Contents
Resetting activated head restraints ... 440
Resetting
activated head restraints.............. 440
Replacing SmartKey batteries ............ 441
SmartKey / SmartKey
with KEYLESS-GO* ....................... 442
Replacing bulbs ................................. 443
Bulbs ............................................ 444
Replacing bulbs for front lamps.... 446
Replacing bulbs for rear lamps ..... 448
Replacing wiper blades ...................... 450
Removing and installing
wiper blades ................................. 450
Flat tire .............................................. 452
Preparing the vehicle.................... 452
Sealing tires with TIREFIT
(CLK 63 AMG only) ....................... 452
Mounting the Minispare wheel ..... 458
MOExtended system*................... 463
Battery ............................................... 464
Disconnecting the battery ............ 465
Removing the battery ................... 465
Charging and
reinstalling the battery ................. 466
Reconnecting the battery ............. 466
Jump starting ..................................... 467Towing the vehicle ............................. 469
Towing the vehicle ....................... 469
Installing towing eye bolt ............. 470
Fuses ................................................. 472
Fuse box
in passenger compartment .......... 472
Fuse box
in engine compartment ................ 473
Fuse box
in trunk ........................................ 474
Technical data................................. 475
Parts service ...................................... 476
Warranty coverage............................. 477
Loss of Service and Warranty
Information Booklet ..................... 477
Identification labels ........................... 478
Layout of poly-V-belt drive ................. 480
CLK 350 / CLK 550 ..................... 480
CLK 63 AMG ................................ 480
Engine................................................ 481
Rims and tires.................................... 482
Same size tires ............................. 483
Mixed size tires ............................ 484
Minispare wheel ........................... 486Electrical system ............................... 487
Main dimensions and weights ........... 488
Main dimensions .......................... 488
Weights ........................................ 488
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc. ......... 489
Capacities .................................... 489
Engine oils ................................... 491
Engine oil additives ...................... 491
Air conditioning refrigerant .......... 491
Brake fluid.................................... 491
Premium unleaded gasoline ......... 492
Fuel requirements ........................ 492
Gasoline additives ........................ 493
Coolants ...................................... 494
Windshield washer system
and headlamp cleaning system* .. 496
Index................................................. 497
14 Introduction
Where to find it
This Operator’s Manual is designed to pro-
vide comprehensive support information
for you, the vehicle operator. Each section
has its own reference color.
At a glance
Here you will find an overview of your vehi-
cle’s interior and exterior main features.
Getting started
Here you will find all the information you
need for your first drive. You should read
this section first if this is your first
Mercedes-Benz vehicle or if you are rent-
ing or borrowing this vehicle.
Safety and Security
Here you will find descriptions of the safety
and security features of your vehicle.
Controls in detail
Here you will find detailed information
about the equipment installed in your vehi-
cle. This section expands on the “Getting
started” section and also describes techni-
cal innovations. If you are already familiar
with the basic functions of your vehicle,
this section will be of particular interest to
you.
Operation
Here you will find all the information you
need for the proper operation of your
vehicle.
Practical hints
This section provides fast assistance for
dealing with problems you may encounter.
Technical data
All important technical data for your vehi-
cle can be found in this section.
Indexes
The table of contents and the index are de-
signed to help you find information quickly
and easily.
The following publications are part of your
vehicle documentation:
this Operator’s Manual
the Maintenance Booklet
Separate operating instructions will be
provided as required depending on the
equipment options installed in your
vehicle.
16 Introduction
Operating safety
Proper use of the vehicle
Proper use of the vehicle requires that you
are familiar with the following information
and rules:
the safety precautions in this manual
the “Technical data” section in this
manual
traffic rules and regulations
motor vehicle laws and safety
standards
Warning!G
Work improperly carried out on electronic
components and associated software could
cause them to cease functioning. Because
the vehicle’s electronic components are
interconnected, any modifications made
may produce an undesired effect on other
systems. Electronic malfunctions could
seriously impair the operating safety of your
vehicle.
See an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for repairs or modifications to electronic
components.
