Page 251 of 464
251 Controls in detail
Useful features
Cup holder in the dashboardOpening cup holder
Push cover1.
The cup holder opens automatically.
Closing cup holder
Push the cup holder back until it engag-
es.Armrest storage space
Opening compartment in armrest
Lift armrest by pulling on handle1.
Closing
Lower armrest until it locks into place.
Warning!
G
When not in use, keep the cup holder
closed. Place only containers that fit into the
cup holder to prevent spills. Use lids on
open containers and do not fill containers to
a height where the contents, especially hot
liquids, could spill during vehicle
maneuvers.
!Do not store any items between the
telephone holder and the cover for the
blower. Otherwise these items could
be damaged when the holder is closed.
Use the space in the front door pocket
for stowing.
Page 287 of 464

287 Operation
Engine compartment
Engine compartment
Hood
Opening
1Hood lock release
Pull lever 1 downwards.
The hood is unlocked.
2Lever for opening the hood
Push lever 2 on the hood upwards.
Pull up on the hood and then release it.
The hood will be automatically held
open at shoulder height by gas-filled
struts.
Warning!
G
Do not pull the release lever while the vehi-
cle is in motion. Otherwise the hood could
be forced open by passing air flow.
!To avoid damage to the windshield wip-
ers or hood, never open the hood if the
wiper arms are folded forward away
from the windshield.
Warning!
G
To help prevent personal injury, stay clear of
moving parts when the hood is open and the
engine is running. Make sure the hood is
properly closed before driving. When closing
the hood, use extreme caution not to catch
hands or fingers.
The radiator fan may continue to run for ap-
proximately 30 seconds or may even restart
after the engine has been turned off. Stay
clear of fan blades.
Page 288 of 464

288 OperationEngine compartment
Closing
Let the hood drop from a height of ap-
proximately 1 ft (30 cm).
The hood will lock audibly.
Make sure the hood is fully closed.
If you can raise the hood at a point
above the headlamps, then it is not
properly closed. Open it again and let it
drop with somewhat greater force.
Engine oil
The amount of oil your engine needs will
depend on a number of factors, including
driving style. Higher oil consumption can
occur when
the vehicle is new
the vehicle is driven frequently at high-
er engine speeds
Engine oil consumption checks should only
be made after the vehicle break-in period.
Warning!
G
If you see flames or smoke coming from the
engine compartment, or if the coolant tem-
perature gauge indicates that the engine is
overheated, do not open the hood. Move
away from the vehicle and do not open the
hood until the engine has cooled. If neces-
sary, call the fire department.Warning!
G
The engine is equipped with a transistorized
ignition system. Because of the high voltage
it is dangerous to touch any components (ig-
nition coils, spark plug sockets, diagnostic
socket) of the ignition system
with the engine running
while starting the engine
if ignition is “on” and the engine is
turned manually
Warning!
G
Be careful that you do not close the hood on
anyone.
iDo not use any special lubricant addi-
tives, as these may damage the drive
assemblies. Using special additives not
approved by Mercedes-Benz will
restrict your warranty entitlement.
More information on this subject is
available at any Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Page 349 of 464
349 Practical hints
Unlocking/locking in an emergency
Unlocking the trunk
A minimum height clearance of 5.41 ft
(1.65 m) is required to open the trunk lid.
The lock is located next to the recessed
handle.
1Unlocking in an emergency
2Handle
Insert the mechanical key into the
trunk lid lock.
Turn the mechanical key counterclock-
wise to position1 and hold it in this
position.
Pull the trunk lid handle2 and lift the
trunk lid.
The trunk opens.
Locking the vehicle
If you are unable to lock the vehicle with
the SmartKey, lock it with the mechanical
key as follows:
Close the passenger door and the trunk
lid.
Press the central locking switch in the
cockpit (
page 108).
Check to see whether the locking knob
on the passenger door down. If neces-
sary push it down manually.
Lock the driver’s door with the me-
chanical key.
Lock the trunk lid if necessary with the
mechanical key (
page 106).
! Always make sure there is sufficient
overhead clearance.
Page 408 of 464
408 Technical dataMain dimensions
Main dimensionsModel
CLK 320
CLK 500
CLK 55 AMG
Overall vehicle length
182.6 in (4 638 mm)
182.6 in (4 638 mm)
182.6 in (4 638 mm)
Overall vehicle width
68.5 in (1 740 mm)
68.5 in (1 740 mm)
68.5 in (1 740 mm)
Overall vehicle height
55.4 in (1 406 mm)
55.4 in (1 408 mm)
55.4 in (1 408 mm)
Overall vehicle height when
opening/closing soft top
80.9 in (2 055 mm)
81.0 in (2 057 mm)
80.6 in (2 047 mm)
Wheelbase
106.9 in (2 715 mm)
106.9 in (2 715 mm)
106.9 in (2 715 mm)
Track, front
58.8 in (1 493 mm)
58.9 in (1 497 mm)
58.9 in (1 497 mm)
Track, rear
58.0 in (1 474 mm)
58.2 in (1 478 mm)
58.2 in (1 478 mm)
Page 427 of 464

