raise MERCEDES-BENZ CL550 2010 W216 Owner's Manual

The ESC warning lamp
÷ in the instrument
cluster comes on when you switch on the
ignition. It goes out when the engine is
running. G
Warning!
Never switch off the ESC when you see the
ESC warning lamp ÷ flashing in the
instrument cluster. In this case proceed as
follows:
R When driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
R While driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid. The ESC cannot
prevent accidents resulting from excessive
speed.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC:
Because the ESC operates automatically,
the engine and ignition must be shut off
(SmartKey in starter switch position 0 or
1 or KEYLESS-GO start/stop button in
position 0
or 1

) when the electronic parking
brake is being tested on a brake test
dynamometer.
Active braking action through the ESC may
otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
! Vehicles without 4MATIC:
Because the ESC operates automatically,
the engine and ignition must be shut off
(SmartKey in starter switch position 0 or
1 or KEYLESS-GO start/stop button in
position 0 or 1) when the electronic parking
brake is being tested on a brake test
dynamometer or when the vehicle is being
towed with one axle raised.
Active braking action through the ESC may
otherwise seriously damage the brake system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
! The ESC will only function properly if you
use wheels of the recommended tire size
as specified

in the “Technical data” section
of this Operator’s Manual.
i The DISTRONIC PLUS and cruise control
switch off automatically when the ESC
engages.
Electronic Traction System
(ETS/4-ETS) G
Observe Safety notes, see page 56.
The ETS (Electronic Traction System) and
4-ETS (four-wheel Electronic Traction
System, vehicles with 4MATIC only) are
components of the ESC. The

ETS/4-ETS
improves the vehicle’s ability to utilize
available traction, especially under slippery
road conditions by applying the brakes to a
spinning wheel. Vehicles with 4MATIC also
transfer more power to the wheel(s) with
traction.
When you switch off the ESC, the
ETS/4-ETS is still enabled.
Switching off the ESC Switching off the ESC (except CL 63 AMG)
G
Warning!
The ESC should not be switched off during
normal driving other than in the
circumstances described below. Disabling
the system will reduce vehicle stability in
driving maneuvers.
Do not

