winter tires MERCEDES-BENZ CLK320 COUPE 2004 C209 Owner's Manual

ContentsLoading .............................................. 237
Roof rack ...................................... 237
Ski sack* ...................................... 237
Split rear bench seat .................... 240
Loading instructions ..................... 242
Cargo tie-down rings .................... 243
Useful features .................................. 244
Interior storage spaces ................ 244
Ashtrays ....................................... 247
Cigarette lighter ........................... 248
Floormats* ................................... 249
Telephone*................................... 250
Tele Aid ........................................ 251
Garage door opener ..................... 259
Operation......................................... 265
The first 1 000 miles (1 500 km)......... 266
Driving instructions............................ 267
Drive sensibly – save fuel ............. 267
Drinking and driving ..................... 267
Pedals .......................................... 267
Power assistance ......................... 267
Brakes .......................................... 268
Driving off .................................... 269
Parking ......................................... 269
Tires ............................................. 270
Hydroplaning ................................ 271
Tire traction.................................. 271
Tire speed rating .......................... 272
Winter driving instructions ........... 273
Standing water ............................. 274
Passenger compartment .............. 274
Driving abroad.............................. 274
Control and operation
of radio transmitters .................... 275
Catalytic converter ....................... 275
Emission control .......................... 276
Coolant temperature .................... 277At the gas station .............................. 278
Refueling ...................................... 278
Check regularly and
before a long trip ......................... 280
Engine compartment ......................... 281
Hood ............................................ 281
Engine oil ..................................... 283
Transmission fluid level ................ 286
Coolant ........................................ 286
Battery ......................................... 288
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system*......... 289
Tires and wheels................................ 290
Important guidelines .................... 291
Life of tires................................... 291
Direction of rotation..................... 291
Checking tire inflation pressure ... 292
Rotating wheels ........................... 293
Winter driving .................................... 294
Winter tires .................................. 294
Block heater*............................... 295
Snow chains................................. 295

76 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 Antilock Brake System (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.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will re-
spond even with light brake pressure.
iIn winter operation, the maximum ef-
fectiveness of the ABS, the BAS, and
the ESP is only achieved with winter
tires (M + S tires) or snow chains as re-
quired.
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.

265 Operation
The first 1 000 miles (1 500 km)
Driving instructions
At the gas station
Engine compartment
Tires and wheels
Winter driving
Maintenance
Vehicle care

271 Operation
Driving instructions
Specified tire pressures must be main-
tained. This applies particularly if the tires
are subject to extreme operating condi-
tions (e.g. high speeds, heavy loads, high
ambient temperatures).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 with a minimum tread depth
of approximately
1/6in (4 mm) on all four
wheels for the winter season to ensure
normal balanced handling characteristics.
On packed snow, they can reduce your
stopping distance compared to summer
tires. Stopping distance, however, is still
considerably greater than when the road is
not covered with snow or ice. Exercise ap-
propriate caution.
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.

272 OperationDriving instructionsTire 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) or 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
130 mph (210 km/h).
CLK 320 with Appearance Package*
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
130 mph (210 km/h).CLK 500
Your vehicle is factory equipped with
“Y”-rated tires, which have a speed rating
of 186 mph (300 km/h).
An electronic speed limiter prevents your
vehicle from exceeding a speed of
130 mph (210 km/h).
CLK 55 AMG
Your vehicle is factory equipped with
“Y”-rated tires, which have a speed rating
of 186 mph (300 km/h).
An electronic speed limiter prevents your
vehicle from exceeding a speed of
155 mph (250 km/h).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.
iFor information on tire speed rating for
winter tires, see “Winter tires”
(page 294).

290 OperationTires and wheels
Tires and wheelsSee your authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center for information on tested and rec-
ommended rims and tires for summer and
winter operation. They can also offer ad-
vice concerning tire service and purchase.Retreaded 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.

294 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 premixed windshield washer
solvent / antifreeze which is formulated
for temperatures below freezing point
(page 394).


