MERCEDES-BENZ CL55AMG 2001 C215 Owner's Manual

375 Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar careIndex Scratches, corrosive deposits, corrosion or damage due
to negligent or incorrect care cannot always be removed
or repaired with the car-care products recommended
here. In such cases it is best to seek aid at your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The following topics deal with the cleaning and care of
your veh icl e a nd give importa nt “how-to” informa tion as
well as references to Mercedes-Benz approved car-care
products.
Ad d it i on a l i n f or m a t i on c a n b e f ou nd i n t h e b oo k l e t ti t l e d
“Vehicle Care Guide”.Powe r w as h e r
When using a power washer for cleaning the vehicle
always observe manufacturer’s operating instructions.
Note:
Ve h i c l e s w i t h K EY L E S S - G O :
If a door handle is hit by a strong jet of water, and a
KEYLESS-GO-card is in close proximity, approx. 3 ft.
(approx. 1m), the vehicle could be inadvertently locked
or unlocked.
Caution!
Never use a round nozzle to power wash tires. The
intense jet of water can result in damage to the tire.
Always replace a damaged tire.
Always keep the jet of water moving across the surface.
Do not aim directly at electrical parts, electrical
connectors, seals, or other rubber parts.

376 Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar careIndex
Tar stains
Quickly remove tar stains before they dry and become
more difficult to remove. A tar remover is
recommended.
Paintwork, painted body components
Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Care should be applied
w hen water d rops on the pa int surfa ce do not “bea d up”,
normally in 3 to 5 months, depending on climate and
washing detergent used.
Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Cleaner should be
applied if paint surface shows signs of dirt embedding
(i.e. loss of gloss).
Do not apply any of these products or wax if your
vehicle is parked in the sun or if the hood is still hot.
Use the appropriate MB-Touch-Up Stick for quick and
provisional repairs of minor paint damage (i.e. chips
from stones, vehicle doors etc.).Engine cleaning
Prior to cleaning the engine compartment make sure to
protect electrical components and connectors from the
intrusion of water and cleaning agents.
Corrosion protection, such as MB Anticorrosion Wax
should be applied to the engine compartment after
every engine cleaning. Before applying, all control
linkage bushings and joints should be lubricated. The
poly-V-belt and all pulleys should be protected from any
wax .
Ve h i c l e w a s h i n g
Do not use hot water or wash your vehicle in direct
sunlight. Use only a mild car wash detergent, such as
Mercedes-Benz approved Car Shampoo.
Thoroughly spray the vehicle with a diffused jet of
water. Direct only a very weak spray towards the
ventilation intake. Use plenty of water and rinse the
sponge and chamois frequently.
Rinse with clear water and thoroughly wipe dry with a
chamois. Do not allow cleaning agents to dry on the
finish.

377 Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar careIndex Due to the width of the vehicle, prior to running the
vehicle through an automatic car wash, fold back the
outside mirrors to prevent them from getting damaged.
In the winter, thoroughly remove all traces of road salt
as soon as possible.
When washing the underbody, do not forget to clean the
inner sides of the wheels.
Note:
Ve h i c l e s w i t h K EY L E S S - G O :
If a door handle is hit by a strong jet of water, and a
KEYLESS-GO-card is in close proximity, approx 3 ft.
(approx.1m), the vehicle could be inadvertently locked
or unlocked.Ornamental moldings
For regular cleaning and care of very dirty chrome-
plated parts, use a chrome cleaner.
Headlamps, taillamps, turn signal lenses
Use a mild car wash detergent, such as Mercedes-Benz
approved Car Shampoo, with plenty of water.
To prevent scratches, never apply strong force and use
only a soft, non-scratchy cloth when cleaning the lenses.
Do not attempt to wipe dirty lenses with a dry cloth or
sponge.

378 Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar careIndex
Cleaning the Distronic system sensor
Use a mild car wash detergent, such as Mercedes-Benz
approved Car Shampoo, with plenty of water to clean
the sensor (1).
To prevent scratches, never apply strong force and use
only a soft, non-scratchy cloth when cleaning the
sensor. Do not attempt to wipe dirty sensors with a dry
cloth or sponge.
Note:
Restart the engine after cleaning the sensor (1).Cleaning the parktronic system sensors
Use a mild car wash detergent, such as Mercedes-Benz
approved Car Shampoo, with plenty of water.
When using a steam cleaner or power washer, aim
nozzle only brief ly from a minimum distance of 4 in.
(10 cm) at sensors (1).
To prevent scratches, never apply strong force and use
only a soft, non-scratchy cloth when cleaning the
sensors. Do not attempt to wipe dirty sensors with a dry
cloth or sponge.
1
1
1

