Page 6 of 346

3 ContentsAutomatic transmission ............... 195
Parking brake .................................204
Driving instructions ......................205
Drive sensibly –
save fuel .......................................205
Drinking and driving .................205
Pedals ...........................................205
Power assistance ........................206
Brakes ..........................................206
Driving off ...................................207
Parking ........................................208
Tires .............................................208
Snow chains ................................ 211
Winter driving
instructions ................................. 211
Deep water .................................. 213
Passenger compartment ........... 213
Traveling abroad ........................ 213
Cruise control ................................. 214
Brake assist system
(BAS) ........................................... 216
Antilock brake system
(ABS) ........................................... 218Electronic stability program
(ESP) ........................................... 220
What you should know
at the gas station ...................... 224
Check regularly and
before a long trip ...................... 226
Instrument cluster displayMalfunction and
indicator lamps in the
instrument cluster .................... 228
On-board diagnostic system
Check engine malfunction
indicator lamp ............................ 228
Brake warning lamp .................. 229
Supplemental restraint
system (SRS) indicator lamp .... 230
Fuel reserve and fuel cap
placement warning ................... 230
Electronic stability program
(ESP) — warning lamp ............... 231
BAS/ESP malfunction
indicator lamp ............................ 231ABS malfunction
indicator lamp ............................. 231
Telescoping steering column –
indicator lamp .............................232
Seat belt warning lamp .............232
Malfunction and
indicator lamps in the
center console ...........................232
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp .....232
Roll bar warning lamp ...............233
Malfunction and
warning messages in the
multifunction display ...............234
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE
(engine control unit) ..................235
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE
(several systems) ........................235
BATTERY/ALTERNATOR ...........236
ABS-SYSTEM ...............................237
BRAKE ASSIST ...........................237
BRAKE LINING WEAR ..............238
BRAKE FLUID .............................238
PARKING BRAKE .......................239
J_A208.book Seite 3 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 9:35 09
Page 209 of 346

206 Driving instructions
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Power assistance
BrakesExcessive use of salt and other snow melting chemicals
spread on roads during the winter months may cause a
build up of moisture or residue to form on the braking
components. This build up or residue could cause light
corrosion of the braking components if the vehicle is
parked with the brakes cold. Apply steady and even
braking pressure when stopping the vehicle to warm up
and dry the brake components.
Important!
Please pay attention to the function of the brake assist
system (BAS), see page 216.
The condition of the parking brake system is checked
each time the vehicle is in the shop for the required
maintenance service at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
If the parking brake is released and the brake warning
lamp in the instrument cluster stays on, the brake fluid
level in the reservoir is too low.
Brake pad wear or a leak in the system may be the
reason for low brake fluid in the reservoir.
Have the brake system inspected at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center immediately.
Wa r n i n g !
When the engine is not running, the brake and
steering systems are without power assistance.
Under these circumstances, a much greater effort is
necessary to stop or steer the vehicle.Wa r n i n g !
After driving in heavy rain for some time without
applying the brakes or through water deep enough
to wet brake components or salty road conditions,
the first braking action may be somewhat reduced
and increased pedal pressure may be necessary to
obtain expected braking effect. Be sure to maintain
a safe distance from vehicles in front.Resting your foot on the brake pedal will cause
excessive and premature wear of the brake pads.It can also result in the brakes overheating thereby
significantly reducing their effectiveness. It may
not be possible to stop the vehicle in sufficient time
to avoid an accident.
J_A208.book Seite 206 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 9:35 09
Page 321 of 346

318 Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. - capacities
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. – capacities
Vehicle components and their respective lubricants must match. Therefore use only brands tested and recommended
by us. Please refer to the Factory Approved Service Products pamphlet, or inquire at your Mercedes-Benz Center.
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. Model Capacity
Engine with oil filter
(recommended engine oils)CLK 320, CLK 430
CLK 55 AMG8.5 US qt (8.0 l)
8.0 US qt (7.5 l)
Automatic transmission
(automatic transmission fluid)CLK 320
CLK 430, CLK 55 AMG8.5 US qt (8.0 l)
9.6 US qt (9.1 l)
Rear axle
(Hypoid gear oil SAE 90, 85 W 90)1.4 US qt (1.3 l)
Power steering
(MB Power steering fluid)approx. 1.1 US qt (1.0 l)
Front wheel hubs
(high temperature roller bearing grease)approx. 2.1 oz (60 g) each
Brake system
(MB Brake fluid (DOT 4))approx. 0.5 US qt (0.5 l)
Cooling system
(MB Anticorrosion/antifreeze)CLK 320
CLK 430, CLK 55 AMGapprox. 9.5 US qt (9.0 l)
approx. 11.7 US qt (11.1 l)
J_A208.book Seite 318 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 9:35 09