roof MERCEDES-BENZ CLK550 2008 C209 Owner's Guide

309 Operation
Driving instructions
Driving instructions
Drive sensibly – save fuel
Fuel consumption, to a great extent, de-
pends on driving habits and operating
conditions.
To save fuel you should:

Keep tires at the recommended tire
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 the intervals specified in the
Maintenance Booklet and as required
by the Maintenance System. Contact
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

CLK coupe: Remove roof rack when not
in use.
Fuel consumption is also increased by
driving in cold weather, in stop-and-go
traffic, on short trips and in hilly area.
Drinking and drivingPedals
Warning!G
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs
and driving are very dangerous combina-
tions. Even a small amount of alcohol or
drugs can affect your reflexes, perceptions
and judgment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal ac-
cident are greatly increased when you drink
or take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or
taking drugs.
Warning!G
Make sure absolutely no objects are ob-
structing the pedals’ range of movement.
Keep the driver’s footwell clear of all obsta-
cles. If there are any floormats or carpets in
the footwell, make sure the pedals still have
sufficient clearance.
During sudden driving or braking maneu-
vers, the objects could get caught between
or beneath the pedals. You could then no
longer brake or accelerate. This could lead
to accidents and injury.

342 Operation
Tires and wheels
Run Flat Indicator (Canada only)
While the vehicle is being driven, the Run
Flat Indicator monitors the set tire inflation
pressures by evaluating each wheel’s rota-
tional speed. This allows the system to de-
tect a significant loss of pressure in a tire.
If a wheel’s rotational speed changes due
to falling tire inflation pressure, you will
see a corresponding warning message in
the multifunction display.
The Run Flat Indicator may function in a re-
stricted manner or with a delay

if snow chains are mounted to the
vehicle

in presence of ice and snow

if you are driving on a loose surface
(e.g. sand or gravel)

if you are driving in a very sporty man-
ner (involving rapid acceleration or high
speeds in curves)

if you are driving with the roof loaded
(CLK coupe) or very heavy cargo
Warning!G
When the multifunction display shows the
message
Tire Pressure Check Tires,
one or more of your tires is significantly un-
derinflated. You should stop and check your
tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to
the proper tire inflation pressure as indicat-
ed on the vehicle’s Tire and Loading
Information placard or, if available, on the
tire inflation pressure label. Driving on a sig-
nificantly under-inflated tire causes the tire
to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Un-
derinflation also reduces fuel efficiency and
tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s
handling and stopping ability. Each tire, in-
cluding the spare, should be checked
monthly when cold and set to the recom-
mended tire inflation pressure as specified
on the Tire and Loading Information placard
on the driver’s door B-pillar (
page 334) or,
if available, on the tire inflation pressure la-
bel located on the inside of the fuel filler flap
(
page 320).
Warning!G
The Run Flat Indicator does not provide a
warning for wrongly selected tire inflation
pressures. Always adjust tire inflation pres-
sure according to the Tire and Loading
Information placard on the driver’s door
B-pillar (
page 334) or, if available, on the
tire inflation pressure label located on the
inside of the fuel filler flap (
page 320).
The Run Flat Indicator does not replace
regular checks of the tire inflation pressures
since a gradual pressure loss in more than
one tire cannot be detected by the Run Flat
Indicator.
The Run Flat Indicator is not able to issue a
warning due to a sudden dramatic loss of
tire inflation pressure (e.g. tire blowout
caused by a foreign object). In this case
bring the vehicle to a halt by carefully apply-
ing the brakes and avoiding abrupt steering
maneuvers.