379 Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar careIndex Wiper bladesTo prevent damage to the hood or the wipers, the wiper
arms should only be folded forward in the position
sh ow n ab ove.
•Turn electronic key in starter switch to position 1.
•Turn combination switch to position I, see page 160.
•Once the wiper arms are in the position shown
above, turn key in starter switch to position 0.
Note:
For safety reasons, remove electronic key from
starter switch before cleaning the wiper blades,
otherwise the wiper motor can suddenly turn on and
cause injury.
•Turn combination switch to position 0, see page 160.
Clean the wiper blade rubber with a clean cloth and
detergent solution.

380 Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar careIndex
Window cleaning
Use a window cleaning solution on all glass surfaces. An
automotive glass cleaner is recommended.
Note:
For safety reasons, switch off wipers and remove
electronic key from starter switch before cleaning the
windshield, otherwise the wiper motor can suddenly
turn on and cause injury.Light alloy wheels
Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care should be used for
regular cleaning of the light alloy wheels.
If possible, clean wheels once a week with Mercedes-
Benz approved Wheel Care, using a soft bristle brush
and a strong spray of water.
Follow instructions on container.
Note:
Use only acid-free cleaning materials. The acid could
lead to corrosion.

381 Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar careIndex In strum en t clu ster
Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or mild detergent
for delicate fabrics as a washing solution. Wipe with a
cloth moistened in lukewarm solution. Do not use
scouring agents.
Steering wheel and gear selector lever
Wipe with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly or clean
with Mercedes-Benz approved Leather Care.Cup holder
Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or mild detergent
for delicate fabrics as a washing solution. Wipe with a
cloth moistened in lukewarm solution. Do not use
scouring agents.
Note:
For ease of cleaning, the cup holder between the front
seats can be removed by pulling it up when in its closed
position.

382 Cleaning and care of the vehicle
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data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar careIndex
Seat belts
The webbing must not be treated with chemical
cleaning agents. Use only clear, lukewarm water and
soap. Do not dry the webbing at temperatures above
176°F (80°C) or in direct sunlight.
Headliner and shelf below rear window
Clean with soft bristle brush, or use a dry-shampoo
cleaner in case of excessive dirt.Leather upholstery
Using aftermarket seat covers or wearing clothing that
have the tendency to give off coloring (e.g. when wet
etc.) may cause the upholstery to become permanently
discolored. By lining the seats with a proper
intermediate cover, contact-discoloration will be
prevented.
Wipe leather upholstery with a damp cloth and dry
thoroughly or clean with Mercedes-Benz approved
Leather Care. Exercise particular care when cleaning
perforated leather as its underside should not become
wet.
Hard plastic trim items
Pour Mercedes-Benz approved Interior Care onto soft
lint-free cloth and apply with light pressure.
Plastic and rubber parts
Do not use oil or wax on these parts.
Wa r n i n g !
Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may severely
weaken them. In a crash they may not be able to
provide adequate protection.

383 Contents - Technical data
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
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 ......................................395Engine 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

384 Technical data
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Spare parts service
All authorized Mercedes-Benz Centers maintain a stock
of original spare parts required for maintenance and
repair work. In addition, strategically located parts
distribution centers provide quick and reliable parts
service.
More than 300 000 different spare parts, for
Mercedes-Benz models, are available.
Mercedes-Benz original spare parts are subjected to
stringent quality inspections. Each part has been
specifically developed, manufactured or selected for and
adapted to Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Therefore, Mercedes-Benz original spare parts should
be installed.
Important!
The use of non-genuine parts and accessories not
authorized by Mercedes-Benz could damage the vehicle
which damage is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty or compromise its durability or safety.Wa r r a n t y c o v e r a g e
Your vehicle is covered under the terms of the
“warranties” printed in the Service and Warranty
Information booklet and your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center will exchange or repair any
defective parts originally installed on the vehicle in
accordance with the terms of the following warranties:
1. New vehicle limited warranty
2. Emission system warranty
3. Emission performance warranty
4. California, Massachusetts, and Vermont emission
control systems warranty
Replacement parts and accessories are covered by the
Mercedes-Be nz Spare Pa rts a nd Accessories wa rranties,
copies of which are available at any Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Loss of Service and Warranty Information Booklet
Should you lose your Service and Warranty Information
booklet, have your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
arrange for a replacement. It will be mailed to you.