Mercedes CLK 2003 200 2003 Kompressor Cabriolet
Mercedes CLK 2003 1.8 petrol description
Cabrio Mercedes CLK 2003 200 2003 Kompressor Cabriolet has been produced from April, 2003 to June, 2005. It has four-cylinder petrol engine with displacement of 1.8 litres, which produces power of 163 horsepower on 5500 rpm and torque 240 Nm (Newton metres) on 3500 revolutions per minute.
This 4-cylinder 16-valve engine camshaft is driven by chain (What is an engine chain and belt? ). Engine has fuel injection system and turbocharger. Engine versions compliant with Euro 4 and Euro 5 emission standards available. Average engine life expectancy (mileage before serious repairs are needed) is from 280 000 to 480 000 kilometres. It is important to remember that engine life is highly dependent on regular maintenance and the quality of the oils and fuels used.
More engine specs
The most notable issue with this engine is the sticking of exhaust valves due to carbon buildup. Another ...
This Mercedes CLK 1.8 engine oil type is 5W-30 and oil capacity is 5.5 litres.
Mercedes CLK 2003 200 2003 Kompressor Cabriolet has classical rear wheel drive (RWD) and manual gearbox with 6 gears.
Mercedes CLK 2003 200 2003 Kompressor Cabriolet accelerates to speed 100 kilometres per hour in 9.8 seconds. The maximum speed of this car is 225 km/h.
The fuel consumption of this Mercedes CLK 2003 200 2003 Kompressor Cabriolet in combined mode (combining urban and highway driving) is 9.1 litres per 100km (11 km/l) - this is the most fuel efficient Mercedes CLK 2003 - 2005 version, city fuel economy - 12.5 l/100km, fuel consumption on highway - 6.6 l/100km. Fuel tank capacity is 62 litres or 16.38 gallons, which gives a mileage up to 680 kilometers without refueling in urban cycle and even up to 920 kilometers on highway.
According to user reviews, the real everyday fuel consumption of this Mercedes is in line with, and sometimes even lower than, the manufacturer's stated combined consumption. More - Real Mercedes CLK fuel consumption.

Mercedes CLK 2003 200 2003 Kompressor Cabriolet technical data
Model: | Mercedes CLK 200 2003 Kompressor Cabriolet | ||
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Body style: | Cabrio | ||
Production period: | 2003. April ... 2005. June | ||
Engine: | 1796 cm3 Petrol, 4 cylinders | CO2 emissions: | 218 g/km |
Power: | 163 HP ON 5500 RPM | Torque: | 240 NM ON 3500 RPM |
Gearbox: | Manual gearbox (6 gears) | Drive type: | Rear wheel drive (RWD) |
Maximum speed: | 225 km/h | Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 9.8 seconds |
Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 9.1 (combined) 12.5 (urban) 6.6 (highway) | ||
Real fuel consumption: | 9.7 l/100km (24.2 MPG) by user reviews from various sources | ||
Fuel tank capacity: | 62 litres (16.4 gallons) | ||
Car dimensions: | 4.64m (length) 1.74m (width) 1.41m (height) | ||
Turning diameter: | 10.8 meters | ||
Seats: | 4 seats | ||
Trunk capacity: | 276 litres | ||
Trunk max capacity: | 390 litres (with rear seats folded down) | ||
Gross weight: | 2135 kg |
Mercedes CLK 2003 200 2003 Kompressor Cabriolet engine M271 E18 ML
Engine reliability and common problems:
The most notable issue with this engine is the sticking of exhaust valves due to carbon buildup. Another significant problem is the unreliable timing chain, which can stretch by 100,000 km. Early symptoms of a stretched chain include a rattling or ticking noise during a cold start, lasting up to 10 seconds. Over time, this may progress to uneven engine operation, misfires, detonation, and increased difficulty starting the engine. If left unresolved, a stretched chain and worn camshaft adjusters in M271 KE and DE engines can lead to chain slippage or breakage, causing bent valves and severe damage to the timing mechanism.Other issues include frequent oil leaks from the oil filter housing or heat exchanger and rapid clogging of the crankcase ventilation system, which can result in cracked hoses. A distinctive problem with EVO-series engines is fuel contamination in the engine oil, requiring close attention during maintenance.
Overall, this engine can last around 280,000 to 480,000 km if properly maintained, using the correct quality oil and fuel, and carrying out regular checks and maintenance.
The engine has hydraulic valve tappets (lifters), which provide quieter operation and do not require periodic adjustment, but are more complex in design and can cause serious engine damage in the event of failure.
Engine displacement | 1796 cm3 |
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Number of cylinders | 4 |
Bore (cylinder diameter) | 82 mm |
Stroke length (piston move) | 85 mm |
Compression ratio | 9 : 1 |
Camshaft drive | Timing chain Chain motors are considered more reliable, chain replacement usually is required less often than a timing belt, but they are often louder and vibrate more. More service info |
Fuel system | Injection |
Mercedes CLK 2003 200 2003 Kompressor Cabriolet oil type | 5W-30 |
Oil capacity | 5.5 litres (5.8 quarts) More service info |
Coolant capacity | 8 litres (8.5 quarts) |
Power | 122 - 192 HP ON 5500 RPM |
Torque | 190 - 260 NM ON 3500 RPM |
Start of production (year) | 2002 |
Duration of production | 13 years |
Engine also used on | Mercedes C klase Mercedes E klase Mercedes SLK |
Generally, the use of an engine in several models and its long production run is an indication of the quality of the engine and the success of its design. |
Most often compared to
All Mercedes CLK cabrio [2003 - 2005] modifications
Modification | Engine | Power | Consumption | Gearbox |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mercedes CLK 1.8 200 2003 Kompressor Cabriolet
Most fuel efficient version |
1.8 Petrol | 163 HP | 9.1 l/100km | Manual (6) |
Mercedes CLK 1.8 200 2003 Kompressor Cabriolet Automatic | 1.8 Petrol | 163 HP | 9.2 l/100km | Automatic (5) |
Mercedes CLK 2.6 240 2003 Cabriolet | 2.6 Petrol | 170 HP | 11.2 l/100km | Manual (6) |
Mercedes CLK 2.6 240 2003 Cabriolet Automatic | 2.6 Petrol | 170 HP | 10.4 l/100km | Automatic (5) |
Mercedes CLK 3.2 320 2003 Cabriolet | 3.2 Petrol | 218 HP | 10.9 l/100km | Automatic (5) |
Mercedes CLK 5.0 500 2003 Cabriolet | 5.0 Petrol | 306 HP | 11.6 l/100km | Automatic (5) |
Mercedes CLK 5.4 55 2003 AMG
Most dynamic version - 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds |
5.4 Petrol | 367 HP | 12.3 l/100km | Automatic (5) |