key MERCEDES-BENZ CL55AMG 2001 C215 Owner's Manual

1 Contents
IntroductionProduct information .......................... 7
Operator’s manual ............................. 8
Where to find it ................................ 13
Reporting Safety Defects ................ 15Instruments and controlsInstruments and controls ............... 18
Door control panel ....................... 20
Overhead control panel ............... 21
Dashboard ..................................... 22
Center console .............................. 24OperationVehicle keys ...................................... 28
Start lock-out .................................... 32
General notes on the
central locking system ............... 33Central locking system ................... 34
Radio frequency and
infrared remote control .............. 34
KEYLESS-GO ................................ 38
Opening and closing
windows and
sliding/pop-up roof
from outside ................................. 45
Panic button ................................. 47
Mechanical keys .......................... 47
Doors ................................................. 48
Power closing assist for
doors and trunk lid .................... 50
Central locking switch .................... 50
Automatic central locking .............. 52
Emergency unlocking
in case of accident ...................... 52
Trunk ................................................. 53
Trunk lid release switch ................ 57
Trunk lid release/close switch ...... 58
Trunk lid emergency release .........61
Antitheft alarm system ................... 62
Tow-away alarm ............................... 64
Easy-entry/exit feature .................. 66Front seat adjustment ..................... 67
Removal and installation
of front seat head restraints ...... 71
Backrest ............................................. 72
Lumbar support ............................... 74
Multicontour backrest ..................... 74
Seat heater ........................................ 76
Seat ventilation system ................... 79
Power head restraints, rear ............ 81
Seat belts and
integrated restraint system ....... 82
Seat belts ........................................... 82
Seat belt nonusage
warning system ............................ 83
BabySmart
TM airbag
deactivation system .................... 88
Self-test BabySmart
TM
without special child
seat installed ................................. 89
Supplemental restraint
system (SRS) ................................ 90
Emergency tensioning
retractor (ETR) ............................. 91
Airbags .............................................. 92

3 ContentsCoat hooks ...................................... 192
Cup holder ...................................... 193
Ashtrays .......................................... 196
Lighter ............................................. 198
Parcel net in trunk ........................ 199
Cargo tie-down hooks ....................200
Parcel net in front
passenger footwell ....................200
Telephone, general ........................ 201
Garage door opener .......................202
Infrared reflecting windshield ....206
DrivingControl and operation of radio
transmitters ...............................208
The first 1 000 miles
(1 500 km) .................................209
Maintenance ...................................209
Tele Aid ........................................... 210
Catalytic converter ........................220
Emission control ............................221
Starter switch .................................222
Starter switch – KEYLESS-GO ......224Starting and turning off
the engine .................................. 227
Automatic transmission ............... 229
Parking brake ................................ 238
Driving instructions ...................... 239
Drive sensibly – save fuel ........ 239
Drinking and driving ................ 239
Pedals .......................................... 240
Power assistance ........................ 240
Brakes .......................................... 240
Driving off ................................... 241
Parking ........................................ 242
Tires ............................................. 243
Snow chains ............................... 245
Winter driving instructions ..... 246
Deep water .................................. 248
Passenger compartment ........... 248
Traveling abroad ........................ 249
Cruise control ................................ 250
Distronic (DTR) .............................. 253
Brake assist system
(BAS) .......................................... 268
Antilock brake system
(ABS) .......................................... 269Electronic stability program
(ESP) ........................................... 271
Active body control (ABC) ............275
Level control system ...................... 276
Parking assist (Parktronic) ..........279
What you should know
at the gas station .......................284
Check regularly
and before a long trip ...............287
Instrument cluster displayMalfunction and indicator
lamps in the
instrument cluster ....................290
On-board diagnostic system .....290
Check engine malfunction
indicator lamp .............................290
Brake warning lamp ..................292
Supplemental restraint
system (SRS)
indicator lamp .............................293
Fuel reserve warning .................293
ABS malfunction
indicator lamp .............................294

