MERCEDES-BENZ CLK55AMG COUPE 2003 C209 Owner's Manual

361 Technical terms
ABS
(A
ntilock B
rake S
ystem)
Prevents the wheels from locking up
during braking so that the vehicle can
continue to be steered.
Alignment bolt
Metal pin with thread. The centering
pin is an aid used when changing a tire
to align the wheel with the wheel hub.BabySmart
TM
airbag deactivation
system
This system detects if a special system
compatible child restraint seat is in-
stalled on the front passenger seat. The
system will automatically deactivate
the passenger front airbag when such a
seat is properly installed (indicator
lamp
7
in the center console lights
up). See your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for availability.
BabySmartTM
compatible child seats
Special restraint system for children.
The sensor system for the passenger
seat prevents deployment of the pas-
senger side airbag if a BabySmart
TM
compatible child seat is installed.BAS
(B
rake A
ssist S
ystem)
System for potentially reducing braking
distances in emergency braking situa-
tions. The system is activated when it
senses an emergency based on how
fast the brake is applied.
Bi-Xenon headlamps*
Headlamps which use an electric arc as
the light source and produce a more in-
tense light than filament headlamps.
Bi-Xenon headlamps produce low
beam and high beam.

362 Technical termsCAC
(C
ustomer A
ssistance C
enter)
Mercedes-Benz customer service cen-
ter, which can help you with any ques-
tions about your vehicle and provide
assistance in the event of a break-
down.
CAN system
(C
ontroller A
rea N
etwork)
Data bus network serving to control ve-
hicle functions such as door locking or
windshield wiping.
Cockpit
All instruments, switches, buttons and
indicator/warning lamps in the passen-
ger compartment needed for vehicle
operation and monitoring.COMAND
(C
ockpit M
anagement and D
ata Sys-
tem)
Information and operating center for
vehicle sound and communications
systems, including the radio and navi-
gation, as well as for other optional
equipment (CD changer, telephone,
etc.).
Control system
The control system is used to call up
vehicle information and to change
component settings. Information and
messages appear in the multifunction
display. The driver uses the buttons on
the multifunction steering wheel to
navigate through the system and to ad-
just settings.
Cruise control
Driving convenience system for auto-
matically maintaining the vehicle speed
set by the driver.Distronic*
A driving convenience cruise control
system which helps the driver maintain
a pre-selected speed:


If there is no vehicle directly ahead,
the system operates in the same
way as conventional ->cruise con-
trol.


If a slower moving vehicle is ahead,
Distronic will reduce your vehicle
speed to the extent permitted by re-
duced throttle and up to 20% brak-
ing power to maintain the preset
minimum following distance.
DTR
(->Distronic*)

363 Technical terms
Engine number
The number set by the manufacturer
and placed on the cylinder block to
uniquely identify each engine pro-
duced.
Engine oil viscosity
Measurement for the inner friction (vis-
cosity) of the oil at different tempera-
tures. The higher the temperature an
oil can tolerate without becoming thin,
or the lower the temperature it can tol-
erate without becoming viscous, the
better the viscosity.
ESP
(E
lectronic S
tability Pr
ogram)
Improves vehicle handling and direc-
tional stability.
ETD
(E
mergency T
ensioning D
evice)
Device which deploys in certain frontal
and rear collisions exceeding the sys-
tem's threshold to tighten the seat
belts.
->SRSFSS
(F
lexible S
ervice S
ystem)
Service indicator in the multifunction
display that informs the driver when
the next vehicle maintenance service is
due.
Gear range
Number of gears which are available to
the automatic transmission for shifting.
The automatic gear shifting process
can be adapted to specific operating
conditions using the selector lever.
GPS
(G
lobal P
ositioning S
ystem)
Satellite-based system for relaying
geographic location information to and
from vehicles equipped with special re-
ceivers. Employs CD digital maps for
navigation.
Instrument cluster
The displays and indicator/warning
lamps in the driver’s field of vision, in-
cluding the tachometer, speedometer,
engine temperature and fuel gauge.KEYLESS-GO*
System for entering and operating the
vehicle without the use of a key.
Kickdown
Depressing the accelerator past the
point of resistance shifts the transmis-
sion down to the lowest possible gear.
This very quickly accelerates the vehi-
cle and should not be used for normal
acceleration needs.
Line of fall
The direct line that an object moves
downhill when influenced by the force
of gravity alone.
Lock button
Button on the door which indicates
whether the door is locked or un-
locked. Pushing the lock button down
on an individual door from inside will
lock that door.

