abc MERCEDES-BENZ CL500 2005 C215 Owner's Manual

Contents
Automatic transmission ..................... 166
One-touch gearshifting................. 168
Gear ranges ................................. 169
Gear selector lever position ......... 170
Automatic shift program .............. 172
Driving tips ................................... 173
Steering wheel gearshift control
(Speedshift) CL 55 AMG and
CL 65 AMG................................... 174
Manual shift program CL 55 AMG
and CL 65 AMG ............................ 176
Emergency operation
(Limp Home Mode) ...................... 178
Good visibility .................................... 179
Headlamp cleaning system .......... 179
Rear view mirrors ......................... 179
Electrically folding exterior
rear view mirrors .......................... 181
Windshield wipers ........................ 182
Sun visors .................................... 183
Rear window sunshade* .............. 184Automatic climate control .................. 185
Setting the temperature................ 189
Adjusting air distribution............... 189
Adjusting air volume ..................... 191
Maximum cooling MAXCOOL ........ 191
Defrosting ..................................... 191
Air recirculation mode .................. 192
Charcoal filter ............................... 193
Rear window defroster .................. 194
Deactivating the climate
control system .............................. 195
Air conditioning............................. 195
Residual heat and ventilation ........ 196
Ventilated storage compartment .. 196
Rear passenger compartment
adjustable air vents....................... 197
Power windows .................................. 198
Opening and closing the power
windows........................................ 198
Synchronizing the power
windows........................................ 200
Summer opening feature .............. 201
Convenience closing feature......... 201Power tilt/sliding sunroof .................. 203
Opening and closing the power
tilt/sliding sunroof........................ 203
Synchronizing the power
tilt/sliding sunroof........................ 205
Driving systems .................................. 206
Cruise control ............................... 206
Distronic* ..................................... 209
Active Body Control (ABC) ............ 221
Parktronic system*
(Parking assist) ............................. 225
Loading .............................................. 230
Roof rack* .................................... 230
Loading instructions ..................... 231
Cargo tie-down hooks ................... 231
Useful features ................................... 232
Sun visor....................................... 232
Storage compartments ................. 233
Ashtrays........................................ 239
Cigarette lighter ............................ 240
Heated steering wheel* ................ 241
Telephone* ................................... 242
Tele Aid ......................................... 243
Garage door opener ...................... 251
Infrared reflecting windshield ....... 256

ContentsOperation......................................... 257
The first 1000 miles (1500 km) ......... 258
Driving instructions ............................ 259
Drive sensibly – save fuel ............. 259
Drinking and driving ..................... 259
Pedals .......................................... 259
Power assistance ......................... 259
Brakes .......................................... 260
Driving off..................................... 262
Parking ......................................... 262
Tires ............................................. 263
Hydroplaning ................................ 263
Tire traction .................................. 264
Tire speed rating .......................... 264
Winter driving instructions ........... 265
Standing water ............................. 266
Passenger compartment .............. 267
Driving abroad .............................. 267
Control and operation of radio
transmitters.................................. 267
Catalytic converter ....................... 268
Emission control........................... 268
Coolant temperature .................... 269At the gas station .............................. 270
Refueling ...................................... 270
Check regularly and before
a long trip ..................................... 271
Engine compartment ......................... 273
Hood ............................................ 273
Engine oil ..................................... 274
Transmission fluid level ................ 279
Active Body Control (ABC)
fluid level...................................... 279
Coolant level ................................ 279
Battery ......................................... 281
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system ........... 282
Tires and wheels ................................ 283
Important guidelines .................... 283
Tire care and maintenance ........... 284
Direction of rotation ..................... 286
Loading the vehicle ...................... 286
Recommended tire inflation
pressure ....................................... 292
Checking tire inflation pressure ... 294
Tire labeling.................................. 299
Load identification ....................... 303DOT, Tire Identification
Number (TIN) ............................... 304
Maximum tire load ....................... 305
Maximum tire inflation pressure .. 306
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (U.S. vehicles) ............. 306
Tire ply material ........................... 308
Tire and loading terminology ........ 309
Rotating tires ............................... 312
Winter driving .................................... 313
Winter tires .................................. 313
Block heater (Canada only) .......... 314
Snow chains................................. 314
Maintenance...................................... 315
Clearing the maintenance
service indicator .......................... 315
Maintenance service term
exceeded ..................................... 316
Calling up the maintenance
service indicator .......................... 316
Resetting the maintenance
service indicator .......................... 316
Vehicle care....................................... 317
Cleaning and care of vehicle ........ 317

