Mercedes-Benz C208

Mercedes Benz CLK Coupe (1997-1999)

The Mercedes -Benz 208 series (type 208 ) was prepared as a coupe (C 208) from 1997 to 2002 and as a convertible ( A 208 ) from 1998 to 2003 and was the first generation of the Mercedes -Benz CLK-Class.

W 208 is not an official name of Mercedes Benz, as it is when CLK is not a sedan ( " car" ), a collective term for C 208 and A 208 W 208 but common.

Technically the 208 series on the platform of the former C-Class 202 series, visually it is based on the design study of 500 CE in the early 1990s, so he was like the series 210

From 2000 to 2002 used Mercedes -Benz in the form of this model in his DTM race car.

Model History

First, some very near-series studies and concept vehicles in the style of CLK were already visible on Car Shows 1993 to 1995. After setting the coupe based on the 124 series, the mid-1990s, the CLK was delivered as a continuation of a middle-class coupes from June 1997. Compared with the previous version, this series had a fixed B-pillar, so that the windows could not be sunk to the C- pillar. In contrast, the first time was offered in a Mercedes- Benz Coupe standard with a load-through hatch with fold-down bench to fund 1/3 2/3. Initially, the order in the equipment lines Elegance and Sport and with a choice of three petrol engines was possible. In June 1998, the market launch of the Cabriolet followed. Up to May 1999 more than 100,000 coupes and 21,000 convertibles were sold. In 1999 a facelift some hitherto optional equipment as standard and also earned optical changes. The series ran from 208 in May 2003.

First version

The first version of CLKs - built from June 1997 to August 1999 - was selected in the basic variants Sport (no extra charge ) and Elegance.

Standard equipment included, among other things: driver, passenger and front side airbags, ABS, ASR, Heated exterior mirrors and electrically adjustable, exterior temperature indicator, automatic child seat recognition system, brake assist, folding rear seats, power windows, seat belt tensioners including belt force limiters, Heckdeckelfernentriegelung, alloy wheels in seven-hole design, power steering, thermal insulation glass all round, beardless key including radio and infrared remote control, electronic immobilizer and central locking button inside.

Design elements of the equipment variant sport were: Bright gauges and heater controls slices plaque "Sport" shift lever, upholstery fabric Mescalero and the trim in carbon look.

The approximately 600 euros more expensive equipment line Elegance included additional exit lights in the doors. In addition, some design elements have been modified since the equipment sports, including now five-hole rims, dark dials and heater controls slices, the plaque "Elegance" in the shift lever, the upholstery fabric Neptune, trim in burr walnut, door handles with chrome inlay, the characteristic chrome frame around the side windows.

For the CLK a variety of special equipment were selected, there were only the most important ones: 5 -speed automatic transmission (always with cruise control ), automatically dimming, trailer coupling, ESP for six-cylinder engine, interior and exterior mirrors, air conditioning / climate control, memory package ( including electric seat adjustment ), level control, various metallic finishes and wheels, Parktronic ( parking sensors ), Rain sensor, heated washer nozzles, sliding-lifting roof, multi-contour seats, heated seats and xenon headlights.

Second version

The second version of CLKs appeared after only two years and was built from September 1999 to May 2003. The equipment line sports accounted for. From now on, the lines ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE could be ordered. Avant-garde was the one who continued the line sport, should provide a slightly more dynamic impression. Shortly after the facelift new four-cylinder engines have been fitted. In the penultimate year of construction 2001, of the equipment line Master Edition and in the last year of construction 2002, the Final Edition exclusively available for the Convertible, which were distinguished by their standard equipment extended mainly visual nature of the other two lines.

The facelift brought the standard equipment on a class standard, contemporary level, as well as some changes have been made in the outer region, the standard equipment included now: multifunction steering wheel, door lights, trip computer, part electric seat adjustment, cruise control, ESP, manual six -speed gearbox (from March 2000 for CLK 200 K ), washer heated washer nozzles, as amended board computer with eg consumption display and larger display, bumpers and sills and in body color as well as the most prominent feature for a CLK model of care, the revised mirrors with integrated turn signals.

The equipment line Elegance still did the usual design elements such as chrome frame, root wood finish, "Elegance " badge, green tinted glass, door handles with chrome application, 16 -inch wheels in the Elegance design, etc.

The equipment line vanguard led to changes in the design, including: insulated glass in blue all around, trim elements in bird's eye maple, gray dials, Seitenfenstereinrahmung in hematite and seven -spoke 16- inch wheels and Rundum-Schweller-/Stoßfängerverkleidung in body color. Unlike other classes, the avant-garde facilities CLK did not result in a lowering or sportier suspension tuning.

The most important now selectable options available were: automatic transmission ( with modified shift gate ), Sequentronic gearbox ( semi-automatic transmission, without automatic mode ), and AMG package. In addition, various modern media such as audio equipment with 30 APS or COMAND 2.0 were selected.

Technical vulnerabilities

A weakness of the model is the rather clunky, manual transmission, a problem which naturally does not occur in the automatic transmission. Furthermore, a slight susceptibility to rust on wheel arches, the handle bar of the trunk lid and around the castle of the trunk lid is clear. Often models in the range 208 also show weaknesses in the on-board electronics such as unusual pixels in the instrument cluster as well as fancy Comandsysteme. In addition, the air recirculation flap of the heater can pinch and thus have a reduced air flow to the cause. It comes sporadically cracks .. the timing chains with improper repair of the cylinder head

Despite various small flaws, the models of series 208 are still extremely reliable and with appropriate maintenance and care good for high mileages of over 200,000 km.

Engine variants

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