2003 MERCEDES-BENZ CLK500 COUPE Break light

38 Getting startedAdjustingSteering column, lengthen or shorten
Move stalk forward or back in the direc-
tion of arrow 1 until a comfortable
steering wheel position is reached with
your arms slightly bent at the elbow.
Steering column, height

Move the stalk up or down in the direc-
tion of arrow 2. Make sure that your
legs can move freely and that all the
displays (including malfunction and in-
dicator lamps) on the instrument clus-
ter are clearly visible.
Mirrors
Adjust the inside and exterior rear view
mirrors before driving so that you have a
good view of the road and traffic condi-
tions.Inside rear view mirror

Manually adjust the inside rear view
mirror.
Exterior rear view mirror
iThe memory function (
page 102) lets
you store the steering wheel setting to-
gether with the setting for the seat and
the exterior rear view mirrors.
Warning!
G
In the case of an accident, liquid electrolyte
may escape the mirror housing if the mirror
glass breaks.
Electrolyte has an irritating effect. Do not al-
low the liquid to come into contact with
eyes, skin, clothing, or respiratory system.
In case it does, immediately flush affected
area with water, and seek medical help if
necessary.
Warning!
G
Exercise care when using the passenger
side exterior rear view mirror. The mirror
surface is convex (outwardly curved surface
for a wider field of view). Objects in mirror
are closer than they appear. Check your in-
side rear view mirror or glance over your
shoulder before changing lanes.!Electrolyte drops coming into contact
with the vehicle paint finish can only be
completely removed while in their liq-
uid state and by applying plenty of wa-
ter

149 Controls in detail
Good visibility
Good visibility
Information on the windshield wipers
(page 47) and for setting the rear view
mirrors (
page 38) is found in the “Get-
ting started” section.
Rear view mirror
Automatic antiglare rear view mirror
The reflection brightness of the exterior
rear view mirror on the driver’s side and
the inside rear view mirror will respond au-
tomatically to glare when

the ignition is switched on, and


incoming light from headlamps falls on
the sensor in the inside rear view mir-
ror.
The rear view mirror will not react if


reverse gear is engaged


the interior lighting is turned on
Warning!
G
The automatic antiglare function does not
react if incoming light is not aimed directly
at sensors in the inside rear view mirror.
The inside rear view mirror and the exterior
rear view mirror on the driver’s side do not
react, for example, if the rear window sun
shade* is in raised position.
Glare can endanger you and others.Warning!
G
In the case of an accident liquid electrolyte
may escape from the mirror housing if the
mirror glass breaks.
Electrolyte has an irritating effect. Do not al-
low the liquid to come into contact with
eyes, skin, clothing, or respiratory system.
In case it does, immediately flush affected
area with water, and seek medical help if
necessary.
Warning!
G
Exercise care when using the passenger
side exterior rear view mirror. The mirror
surface is convex (outwardly curved surface
for a wider field of view). Objects in mirror
are closer than they appear. Check your in-
side rear view mirror or glance over your
shoulder before changing lanes.!Electrolyte drops coming into contact
with the vehicle paint finish can be
completely removed only while in the
liquid state by applying plenty of water.

261 Operation
Tires and wheels
Important guidelines

Only use sets of tires and rims of the
same type and make.


Tires must be of the correct size for the
rim.


Break in new tires for approximately
60 miles (100 km) at moderate
speeds.


Regularly check the tires and rims for
damage.


If vehicle is heavily loaded, check tire
pressure and correct as required.


Do not allow your tires to wear down
too far. Adhesion properties on wet
roads are sharply reduced at tread
depths under
1/8in (3 mm).


When replacing individual tires, you
should mount new tires on the front
wheels first (on vehicles with
same-sized wheels all around).
Life of tires
The service life of a tire is dependent upon
various factors including but not limited to:

Driving style


Tire pressure


Distance driven
Direction of rotation
Unidirectional tires offer added advantag-
es, such as better hydroplaning perfor-
mance. To benefit, however, you must
make sure that the tires rotate in the direc-
tion specified.
An arrow on the sidewall indicates the in-
tended direction of tire rotation.
Warning!
G
Tires and spare tire should be replaced after
six years, regardless of the remaining tread.!Keep unmounted tires in a cool, dry
place with as little exposure to light as
possible. Protect tires from contact
with oil, grease and gasoline.

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