2005 Mercedes Benz CLK 320 Technical Service Bulletin # P-SI-40_30A Date: 980801

Suspension - New Alignment Tools and Procedures
Date: August 1998
Order No.: P-SI-MBNA-40/30A, 58/97A
Supersedes: S-SI-MBNA-40/30, 58/97, February 1998
Group: 40, 58
Revision:
Updated to include electronic data transfer and charging station operating instructions
2000 Mercedes Benz CLK 320 (208.365) V6-3.2L (112.940) Page 300
SUBJECT:
MODELS 170, 202, 208, 210 AND ALL FUTURE MODELS
NEW TOOLS AND PROCEDURES FOR CHASSIS ALIGNMENT
With the introduction of models 208 and 210 4MATIC, the vehicle chassis alignment procedures have been revised to include the use of an
inclination angle measuring tool (or Electronic Level Gauge) (Figure 1). This new alignment procedure for determination of the vehicle level is also
immediately applicable to models 170, 202, and 210, as well as all future models.
Note:
Vehicle chassis measuring procedures for models 129 and 140 remain unchanged.
Establishing vehicle ride height (vehicle level) using the Electronic Level Gauge
Using this tool, the vehicle ride height is determined by the lateral angle of the control arms or rear axle shafts. By determining the measured angle in
"decimal" degrees, the adjustment values for camber and caster are determined.
Carefully read this Service Information and the Operating Instructions supplied with the tool prior to starting the measurements.
Measurement Procedure
Electronic data transfer and charging station The electronic data transfer and charging station (EDTCS, Figure 1) allows for direct communication
between the electronic level gauge (ELG) and a DBAG/MBNA approved alignment machine. The ELG is placed directly on the EDTCS and is
connected to the alignment machine via the RS 232 interface. The EDTCS should be mounted according to the alignment machine manufacturers
recommendations to prevent damage to the unit.
Measuring Equipment
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The tool consists of an easy to use electronic level gauge (Figure 2) with display (086) and a precision inclinometer (086a), which uses a electronic
version of a bubble scale.
The contours of the inclinometer (086a) were designed in such a way that it can be used to determine vehicle ride height on both front and rear axles.
Application example on front axle
To determine the inclination of the lower control arm on the front axle, an adapter plate (086b) is required, which will define a mounting surface on
which to position the inclinometer (086a).
a) Insert and align the adapter plate (086b) (note alignment marks on adapter plate) into the opening of the left front lower control arm (Figure
3). Contact surfaces must be clean.
Note:
Adapter plate (086b) is magnetic.
b) Position inclinometer (086a) (Figure 3) onto adapter plate (086b, note alignment marks on inclinometer) and read measurement in decimal
degrees on the display of the electronic level gauge (086). Store the measured value by pressing the SAVE button on the inclination angle
measuring instrument (086) (Figure 3).
c) Repeat steps a and b for the right front lower control arm.
Application example on rear axle
2000 Mercedes Benz CLK 320 (208.365) V6-3.2L (112.940) Page 302
The inclination of the rear axle shaft is determined directly via cones (arrows, Figure 4), which are part of the inclinometer (086a).
a) Hold inclinometer (086a) directly onto the left rear axle shaft from below (note alignment marks on inclinometer) (Figure 4). Contact surfaces
must be clean. Press the SAVE button on the Electronic level gauge (086) (Figure 3) to store the measured value.
b) Repeat step a for the right rear axle shaft.
Evaluation of the Measured Values
Via the MEMORY button on the instrument, the inclination angle values of the lower control arms and the rear axle shafts can be reviewed.
Information in Service Microfiche System (SMS) and in Workshop Information System (WIS). Additionally, these measurement procedures and
values can be found the Service Microfiche System (SMS). Please review the appropriate Job Numbers for models 170, 202, 208, 210 as noted in:
Chassis Alignment Check II, microfiche Z1 0586 0201, Group 40.
In the interim, the previously used chassis measurement procedure, measurements using the previously supplied special tools, vehicle ride height,
camber and caster values can be used for models 170, 202, 208, 210 and are also still available in the above mentioned microfiche. Using the
Workshop Information System (WIS), the appropriate job numbers for models 170, 202, 208, 210 can be found in Group 40.20 as well.
Hints regarding use of the Electronic Level Gauge
1. All contact surfaces for the adapter plate on the front lower control arms and the inclinometer on rear axle shafts must be absolutely clean to
assure proper alignment of the adapter plate.
2. The four brass data transfer contacts located on the underside and next to the strap of the instrument must not be touched and also kept clean.
They are vital for proper data transfer.

1. Four batteries are used to power the instrument and they are located in a compartment on the bottom of the instrument near the hand strap.


2. When connecting the power pack to the instrument, note the location of the alignment pin within the cable end DIN connector.