Other improper work or modifications on the
vehicle could also have a negative impact on
the operating safety of the vehicle.
Some safety systems only function while the
engine is running. You should therefore
never turn off the engine while driving.
Warning!G
Heavy blows against the vehicle underbody
or tires / wheels, for example when running
over an obstacle, road debris or a pothole,
may cause serious damage to and impair the
operating safety of your vehicle. If you feel a
sudden significant vibration or ride distur-
bance, or you suspect that damage to your
vehicle has occurred, you should turn on
your hazard warning flashers, carefully slow
down, and drive with caution to an area
which is a safe distance from the road.
Inspect the vehicle underbody and
tires / wheels for possible damage. If the
vehicle appears unsafe, have it towed to the
nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
or other qualified maintenance or repair
facility for further inspection or repairs.
Warning!G
Various warning labels are attached to your
vehicle. These warning labels are intended
to make you and others aware of various
risks. You should not remove any of these
warning labels unless explicitly instructed to
do so by information on the label itself.
Removal of any of these labels may cause
you and others to be unaware of certain
risks which may result in an accident and/or
personal injury.
315 Operation
Driving instructions
Tire speed rating
Regardless of the tire speed rating, local
speed limits should be obeyed. Use
prudent driving speeds appropriate to
prevailing conditions.An electronic speed limiter prevents your
vehicle from exceeding a speed of
CLK 350, CLK 550:
130 mph (210 km/h)
CLK 63 AMG:
155 mph (250 km/h)
CLK 63 AMG with increased top
speed*:
174 mph (280 km/h)
The factory equipped tires on your vehicle
may have a tire speed rating above the
maximum speed permitted by the
electronic speed limiter.
Make sure your tires have the required tire
speed rating as specified for your vehicle in
the “Technical data” section (
page 482),
for example when purchasing new tires.For Information on how to identify the tire
speed rating on a tire’s sidewall, see “Tire
size designation, load and speed rating”
(
page 349).
If you are uncertain about the correct read-
ing of the information given on a tire’s side-
wall, any authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center will be glad to assist you.
Warning!G
Even when permitted by law, never operate
a vehicle at speeds greater than the maxi-
mum speed rating of the tires.
Exceeding the maximum speed for which
tires are rated can lead to sudden tire fail-
ure, causing loss of vehicle control and pos-
sibly resulting in an accident and/or
personal injury and possible death, for you
and for others.iFor information on tire speed rating for win-
ter tires, see “Winter tires” (
page 362).
For additional general information on tire speed
markings on tire sidewall, see “Tire speed rating”
(
page 351).
327 Operation
Engine compartment
Adding engine oil
CLK 350 / CLK 550
1Filler cap
CLK 63 AMG
1Filler cap
Unscrew filler cap1 from filler neck.
Add engine oil as required. Be careful
not to overfill with oil.
Be careful not to spill any oil when adding.
Avoid environmental damage caused by oil
entering the ground or water.
Screw filler cap1 back on filler neck.
More information on engine oil can be
found in the “Technical data” section
(
page 489) and (page 491).
Transmission fluid level
The transmission fluid level does not need
to be checked. If you notice transmission
fluid loss or gear shifting malfunctions,
have an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
check the automatic transmission.
!Only use approved engine oils and oil filters
required for vehicles with Maintenance System.
For a listing of approved engine oils and oil fil-
ters, refer to the Factory Approved Service Prod-
ucts pamphlet (USA only) in your vehicle
literature portfolio, or contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Using engine oils and oil filters of specification
other than those expressly required for the
Maintenance System, or changing of oil and oil
filter at change intervals longer than those called
for by the Maintenance System will result in
engine or emission control system damage not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
!Excess oil must be siphoned or drained off.
It could cause damage to the engine and emis-
sion control system not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
328 Operation
Engine compartment
Coolant
The engine coolant is a mixture of water
and anticorrosion/antifreeze.
When checking the coolant level,
the vehicle must be parked on level
ground
the coolant temperature must be be-
low 158°F (70°C)
The coolant expansion tank is located on
the passenger side of the engine
compartment.
