MERCEDES-BENZ CLK430 2001 C208 Owner's Manual

308 Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.
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Premium unleaded gasoline
Caution!
To maintain the engine’s durability and performance,
premium unleaded gasoline must be used. If premium
unleaded is not available and low octane fuel is used,
follow these precautions:
•have the fuel tank filled only partially with unleaded
regular and fill up with premium unleaded as soon
as possible,
•avoid full throttle driving and abrupt acceleration,
•do not exceed an engine speed of 3000 rpm, if the
vehicle is loaded with a light load such as two
persons and no luggage,
•do not exceed 2/3 of maximum accelerator pedal
position, if the vehicle is fully loaded or operating in
mountainous terrain.Fuel requirements
Use only Premium unleaded meeting ASTM
standa rd D 439:
The octane number (posted at the pump) must be
91 min. It is an average of both the Research (R) octane
number and the Motor (M) octane number: (R+M)/2).
This is also known as ANTI-KNOCK INDEX.
Unleaded gasoline containing oxygenates such as
Ethanol, IPA, IBA and TBA can be used provided the
ratio of any one of these oxygenates to gasoline does not
exceed 10%, MTBE not to exceed 15%.
The ratio of Methanol to gasoline must not exceed 3%
plus additional cosolvents.
Using mixtures of Ethanol and Methanol is not allowed.
Gasohol, which contains 10% Ethanol and 90% unleaded
gasoline, can be used.
These blends must also meet all other fuel requirements
such as resistance to spark knock, boiling range, vapor
pressure etc..

309 Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.
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A major concern among engine manufacturers is carbon
build up caused by gasoline. Mercedes-Benz
recommends the use of only quality gasoline containing
additives that prevent the build up of carbon deposits.
After an extended period of using fuels without such
a d d i t i ve s , c a r b o n d e po si t s c a n b u il d u p e s pe c ia l ly o n t h e
intake valves and in the combustion area, leading to
engine performance problems such as:
•warm-up hesitation,
•unstable idle,
•knocking/pinging,
•misfire,
•power loss.
Do not blend other specific fuel additives with fuel.
They only result in unnecessary cost, and may be
harmful to the engine operation.
Damage or malfunctions resulting from poor fuel
quality or from blending specific fuel additives are not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.Coolants
The engine coolant is a mixture of water and
anticorrosion/antifreeze, which provides:
•corrosion protection,
•freeze protection,
•boiling protection (by increasing the boiling point).
The cooling system was filled at the factory with a
coolant providing freeze protection to approximately
-22°F (-30°C) and corrosion protection.
If the antifreeze mixture is effective to -22°F (-30°C), the
boiling point of the coolant in the pressurized cooling
system is reached at approximately 266°F (130°C).
The cool ant sol ution must be used yea r round to provide
the necessary corrosion protection and increase in the
boil-over protection. You should have it replaced every
3years.
To provide the important corrosion protection, the
solution must be at least 45% anticorrosion/antifreeze
(equals a freeze protection to approx. - 22°F [-30°C]). If
you use a solution that is more than 55% anticorrosion/
antifreeze (freeze protection to approx. - 49°F [-45°C]),

310 Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.
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the engine temperature will increase due to the lower
h eat transfer ca pa bil ity of th e sol ution. Therefore, d o not
use more than this amount of anticorrosion/antifreeze.
If the coolant level is low, water and MB anticorrosion/
antifreeze should be used to bring it up to the proper
level (have cooling system checked for signs of leakage).
The water in the cooling system must meet minimum
requirements, which are usually satisfied by normal
drinking water. If your are not sure about the water
quality, consult your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Anticorrosion/antifreeze
Your vehicle contains a number of aluminum parts. The
use of aluminum components in motor vehicle engines
necessitates that anticorrosion/antifreeze coolant used
in such e ng ines b e specif ica lly formul ated to protec t th e
aluminum parts. (Failure to use such anticorrosion/
antifreeze coolant will result in a significantly
shortened service life.)
Therefore the following product is strongly
recommended for use in your vehicle: Mercedes-Benz
Anticorrosion/antifreeze agent.Before the start of the winter season (or once a year in
the hot southern regions), you should have the
anticorrosion/antifreeze concentration checked. The
coolant is also regularly checked each time you bring
your vehicle to your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for service.
Anticorrosion/antifreeze quantity
Model Approx. freeze protection
– 35°F
(– 37°C)– 49°F
(– 45°C)
CLK 430,
CLK 55 AMG5.9 US qt
(5.6 l)6.5 US qt
(6.1 l)

