Page 8 of 464

ContentsTechnical data..................................  397
Spare parts service ............................  398
Warranty coverage .............................  399
Loss of Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet......................  399
Identification labels............................  400
Layout of poly-V-belt drive .................  401
CLK 320/CLK 500/CLK 55 AMG .  401
Engine ................................................  402
Rims and tires ....................................  403
Same size tires .............................  404
Mixed size tires ............................  405
Minispare wheel ...........................  406
Electrical system................................  407
Main dimensions................................  408
Weights ..............................................  409Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc. .........  410
Capacities ....................................  410
Engine oils....................................  412
Engine oil additives ......................  412
Air conditioning refrigerant ..........  412
Brake fluid ....................................  412
Premium unleaded gasoline .........  413
Fuel requirements ........................  413
Gasoline additives ........................  413
Coolants.......................................  414
Windshield washer system and 
headlamp cleaning system* .........  416
Consumer information .......................  417
Uniform tire quality grading .........  417
Technical terms...............................  419Index.................................................  427 
     
        
        Page 80 of 464

80 Safety and SecurityDriving safety systemsFor more information, see “Practical hints” 
(page 311).Switching off the ESP
To improve the vehicle's traction, turn off 
the ESP in driving situations where it would 
be advantageous to have the drive wheels 
spin and thus cut into surfaces for better 
grip such as:
starting out on slippery surfaces and in 
deep snow in conjunction with snow 
chains
sand or gravel
The switch is located on the center con-
sole.1ESP off
2ESP on
Press upper half1 of the ESP switch 
until the ESP warning lamp v in the 
instrument cluster comes on.
The ESP is deactivated.
If one or more drive wheels are spinning, 
the ESP warning lamp v in the instru-
ment cluster flashes, regardless of the 
speed.
!Because of the ESP’s automatic opera-
tion, the engine must be shut off 
(SmartKey in starter switch position0 
or1 or KEYLESS-GO* start/stop but-
ton in position0 or1) when 
the parking brake is being tested on 
a brake test dynamometer
the vehicle is being towed with the 
front axle raised
Active braking action through the ESP 
may otherwise seriously damage the 
brake system.
The ESP will only function properly if 
you use wheels of the recommended 
tire size.
Warning!
G
The ESP should not be switched off during 
normal driving other than in the circum-
stances described below. Disabling of the 
system will reduce vehicle stability in stan-
dard driving maneuvers. 
     
        
        Page 296 of 464

296 OperationTires and wheels
Tires and wheelsSee your authorized Mercedes-Benz 
Center for information on tested and rec-
ommended rims and tires for summer and 
winter operation. They can also offer ad-
vice concerning tire service and purchase.Retreaded tires are not tested or recom-
mended by Mercedes-Benz, since previous 
damage cannot always be recognized on 
retreads. Mercedes-Benz can therefore 
not assure the operating safety of the vehi-
cle when such tires are used.Warning!
G
Replace rims or tires with the same designa-
tion, manufacturer and type as shown on the 
original part. See your authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center for further informa-
tion. If incorrectly sized rims and tires are 
mounted:
The wheel brakes or suspension compo-
nents can be damaged.
The correct operating clearance of the 
wheels and tires is no longer guaran-
teed.
Warning!
G
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the 
tire tread is badly worn, or if the tires have 
sustained damage, replace them.
When replacing rims, only use genuine 
Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts specified for the 
particular rim type. Failure to do so can re-
sult in the bolts loosening and possibly an 
accident. 
     
        
        Page 297 of 464

297 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. Dented or bend rims can 
cause tire pressure loss and damage 
the tire beads.
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 the tires rotate in the direction 
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. 
     
