2008 MERCEDES-BENZ CLK550 height

324 Operation
Engine compartment
The hood lock release lever is located to
the left of the steering wheel under the
dashboard.
1Hood lock release lever
Pull lever 1 downwards.
The hood is unlocked.2Lever for opening the hood
Push lever2 under 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.Closing
Let the hood drop from a height of
approximately 1 ft (30 cm).
The hood will lock audibly.
Check to 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.
!To avoid damage to the windshield wipers or
hood, never open the hood if the wiper arms are
folded forward away from the windshield.
Warning!G
When closing the hood, use extreme caution
not to catch hands or fingers.
Be careful that you do not close the hood on
anyone.
Make sure the hood is securely engaged be-
fore driving off. Do not continue driving if the
hood can no longer engage after an acci-
dent, for example. The hood could otherwise
come loose while the vehicle is in motion
and injure you and/or others.

350 Operation
Tires and wheels
Tire width
The tire width1 (
page 349) indicates
the nominal tire width in mm.
Aspect ratio
The aspect ratio2 (
page 349) is the
dimensional relationship between tire
section height and section width and is
expressed in percentage. The aspect ratio
is arrived at by dividing section height by
section width.
Tire code
The tire code3 (
page 349) indicates
the tire construction type. The “R” stands
for radial tire type. Letter “D” means diag-
onal or bias ply construction; letter “B”
means belted-bias ply construction.
At the tire manufacturer’s option, any tire
with a speed capability above 149 mph
(240 km/h) can include a “ZR” in the size
designation (for example: 245/40 ZR 18).
For additional information, see “Tire speed
rating” (
page 351).Rim diameter
The rim diameter4 (
page 349) is the
diameter of the bead seat, not the
diameter of the rim edge. Rim diameter is
indicated in inches (in).
Tire load rating
The tire load rating5 (
page 349) is a
numerical code associated with the
maximum load a tire can support.
For example, a load rating of 91 corre-
sponds to a maximum load of 1 356 lbs
(615 kg) the tire is designed to support.
See also “Maximum tire load”
(
page 354) where the maximum load
associated with the load index is indicated
in kilograms and lbs.
Warning!G
The tire load rating must always be at least
half of the GAWR (
page 358) of your
vehicle. Otherwise, tire failure may be the
result which may cause an accident and/or
serious personal injury to you or others.
Always replace rims and tires with the same
designation, manufacturer and type as
shown on the original part.
Warning!G
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the
specified load limit as indicated on the Tire
and Loading Information placard located on
the driver’s door B-pillar. Overloading the
tires can overheat them, possibly causing a
blowout. Overloading the tires can also
result in handling or steering problems, or
brake failure.

358 Operation
Tires and wheels
Tire and loading terminology
Accessory weight
The combined weight (in excess of those
standard items which may be replaced) of
automatic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power
seats, radio, and heater, to the extent that
these items are available as
factory-installed equipment (whether
installed or not).
Air pressure
The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire.
Air pressure is expressed in pounds per
square inch (psi), or kilopascal (kPa) or
bars.
Aspect ratio
Dimensional relationship between tire
section height and section width
expressed in percentage.Bar
Another metric unit for air pressure. There
are 14.5038 pounds per square inch (psi)
to 1 bar; there are 100 kilopascals (kPa)
to 1 bar.
Bead
The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped
by steel cords that hold the tire onto the
rim.
Cold tire inflation pressure
Tire inflation pressure when your vehicle
has been sitting for at least 3 hours or
driven no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
Curb weight
The weight of a motor vehicle with stan-
dard equipment including the maximum
capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant, and, if so
equipped, air conditioning and additional
optional equipment, but without passen-
gers and cargo.DOT (Department of Transportation)
A tire branding symbol which denotes the
tire meets requirements of the
U.S. Department of Transportation.
GAWR (G
ross Axle Weight Rating)
The GAWR is the maximum permissible
axle weight. The gross vehicle weight on
each axle must never exceed the GAWR for
the front and rear axle indicated on the
certification label located on the driver’s
door B-pillar.
GVW (G
ross Vehicle Weight)
The GVW comprises the weight of the
vehicle including fuel, tools, spare wheel,
installed accessories, passengers and
cargo and, if applicable, trailer tongue
load. The GVW must never exceed the
GVWR indicated on the certification label
located on the driver’s door B-pillar.

428 Practical hints
Unlocking/locking in an emergency
Unlocking the trunk
A minimum height clearance of 5.71 ft
(1.74 m) (CLK coupe) or 5.41 ft (1.65 m)
(CLK cabriolet) is required to open the
trunk lid.
The trunk lid lock is located next to the
handle above the rear license plate recess.Insert the mechanical key3 into the
trunk lid lock until it stops.
Turn the mechanical key3
counterclockwise to position1 and
hold it in this position.
Pull the trunk lid handle2 and lift the
trunk lid.
The trunk opens.
Turn the mechanical key3 back and
remove it from the trunk lid lock.
Locking the vehicle
If you cannot lock the vehicle with the
SmartKey or SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO*, do the following:
Close the passenger door and the
trunk.
Press the central locking switch in the
center console (
page 118).
Check to see whether the locking knob
on the passenger door has moved
down.
If necessary, push it down manually.
Remove the mechanical key out of the
SmartKey (
page 427).
Check whether the trunk is locked.
If necessary, lock the trunk with the
mechanical key (
page 118).
Except for the driver’s door, the vehicle
should now be locked.
1Unlocking in an emergency
2Handle
3Mechanical key
!The trunk lid swings open upwards
automatically. Always make sure there is suffi-
cient overhead clearance.

488 Technical data
Main dimensions and weights
Main dimensions
Weights
ModelCLK 350CLK 550CLK 63 AMG
Overall vehicle length183.3 in (4 657 mm)183.3 in (4 657 mm)183.3 in (4 657 mm)
Overall vehicle width
(exterior rear view mirrors
folded out) 78.4 in (1 991 mm)78.4 in (1 991 mm)78.4 in (1 991 mm)
Overall vehicle height
Coupe:
Cabriolet:
55.4 in (1 408 mm)
55.6 in (1 413 mm)55.4 in (1 408 mm)
55.4 in (1 408 mm)
55.3 in (1 400 mm)
Overall vehicle height when
opening/closing soft top80.2 in (2 038 mm)81.0 in (2 057 mm)80.6 in (2 047 mm)
Wheelbase106.9 in (2 715 mm)106.9 in (2 715 mm)106.9 in (2 715 mm)
Track, front58.8 in (1 493 mm)58.9 in (1 497 mm)58.9 in (1 495 mm)
Track, rear58.0 in (1 474 mm)58.2 in (1 478 mm)58.0 in (1 474 mm)
Roof load max.
(CLK coupe only)
220 lbs (100 kg)
Trunk load max.220 lbs (100 kg)