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. Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends M+S rated radial-ply tires with a
minimum tread depth of approximately 1/6 in (4 mm) on all four wheels for the
winter season.
Winter tires
Always use winter tires at temperatures
below 45°F (7°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 at your tire dealer or any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.Warning!
G
Winter tires with a tread depth under
1/6in
(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.

382 Technical dataRims and tiresSame size tires
16" tires
17" tires
CLK 320
CLK 500
CLK 320 (Appearance Package*)
CLK 55 AMG
Rims (light alloy)
7J x 16 H2
-
-
Wheel offset
1.45 in (37 mm)
-
-
Winter tires (radial-ply
tires)
205/55 R16 91H M+S
-
-
CLK 320
CLK 320 (Appearance Package*)
CLK 500
CLK 55 AMG
Rims (light alloy)
71/2 J x 17 H2
71/2 J x 17 H2
71/2 Jx17H2
Wheel offset
1.42 in (36 mm)
1.45 in (37 mm)
1.45 in (37 mm)
Winter tires (radial-ply
tires)
225/45 R 17 91 H M+S
1
225/45 R 17 91 H M+S
1
225 / 45 R17 91 H M+S
1
1Must not be used with snow chains.

430 IndexTele Aid 251
Emergency calls 252
Information 256
Initiating an
emergency call manually 254
Messages in display 334
Remote door unlock 258
Roadside Assistance 254
Stolen vehicle tracking services 259
System self-check 252
Tele Aid System 251
Upgrade signals 257
Tele Aid System 402
Telematics* 402
Telephone* 24, 250
Answering a call 155
Dialing a number
from the phone book 155
Emergency call 208
Ending a call 155
Hands-free microphone 27
Loading phone book* 155
Messages in display 336
Operating 154
Operation 203
Redialing 156Temperature
Display mode 142
Grades of tires 396
Setting interior temperature 175
Setting units in display 142
Tires 292
Tie-down rings (Trunk) 243
Tightening torque 402
Tightening torque (Wheel bolts) 362
Time
Setting hours 144
Setting minutes 145
Tire inflation pressure
Checking 280, 292
Tire speed rating 272, 402
Tire traction 271Tires 381
Consumer information 395
Direction of rotation 291
Driving instructions 270
Retreads 290
Rims and tires 381
Service life 291
Temperature 292
Temperature grades 396
Tires and wheels 290
Tread depth 294
Wear pattern 293
Winter 294
Tools 337
Tow-away alarm 25, 83
Arming 83
Disarming 83
Disarming for transport 83
Towing eye bolt (vehicle tool kit)
CLK 320/CLK 500 370
CLK 55 AMG 371
Installing 370
Installing (CLK 55 AMG) 371
Towing the vehicle 368

433 Index
Vehicle jack 339
Vehicle lighting
Checking 280
Vehicle tool kit 337
Alignment bolt 337
Removing 337
Spare fuses 337
Towing eye bolt 337
Vehicle jack 337
Wheel bolts 337
Wheel wrench 337
Vehicle washing 300
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) 402
Voice control system* 402
Hands-free microphone 27W
Warning sounds
Distance warning function* 229
Distronic* 223
Drivers seat belts 64
Parking brake 46
Warranty coverage 377
Washer fluid see
Windshield washer fluid
Washing the vehicle 298
Wear pattern (tires) 293
Weights 387
Wheel bolts
For Minispare wheel 342
Wheel change
Tightening torque 362
Wheels
Rotating 293
Tires and wheels 290
Window curtain airbags 64
Windows see Side windowsWindshield
Defogging 176
Refilling washer fluid 289
Replacing wiper blades 357
Washer fluid 289, 394
Washer system 394
Windshield washer fluid 394
Message in display 336
Mixing ratio 394
Refilling 289
Wiping with 49
Windshield washer system 394
Windshield wipers 48, 166
Fast wiper speed 49
Intermittent wiping 49
Replacing wiper blades 357
Single wipe 49
Switching on 48
Wiping with
windshield washer fluid 49
Winter driving 294
Block heater* 295
Snow chains 295
Tires 294