maintenance MERCEDES-BENZ CLK430 CABRIOLET 2003 C208 Owner's Manual

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

8 Introduction
Important notice for California retail buyers and lessees of Mercedes-Benz automobiles
Under California law you may be entitled to a replacement of your vehicle or a refund of the purchase price or lease
price, if Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC and / or its authorized repair or service facilities fail to fix one ore more substantial
defects or malfunctions in the vehicle that are covered by its express warranty after a reasonable number of repair
attempts. During the period of 18 months from original delivery of the vehicle or the accumulation of 18 000 miles on
the odometer of the vehicle, whichever occurs first, a reasonable number of repair attempts is presumed for a retail
buyer or lessee if one or more of the following occurs: (1) the same substantial defect or malfunction results in a
condition that is likely to cause death or serious bodily injury if the vehicle is driven, that defect or malfunction has
been subject to repair two or more times, and you have directly notified Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC in writing of the
need for its repair, (2) the same substantial defect or malfunction of a less serious nature than category (1) has been
subject to repair four or more times and you have directly notified us in writing of the need for its repair, or (3) the
vehicle is out of service by reason of repair of the same or different substantial defects or malfunctions for a
cumulative total of more than 30 calender days. Written notification should be sent to us, not a dealer, at Mercedes-
Benz USA, LLC, Customer Assistance Center, One Mercedes Drive, Montvale, NJ 07645-0350.
Maintenance
The Service Booklet describes all the necessary maintenance work which should be performed at regular intervals.
Always have the Service Booklet with you when you take the vehicle to your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
service. The service advisor will record each service in the booklet for you.

101 Multifunction steering wheel, multifunction display
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Specific malfunctions can be recalled by pressing
button J. Each malfunction or warning message must
be acknowledged by pressing button J. Once all
messages are cancelled, the odometer display should
reappear.
Pressing the J button in the instrument cluster
immediately switches to the next malfunction message.
The malfunction message memory will be cleared when
the electronic key is turned in the steering lock to
position 1 or 2. Should any subsequent malfunctions
occur, they will be displayed in the malfunction
message memory.
Pressing the è or ÿ button displays the next or
previous system.Important!
Malfunction and warning messages are only indicated
for certain systems and displayed to a low level of detail.
The malfunction and warning messages are simply a
reminder with respect to the operation of certain
systems and do not replace the driver’s responsibility to
maintain the vehicle’s operating safety by having all
required maintenance and safety checks performed on
the vehicle and by bringing the vehicle to an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center to address the malfunction and
warning messages. See page 224.

173
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
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 ......................................... 190Automatic transmission ................ 191
Parking 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 ........................ 209Cruise 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

175 The first 1 000 miles
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index The first 1 000 miles (1 500 km)
The more cautiously you treat your vehicle during the
break-in period, the more satisfied you will be with its
performance later on. Therefore, drive your vehicle
during the first 1 000 miles (1 500 km) at moderate
vehicle and engine speeds.
During this period, avoid heavy loads (full throttle
driving) and excessive engine speeds.
Avoid accelerating by kickdown. It is not recommended
to brake the vehicle by manually shifting to a lower gear.
We recommend that you select positions “3”, “2” or “1”
only at moderate speeds (for hill driving).
After 1 000 miles (1 500 km) speeds may be gradually
increased to the permissible maximum.Maintenance
We strongly recommend that you have your vehicle
serviced by your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center, in
accordance with the Service Booklet at the times called
for by the FSS.
Failure to have the vehicle maintained in accordance
with the Service Booklet at the designated times /
mileage may result in vehicle damage not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
For information on the Flexible service system (FSS),
see page 105.

176 Catalytic converter
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Catalytic converter
Your Mercedes-Benz is equipped with monolithic type
catalytic converters, an important element in
conjunction with the oxygen sensors to achieve
substantial control of the pollutants in the exhaust
emissions. Keep your vehicle in proper operating
condition by following our recommended maintenance
instructions as outlined in your Service Booklet.Caution!
To prevent damage to the catalytic converters, use only
premium unleaded gasoline in this vehicle.
Any noticeable irregularities in engine operation should
be repaired promptly. Otherwise, excessive unburned
fuel may reach the catalytic converter causing it to
overheat, which could start a fire.
Wa r n i n g !
As with any vehicle, do not idle, park or operate
this vehicle in areas where combustible materials
such as grass, hay or leaves can come into contact
with the hot exhaust system, as these materials
could be ignited and cause a vehicle fire.