359 Operation
Tires and wheels
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
This is the maximum permissible vehicle
weight of the fully loaded vehicle (weight of
the vehicle including all options, passen-
gers, fuel, and cargo and, if applicable,
trailer tongue load). It is indicated on
certification label located on the driver’s
door B-pillar.
Kilopascal (kPa)
The metric unit for air pressure. There are
6.9 kPa to 1 psi; another metric unit for air
pressure is bars. There are 100 kilopascals
(kPa) to 1 bar.
Maximum load rating
The maximum load in kilograms and
pounds that can be carried by the tire.
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
The sum of curb weight, accessory weight,
total load limit and production options
weight.Maximum tire inflation pressure
This number is the greatest amount of air
pressure that should ever be put in the tire
under normal driving conditions.
Normal occupant weight
The number of occupants the vehicle is
designed to seat, multiplied by
68 kilograms (150 lbs).
Occupant distribution
The distribution of occupants in a vehicle
at their designated seating positions.
Production options weight
The combined weight of those installed
regular production options weighing over
5 lbs (2.3 kilograms) in excess of those
standard items which they replace, not
previously considered in curb weight or
accessory weight, including heavy duty
brakes, ride levelers, roof rack, heavy duty
battery, and special trim.PSI (Pounds per square inch)
A standard unit of measure for air pressure
-> bar, kilopascal (kPa).
Recommended tire inflation pressure
The recommended tire inflation pressure is
listed on Tire and Loading Information
placard located on driver’s door B-pillar for
normal driving conditions and provides
best handling, tread life and riding com-
fort. If so equipped, supplemental informa-
tion pertaining to special driving situations
can be found on the tire inflation pressure
label on the inside of the fuel filler flap.
Rim
A metal support for a tire or a tire and tube
assembly upon which the tire beads are
seated.
Sidewall
The portion of a tire between the tread and
the bead.

367 Operation
Vehicle care
Vehicle care
Cleaning and care of vehicle
Regular and proper care will help to
maintain the value of your vehicle. The
best way to protect your vehicle from
harmful environmental influences is to
wash it and use protective treatments
regularly.While in operation, even while parked, your
vehicle is subjected to varying external
influences which, if gone unchecked, can
attack the paintwork as well as the vehicle
underbody and cause lasting damage.
Such damage is caused not only by
extreme and varying climatic conditions,
but also by:

Air pollution

Road salt

Tar

Gravel and stone chipping
To avoid paint damage, you should
immediately remove:

Grease and oil

Fuel

Coolant

Brake fluid

Bird droppings

Insects

Tree resins, etc.Frequent washing reduces and / or
eliminates the aggressiveness and
potency of the above adverse influences.
More frequent washings are necessary to
deal with unfavorable conditions:

near the ocean

in industrial areas (smoke, exhaust
emissions)

during winter operation
You should check your vehicle from time to
time for stone chipping or other damage.
Any damage should be repaired as soon as
possible to prevent corrosion.
In doing so, do not neglect the underbody
of the vehicle. A prerequisite for a
thorough check is a washing of the
underbody followed by a thorough
inspection. Damaged areas need to be
re-undercoated.
Your vehicle has been treated at the
factory with a wax-base rustproofing in the
body cavities which will last for the lifetime
of the vehicle. Post-production treatment Warning!G
Many cleaning products can be hazardous.
Some are poisonous, others are flammable.
Always follow the instructions on the
particular container. Always open your
vehicle’s doors or windows when cleaning
the inside.
Never use fluids or solvents that are not
designed for cleaning your vehicle.
Always lock away cleaning products and
keep them out of reach of children.

437 Practical hints
Opening/closing in an emergency (Cabriolet)
aEdge of soft top
From left and right sides, reach into
soft top compartment underneath
edge of soft topa.bWindshield frameLift soft top out of soft top compart-
ment and pull it forward to windshield
frameb.cOpening
dLockingTake off protective cap on the inner
side of the soft top.
Insert hex wrench into soft top locking
mechanism screw.
Turn the soft top locking mechanism
screw with hex wrench clockwise in di-
rection of arrowc as far as it will go.
The clasp will open and the soft top will
engage audibly.
Warning!G
Do not place your hands near the upper
windshield area, trunk lid, or between soft
top roof panels and hinges while the soft top
is being raised and locked. Serious personal
injury may occur.