1Coolant expansion tank
2Cap
Using a rag, turn cap 2 slowly
approximately one half turn counter-
clockwise to release any excess
pressure.
Continue turning the cap 2 counter-
clockwise and remove it.
The coolant level is correct if the level
for cold coolant: reaches the marking
(plastic bridge) inside the reservoir
for warm coolant: is approximately
0.6 in (1.5 cm) higher
Add coolant as required.
Replace and tighten cap 2.
More information on coolant can be found
in the “Technical data” section
(
page 494).
Warning!G
In order to avoid potentially serious burns:
Use extreme caution when opening the
hood if there are any signs of steam or
coolant leaking from the cooling system,
or if the coolant temperature indicator
indicates that the coolant is overheated.
Do not remove pressure cap on coolant
reservoir if the coolant temperature is
above 158°F (70°C). Allow the coolant
to cool down before removing cap.
The coolant reservoir contains hot fluid
and is under pressure.
Using a rag, slowly open the cap approx-
imately 1/2 turn to relieve excess pres-
sure. If opened immediately, scalding
hot fluid and steam will be blown out un-
der pressure.
Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine
parts. Antifreeze contains ethylene gly-
col which may burn if it comes into con-
tact with hot engine parts.
338 Operation
Tires and wheels
Certification label
Even after careful determination of the
combined weight of all occupants, cargo
and the trailer tongue load (if applicable)
(
page 338) as to not exceed the permis-
sible load limit, you must make sure your
vehicle never exceeds the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) and the Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR) for either the front
or rear axle. You can obtain the GVWR and
GAWR from the certification label. The cer-
tification label can be found on the driver’s
door B-pillar, see “Technical data”
(
page 478).Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The
total weight of the vehicle, all occupants,
all cargo, and the trailer tongue load
(
page 338) must never exceed the
GVWR.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR): The to-
tal allowable weight that can be carried by
a single axle (front or rear).
To assure that your vehicle does not ex-
ceed the maximum permissible weight
limits (GVWR and GAWR for front and rear
axle), have the loaded vehicle (including
driver, passengers and all cargo and, if
applicable, trailer fully loaded) weighed on
a suitable commercial scale.Trailer tongue load
The tongue load of any trailer is an impor-
tant weight to measure because it affects
the load you can carry in your vehicle. If a
trailer is towed, the tongue load must be
added to the weight of all occupants riding
and any cargo you are carrying in the
vehicle. The tongue load typically is ten
percent of the trailer weight and every-
thing loaded in it.
Your Mercedes-Benz has been designed
primarily to carry passengers and their
cargo. Mercedes-Benz does not recom-
mend trailer towing with your vehicle.
363 Operation
Winter driving
Block heater (Canada only)
The engine is equipped with a block
heater.
The electrical cable may be installed at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Snow chains
Snow chains should only be driven on
snow-covered roads at speeds not higher
than 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
(
page 482).
Use snow chains in pairs and on rear
wheels only. Follow the manufacturer's
mounting instructions.
Only use snow chains that are
approved by Mercedes-Benz. Any
authorized 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.
Do not use snow chains on the spare
wheel (
page 482).
Warning!G
If you use your spare tire when winter tires
are fitted on the other wheels, be aware that
the difference in tire characteristics may
very well impair turning stability and that
overall driving stability may be reduced.
Adapt your driving style accordingly.
Have the spare tire replaced with a winter
tire at the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.!Some tire sizes do not leave adequate clear-
ance for snow chains. To help avoid serious dam-
age to your vehicle or tires, make sure the use of
snow chains is permissible as specified in the
“Technical data” section of this Operator’s Man-
ual, see “Rims and tires” (
page 482).
!If snow chains are mounted to the front
wheels, they may scrape against the body or axle
components. The tires or the vehicle could be
damaged as a result.
iWhen driving with snow chains, you may
wish to deactivate the ESP® (page 94) before
setting the vehicle in motion. This will improve
the vehicle‘s traction.
CLK 63 AMG:
Do not switch off the ESP
® when driving in snow
or with snow chains mounted.