364 Technical termsMemory function*
Used to store three individual seat,
steering wheel and mirror positions for
each key or, if so equipped, KEY-
LESS-GO* feature.
Menu
The control system displays are ar-
ranged in menus. Each menu contains
a number of commands for particular
systems. In the Audio menu, for exam-
ple, you will find the commands
Select
radio station
or Operate CD player
.
Using commands you can directly
change the settings for your vehicle.
MON
(M
otor O
ctane N
umber)
The Motor Octane Number for gasoline
as determined by a standardized meth-
od. It is an indication of a gasoline's
ability to resist undesired detonation
(knocking). The average of both the
MON (Motor Octane Number) and
->RON (Research Octane Number) is
posted at the pump, also known as AN-
TI-KNOCK INDEX.Multifunction display
Display field in the speedometer used
to present information provided by the
control system.
Multifunction steering wheel
Steering wheel with buttons for operat-
ing the control system.
Overspeed range
Engine speeds within the red marking
of the tachometer dial. Avoid this en-
gi ne sp ee d ra nge , a s it m ay re su lt i n s e-
rious engine damage that is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Parktronic*
System which uses visual and acoustic
signals to assist the driver during park-
ing maneuvers.
Poly-V-belt drive
Drives engine-components (alternator,
AC compressor, etc.) from the engine.Power train
Collective term designating all compo-
nents used to generate and transmit
motive power to the drive axles, includ-
ing


engine


clutch/torque converter


transmission


transfer case


drive shaft


differential


axle shafts/axles
Program mode selector switch
Used to switch the automatic transmis-
sion between regular operationS and
winter operationW.
CLK 55 AMG with steering wheel gear-
shift control and manual shift program.
In addition toS andC (for regularS or
comfortC operation, see above) you
can use theM for manual shift
program.

365 Technical terms
Remote Vehicle Diagnostics
Transmission of vehicle data and cur-
rent location to the Mercedes-Benz
Customer Assistance Center for sub-
scribers to Tele Aid service.
REST
(Residual engine heat utilization)
Feature that uses the engine heat
stored in the coolant to heat the vehi-
cle interior for a short time after the en-
gine has been turned off.
Restraint systems
Seat belts, belt tensioners, airbags and
child restraint systems. As indepen-
dent systems, their protective func-
tions complement one another.RON
(R
esearch O
ctane N
umber)
The Research Octane Number for gaso-
line as determined by a standardized
method. It is an indication of a gaso-
line's ability to resist undesired detona-
tion (knocking). The average of both
the ->MON (Motor Octane Number)
and RON (Research Octane Number) is
posted at the pump, also known as
ANTI-KNOCK INDEX.Shift lock
When the vehicle is parked, this lock
prevents the transmission selector le-
ver from being inadvertently moved out
of positionP without key turned and
brake pedal depressed.
Speedshift
Steering wheel gearshift control and
manual shift program. In the manual
shift program mode you can change
the gears yourself on the steering
wheel or by using the selector lever.
SRS
(S
upplemental R
estraint S
ystem)
Seat belts, emergency tensioning de-
vice and airbags. Though independent
systems, they are closely interfaced to
provide effective occupant protection.

366 Technical termsTele Aid System
(T
elematic A
larm I
dentification on D
e-
mand)
The Tele Aid system consists of three
types of response: automatic and man-
ual emergency, roadside assistance
and information. Tele Aid is initially ac-
tivated by completing a subscriber
agreement and placing an acquain-
tance call.
The Tele Aid system is operational pro-
viding that the vehicle’s battery is
charged, properly connected, not dam-
aged and cellular and GPS coverage is
available.
Telematics*
A combination of the terms “telecom-
munications” and “informatics”.Tightening torque
Force times lever arm (e.g. a lug
wrench) with which threaded fasteners
such as wheel bolts are tightened.
Tire speed rating
Part of tire designation; indicates the
speed range for which a tire is ap-
proved.
Traction
Force exerted by the vehicle on the
road via the tires.VIN
(V
ehicle I
dentification N
umber)
The number set by the manufacturer
and placed on the body to uniquely
identify each vehicle produced.
Voice control system*
Voice control system for car phones,
portable cell phones and audio sys-
tems (radio, CD, etc.).

367 Index
A
ABS 23, 74, 361
ABS control 75
Malfunction indicator lamp 277
Messages in display 284
Warning lamp 277
Accelerator position, automatic transmis-
sion 146
Accident
In case of 49
Activating
Air conditioning (cooling) 163
Air recirculation mode 160
Anti-theft alarm system 80
Automatic climate control 155
Central locking (control system) 133
Charcoal filter 161
Distance warning function* 205
Distronic* 201
Easy-entry/exit feature 133
ESP 78
Exterior headlamps 46
Exterior lamps 106
Front and rear fog lamp 106
Hazard warning flasher 108
Headlamps 46High beams 108
Ignition 31
Ignition with KEYLESS-GO* start/stop
button 33
Immobilizer 51, 79
Rear window defroster 162
Residual heat 163
Seat heater* 101
Tow-away alarm 81
Windshield wipers 48
Activating steering wheel gearshift control
147
Downshifting 148
Upshifting 147
Adding
Coolant 257
Engine oil 255
Additional turn signals 317
Adjustable air vents, rear passenger com-
partment 164Adjusting 34
Air distribution 158
Air volume 159
Backrest tilt 36
Exterior rear view mirror 38
Head restraint height 36
Head restraint tilt 36
Inside rear view mirror 38
Instrument cluster illumination 111
Mirrors 38
Multicontour seat* 100
Seat cushion depth 100
Seat cushion tilt 36
Seat fore and aft adjustment 35
Seat height 35
Seats 34
Steering column height 38
Steering column length 38
Steering wheel 37
Air conditioning (cooling)
Turning off 163
Turning on 163
Air conditioning refrigerant 353
Air distribution
Adjusting 158