464 Practical hints
Battery
The battery is located in the engine
compartment on the right hand side.
1Clamps
Removing filter box:
Release clamps1.
Remove filter box.
Installing filter box:
Insert filter box properly.
Secure it with clamps1.
Warning!G
Failure to follow these instructions can re-
sult in severe injury or death.
Observe all safety instructions and
precautions when handling automotive
batteries (
page 329).
Never lean over batteries while connecting,
you might get injured.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not
allow this fluid to come in contact with eyes,
skin or clothing. In case it does, immediately
flush affected area with water and seek
medical help if necessary.
A battery will also produce hydrogen gas,
which is flammable and explosive. Keep
flames or sparks away from battery, avoid
improper connection of jumper cables,
smoking, etc.
!Never loosen or detach battery terminal
clamps while the engine is running or the
SmartKey is in the starter switch. Otherwise the
alternator and other electronic components
could be severely damaged.
Have the battery checked regularly at an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Refer to Maintenance Booklet for maintenance
intervals or contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for further information.
Warning!G
Do not place metal objects on the battery as
this could result in a short circuit.
Use leak-proof battery only to avoid the risk
of acid burns in the event of an accident.

466 Practical hints
Battery
Charging and reinstalling the battery
Charge battery in accordance with the
instructions of the battery charger
manufacturer.
Reinstall the charged battery. Follow
the previously described steps in
reverse order.
Reconnecting the battery
Turn off all electrical consumers.
Remove SmartKey from starter switch.
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO*:
Open the driver’s door.
Connect the battery positive lead and
fasten its cover3 (
page 465).
Connect the battery negative lead 2
(
page 465).
Reinstall the filter box (page 464).Batteries contain materials that can harm
the environment if disposed of improperly.
Large 12-volt storage batteries contain
lead. Recycling of batteries is the preferred
method of disposal. Many states require
sellers of batteries to accept old batteries
for recycling.
Warning!G
Never charge a battery while still installed in
the vehicle unless the accessory battery
charge unit approved by Mercedes-Benz is
being used. Gases may escape during charg-
ing and cause explosions that may result in
paint damage, corrosion or personal injury.
An accessory battery charge unit specially
adapted for Mercedes-Benz vehicles and
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz is
available, permitting the charging of the bat-
tery in its installed position. Contact an au-
thorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
information and availability. Charge battery
in accordance with the separate instruc-
tions for the accessory battery charger.
!The battery, its filler caps and the ventilation
hose must always be securely installed when the
vehicle is in operation.
!Always connect the battery in the order
described below. Otherwise the vehicle’s
electronics can be damaged.
!Never invert the terminal connections!
iThe following procedures must be carried
out following any interruption of battery power
(e.g. due to reconnecting):

Set the clock (page 160). Vehicles with
COMAND*: see COMAND operator’s manu-
al.

Synchronize the side windows
(
page 252).

Synchronize the tilt/sliding sunroof* (CLK
coupe) (
page 258).

488 Technical data
Main dimensions and weights
Main dimensions
Weights
ModelCLK 350CLK 550CLK 63 AMG
Overall vehicle length183.3 in (4 657 mm)183.3 in (4 657 mm)183.3 in (4 657 mm)
Overall vehicle width
(exterior rear view mirrors
folded out) 78.4 in (1 991 mm)78.4 in (1 991 mm)78.4 in (1 991 mm)
Overall vehicle height
Coupe:
Cabriolet:
55.4 in (1 408 mm)
55.6 in (1 413 mm)55.4 in (1 408 mm)
55.4 in (1 408 mm)
55.3 in (1 400 mm)
Overall vehicle height when
opening/closing soft top80.2 in (2 038 mm)81.0 in (2 057 mm)80.6 in (2 047 mm)
Wheelbase106.9 in (2 715 mm)106.9 in (2 715 mm)106.9 in (2 715 mm)
Track, front58.8 in (1 493 mm)58.9 in (1 497 mm)58.9 in (1 495 mm)
Track, rear58.0 in (1 474 mm)58.2 in (1 478 mm)58.0 in (1 474 mm)
Roof load max.
(CLK coupe only)
220 lbs (100 kg)
Trunk load max.220 lbs (100 kg)

