes cautiously in the
rain.
Tire traction
The safe speed on a wet, snow covered or
icy road is always lower than on a dry road.
You should pay particular attention to the
condition of the road whenever the outside
temperatures are close to the freezing
point.
Mercedes-Benz recommends M+S rated
radial-ply tires for the winter season for all
four wheels to insure normal balanced
handling characteristics. On packed snow,
they can reduce your stopping distance
compared to summer tires. Stopping dis-
tance, however, is still considerably
greater than when the road is not covered
with snow or ice. Exercise appropriate cau-
tion.
Tire speed rating
Regardless of the tire rating, local speed
limits should be obeyed. Use prudent driv-
ing speeds appropriate to prevailing condi-
tions.
CLK 320
Your vehicle is factory equipped with
“H”-rated tires, which have a speed rating
of 130 mph (210 km/h).
Warning!
G
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects
the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You
may lose control of the vehicle. Continued
driving with a flat tire or driving at high
speed with a flat tire will cause excessive
heat build-up and possibly a fire.
Warning!
G
If ice has formed on the road, tire traction
will be substantially reduced. Under such
weather conditions, drive, steer and brake
with extreme caution.
Warning!
G
Even when permitted by law, never operate
a vehicle at speeds greater than the maxi-
mum speed rating of the tires.
Exceeding the maximum speed for which
tires are rated can lead to sudden tire fail-
ure, causing loss of vehicle control and pos-
sibly resulting in an accident and/or
personal injury and possible death, for you
and for others.

246 OperationDriving instructionsAn electronic speed limiter prevents your
vehicle from exceeding a speed of
130 mph (210 km/h).
CLK 500/
CLK320withSportPackage*
Your vehicle is factory equipped with
“W”-rated tires, which have a speed rating
of 168 mph (270 km/h).
An electronic speed limiter prevents your
vehicle from exceeding a speed of
155 mph (250 km/h).
CLK 55 AMG
Your vehicle is factory equipped with
“Y”-rated tires, which have a speed rating
of 188 mph (300 km/h).
An electronic speed limiter prevents your
vehicle from exceeding a speed of
155 mph (250 km/h).
Information on tire speed rating for winter
tires, see “Winter tires” (
page 264).
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 correc-
tive steering action.Road salts and chemicals can adversely af-
fect braking efficiency. Increased pedal
force may become necessary to produce
the normal braking 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. Be very careful
that you carry out these braking maneu-
vers without endangering any other road
users.
If the vehicle is parked after being driven
on salt-treated roads, the braking efficien-
cy should be tested as soon as possible af-
ter driving is resumed while observing the
safety rules in the previous paragraph.
iInformation on driving with snow
chains (
page 265).
Warning!
G
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift
in order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehi-
cle control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not pre-
vent this type of control loss.

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.

264 OperationWinter driving
Winter drivingBefore the onset of winter have your vehi-
cle winterized at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. This service in-
cludes:

Check of anticorrosion and antifreeze
concentration.


Addition of cleaning concentrate to the
water of the windshield and headlamp
cleaning system. Add MB Concentrate
“S” to a pre-mixed windshield washer
solvent / antifreeze which is formulated
for below freezing temperatures
(page 357).


Battery test. 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.


Tire change. We recommend M+S rat-
ed radial-ply tires on all four wheels for
the winter season.
Winter tires
Always use winter tires at temperatures
below 39°F (4°C) and whenever wintry
road conditions prevail. Use of winter tires
is the only way to achieve the maximum ef-
fectiveness of the ABS and the ESP in win-
ter operation.
For safe handling, ensure that all mounted
winter tires are of the same make and have
the same tread design.Always observe the speed rating of the
winter tires installed on your vehicle. If the
maximum speed for which your tires are
rated is below the speed rating of your ve-
hicle, you must place a notice to this effect
where it will be seen by the driver. Such no-
tices are available from your tire dealer or
from any authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.Warning!
G
Winter tires with a tread depth under 0.16 in
(4 mm) must be replaced. They are no long-
er suitable for winter operation.
Warning!
G
If you use your spare tire* when winter tires
are fitted on the other wheels, be aware that
the difference in tire characteristics may
very well impair turning stability and that
overall driving stability may be reduced.
Adapt your driving style accordingly.
Have the spare tire replaced with a winter
tire at the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.