3. The electronic level gauge has been programmed by the manufacturer, to perform steps 1-4 in sequence as indicated in the Step button, i.e.

tool will proceed to the next measuring step after the SAVE button is pressed to store the measurement readings lust obtained. However, it is
possible that measuring points 14 can be selected as needed by pressing the step button.
6. By pressing the MEMORY button, the four measurements taken will be displayed for review. Should the (?) symbol appear next to any of the
measurements, this would indicate that the SAVE button was not pressed to store the measured values into memory or that the measurement
was not successfully taken. By pressing the MEMORY button again the memory can be deleted, by pressing the STEP button the user will be
prompted by the tool if the memory is to be erased.
7. Please refer to the Operating Instructions for any adjustments.
Features and Benefits

1. User friendly due to programmed instructions.


2. Universal application for all current and future models.


3. Reduction of future special tools requirements as only one vehicle ride height measurement tool is used and additional uses are planned for

future use. Example: driveshaft angle measurements.

1. Improved measuring capabilities, since the tool is accurate to a greater degree and is capable of self test (ISO9001).


2. Ease of use, due to the capability to transfer measurement data directly to the DBAG/MBNA approved wheel alignment equipment via the

optional electronic data transfer station.
2000 Mercedes Benz CLK 320 (208.365) V6-3.2L (112.940) Page 303
6. Optimization, due the fact that in research, production and service the same measuring procedure and values are used.
Note:
Previously used mechanical measuring Special Tools will no longer be offered for future models, thus the vehicle ride height can only be
determined via the inclination angle of the lower control arms and rear axle shafts
Special Tool Ordering Information (tools stocked in the Chicago PDC)
Note
These toots are designed to tunction only with DBAG/MBNA approved alignment equipment See MBNA Standard Service Equipment Program
Catalog.
Operating Instructions Electronic Data Transfer and Charging Station
Romess CM 09630
Special Tool: 900 589 02 21 00
Instrument overview
Mounting the unit and electrical connections
The electronic data transmission and charging station (EDTCS) should be mounted on the alignment machine according to the alignment machine
manufacturers recommendations.
Connect the power supply to the rear of the unit. Connect the interface cable to the RS 232 port and to alignment machine according to
manufacturers recommendations.
The red power supply LED must illuminate.
2000 Mercedes Benz CLK 320 (208.365) V6-3.2L (112.940) Page 304
Mount the electronic level gauge (ELG) onto the EDTSC. The yellow LED will come on and the unit is ready for operation. If the yellow LED does
not illuminate, perform the following procedure.
In rare cases the contact between the ELG and the EDTCS may not be sufficient due to production tolerances of the housings. The spring contacts
can be adjusted by loosening the two countersunk screws on the front of the unit (see Figure 5, No. 5) and sliding the spring contacts until the yellow
LED illuminates. Tighten the two screws.
The level of charge in the Ni-cad battery can be checked by switching on the ELG. Green LED off: Batteries are fully charged Green LED blinking:
Batteries are being charged Green LED on: Battery charging is complete When charging batteries, do not remove the unit until the green LED
remains illuminated (not blinking). The unit is now fully charged and can be removed for measurements.
Note:
In order to maintain a long-lasting life of the Ni-Cad batteries, the EDTCS is equipped with a monitoring circuit which will only start the
charging cycle if the battery level is below a predetermined threshold. This will prevent the so called "memory effect" which greatly reduces the
storage capacity of the Ni-Cad battery caused by constantly charging a sufficiently loaded Ni-Cad battery. If the level of charge in the Ni-Cad
batteries is below the threshold, the EDTCS will charge the batteries at a rate of 600 to 700 mA. To prevent a loss of storage capacity, do not
remove the unit until the batteries are fully charged (green LED remains on). The batteries should be fully charged after approximately two
hours.
Data transmission
Follow the recommendations of the alignment machine manufacturer. Pressing the memory key on the ELG automatically starts the data
transmission.
Note:
The data transmission keys on both units must be pressed to start the data transmission (EDTCS and alignment machine).
Mounting Instructions
Mount the EDTCS according to the alignment machine manufacturers recommendations.
Note:
The housing of the EDTCS and the alignment machine must be properly grounded to prevent possible damage caused by static electrical charges.
If both units are not properly grounded, static charges may be transmitted via sensor cables to the EDTCS.
Technical Description and Information
Power Supply: 12 - 15 V AC or DC
Fuse: 1A (5 x 20 mm)
Current consumption: approx. 600 mA
Power pack 09630-11 110 volt AC / 60 Hz
Working Temperature Range 5 to 50 deg. C
Dimensions
Length 320 mm
Width 100 mm
Height 150 mm
Weight approx. 4 lbs.
Scope of delivery:
Electronic data transmission and charging station
9-pin connecting cable Sub-D with plug
Power pack 09630-11