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

Our company and staff congratulate you on the purchase of your new Mercedes-Benz.
Your selection of our product is a demonstration of your trust in our company name. Further, it exemplifies your desire
to own an automobile that will be as easy as possible to operate and provide years of service.
Your Mercedes-Benz represents the efforts of many skilled engineers and craftsmen. To help assure your pleasure of
ownership, and for your safety and that of your passengers, we ask you to make a small investment of your time:
•Please read this manual carefully before putting it aside. Then return it to your vehicle where it will be handy for
your reference.
•Please abide by the recommendations contained in this manual. They are designed to acquaint you with the
operation of your Mercedes-Benz.
•Please abide by the warnings and cautions contained in this manual. They are designed to help improve the safety
of the vehicle operator and occupants.
We extend our best wishes for many miles of safe, pleasurable driving.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
A DaimlerChrysler Company

1 Contents
IntroductionProduct information .......................... 6
Operator’s manual ............................. 7
Where to find it ................................ 12
Reporting Safety Defects ................ 14Instruments and controlsInstruments and controls ............... 16
Center console .............................. 18
Overhead control panel ............... 19OperationVehicle keys ...................................... 22
Start lock-out .................................... 24
General notes on the central locking
system ........................................... 24
Central locking system ................... 25
Radio frequency and infrared
remote control .............................. 25
Opening and closing windows from
outside ........................................... 29
Panic button .................................. 30Mechanical keys .......................... 30
Doors ..................................................31
Central locking switch .................... 33
Automatic central locking .......... 34
Emergency unlocking in case of
accident ........................................ 34
Trunk ................................................. 35
Trunk lamp ....................................... 36
Trunk lid release switch ................ 37
Trunk lid emergency release ........ 38
Antitheft alarm system ................... 39
Tow-away alarm ............................... 40
Power seats, front ............................. 41
Front head restraints .................. 46
Roll bar and head restraints,
rear ............................................... 47
Backrest ............................................ 49
Multicontour seat ............................ 50
Heated seats ......................................51
Seat belts and integrated restraint
system .......................................... 52
Seat belts .......................................... 53
Seat belt nonusage warning
system ............................................ 54BabySmart
TM airbag deactivation
system ........................................... 59
Self-test BabySmart
TM without
special child seat installed ......... 59
Supplemental restraint system
(SRS) ............................................. 60
Emergency tensioning device
(ETD) ............................................. 60
Airbags .............................................. 61
Safety guidelines for the seat belt,
emergency tensioning device and
airbag ............................................. 67
Infant and child restraint
systems .......................................... 69
Child seat anchors- "LATCH",
type ............................................... 71
Adjusting telescoping steering
column .......................................... 73
Inside rear view mirror .................. 74
Antiglare night position .............. 74
Exterior rear view mirrors ............. 75
Instrument cluster ........................... 78
Indicator lamps in the instrument
cluster ........................................... 80

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

3 ContentsParking 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 ........................209
Cruise 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
Instrument cluster displayMalfunction and indicator lamps in
the instrument cluster ............. 224
On-board diagnostic system Check
engine malfunction indicator
lamp ............................................. 224
Brake warning lamp .................. 225
Supplemental restraint system
(SRS) indicator lamp ................. 226
Fuel reserve and fuel cap
placement warning ................... 226
Electronic stability program (ESP)
— warning lamp .......................... 227
BAS/ESP malfunction indicator
lamp ............................................. 227
ABS malfunction indicator
lamp ............................................. 227
Telescoping steering column –
indicator lamp ............................ 228
Seat belt warning lamp ............. 228
Malfunction and indicator lamps in
the center console .................... 228
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp .... 228
Roll bar warning lamp .............. 229Malfunction and warning messages
in the multifunction display ...230
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE (engine
control unit) ................................ 231
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE (several
systems) ....................................... 231
BATTERY/ALTERNATOR ...........232
ABS-SYSTEM ...............................233
BRAKE ASSIST ...........................233
BRAKE LINING WEAR ..............234
BRAKE FLUID .............................234
PARKING BRAKE .......................235
ENGINE FAN ...............................235
COOLANT (coolant level) ..........236
COOLANT TEMP. (coolant
temperature) ...............................237
LIGHTING SYSTEM ....................238
LIGHT SENSOR ...........................239
STEER. WHEEL ADJUST. ...........239
ENGINE OIL LEVEL ...................240
ELEC. STABIL. PROG. (Electronic
stability program) ...................... 241
REMOVE KEY ............................. 241
WASHER FLUID .........................242

7 IntroductionOperator’s manual
This Operator’s Manual contains a great deal of useful information. We urge you to read it carefully and familiarize
yourself with the vehicle before driving.
For your own safety and longer service life of the vehicle, we urge you to follow the instructions and warnings
contained in this manual. Ignoring them could result in damage to the vehicle or personal injury to you or others.
Vehicle damage caused by failure to follow instructions is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Your vehicle may have some or all of the equipment described in this manual. Therefore, you may find explanations
for optional equipment not installed in your vehicle. If you have any questions about the operation of any equipment,
your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will be glad to demonstrate the proper procedures.
Service and warranty information
The Service and Warranty Information Booklet contains detailed information about the warranties covering your
Mercedes-Benz, including:
•New Car Limited Warranty,
•Emission System Warranty,
•Emission Performance Warranty,
•California, Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont Emission Control System Warranty
(California, Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont only),
•State Warranty Enforcement Laws (Lemon Laws).