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

390 IndexTelephone* 24, 226
Answering a call 139
Dialing a number from the phone book
139
Ending a call 139
Hands-free microphone 27
Loading phone book* 139
Messages in display 301
Operating 138
Operation 182
Redialing 140
Temperature
Display mode 126
Grades of tires 359
Setting interior temperature 157
Setting units in display 126
Tires 262
Tie-down rings (Trunk) 218
Tightening torque 366
Tightening torque (Wheel bolts) 328
Time
Setting hours 128
Setting minutes 129
Tire inflation pressure
Checking 252, 262
Tire speed rating 245, 366Tire traction 245
Tires 260, 345
Consumer information 358
Direction of rotation 261
Driving instructions 244
Retreads 260
Rims and tires 345
Service life 261
Temperature 262
Temperature grades 359
Tread depth 264
Wear pattern 263
Winter 264
Tools 305
Tow-away alarm 25, 81
Arming 81
Disarming 81
Disarming for transport 81
Towing eye bolt (vehicle tool kit)
Installing 336
Towing the vehicle 334
Tracking services
For stolen vehicle 235
Traction 145, 358, 366
Transmission see Automatic transmission
256Transmission selector lever 313
Unlocking manually 313
Traveling abroad 247
Tread depth (tires) 264
Tread wear 358
Trip computer 136
Trip odometer
Resetting 112
Trunk
Auxiliary fuse box 338
Closing 94
Lock button, KEYLESS-GO* 91
Locking separately 94
Message in display 301
Opening 87
Opening from inside vehicle 92
Tie-down rings 218
Trunk lid 87
Trunk lock 311
Unlocking in an emergency 311
Unlocking separately 95
Unlocking with KEYLESS-GO* 90
Unlocking with SmartKey 86
Trunk lid emergency release 93
Turn signal lamps
Replacing bulbs 317

392 IndexVehicle jack 306
Vehicle lighting
Checking 252
Vehicle tool kit 305
Alignment bolt 305
Spare fuses 305
Special fuse puller 305
Towing eye bolt 305
Vehicle jack 305
Wheel bolts 305
Wheel wrench 305
Vehicle washing 270
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) 366
Voice control system* 366
Voice control system*
Hands-free microphone 27
W
Warning lamps see Lamps, indicator and
warning
Warning sounds
Distance warning function* 204
Distronic* 198
Drivers seat belts 62
Parking brake 45
Warranty coverage 341
Washer fluid see Windshield washer fluidWashing the vehicle 268
Wear pattern (tires) 263
Weights 350
Wheel change
Tightening torque 328
Wheels
Rotating 263
Tires and wheels 260
Window curtain airbags 61
Windows see Side windows
Windshield
Defogging 158
Refilling washer fluid 259
Replacing wiper blades 323
Washer fluid 259, 357
Washer system 357
Windshield washer fluid 357
Message in display 301
Mixing ratio 357
Refilling 259
Wiping with 48
Windshield washer system 357
Windshield wipers 47, 151
Fast wiper speed 48
Intermittent wiping 48
Replacing wiper blades 323Single wipe 48
Switching on 47
Wiping with windshield washer fluid 48
Winter driving 264
Block heater* 265
Snow chains 265
Tires 264
Transmission program mode 145, 147
Winter driving instructions 246
Winter tires 264
Wiper blades
Cleaning 272
Installing 323
Removing 323
Replacing 323
Wiping
And washing simultaneously 48
Interval 48
With windshield washer fluid 48
X
Xenon headlamps
Bi-Xenon 361