201 Driving instructions
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Driving instructions
Drive sensibly – save fuel
Fuel consumption, to a great extent, depends on driving
habits and operating conditions.
To save fuel you should:
•keep tires at the recommended inflation pressures,
•remove unnecessary loads,
•allow engine to warm up under low load use,
•avoid frequent acceleration and deceleration,
•have all maintenance work performed at regular
intervals by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Fuel consumption is also increased by driving in cold
weather, in stop-and-go traffic, on short trips and in hilly
country.Drinking and driving
Ped al s
Wa r n i n g !
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs and
driving can be a very dangerous combination. Even
a small amount of alcohol or drugs can affect your
reflexes, perceptions and judgement.The possibility of a serious or even fatal accident is
sharply increased when you drink or take drugs
and drive.Please don’t drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive after drinking or taking drugs.Wa r n i n g !
Keep driver’s foot area clear at all times. Objects
stored in this area may impair pedal movement.

308 Technical data
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Spare parts service
All authorized Mercedes-Benz Centers maintain a stock
of original spare parts required for maintenance and
repair work. In addition, strategically located parts
distribution centers provide quick and reliable parts
service.
More than 300 000 different spare parts, for
Mercedes-Benz models, are available.
Mercedes-Benz original spare parts are subjected to
stringent quality inspections. Each part has been
specifically developed, manufactured or selected for and
adapted to Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Therefore, Mercedes-Benz original spare parts should
be installed.
Important!
The use of non-genuine parts and accessories not
authorized by Mercedes-Benz could damage the vehicle
which damage is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty or compromise its durability or safety.Warranty coverage
Your vehicle is covered under the terms of the
“warranties” printed in the Service and Warranty
Information booklet and your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center will exchange or repair any
defective parts originally installed on the vehicle in
accordance with the terms of the following warranties:
1. New vehicle limited warranty
2. Emission system warranty
3. Emission performance warranty
4. California, Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont
emission control systems warranty
Replacement parts and accessories are covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Spare Parts and Accessories warranties,
copies of which are available at any Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Loss of Service and Warranty Information Booklet
Should you lose your Service and Warranty Information
booklet, have your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
arrange for a replacement. It will be mailed to you.

330 Index
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex
LLamps, exterior
Fog lamps ....................................................................110
Headlamp, adjusting ................................................282
Headlamps ..................... 110, 238, 239, 278, 282, 303
Low and high beam .......................................... 113, 279
Parking lamps ...................................................110, 279
Replacing bulbs ......................................................... 277
Side marker lamp, front ........................................... 281
Standing lamps ..................................................110, 279
Taillamp assemblies ......................................... 110, 280
Turn signal lamps ............................................. 113, 279
Layout of poly-V-belt drive ............................................ 310
LIGHT SENSOR - malfunction and
warning messages ......................................................... 239
Lighter ............................................................................. 151
LIGHTING SYSTEM - malfunction and
warning messages ......................................................... 238
Limp home mode (Automatic transmission) ............. 199
Locking and unlocking ................................................... 27
Low beams
See Exterior lamps .................................................... 277
Low engine coolant level warning............................... 236
Luggage cover .................................................................246
MMaintenance ................................................................... 175
Malfunction and indicator lamps in the
instrument cluster ....................................................... 224
Malfunction and warning messages .......................... 230
ABS-SYSTEM ............................................................. 233
BATTERY/ALTERNATOR ......................................... 232
BRAKE ASSIST ......................................................... 233
BRAKE FLUID ........................................................... 234
BRAKE LINING WEAR ............................................ 234
COOLANT (coolant level) ........................................ 236
COOLANT TEMP. (coolant temperature) .............. 237
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE (engine control unit) .........231
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE (several systems) ................231
ELEC. STABIL. PROG. ............................................... 241
ENGINE FAN ............................................................. 235
ENGINE OIL LEVEL ................................................. 240
LIGHT SENSOR ......................................................... 239
LIGHTING SYSTEM .................................................. 238
PARKING BRAKE ..................................................... 235
REMOVE KEY ............................................................ 241
STEER. WHEEL ADJUST. ......................................... 239
TELE AID ................................................................... 243
WASHER FLUID ........................................................ 242
Malfunction/warning message memory .................... 100