4 Contents
Electronic stability program
(ESP) — warning lamp ...............295
Distronic (DTR) —
warning lamp ..............................295
Seat belt nonusage
warning lamp ..............................296
Malfunction and indicator
lamp in the center console ......296
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp .....296
Malfunction and
warning messages in the
multifunction display ...............297
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE
(engine control unit) ..................298
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE
(several systems) ........................298
BATTERY /ALTERNATOR ..........299
ENTRANCE POSITION ..............300
BRAKE ASSIST ...........................300
BRAKE LINING WEAR .............. 301
BRAKE FLUID ............................. 301
PARKING BRAKE .......................302
TRUNK OPEN .............................302ELEC. STABIL. PROG.
(Electronic stability
program) ..................................... 303
COOLANT (coolant level) ......... 304
COOLANT
(coolant temperature) ............... 305
LIGHTING SYSTEM ................... 306
LIGHT SENSOR .......................... 308
SEAT BELT SYSTEM .................. 308
TELEPHONE – FUNCTION ....... 309
CRUISE CONTROL ..................... 309
ACTIVE BO DY CO NTROL
(ABC) ............................................ 310
TIRE PRESSURE .........................312
ENGINE OIL LEVEL .................... 314
SEAT BACKREST ......................... 315
KEY ...............................................316
DOOR ............................................ 316
HOOD ............................................ 317
TELE AID ......................................317
ENGINE OIL LEVEL .................... 318
WASHER FLUID ..........................319
LIGHT SENSOR .......................... 320
DISTRONIC (DTR) ...................... 321
Practical hintsFirst aid kit .....................................324
Fuses ................................................325
Shelf below rear window ..............327
Hood .................................................328
Checking engine oil level ............. 331
Automatic transmission
fluid level ...................................332
Active b od y control
(ABC) fluid level ........................332
Coolant level ...................................333
Adding coolant ...........................333
Windshield and headlamp
washer system ...........................334
Windshield and headlamp
washer fluid mixing ratio .........334
Spare wheel, vehicle tools,
storage compartment ................335
Jack ...................................................336
Wheels .............................................337
Tire Replacement .......................337
Rotating wheels ..........................338
Spare wheel ....................................338

5 ContentsChanging wheels ...........................340
Tire inflation pressure ..................345
Battery .............................................346
Jump starting ..................................349
Towing the vehicle ......................... 351
Exterior lamps ................................354
Headlamp assembly ...................355
Taillamp assemblies ..................358
Standby bulb function ................... 361
Changing batteries
in the electronic main key .......363
Synchronizing
remote control ............................365
Changing batteries
in the KEYLESS-GO-card .........366
Emergency engine
shut-down ...................................368
Fuel filler flap,
manual release ..........................368Emergency operation of
sliding/pop-up roof .................. 369
Replacing wiper blades ................ 370
Trunk lamp ......................................371
Roof rack ......................................... 372
Vehicle careCleaning and care
of the vehicle ..............................374
Power washer ............................. 375
Tar stains .....................................376
Paintwork, painted body
components .................................376
Engine cleaning ..........................376
Vehicle washing ..........................376
Ornamental moldings ............... 377
Headlamps, taillamps,
turn signal lenses ...................... 377Cleaning the Distronic
system sensor .............................378
Cleaning the parktronic
system sensors ...........................378
Wiper blades ...............................379
Light alloy wheels ......................380
Instrument cluster ..................... 381
Steering wheel and
gear selector lever ...................... 381
Cup holder ................................... 381
Seat belts .....................................382
Headliner and shelf
below rear window .....................382
Leather upholstery .....................382
Hard plastic trim items .............382
Plastic and rubber parts ............382

13 IntroductionWhere to find it
The Operator’s Manual is divided into eight sections:
• Instruments and controls: An overview of all the controls that can be operated from the driver’s seat.
•Operation: Information on the vehicle’s equipment and its operation.
•Driving: Important information on driving.
• Instrument cluster display: Displays and indicator lamps on the instrument cluster with brief instructions.
• Practical hints: Assistance and instructions in the event of an emergency.
• Car care: Instructions on caring for your vehicle.
• Technical data: All the important technical data for your vehicle as well as consumer information such as fuels,
coolants, lubricants etc. is contained here.
•Index: Key terms to help you find a topic quickly.
Other documents may also be supplied, depending on your vehicle’s equipment.
Explanation of color used:
Warning notices for the protection of yourself and
others appear on red background.

23 Instruments and controls
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index 1Left front parktronic warning indicator,
see page 281
2Side air outlet, adjustable
3Air volume control for side air outlet
4Exterior lamp switch, see page 156
5Headlamp washer button, see page 159
6Parking brake release, see page 238
7Hood lock release, see page 328
8Parking brake pedal, see page 238
9Easy-entry/exit feature, see page 66
Steering wheel adjustment, see page 105
10Combination switch, see page 160
11Cruise control switch, see page 250, or
Distronic (DTR) switch, see page 253
12Multifunction steering wheel, see page 120
Driver airbag, see page 92,
Horn (with electronic key in starter switch
position 1 or 2)13Instrument cluster, see page 114
14Voice recognition system switch, see separate
operating instructions
15Starter switch, see page 222
16Right front parktronic warning indicator,
seepage281
17Fixed air outlets
18Center air outlets, adjustable
19Air volume control for left center air outlet
20Air temperature control for center air outlets
21Air volume control for right center air outlet
22Glove box lock, see page 189
23Glove box lid release, see page 189