311 Consumer information
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This has been prepared as required of all manufactures
of passenger cars under Title 49, Code of U.S. Federal
Regulations, Part 575 pursuant to the “National Traffic
and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966”.
Uniform tire quality grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable on the
tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum
section width. For example:
All passenger vehicle tires must conform to federal
safety requirements in addition to these grades.Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on
the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government test course. For
example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half
(1
1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and
may depart significantly from the norm due to
variations in driving habits, service practices and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Tread wear 200 Traction AA Temperature A

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Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest are AA, A, B,
and C. Those grades represent the tire’s ability to stop
on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance.Te mp e r a t u r e
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of
heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life,
and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire
failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of
performance which all passenger vehicle tires must
meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel than the
minimum required by law.
Wa r n i n g !
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straightahead braking traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.
Wa r n i n g !
The temperature grade for this tire is established
for a tire that is properly inflated and not
overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or
excessive loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause excessive heat build up
and possible tire failure.

313 Index
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Index
AABS (Antilock brake system) ....................................... 217
Malfunction indicator lamp ..................................... 231
ABS-SYSTEM - malfunction
and warning messages ............................................236
Adjusting headlamp aim ...............................................280
Adjusting telescoping steering column ........................ 78
Air conditioner refrigerant ...........................................307
Air distribution .............................................................. 126
Air volume ...................................................................... 126
Airbag deactivation system ............................................ 65
Airbag OFF indicator lamp ...........................................232
Airbags .............................................................................. 67
Alarm system ............................................................. 42, 44
Anticorrosion/antifreeze ....................210, 255, 305, 309
Antiglare night position ................................................. 79
Antilock brake system (ABS) ....................................... 217
Malfunction indicator lamp ..................................... 231
Antitheft alarm system ................................................... 42
Aquaplaning ...................................................................207Ashtray
Center console, front ................................................ 157
Rear seats ................................................................... 158
Aud io system
Anti-theft system ....................................................... 131
Button and soft key operation ................................. 132
Cassette mode ............................................................ 137
CD changer ................................................................. 141
CD mode ..................................................................... 140
Operating and display elements ............................. 130
Operating safety ........................................................129
Operation .................................................................... 133
Operation — audio and telephone ...........................129
Radio mode ................................................................ 135
Telephone operation .................................................144
Audio systems ...................................................................95
Cassette player ............................................................97
CD player ......................................................................96
Radio .............................................................................95
Automatic central locking ..............................................37
Automatic climate control ............................................122
Air distribution ..........................................................126
Air recirculation ........................................................127
Air volume .................................................................. 126

314 Index
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Basic setting .............................................................. 124
Defogging windows .................................................. 125
Defrosting ................................................................... 125
Display and controls ................................................. 124
Dust filter ................................................................... 128
Economy ..................................................................... 125
Rear window defroster ............................................. 126
Residual engine heat utilization (REST) ............... 127
Special settings ......................................................... 125
Automatic transmission ............................................... 193
Emergency Operation .............................................. 201
Fluid level ...................................................................254
Program mode selector switch ...............................200
Selector lever position .............................................. 196
Transmission selector lever,
manually unlocking ............................................. 274
BBabySmart
TM airbag deactivation system ..................... 65
Self-test ......................................................................... 65
Backrest, front seat .......................................................... 54
BAS (Brake assist system) ............................................ 215
Malfunction indicator lamp ..................................... 231Battery ............................................................................ 268
Battery recycling ...................................................... 269
BATTERY/ALTERNATOR - malfunction and warning
messages ................................................................... 235
Block heater .................................................................... 211
BRAKE ASSIST - malfunction and warning messages ..
236
Brake assist system (BAS) ............................................ 215
Malfunction indicator lamp .....................................231
Brake fluid ....................................................204, 229, 307
Capacity ..................................................................... 305
BRAKE FLUID - malfunction and warning messages ....
237
BRAKE LINING WEAR - malfunction and warning
messages ................................................................... 237
Brake pad wear .............................................................. 237
Brake warning lamp ..................................................... 229
Brake fluid low ......................................................... 229
Brakes ................................................... 202, 204, 215, 220
CCapacities
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. .............................. 305
Cargo area ....................................................................... 160
Loading instructions ................................................. 162