506 Index
K
Key, Mechanical 427
Key, SmartKey 100
Batteries 108
Battery check lamp 102, 107
Changing batteries 442
Factory setting 102, 103
Ignition 38
Locking/unlocking 36, 62, 100
Locking/unlocking,
Global setting 102
Locking/unlocking,
Selective setting 102
Loss of 109
Message in display 411
Opening and closing the
power tilt/sliding sunroof* 257
Opening and closing the
power windows 253
Opening and closing the soft top 263
Positions in starter switch 38
Remote control 100
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* 103
Starting the engine 52
Steering wheel lock 38
Turning off the engine 60Unlocking/opening trunk lid 103
KEYLESS-GO* 103
Battery check lamp, SmartKey 107
Factory setting 106, 108
Ignition 40
Important notes 105
Lock button 62
Locking/unlocking 37, 62, 103
Locking/unlocking,
Global setting 106
Locking/unlocking, Selective
setting 107
Loss of key 109
Messages in display 410
Remote control 103
Start / stop button 39
Starting the engine 52
Turning off the engine 60
Unlocking/opening trunk lid 108
Kickdown 176
Kilopascal 359L
Labels 478
Certification 478
Emission control information 479
Lamp sensor see Light sensor
Lamps, exterior 444
Light sensor 411
Messages in display 411–415
Lamps, indicator and warning
ABS 29, 378
Battery (SmartKey) 102, 107
Brakes 29, 380
Center console 390–391
CHECK ENGINE 381
Coolant 382
Coolant temperature 29, 139
Distance warning 29
Engine diagnostics 381
Engine malfunction 29, 381
ESP
®384
Fog lamps 132
Front passenger front air bag off 70
Front passenger front
air bag off indicator lamp 390
Fuel reserve 29, 385
High beam headlamp 29

510 Index
PASS AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp see
Front passenger front
air bag off indicator lamp
Passenger compartment 317
Electrical outlet 291
Interior lighting 136
Interior rear view mirror 47
Main fuse box 472
Parcel net in
front passenger footwell 286
Storage bags, rear side
of the front seats 286
Passenger safety see Occupant safety
Pedals 309
Phone see Telephone
Plastic parts, cleaning 374
Poly-V-belt drive
Layout 480
Positions (Memory function)
see Seats, Power
Power assistance 310
Power seat see Seats, Power
Power tilt/sliding sunroof* 256
Express opening/closing 257
Opening/closing 256
Stopping 258Synchronizing 258
Power washer 368
Power windows 250
Cleaning 373
Convenience closing feature 254
Express opening/closing 251
Opening with soft top switch 255
Operating 250
Rear side windows,
Blocking operation 88
Summer opening feature 253
Synchronizing 252
Practical hints 378
Premium unleaded gasoline 492
Problems
While driving 58
With vehicle 17
Product information 9
Production options weight 359
Program mode see Automatic
transmission, Automatic shift program
Program mode selector switch
Automatic shift program 178
PSI 359
Push-start see Tow-startR
RACETIMER (CLK 63 AMG only) 149
Radio
Operation 221
Search function 165
Selecting stations 151
Selecting stations (satellite*) 152
Radio transmitters 317
Range (distance to empty) 168
Reading lamp 33, 137
Rear bench seat, foldable 281
Rear fog lamp see Fog lamps
Rear lamps see Tail lamps
Rear seat ashtray see Ashtray
Rear seat head restraints see
Head restraints
Rear side windows
Blocking operation 88
Rear side-impact air bags* 72
Rear view mirrors see Mirrors
Rear window defroster 189
Rear window sunshade*
(Canada only) 188
Recommended engine oils
and oil filter 491