368 IndexAir pressure see Tire inflation pressure 262
Air recirculation mode 160
Activating 160
Deactivating 160
Air vents, rear passenger compartment
Adjustable 164
Air volume
Adjusting 159
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp 282
Airbags 57
BabySmart
TM airbag deactivation sys-
tem 361
BabySmartTM deactivation system 68
Children 58
Front 61
Passenger 61
Safety guidelines 60
Side impact 61
Window curtain 61
Alarm
Audible 73, 80
Canceling 80
Visual 80
Alarm system
Anti-theft 80Alignment bolt 326
Alignment bolt (vehicle tool kit) 361
Anticorrosion/antifreeze 356
Antiglare
Automatic 149
Antilock brake system (ABS) 361
Anti-theft alarm system
Arming 80
Canceling alarm 80
Disarming 80
Anti-theft systems 79
Anti-theft alarm system 80
Immobilizer 79
Tow-away alarm 81
Aquaplaning see Hydroplaning 245
Armrest
Storage spaces 221
Ashtray 223
At the gas station 251
ATF (automatic transmission fluid) 256
AUDIO menu 119
Selecting radio station 120Audio system
Audio and telephone, operation 165
Button and soft key operation 168
Cassette mode 174
CD mode 178
Operating and display elements 166
Operating safety 165
Operation 168
Radio mode 171
Switching off 168
Switching on 168
Telephone operation 182
Audio systems 165
Automatic antiglare for rear view mirror
149
Automatic central locking
Activating/deactivating (control sys-
tem) 133
Automatic climate control 154
Adjusting air distribution 158
Air recirculation mode 160
Defrosting 159
Rear window defroster 162
Setting the temperature 157
Automatic headlamp mode 106

369 Index
Automatic lighting control
Activating 109
Deactivating 109
Automatic locking when driving 95
Automatic transmission 141
Accelerator position 146
Activating steering wheel gearshift
control 147
Deactivating steering wheel gearshift
control 148
Emergency operation (Limp Home
Mode) 146
Fluid level 256
Gear ranges 143
Gear selector lever position 144
Gear shifting malfunctions 146
Kickdown 146
Manual shift program, CLK 55 AMG
146
One-touch gearshifting 142
Program mode selector switch 145
Selector lever position 141
Speedshift, CLK 55 AMG 146
Starting the engine 43
Steering wheel gearshift control
(Speedshift), CLK 55 AMG 146Transmission fluid 256
Winter program mode 145, 147
Auxiliary fuse box 338
B
BabySmart
TM
Airbag deactivation system 68
Compatible child seats 68, 361
Self-test 68
BabySmart
TM airbag deactivation system
361
Backrest
Folding forward 216
Folding rearward 217
Backup lamps 317, 322
Bulbs 317
BAS 76, 361
Messages in display 285
Batteries, SmartKey
Changing 312
Check lamp 85
Checking 86
Batteries, SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
Changing 312
Checking 86
Battery discharged
Jump starting 332Battery, vehicle 258, 329
Charging 330
Disconnecting 330
Messages in display 303
Reconnecting 331
Reinstalling 330
Removing 330
Bi-Xenon headlamps* 361
Block heater* 265
Blocking
Rear window operation 72
Bolts
For Minispare wheel 309
Brake assist system (BAS) 361
Brake fluid 353
Brake lamp bulbs 317
Brake lamp, high mounted 317
Brake pads
Message in display 286
Brakes 242
Warning lamp 279
Break-in period 240

370 IndexBulbs, replacing 316
Additional turn signals 317
Backup lamps 317
Brake lamps 317
Fog lamps 317
Front lamps 317
High beam 317
High mounted brake lamp 317
License plate lamps 317, 322
Low beam 317
Parking lamps 317, 319, 321
Rear fog lamp 317
Rear fog lamps 322
Side marker lamps 317, 321
Standing lamps 317, 319, 321
Tail lamp assemblies 317, 322
Turn signal lamps 317
Button
Audio system 168C
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) 362
Calling up
Distronic* settings 121
Range (distance to empty) 137
Service indicator 267
CAN system 362
Capacities
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc. 351
Cargo tie-down rings 218
Casette mode
Playing cassettes 174
Cassette player
Operating 121
Catalytic converter 248
CD changer* 178
CD mode 178
CD player
Operating 120
Center console 25
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp 282
Lower part 26
Upper part 25
Centigrade
Setting temperature units 126Central locking
Automatic 95
From inside 95
Switch 95
Switching on/off (control system) 133
Unlocking from inside 95
Central locking switch 95
Changing
Batteries (SmartKey with KEY-
LESS-GO*) 312
Batteries (SmartKey) 312
Key setting 133
Changing CDs 178
Charcoal filter 161
Activating 161
Deactivating 161
Charging
Vehicle battery 330
CHECK ENGINE malfunction indicator
lamp 280
Checking
Coolant level 256
Oil level 252, 254
Tire inflate pressure 252
Vehicle lighting 252