engine MERCEDES-BENZ CL500 2001 C215 Owner's Manual

Our company and staff congratulate you on the purchase of your new Mercedes-Benz.
Your selection of our prod uct is a de monstration of you r tru st in our company na me. Fu rt her, it exemplif ies you r desire
to own an automobile that will be as easy as possible to operate and provide years of service.
Your Mercedes-Benz represents the efforts of many skilled engineers and craftsmen. To ensure your pleasure of
ownership, and for your safety and that of your passengers, we ask you to make a small investment of your time:
•Please read this manual carefully before putting it aside. Then return it to your vehicle where it will be handy for
your reference.
•Please abide by the recommendations contained in this manual. They are designed to acquaint you with the
operation of your Mercedes-Benz.
•Please abide by the warnings and cautions contained in this manual. They are designed to help improve the safety
of the vehicle operator and occupants.
We extend our best wishes for many miles of safe, pleasurable driving.
DaimlerChrysler AG

2 Contents
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 inflation pressure
monitor and
engine oil level indicator ......... 124
Audio systems ................................ 125
Radio ............................................ 125
CD player ..................................... 126
Cassette player ........................... 127
Telephone ........................................ 128
Telephone book .......................... 128
Redialing ..................................... 130Incoming call ...............................131
Navigation system ..........................132
Distronic (DTR) ...............................133
Trip computer .................................134
Malfunction/warning
message memory ......................136
Individual settings .........................138
Setting the audio volume ............. 146
Flexible service system
(FSS) ........................................... 147
Tire inflation
pressure monitor .......................150
Engine oil level indicator ..............154
Engine oil consumption ................155
Exterior lamp switch ......................156
Headlamp mode ..............................157
Night security illumination ..........158
Headlamp cleaning system ...........159
Combination switch .......................160
Hazard warning flasher
switch ..........................................163
Automatic climate control .............164
Display and controls ..................166
Dust filter .....................................167Basic setting ............................... 168
Special settings .......................... 169
Air recirculation ......................... 171
Activated charcoal filter ............ 172
Economy mode ........................... 173
Residual engine heat
utilization .................................... 174
Switching the automatic
climate control on and off ......... 175
Front center console storage
compartment ventilation .......... 175
Rear window defroster .................. 176
Rear passenger compartment
adjustable air outlets ................ 177
Power windows ............................... 178
Sliding/pop-up roof ....................... 181
Interior lighting ............................. 184
Rear window sunshade ................. 186
Sun visors ....................................... 187
Vanity mirrors ................................ 187
Interior ............................................ 188
Storage compartments
and armrests .............................. 188
Glove box ..................................... 189

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

6 Contents
Technical dataSpare parts service ........................384
Warranty coverage .........................384
Identification labels .......................385
Layout of poly-V-belt drive ............387
Technical data ................................388
Fuels, coolants,
lubricants etc. - capacities .......393
Engine oils ......................................395
Engine oil additives .......................395
Air conditioner refrigerant ...........395
Brake fluid ......................................395
Premium unleaded gasoline ........396
Fuel requirements .........................396
Gasoline additives .........................397
Coolants ...........................................397
Consumer information ..................399
IndexIndex ............................................... 401

11 IntroductionOperating your vehicle outside the USA or Canada
If you plan to operate your vehicle in foreign countries, please be aware that:
•Service facilities or replacement parts may not be readily available,
•unleaded gasoline for vehicles with catalytic converters may not be available; the use of leaded fuels will damage
the catalysts,
•gasoline may have a considerably lower octane rating, and improper fuel can cause engine damage.
Certain Mercedes-Benz models are available for delivery in Europe under our European Delivery Program. For details,
consult your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or write to:
In the USA: In Canada:
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
European Delivery Department
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
European Delivery Department
849 Eglinton Avenue East
Toronto, Ontario M4G 2L5

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

27 Contents - Operation
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index CD player ..................................... 126
Cassette player ........................... 127
Telephone ........................................ 128
Telephone book .......................... 128
Redialing ..................................... 130
Incoming call .............................. 131
Navigation system .......................... 132
Distronic (DTR) ............................... 133
Trip computer ................................. 134
Malfunction/warning
message memory ...................... 136
Individual settings ......................... 138
Setting the audio volume .............. 146
Flexible service system
(FSS) ............................................ 147
Tire inflation
pressure monitor ...................... 150
Engine oil level indicator .............. 154
Engine oil consumption ................ 155
Exterior lamp switch ..................... 156
Headlamp mode ............................. 157Night security illumination ..........158
Headlamp cleaning system ...........159
Combination switch .......................160
Hazard warning flasher
switch ..........................................163
Automatic climate control .............164
Display and controls ..................166
Dust filter .....................................167
Basic setting ................................168
Special settings ...........................169
Air recirculation ......................... 171
Activated charcoal filter ........... 172
Economy mode ........................... 173
Residual engine heat
utilization .....................................174
Switching the automatic
climate control on and off ........ 175
Front center console storage
compartment ventilation .......... 175
Rear window defroster .................. 176
Rear passenger compartment
adjustable air outlets ............... 177Power windows ............................... 178
Sliding/pop-up roof ....................... 181
Interior lighting ............................. 184
Rear window sunshade ................. 186
Sun visors ....................................... 187
Vanity mirrors ................................ 187
Interior ............................................ 188
Storage compartments
and armrests .............................. 188
Glove box ..................................... 189
Coat 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

31 Central locking system
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index KEYLESS-GO-card
The KEYLESS-GO-card (1) does not have a removable
mechanical key.
The functions of the KEYLESS-GO-card (1) are identical
to those of the electronic main key. Carrying the card
with you permits the use of the vehicle.The validity of the KEYLESS-GO-card is checked every
time when grasping a door handle or pushing the trunk
lid release. Once the KEYLESS-GO-card is recognized
outside the vehicle, the doors, trunk lid and fuel filler
flap are unlocked, depending on the selected mode
(global or selective unlocking mode, see page 43).
Starter switch KEYLESS-GO, see page 224.
Starting and turning off the engine with KEYLESS-GO,
see page 227 and page 228.
Note:
In th e case of a mal function in th e KEYLESS-G O -system ,
we recommend that you carry the electronic key plus
mechanical key with you and keep them in a safe place
so tha t t hey are always ha nd y. Never leave th e el ectronic
key or a KEYLESS-GO-card in the vehicle.
Obtaining replacement keys
Your vehicle is equipped with a theft deterrent locking
system requiring a special key manufacturing process.
For security reasons, replacement keys or the KEYLESS-
GO-card can only be obtained from your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
P80.30-2029-26
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