switch off the ESC when a spare wheel
is mounted. 60
Driving safety systems
Safety and security
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i
At low ambient temperatures, the exterior
rear view mirrors will be heated
automatically. Auto-dimming rear view mirrors
The exterior rear view mirror on the driver’s
side and the interior rear view mirror will
respond automatically to glare when the
ignition is switched on and incoming light
from headlamps falls on the sensor in the
interior rear view mirror.
The rear view mirrors will not react if the
automatic transmission is set to reverse gear
R or the interior lighting is switched on. G
Warning!
The auto dimming function does not react if
incoming light is not aimed directly at sensors
in the interior rear view mirror.
The interior rear view mirror and the exterior
rear view mirror on the driver’s side do not
react, for example, if the rear window
sunshade is in raised position.
Light hitting the mirror(s) at certain angles
(incident light) could blind you. As a result,
you may not be able to observe traffic
conditions and could cause an accident. Exterior rear view mirror parking
position
To assist during parking maneuvers, you can
set the passenger-side exterior rear view
mirror so that you can see the rear wheel and
the road curb.
Setting and storing the parking position X
Switch on the ignition.
X Press button =, to select the passenger-
side exterior rear view mirror.
X Shift the automatic transmission into
reverse gear R.
The passenger-side exterior rear view
mirror moves to the preset parking
position.
X Adjust the passenger-side exterior rear
view mirror with adjustment button ; so
that you see the rear wheel and the road
curb.
The exterior rear view mirror parking
position is stored.
You can also store the parking position using
the memory button M ::
X Switch on the ignition.
X Press button =, to select the passenger-
side exterior rear view mirror.
X Adjust the passenger-side exterior rear
view mirror with adjustment button ; so
that you see the rear wheel and the road
curb.
X Press memory button M : and within
3 seconds, press one of the arrows of
adjustment button ;.
The parking position is stored if the exterior
rear view mirror does not move.
i If the exterior rear view mirror does move,
repeat the above steps. After the setting is
stored, you can move the exterior rear view
mirror again. 272
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otherwise seriously damage the brake
system or the transfer case which is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
! Because the ESC operates automatically,
the engine and ignition must be shut off
(SmartKey in starter switch position 0 or
1 or KEYLESS-GO start/stop button in
position 0 or 1) when the electronic parking
brake is being tested on a brake test
dynamometer or when the vehicle is being
towed with one axle raised.
Active braking action through the ESC may
otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. Instrument cluster
Introduction
For a full view illustration of the instrument
cluster, see “Instrument cluster”
(Y page 29). G
Warning!
No messages will be displayed if either the
instrument cluster or the multifunction
display is inoperative.
As a result, you will not be able to see
information about your driving conditions,
such as
R speed
R outside temperature
R warning/indicator lamps
R malfunction/warning messages
R failure of any systems
Driving characteristics may be impaired.
If you must continue to drive, do so with added
caution. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center as soon as possible.
The language setting for the multifunction
display can be changed via COMAND
(Y page 81). Activating the instrument cluster
The instrument cluster is activated when you
R open a door
R switch on the ignition
R switch on the exterior lamps Adjusting the instrument cluster
illumination
X
To brighten illumination: Turn knob :
clockwise.
X To dim illumination: Turn knob :
counterclockwise.
i The instrument cluster illumination is
dimmed or brightened automatically to suit
ambient light conditions.
The instrument cluster illumination will also
be adjusted automatically when you switch
on the vehicle’s exterior lamps. Coolant temperature gauge
The coolant temperature gauge is located on
the left side in the instrument cluster
(Y page 29). G
Warning!
Driving when your engine is overheated can
cause some fluids which may have leaked into
the engine compartment to catch fire. You
could be seriously burned. 300
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X
If indicator lamp ; is not lit: Press ADS
switch :.
Indicator lamp ; comes on. The sport
driving mode with a firmer suspension
tuning is selected. The message
AIRMATIC SPORT appears in the
multifunction display.
Comfort damping adjustment
Vehicle handling in comfort driving mode is
softer. Select this mode when you prefer a
more comfortable driving style on straight
freeways.
X If indicator lamp ; is lit: Press ADS
switch :.
Indicator lamp ; goes out. The comfort
driving mode is selected. The message
AIRMATIC COMFORT appears in the
multifunction display.
Vehicle level control Your vehicle automatically adjusts its ride
height.
The all-around vehicle level control provides
best possible suspension and constant
ground clearance. The vehicle lowers at high
speed automatically in order to increase
driving safety and to reduce fuel
consumption.
The following vehicle levels are available:
R
normal
R raised; the vehicle is raised by
approximately 1.0 in (25 mm) compared to
normal level
R lowered; the vehicle is lowered by
approximately 0.4 in (10 mm) compared to
normal level
You can choose between normal or raised
level when the vehicle is stationary and the
engine is running.
The vehicle chassis ride height is raised or
lowered according to the selected level
setting and to the vehicle speed. With
increasing speed, ride height is reduced by up to approximately 0.8 in (20 mm). With
decreasing speed, the ride height is again
raised to the selected vehicle level.
i
These height adjustments are so small
that you may not notice any change.
Adjusting vehicle level manually G
Warning!
To help avoid personal injury, keep hands and
feet away from wheel housing area, and stay
away from under the vehicle when lowering
the vehicle chassis.
Select the normal level for driving on normal
roads. Select the raised level for driving on
rough roads or with snow chains. Select the
raised level only when required by current
driving conditions. Otherwise, the handling
may be impaired and the fuel consumption
may increase.
The selected vehicle level setting remains
stored in memory even if the SmartKey is
removed from the starter switch. Selecting raised level
X
Start the engine.
When indicator lamp ; is off:
X Briefly press vehicle level control
switch :.
Indicator lamp ; comes on. The vehicle
adjusts from normal level to raised level.
The message: Vehicle Rising appears in
the multifunction display when adjusting
from normal level to raised level. The 318
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message disappears when the vehicle is
raised. Indicator lamp
; is then lit.
When the
vehicle is in raised level, pressing
vehicle level control switch : will return
the vehicle to normal level.
The vehicle is lowered to the normal level
automatically when
R the vehicle speed is above 75 mph
(120 km/h)
R the vehicle speed stays between 50 mph
(80 km/h) and 75 mph (120 km/h) for
approximately 3 minutes.
Indicator lamp