12 Introduction
Where to find it
The Operator’s Manual is divided into eight sections:
• Instruments and controls: An overview of all the controls that can be operated from the driver’s seat.
•Operation: Information on the vehicle’s equipment and its operation.
•Driving: Important information on driving.
• Instrument cluster display: Displays and indicator lamps on the instrument cluster with brief instructions.
•Practical hints: Assistance and instructions in the event of an emergency.
•Car care: Instructions on caring for your vehicle.
•Technical data: All the important technical data for your vehicle as well as consumer information such as fuels,
coolants, lubricants etc. is contained here.
•Index: Key terms to help you find a topic quickly.
Other documents may also be supplied, depending on your vehicle’s equipment.
Explanation of color used:
Warning notices for the protection of yourself and
others appear on red background.

17 Instruments and controls
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index For more detailed descriptions see Index on page 324.
For adjustment of air outlets, refer to automatic climate
control, see page 116.
1Side air outlet, adjustable
2Air volume control for side air outlet
3Exterior lamp switch, see page 110
4Parking brake release, see page 200
5Parking brake pedal, see page 200
6Hood lock release, see page 250
7Combination switch, see page 113
8Cruise control switch, see page 210
9Multifunction steering wheel, see page 84
Horn (with electronic key in steering lock
position 1 or 2)
10Instrument cluster, see page 78
11Voice control system lever, see separate operating
instructions
12Steering lock with ignition/starter
switch, see page 18813Center air outlets, adjustable
14Air volume control for center air outlets
15Left front seat heater switch, see page 51
16Headlamp washer switch, see page 112
17Roll bar switch, see page 48
Roll bar warning lamp, see page 229
18Hazard warning flasher switch, see page 115
19Central locking switch, see page 33
20Switch for tow-away alarm, see page 40
Indicator lamp for antitheft alarm system, see
page 39
21Right front seat heater switch, see page 51
22Automatic climate control, see page 116
Rear window defroster switch, see page 120
23Glove box (illuminated with electronic key in
steering lock position 1 or 2), see page 147
24Audio system, see page 123
25Storage compartment
26Ashtray with lighter, see page 150

20
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
OperationVehicle keys ...................................... 22
Start lock-out .................................... 24
General notes on the central locking
system ........................................... 24
Central locking system ................... 25
Radio frequency and infrared
remote control .............................. 25
Opening and closing windows from
outside ........................................... 29
Panic button .................................. 30
Mechanical keys ........................... 30
Doors .................................................. 31
Central locking switch .................... 33
Automatic central locking .......... 34
Emergency unlocking in case of
accident ........................................ 34
Trunk ................................................. 35
Trunk lamp ....................................... 36
Trunk lid release switch ................. 37
Trunk lid emergency release ......... 38
Antitheft alarm system ................... 39
Tow-away alarm ................................ 40Power seats, front ............................. 41
Front head restraints .................. 46
Roll bar and head restraints,
rear ............................................... 47
Backrest ............................................ 49
Multicontour seat ............................ 50
Heated seats ......................................51
Seat belts and integrated restraint
system .......................................... 52
Seat belts .......................................... 53
Seat belt nonusage warning
system ............................................ 54
BabySmart
TM airbag deactivation
system .......................................... 59
Self-test BabySmart
TM without
special child seat installed ......... 59
Supplemental restraint system
(SRS) ............................................. 60
Emergency tensioning device
(ETD) ............................................ 60
Airbags ............................................... 61
Safety guidelines for the seat belt,
emergency tensioning device and
airbag ............................................. 67Infant and child restraint
systems .......................................... 69
Child seat anchors- "LATCH",
type ............................................... 71
Adjusting telescoping steering
column .......................................... 73
Inside rear view mirror .................. 74
Antiglare night position .............. 74
Exterior rear view mirrors ............. 75
Instrument cluster ........................... 78
Indicator lamps in the instrument
cluster ........................................... 80
Multifunction 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

21
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index 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 .......... 112
Combination switch .......................113
Hazard warning flasher switch ....115
Automatic climate control .............116
Display and controls ...................118
Basic setting .................................118Economy ....................................... 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 ..................................... 147Ashtray ............................................ 150
Lighter ............................................. 151
Cargo tie down rings ..................... 152
Parcel 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

48 Seats
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Switch for roll bar and head restraints, rear
The switch is located in the center console.
Turn electronic key in steering lock to position 2.
Press switch:
1Raise roll bar
2Lower roll bar
The lowering or raising procedure is immediately
interrupted by releasing the roll bar switch. With the engine running and the roll bar lowered, the
warning lamp in the roll bar switch will blink for
approx. 15 seconds. The blinking is reminding you to
raise the roll bar if the rear passenger seats are
occupied. See also page 229 for roll bar warning lamp.
Important!
The roll bar is intended to be a safety enhancement to
the other features designed into the vehicle. No system
in any vehicle can eliminate the possibility of serious
injury or fatality in an accident. Properly fastened seat
belts and child restraints must be used!
Notes:
If the warning lamp in the switch comes on, then a
malfunction has been detected. In this case, drive only
with the roll bar raised until the problem has been
corrected. Raise the roll bar by pressing the upper half
of the roll bar switch.
Have the system checked at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
Items being transported in the rear passenger
compartment should be placed in such a manner as not
to affect the movement of the roll bar when being
raised.
P91.59-2001-26
12