27 At a glance
Center console
Center console
Upper part
Item
Page
1
Switch for rear window
sunshade
184
2
Parktronic* deactivation
button
225
3
Active Body Control (ABC)
button
221
4
Level control button
222
5
Central locking switch
111
Anti-theft alarm system in-
dicator lamp
85
6
Hazard warning flasher
on/off switch
130
Item
Page
7
Central unlocking switch
111
8
Electronic Stability Pro-
gram (ESP) control switch
84
9
Rear head restraints,
switch for folding down
115
a
Tow-away alarm switch
87
b
COMAND system, see sep-
arate operating instruc-
tions
c
Automatic climate control
185

206 Controls in detailDriving systemsThe driving systems of your vehicle are de-
scribed on the following pages:

Cruise control and Distronic*, with
which the vehicle can maintain a preset
speed.


ABC with vehicle level control system,
with which you can change vehicle sus-
pension characteristics.


Parktronic*, which serves as a parking
assistant.
For information on the BAS, ABS, and ESP
driving systems, see “Driving safety sys-
tems” (
page 80).
Cruise control
Cruise control automatically maintains the
speed you set for your vehicle.
Use of cruise control is recommended for
driving at a constant speed for extended
periods of time. You can set or resume
cruise control at any speed over 20 mph
(30 km/h).
The cruise control function is operated by
means of the cruise control lever.
The cruise control lever is the uppermost
lever on the left-hand side of the steering
column (
page 22).
Warning!
G
Cruise control is a convenience system de-
signed to assist the driver during vehicle op-
eration. The driver is and must remain at all
times responsible for the vehicle speed and
for safe brake operation.
Only use cruise control if the road, traffic
and weather conditions make it advisable to
travel at a steady speed.

The use of cruise control can be danger-
ous on winding roads or in heavy traffic
because conditions do not allow safe
driving at a steady speed.


The use of cruise control can be danger-
ous on slippery roads. Rapid changes in
tire traction can result in wheel spin and
loss of control.


Deactivate cruise control when driving
in fog.
The “Resume” function should only be oper-
ated if the driver is fully aware of the previ-
ously set speed and wishes to resume this
particular preset speed.

221 Controls in detail
Driving systems
Active Body Control (ABC)
The ABC system automatically selects the
optimum suspension tuning and ride
height for your vehicle.
Suspension tuning
The suspension tuning is set according to:

your driving style


road surface conditions


the vehicle loading


your choice of suspension style,
“sporty” or “regular”, which you select
using the ABC button
The selected suspension style is stored
in memory, even after the SmartKey is
removed from the starter switch.The ABC button with the indicator lamps is
located on the upper part of the front cen-
ter console.
1ABC button
2Indicator lamp

Start the engine.Suspension for sporty driving
The setting for sporty driving is selected
when indicator lamp2 is illuminated.

Press button1.
Indicator lamp2 comes on.
Suspension for regular driving
The setting for regular driving is selected
when indicator lamp2 is off.

Press button1.
Indicator lamp2 goes out.

279 Operation
Engine compartment
CL 65 AMG1Filler cap
Unscrew filler cap 1 from filler neck.

Add engine oil as required. Be careful
not to overfill with oil.
Be careful not to spill any oil when adding.
Avoid environmental damage caused by oil
entering the ground or water.

Screw filler cap1 back on filler neck.
For more information on engine oil, see the
“Technical data” section (
page 411) and
(
page 413).
Transmission fluid level
The transmission fluid level does not need
to be checked. If you notice transmission
fluid loss or gear shifting malfunctions,
have an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
check the automatic transmission.
Active Body Control (ABC) fluid level
Regular fluid level check is not required. If
you notice fluid leaks or malfunction mes-
sages in the multifunction display, have an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center check
the ABC system.Coolant level
The engine coolant is a mixture of water
and anticorrosion/antifreeze.
When checking the coolant level,

the vehicle must be parked on level
ground, and


the engine must be cool.
!Excess oil must be siphoned or drained
off. It could cause damage to the en-
gine and catalytic converter not cov-
ered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.

337 Practical hints
What to do if …?
Text messagesDisplay
Possible cause
Possible solution
ABC
ACTIVE BODY CONTROL
DRIVE CAREFULLY!
The capability of the ABC system is restrict-
ed. This can impair the handling.