; in
vehicle level control switch : goes out.
If you do not drive in this speed range, the
selected vehicle level setting remains stored
in memory even if the SmartKey is removed
from the starter switch.
Selecting normal level
X Start the engine.
When indicator lamp ; is on:
X Briefly press vehicle level control
switch :.
Indicator lamp ; goes out. The vehicle
adjusts from raised level to normal level. ABC
The ABC system is an active, computer-
controlled system that adjusts the
suspension hydraulically at all four wheels in
response to various driving situations. It
selects the optimum suspension tuning and
ride height for your vehicle automatically.
Vehicle level control Your vehicle adjusts its ride height
automatically to increase vehicle safety and
to reduce fuel consumption.
The vehicle chassis ride height is raised or
lowered according to the selected level
setting and to the vehicle speed. With increasing speed, the ride height is reduced
by up to approximately 0.4 in
(10 mm). With
decreasing speed, the ride height is again
raised to the selected vehicle level.
These height adjustments are so small that
you may not notice any change. G
Warning!
When you turn off the engine, the entire
vehicle is

lowered. You should therefore make
sure that no one is near the wheel housing or
under the vehicle when you turn off the
engine. Otherwise, parts of the individuals
body could be trapped.
! When you turn off the engine, the entire
vehicle is lowered. When parking, position
your vehicle in such a way that it will not
scrape against a curb, for example, when it
is lowered. Your vehicle could otherwise be
damaged.
i CL 63 AMG and CL 65 AMG only:
When you turn off the engine, the entire
vehicle is lowered by 0.2 in (5 mm).
Setting the vehicle level G
Warning!
To help avoid personal injury, keep hands and
feet away from wheel housing area, and stay
away from under the vehicle when lowering
the vehicle chassis. Driving systems
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The following vehicle level settings can be
selected when the vehicle is stationary and
the engine is running:
Level Use for Indicator
lamp
Normal
For driving on
normal roads. The
indicator
lamp is off.
Raised
For driving on
rough roads or
with snow chains
(Y page 396). The
indicator
lamp is on.
Select the “Raised” level setting only when
required by current driving conditions.
Otherwise the fuel consumption may
increase and/or the handling may be
impaired.
i
The selected setting remains stored in
memory, even when the engine is turned
off and restarted. X
Start the engine.
Selecting a higher level
If indicator lamp ; is off:
X Press vehicle level control switch :.
Indicator lamp ; comes on. The vehicle is
raised to a higher level. Selecting a normal level
If indicator lamp ; is on:
X
Press vehicle level control switch :.
Indicator lamp ; goes out. The vehicle is
adjusted to a normal level.
Suspension tuning The suspension tuning of the ABC system is
adjusted for each wheel individually and
depends on:
R
your driving style
R the road condition, such as bumps etc.
R your individual selection, sporty or
comfortable
R the vehicle loading
i The selected setting remains stored in
memory, even when the engine is turned
off and restarted. X
Start the engine.
Sporty suspension tuning
The firmer chassis and suspension setup in
sport driving mode provides enhanced road
contact. Select this mode when you prefer a
firmer chassis and suspension setup.
X When indicator lamp ; is off: Press
button :.
Indicator lamp ; comes on. The sporty
chassis and suspension setup is selected.
The message ABC Active Body Control
SPORT appears in the multifunction display. 320
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Comfort suspension tuning
Vehicle handling in comfort driving mode is
softer. Select this mode when you prefer a
more comfortable driving style.
X
When indicator lamp ; is on: Press
button :.
Indicator lamp ; goes out. The
comfortable chassis
and suspension setup
is selected.
The message ABC Active Body Control
COMFORT appears in the multifunction
display. All-wheel drive (4MATIC)
In vehicles with all-wheel drive (4MATIC),
both axles