427 Index
A
ABS 23, 77, 419
Malfunction indicator lamp 312
Messages in display 321
Accelerator position,
automatic transmission 163
Accident
In case of 51
Activating
Air conditioning (cooling) 181
Air recirculation mode 178
Anti-theft alarm system 83
Automatic climate control 173
Central locking (control system) 149
Charcoal filter 179
Distance warning function* 238
Distronic* 233, 234
Easy-entry/exit feature 150
ESP 81
Exterior headlamps 47
Exterior lamps 120
Exterior rear view
mirror parking position 169
Front and rear fog lamp 121, 122
Hazard warning flasher 123
Headlamps 47High beams 123
Ignition 31
Ignition with KEYLESS-GO* 33
Immobilizer 54, 82
Manual shift programm
CLK 55 AMG 164
Rear window defroster 171
Residual heat 181
Seat ventilation* 113
Steering wheel gearshift
control (CLK 55 AMG) 164
Tow-away alarm 85
Windshield wipers 49
Adding
Coolant 292
Engine oil 291
Additional turn signals 373
Adjustable air vents,
rear passenger compartment 182Adjusting 34
Air distribution 176
Air volume 177
Backrest tilt 36
Exterior rear view mirror 39
Head restraint height 36
Head restraint tilt 36
Instrument cluster illumination 126
Interior rear view mirror 38
Mirrors 38
Multicontour seat* 112
Seat cushion depth 112
Seat cushion tilt 36
Seat fore and aft adjustment 35
Seat height 36
Seats 34
Steering column in/out 38
Steering column up/down 38
Steering wheel 37
Air conditioning (cooling)
Turning off 181
Turning on 181
Air conditioning refrigerant 412
Air distribution
Adjusting 176
Page 438 of 464

438 IndexH
Hands-free microphone 27
Hard plastic trim items
Cleaning 310
Hazard warning flasher 123
Switching off 124
Switching on 123
Head restraints 110
Headlamp cleaning system* 295
Headlamps
Automatic control 120
Bi-Xenon 419
Cleaning 307
Cleaning system* 167, 295
Refilling washer fluid 295
Switching off 54
Switching on 47
Washer fluid 416
Washer system* 416
Headliner
Cleaning 310
Head-thorax airbag 63
In front passenger seat 64
Head-thorax airbags 421Height adjustment
Head restraints 36
High beam flasher 48, 123
Replacing bulbs (Bi-Xenon*) 373
Replacing bulbs (Halogen) 373
High beam headlamps
Messages in display 335
Replacing bulbs (Bi-Xenon*) 373
Replacing bulbs (Halogen) 373, 375
Replacing bulbs for
high beam flasher(Bi-Xenon*) 376
Switching on 123
High mounted brake lamp 373
Hood 287
Closing 288
Message in display 334
Opening 287
Hydroplaning 277I
Identification labels 400
Ignition 31, 33
Switching on 44
Immobilizer 82
Activating 82
Deactivating 82
Indicator lamps see
Lamps, indicator and warning
Infant and child restraint systems 69
LATCH child seat anchors 73
Information
About service and warranty 10
Button for Tele Aid* 262
Inside rear view mirror
Antiglare 168
Installing
Floormates* 255
Towing eye bolt 392
Towing eye bolt (CLK 55 AMG) 393
Wind screen 224
Wiper blades 379
Page 445 of 464

445 Index
Positions (Memory function)
Recalling from memory 117
Storing into memory 117
Power assistance 273
Power seat
Adjusting backrest tilt 36
Adjusting head restraint height 36
Adjusting head restraint tilt 36
Adjusting seat cushion tilt 36
Adjusting seat height 36
Front seat head restraints 110
Seat fore and aft adjustment 35
Power train 423
Power washer 305
Power windows 210
Blocking of rear window operation 74
Side windows 210
Synchronizing 214Practical hints
First aid kit 343
Fuses 394
Lamp in center console 319
Lamps in instrument cluster 312
Messages in the display 320
Minispare wheel 346
Minispare wheel bolts 347
Towing the vehicle 390
Unlocking/locking
in an emergency 348
Vehicle jack 345
Vehicle tool kit 343
Premium unleaded gasoline 413
Problems
While driving 51
With vehicle 17
Product information 9
Program mode selector switch 423
Automatic transmission 163
Automatic transmission,
CLK 55 AMG 164Q
Quick search
Phone book* 156
R
Radio
Selecting stations 135
Station search 135
Station selection setting 149
Radio operation 189
Radio see Radio operation
Radio transmitters,
control and operation 281
Radio*
Selecting stations (satellite) 135
Range (distance to empty)
Calling up 153
Reading lamp 27
Rear fog lamp 373
Bulb 373
Switching on 122
Rear lamp bulbs
Replacing 378
Rear lamps see Tail lamps