315 Index
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cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex Cargo tie-down rings ..................................................... 163
Catalytic converter ........................................................ 178
Cellular telephone ......................................................... 165
Center console .................................................................. 20
Central locking switch .................................................... 36
Central locking system ................................................... 28
Automatic central locking ......................................... 37
Choosing global or selective mode ........................... 31
Electronic main key .................................................... 25
Electronic reserve key ................................................ 26
Locking and unlocking .............................................. 30
Mechanical keys .......................................................... 33
Remote control ............................................................ 28
Changing wheels ...........................................................262
CHECK ENGINE malfunction indicator lamp ............228
Check regularly and before a long trip ......................225
Checking engine oil level
Via engine oil level indicator ...................................114
Via oil dipstick ...........................................................253
Child restraint .............................................. 50, 58, 64, 75
Cleaning and care of the vehicle .................................292
COMAND, radio and telephone ....................................176
Combination switch .......................................................119
Consumer information ...................................................311
Control and operation of radio transmitters ..............176COOLANT (coolant level) -
malfunction and warning messages ..................... 239
Coolant level
Adding coolant .......................................................... 255
Checking .................................................................... 254
COOLANT TEMP. (coolant temperature) -
malfunction and warning messages ..................... 240
Coolant temperature gauge ............................................ 88
Coolants .......................................................................... 309
Anticorrosion/antifreeze quantity ........................ 309
Cruise control ................................................................. 212
Cup holder
Center console, front ................................................ 155
Rear bench armrest ................................................... 156
DDaytime running lamps ................................................ 117
Deep water
Driving instructions ................................................. 210
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE (engine control unit) -
malfunction and warning messages ..................... 234
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE (several systems) -
malfunction and warning messages ..................... 234
Display illumination ........................................................ 87

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Doors .................................................................................. 34
Drinking and driving ....................................................203
Drive sensibly - save fuel ..............................................203
Driving instructions ......................................................203
Driving off .......................................................................205
EELEC. STABIL. PROGR. -
malfunction and warning messages ......................244
Electronic main key ......................................................... 25
Changing batteries ...................................................283
Synchronizing remote control ................................285
Electronic stability program (ESP) ..................... 209, 273
Control switch ........................................................... 221
Malfunction and warning message ........................244
Malfunction indicator lamp ..................................... 231
Synchronizing ...........................................................220
Warning lamp ............................................................ 231
Emergency call
See Tele Aid ............................................................... 180
Emergency tensioning retractor (ETR) ......................... 66
Emergency trunk lid release button ............................. 41
Emergency unlocking in case of accident ................... 37
Emission control ............................................................ 179Emission control label .................................................. 300
Engine compartment .....................................................251
ENGINE FAN - malfunction
and warning messages ............................................ 238
Engine malfunction
CHECK ENGINE malfunction
indicator lamp ...................................................... 228
Engine oil additives ...................................................... 307
Engine oil consumption ................................................ 115
Engine oil level
Checking ............................................................ 114, 253
Warning ..................................................................... 243
ENGINE OIL LEVEL - malfunction
and warning messages ............................................ 243
Engine oil level indicator .............................................. 114
ENGINE OIL LEVEL NOT WHEN ENGINE ON
(measuring) - multifunction indicator ................... 115
Engine oils ..................................................................... 307
Capacities .................................................................. 305
Enlarged cargo area ....................................................... 160
ESP (Electronic stability program) ............ 209, 219, 273
Control switch ...........................................................221
Malfunction and warning message ....................... 244
Malfunction indicator lamp .....................................231
Synchronizing .......................................................... 220
Warning lamp ............................................................231

317 Index
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cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex Exterior lamp malfunction
and warning message .............................................. 241
Exterior lamp switch ......................................................116
Exterior lamps ................................................................275
Adjusting headlamp aim ..........................................280
Fog lamps ....................................................................116
Headlamps ...................... 116, 241, 242, 276, 280, 294
Low and high beam ..........................................119, 277
Parking lamps ...................................................116, 277
Replacing bulbs .........................................................275
Side marker lamp, front ...........................................279
Standing lamps .................................................. 116, 277
Taillamp assemblies .................................................278
Turn signal lamp ...............................................119, 277
FFirst aid kit .....................................................................248
Flexible service system (FSS) ....................................... 111
Fuel
Gasoline additives ....................................................309
Premium unleaded gasoline ................. 223, 306, 308
Fuel cap placement warning ........................................230Fuel filler f lap
Manual release ......................................................... 287
Fuel requirements ........................................................ 308
Fuel reserve warning .................................................... 230
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. - capacities .............. 305
Fuses, electrical ............................................................. 249
GGarage door opener ....................................................... 166
Gasoline
Additives .................................................................... 309
Fuel requirements ................................................... 308
Premium unleaded .................................................. 308
General notes on the central locking system .............. 27
Glove box ......................................................................... 154HHazard warning flasher switch ................................... 121
Head restraints
Front .............................................................................. 51
Rear ...............................................................................52
Removal ........................................................................ 51