        
        Page 299 of 464
299 Operation
Tires and wheels
Rotating wheels
On vehicles with the same wheel size all 
around, wheels can be rotated every 3 000 
to 6 000 miles (5 000 to 10 000 km), or 
sooner if necessary, according to the de-
gree of tire wear. The same direction of tire 
rotation must be retained.Rotate the wheels before the characteris-
tic tire wear pattern becomes visible 
(shoulder wear on front wheels and tread 
center wear on rear wheels).
Thoroughly clean the inner side of the 
wheels after each rotation. Check and en-
sure proper tire inflation pressure.Warning!
G
Rotate front and rear wheels only if they are 
of the same size.
Warning!
G
Have the tightening torque checked after 
changing a wheel. Wheels could become 
loose if not tightened with a torque of 
80 lb-ft (110 Nm).
Only use genuine Mercedes-Benz wheel 
bolts specified for your vehicle's rims. 
     
        
        Page 301 of 464

301 Operation
Winter driving
Block heater*
(Canada only)
The engine is equipped with a block heat-
er.
The electrical cable may be installed at 
your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Snow chains
Snow chains should only be driven on 
snow-covered roads at speeds not to ex-
ceed 30 mph (50 km/h). Remove chains 
as soon as possible when driving on roads 
without snow.
Please observe the following guidelines 
when using snow chains:
Using snow chains is not permissible 
with all wheel/tire combinations.
Snow chains should only be used on 
the rear wheels. Follow the manufac-
turer's mounting instructions.
Only use snow chains that are ap-
proved by Mercedes-Benz. Your autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center will be 
glad to advise you on this subject.
Use of snow chains may be prohibited 
depending on location. Always check 
local and state laws before installing 
snow chains.
iWhen driving with snow chains, you 
may wish to deactivate the ESP 
(page 80) before setting the vehicle 
in motion. This will improve the vehi-
cle‘s traction.
!Use of snow chains is not permissible 
with tire sizes:
225/50 R16 92H
245/40 R17 91W
245/40 R17 91Y
T 125/80 R17 99M
T 125/90 R 16 98M 
     
        
        Page 404 of 464
404 Technical dataRims and tiresSame size tires
16" tires
17" tires
CLK 320
CLK 500
CLK 320 (Appearance Package*)
CLK 55 AMG
Rims (light alloy)
7J x 16 H2
 -
 -
Wheel offset
1.45 in (37 mm)
 -
 -
Winter tires (radial-ply 
tires)
205/55 R16 91H M+S
 -
 -
CLK 320
CLK 320 (Appearance Package*)
CLK 500
CLK 55 AMG
Rims (light alloy)
71/2 J x 17 H2
71/2 J x 17 H2
71/2 Jx17H2
Wheel offset
1.42 in (36 mm)
1.45 in (37 mm)
1.45 in (37 mm)
Winter tires (radial-ply 
tires)
225/45 R 17 91 H M+S
1
225/45 R 17 91 H M+S
1
225 / 45 R17 91 H M+S
1
1Must not be used with snow chains. 
     
        
        Page 405 of 464
405 Technical data
Rims and tires
Mixed size tires
CLK 320
CLK 320*
CLK 320 (Appearance Package*)
CLK 500
CLK 55 AMG
Front axle:Rims (light alloy)
7 J x 16 H2
71/2 J x 17 H2
71/2 J x 17 H2
Wheel offset
1.45 in (37 mm)
1.42 in (36 mm)
1.45 in (37 mm)
Summer tires 
(radial-ply tires)
 -
225/45 R17 91W
225/45 R17 91Y
All-season tires 
(radial-ply tires)
205/55 R16 91H M+S
 -
 -
Rear axle:Rims (light alloy)
8 J x 16 H2
81/2 J x17 H2
81/2 J x17 H2
Wheel offset
1.26 in (32 mm)
1.18 in (30 mm)
1.18 in (30 mm)
Summer tires (radial-ply 
tires)
 -
245/40 R17 91W
1
1Must not be used with snow chains.
245/40 R17 91Y
1
All-season tires 
(radial-ply tires)
225/50 R16 92H M+S
1
 -
 -