are powered at all times when the
vehicle is being operated. The 4MATIC
improves traction in conjunction with the ESC
(Y page 59) and the Electronic Traction
System (ETS/4-ETS) (Y page 60). G
Warning!
If a drive wheel is spinning due to insufficient
traction:
R While driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
R While driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid.
The 4MATIC cannot prevent accidents
resulting from excessive speed.
! Do not

tow with one axle raised. Doing so
could damage the transfer case, which is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty. All wheels must be on or off the
ground. Observe instructions for towing the
vehicle with all wheels on the ground. !
Only conduct
operational or performance
tests on a two-axle dynamometer. If such
tests are necessary, contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. You could
otherwise seriously damage the brake
system and/or the transfer case which is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
i In winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of the 4MATIC is only
achieved with winter tires ( Y page 395) or
snow chains as required. Parktronic system
The Parktronic system is an electronic
parking aid with ultrasonic sensors designed
to assist

the driver during parking maneuvers.
The Parktronic system indicates the relative
distance between the vehicle and an obstacle
visually and audibly.
The Parktronic system is activated
automatically when
R you switch on the ignition
and
R you release the electronic parking brake
or
R you start the engine
and
R shift the automatic transmission into drive
position D, reverse gear R, or neutral
position N
The Parktronic system deactivates at speeds
above approximately 11 mph (18 km/h). At
lower speeds, the Parktronic system
activates again.
The Parktronic system also deactivates when
you shift the automatic transmission into
park position P or engage the electronic
parking brake and turn off the engine.
The Parktronic system monitors the
surroundings of your vehicle with six sensors Driving systems
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The cooling function can be activated or
deactivated via COMAND (
Y page 196).Automatic mode
When operating the climate control system in
automatic mode, the interior air temperature,
air volume and air distribution are adjusted
automatically.
In automatic mode, cooling with
dehumidification is switched on. This function
can be switched off if necessary. G
Warning!
If you deactivate the air conditioning, the
vehicle will not be cooled when weather
conditions are warm. The windows can fog up
more quickly. Window fogging may impair
visibility and endanger you and others.
X Set the desired temperature
(Y page 341).
X Activating: Press rocker switch à up or
down.
The indicator lamp in the rocker switch
comes on.
X Deactivating: Press rocker switch K up
or down.
or
X Adjust air distribution via COMAND
(Y page 195).
The indicator lamp in rocker switch Ã
goes out. Setting temperature
You can adjust the air temperature for each
of the 3 zones separately. You should raise or
lower the temperature setting in small
increments, preferably starting at 72‡
(22†). X
Increasing/decreasing: Press rocker
switches w up or down or use COMAND
(Y page 194).
The climate control system will
correspondingly adjust the interior air
temperature. Adjusting air vents
G
Warning!
When operating the climate control, the air
that enters the passenger compartment
through the air vents can be very hot or very
cold (depending on the set temperature). This
may cause burns or frostbite to unprotected
skin in the immediate area of the air vents.
Always keep sufficient distance between
unprotected parts of the body and the air
vents. If necessary, use the air distribution
adjustment to direct the air to air vents in the
vehicle interior that are not in the immediate
area of unprotected skin.
For best possible performance of the climate
control:
X Keep the air intake grille in front of the
windshield free of snow, leaves, sticks, and
any other debris.
X Always keep all air vents and grilles in the
passenger compartment free from
obstruction. Climate control system
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sunroof until you open the driver’s or
passenger door. If no door was opened you
can operate the tilt/sliding sunroof for up
to 5 minutes.
Sunroof switch
:
Raising
; Opening
= Closing
With the sunroof closed or raised, you can
slide the sunroof screen forward and back.
X Switch on the ignition.
Opening X
Opening manually: Press and hold the
sunroof switch to the resistance point in
direction of arrow ;.
X Release the sunroof switch when the
desired position is reached.
X Express operation: To open the tilt/
sliding sunroof completely, press the
sunroof switch past the resistance point in
direction of arrow ; and release.
X Stopping during express operation:
Move the sunroof switch in any direction.
i Express opening is not available when the
tilt/sliding sunroof is raised. The tilt/
sliding sunroof must be closed first.
i When the tilt/sliding sunroof is open,
resonance noises may result in addition to
the usual wind noises. They are caused by
minimal pressure changes in the passenger
compartment. To reduce or eliminate these noises, change the position of the tilt/
sliding sunroof or open a window slightly.
Raising X
Raising manually: Press and hold the
sunroof switch to the resistance point in
direction of arrow :.
X Release the sunroof switch when the
desired position is reached.
X Express operation: To raise the tilt/
sliding sunroof completely, press the
sunroof switch past the resistance point in
direction of arrow : and release.
X Stopping during express operation:
Move the sunroof switch in any direction.
i Express raising is not available when the
tilt/sliding sunroof is open. The tilt/sliding
sunroof must be closed first.
Closing X
Closing manually: Pull and hold the
sunroof switch to the resistance point in
direction of arrow =.
X Release the sunroof switch when the
desired position is reached.
X Express operation: To close the tilt/
sliding sunroof completely, pull the sunroof
switch past the resistance point in
direction of arrow = and release.
X Stopping during express operation:
Move the sunroof switch in any direction.
Closing when the tilt/sliding sunroof is
blocked G
Warning!
Make sure that nobody can become trapped
and be seriously or even fatally injured when
closing the tilt/sliding sunroof with greater
force or without automatic reversal function. 346
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If the movement of the tilt/sliding sunroof is
blocked
during
the closing procedure (e.g. by
ice or pollution), the tilt/sliding sunroof will
stop and open slightly.
X Immediately after the tilt/sliding sunroof
has stopped and opened because it was
blocked, pull and hold the sunroof switch
in direction