25 Instruments and controls
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index 12Ashtray, see page 196
Lighter, see page 198
13Start-/Stop button
Starter switch for KEYLESS-GO only, see page 224
14Automatic transmission, see page 22915AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp, see page 296
16Distronic (DTR) – switch for distance notification
function, see page 265
17Distronic (DTR) – thumbwheel for setting distance,
seepage265

26 Contents - Operation
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
OperationVehicle keys ...................................... 28
Start lock-out .................................... 32
General notes on the
central locking system ............... 33
Central locking system ................... 34
Radio frequency and infrared
remote control .............................. 34
KEYLESS-GO ................................. 38
Opening and closing
windows and
sliding/pop-up roof
from outside .................................. 45
Panic button .................................. 47
Mechanical keys ........................... 47
Doors .................................................. 48
Power closing assist for
doors and trunk lid ..................... 50
Central locking switch .................... 50
Automatic central locking .............. 52
Emergency unlocking
in case of accident ...................... 52
Trunk ................................................. 53
Trunk lid release switch ................. 57Trunk lid release/close switch ...... 58
Trunk lid emergency release .........61
Antitheft alarm system ................... 62
Tow-away alarm ............................... 64
Easy-entry/exit feature .................. 66
Front seat adjustment ..................... 67
Removal and installation
of front seat head restraints ......71
Backrest ............................................ 72
Lumbar support ................................74
Multicontour backrest .....................74
Seat heater ......................................... 76
Seat ventilation system .................. 79
Power head restraints, rear ............81
Seat belts and
integrated restraint system ....... 82
Seat belts .......................................... 82
Seat belt nonusage
warning system ............................ 83
BabySmart
TM airbag
deactivation system ................... 88
Self-test BabySmart
TM
without special child
seat installed ................................ 89Supplemental restraint
system (SRS) ................................ 90
Emergency tensioning
retractor (ETR) ............................. 91
Airbags .............................................. 92
Safety guidelines for the
seat belt, emergency
tensioning retractor
and airbag .................................. 100
Infant and child
restraint systems ....................... 102
Steering wheel adjustment .......... 105
Rear view mirrors .......................... 106
Rear view mirror,
automatic antiglare .................. 106
Memory function ............................ 111
Instrument cluster ..........................114
Multifunction steering wheel,
multifunction display ............... 120
Trip and main odometer,
FSS, tire inf lation pressure
monitor and
engine oil level indicator ......... 124
Audio systems ................................ 125
Radio ............................................ 125

28 Central locking system
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Vehicle keys and KEYLESS-GO-cards (optional)
Included with your vehicle are:
•2 electronic main keys with integrated radio
frequency and infrared remote controls plus
removable mechanical key.
The locking tabs for the mechanical key portion of
the two electronic main keys are a different color to
help distinguish each individual key.
•1 electronic reserve key without remote control
functions, plus removable mechanical key.
•Ve h i c l e s w i t h K E Y L E S S - G O :
2 K EY L ES S -G O - c a r d s w it h o u t r e m ov a b l e m e ch a n ic a l
key.Ve h i c l e s w i t h K E Y L E S S - G O :
See page 44 on how to use the electronic key together
with the KEYLESS-GO-card.
Important!
In the case of the loss of a KEYLESS-GO-card, electronic
keys or mechanical keys, please, contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center or call 1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in
the USA), or 1-800-387-0100 (in Canada) as soon as
possible to have the keys or KEYLESS-GO-card
deactivated.
Wa r n i n g !
When leaving the vehicle always remove the
electronic key from the starter switch and take the
KEYLESS-GO-card (if so equipped) with you, and
lock your vehicle. Do not leave children unattended
in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked
vehicle. Unsupervised use of vehicle equipment
may cause serious personal injury.

29 Central locking system
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Electronic main key
The electronic main key has an integrated radio
frequency and infrared remote control, plus removable
mechanical key.
The remote control (1) operates all locks on the vehicle.
The mechanical key (2) works only in the driver’s door,
trunk, and storage compartment locks.When using the mechanical key (2) for lock operations,
it can be removed by sliding it out of the remote control.
To do so, move locking tab (3) to the right and slide the
mechanical key (2) in direction of arrow (4).
The remote control transmitter is located in the
electronic main key.
The infrared receivers are located in the door handles.
Note:
Remove the mechanical key from the electronic main
key w hen u sing vale t pa rk ing service. To prevent ac cess
to trunk or storage compartments lock them separately
and retain the mechanical key.
See page 53 for separate locking of trunk and page 189
for locking of glove box.
P80.35-2031-26
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