Do not exceed a speed of 50 mph (80 km/h).

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz center as
soon as possible.
The vehicle is losing oil.

Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do
so.
ACTIVE BODY CONTROL
STOP, CAR TOO LOW
The vehicle is parked on an extremely
uneven surface.

Press the vehicle level control button to se-
lect level 2 (
page 223).
ABC is malfunctioning.

Stop and press the vehicle level control but-
ton to select a higher vehicle level
(page 223).

Do not turn steering wheel too far to avoid
damaging the front fenders.

Listen for scraping noises.

Do not exceed a speed of 50 mph (80 km/h).

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz center as
soon as possible.
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE
VISIT WORKSHOP
The display for ABC or the ABC system itself
is malfunctioning.

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as
soon as possible.

338 Practical hintsWhat to do if …?Display
Possible cause
Possible solution
ABC
ACTIVE BODY CONTROL
VISIT WORKSHOP
The capability of the ABC system is restrict-
ed.

Do not exceed a speed of 50 mph (80 km/h).

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz center as
soon as possible.
ABS
MALFUNCTION
VISIT WORKSHOP
The ABS has detected a malfunction and
has switched off. The ESP and the BAS are
also deactivated.
The brake system is still functioning nor-
mally but without the ABS available.

Continue driving with added caution. Wheels
may lock during hard braking, reducing steer-
ing capability.

Have the system checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the
risk of an accident.
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE
VISIT WORKSHOP
The ABS or the ABS display is malfunction-
ing.

Continue driving with added caution. Wheels
may lock during hard braking, reducing steer-
ing capability.

Have the system checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the
risk of an accident.
AIR CLEANER
CHANGE CARTRIDGE
VISIT WORKSHOP
The air filter is clogged.

Have the air filter checked by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.

401 Technical data
Layout of poly-V-belt drive
Layout of poly-V-belt drive
CL 500
1Automatic belt tensioner
2ABC tandem pump (pump for
power-steering assistance and ABC
chassis)
3Air conditioning compressor
4Crankshaft
5Coolant pump
6Generator (alternator)
7Idler pulley
CL 55 AMG The CL 55 AMG has two poly-V-belts (belt
one shown in purple/belt two shown in
black).1Idler pulley
2Automatic belt tensioner
3ABC tandem pump (pump for
power-steering assistance and ABC
chassis)
4Air conditioning compressor
5Crankshaft
6Coolant pump
7Generator (alternator)
8Idler pulley
9Automatic belt tensioner
aSupercharger
CL 600 and CL 65 AMG
1Automatic belt tensioner
2ABC tandem pump (pump for
power-steering assistance and ABC
chassis)
3Air conditioning compressor
4Crankshaft
5Coolant pump
6Generator (alternator)
7Idler pulley
8Idler pulley
9Idler pulley

411 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
CapacitiesVehicle components and their respective
lubricants must match. Therefore use only
brands tested and approved by us.Please refer to the Factory Approved Ser-
vice Products pamphlet, or inquire at your
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Model
Capacity
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Engine with oil filter
CL 500
CL 55 AMG CL 600
CL 65 AMG
8.5 US qt (8.0 l)
8.0 US qt (7.5 l)
9.5 US qt (9.0 l)
11.0 US qt (10.5 l)
Approved engine oils
Automatic transmission
CL 500
CL 55 AMG CL 600
CL 65 AMG
9.1 US qt (8.6 l)
9.1 US qt (8.6 l)
8.2 US qt (7.7 l)
8.2 US qt (7.7 l)
MB Automatic Transmission Fluid
Rear axle
CL 500
CL 55 AMG CL 600
CL 65 AMG
1.7 US qt (1.6 l)
2.1 US qt (2.0 l)
2.1 US qt (2.0 l)
2.1 US qt (2.0 l)
Hypoid gear oil SAE 85 W 90
Hydraulic system for ABC
approx. 4.2 US qt (4.0 l)
MB Hydraulic fluid
Power steering
approx. 1.1 US qt (1.0 l)
MB Power Steering Fluid
(Pentosin CHF 11S)
Front wheel hubs
approx. 3.5 oz (100 g) each
High temperature roller bearing grease
Brake system
0.7 US qt (0.7 l)
MB Brake Fluid (DOT 4+)