of arrow = until the tilt/sliding
sunroof is fully closed.
The tilt/sliding sunroof closes with greater
force.
If the tilt/sliding sunroof is blocked again and
opens slightly:
X Immediately after the tilt/sliding sunroof
was blocked

and has opened, pull and hold
the sunroof switch in direction of arrow
= until the tilt/sliding sunroof is fully
closed.
The tilt/sliding sunroof closes without
automatic reversal function. G
Warning!
Pulling and holding the sunroof switch to
close the tilt/sliding sunroof immediately
after it

had been blocked two times will cause
the tilt/sliding sunroof to close without any
reversal function for as long as you hold the
sunroof switch. Synchronizing
The tilt/sliding

sunroof must be synchronized
after a malfunction or if it does not open
smoothly.
! If the tilt/sliding sunroof cannot be closed
or synchronized, contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center or call Roadside
Assistance.
X Switch on the ignition.
X Press and hold the sunroof switch in
direction of

arrow : (Y page 346) until the
tilt/sliding sunroof is fully raised at the
rear. X
Keep holding the sunroof switch in
direction of arrow : for approximately
1 second.
X Check the express operation feature
(Y page 346).
If the

tilt/sliding sunroof opens and closes
completely, the roof is synchronized.
Otherwise repeat the above steps. Loading and storing
Loading instructions
G
Warning!
Always fasten items being carried as securely
as possible using fastening materials
appropriate for the weight and size of the
load.
In an

accident, during hard braking or sudden
maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around
inside the vehicle. This can cause injury to
vehicle occupants unless the items are
securely fastened in the vehicle.
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
transporting cargo. Do not pile luggage or
cargo higher than the seat backrests.
The trunk is the preferred place to carry
objects. Do not place anything on the rear-
window shelf.
Never drive a vehicle with the trunk open.
Deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may
enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death.
Load distribution The total load weight including vehicle
occupants and luggage/cargo should not
exceed the total load limit indicated on the
corresponding Tire and Loading Information
placard located on the driver’s door
B-pillar
(

Y page 382).
The handling characteristics of a fully loaded
vehicle depends greatly on the load
distribution. It is therefore recommended to Loading and storing
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