wheel MERCEDES-BENZ CLS500 2008 W219 Owner's Manual

Contents
Introduction.......................................... 9
Product information ................................ 9
Operator’s Manual ............................... 10
Service and warranty information .. 10
Important notice for California
retail buyers and lessees of
Mercedes-Benz automobiles .......... 11
Maintenance .................................. 12
Roadside Assistance ...................... 12
Change of address or ownership.... 12
Operating your vehicle outside
the USA or Canada......................... 13
Where to find it .................................... 14
Symbols ............................................... 15
Operating safety .................................. 16
Proper use of the vehicle ............... 16
Problems with your vehicle .................. 17
Reporting safety defects...................... 18
Reporting safety defects ................ 18
Vehicle data recording ......................... 19
Information regarding electronic
recording devices ........................... 19At a glance.......................................... 21
Exterior view ......................................... 22
Cockpit ................................................. 24
Instrument cluster ................................ 26
Multifunction steering wheel ................ 28
Center console ..................................... 29
Upper part ...................................... 29
Lower part ...................................... 30
Overhead control panel ........................ 31
Storage compartments ......................... 32
Door control panel................................ 34Getting started................................... 35
Unlocking ............................................. 36
Unlocking with the SmartKey ......... 36
Unlocking with KEYLESS-GO*......... 37
Starter switch positions .................. 38
Adjusting .............................................. 41
Seats .............................................. 41
Steering wheel ................................ 44
Mirrors ............................................ 47
Driving .................................................. 48
Fastening the seat belts ................. 48
Starting the engine ......................... 51
Parking brake ................................. 53
Driving off ....................................... 53
Switching on headlamps ................. 55
Turn signals .................................... 55
Windshield wipers ........................... 56
Problems while driving.................... 58
Parking and locking .............................. 59
Parking brake ................................. 59
Switching off headlamps................. 60
Turning off engine ........................... 60
Releasing seat belts........................ 61
Locking ........................................... 61

Contents
Safety and Security........................... 63
Occupant safety................................... 64
Air bags .......................................... 66
Occupant Classification System ..... 71
Seat belts ....................................... 76
Preventive occupant safety
(PRE-SAFE
®) ................................... 80
Active head restraints .................... 81
Children in the vehicle .................... 82
Blocking of
rear door window operation ........... 87
Panic alarm .......................................... 88
Activating ....................................... 88
Deactivating ................................... 88
Driving safety systems ......................... 89
ABS ................................................ 89
BAS ................................................ 90
Adaptive Brake ............................... 91
EBP................................................. 92
ESP
®............................................... 92
Anti-theft systems................................ 97
Immobilizer..................................... 97
Anti-theft alarm system .................. 97
Controls in detail............................... 99
Locking and unlocking ....................... 100
SmartKey ..................................... 100
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* ...... 103
Checking batteries in the
SmartKey or SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* .............................. 108
Loss of the SmartKey or
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* ...... 108
Opening the doors
from the inside ............................. 108
Opening the trunk ........................ 109
Closing the trunk.......................... 111
Trunk emergency release ............. 114
Valet locking ................................ 115
Automatic central locking ............ 116
Locking and unlocking
from the inside ............................. 116
Seats ................................................ 118
Front seat active head restraints . 118
Rear seat head restraints ............. 118
Lumbar support............................ 119
Multicontour seat* ....................... 120
Seat heating* ............................... 121
Seat ventilation* .......................... 122Memory function ............................... 123
Storing positions into memory ..... 124
Recalling positions from memory. 124
Storing exterior rear view mirror
parking position ........................... 125
Lighting ............................................. 126
Exterior lamp switch .................... 126
Combination switch ..................... 130
Corner-illuminating
front fog lamps* (CLS 550 with
Bi-Xenon* headlamps only).......... 130
Hazard warning flasher ................ 132
Interior lighting in the front .......... 133
Interior lighting in the rear ........... 134
Door entry lamps ......................... 135
Trunk lamp ................................... 135
Instrument cluster ............................. 136
Adjusting instrument cluster
illumination .................................. 136
Coolant temperature indicator ..... 137
Resetting trip odometer ............... 137
Tachometer.................................. 138
Outside temperature indicator ..... 138
Control system .................................. 139
Multifunction display.................... 139
Multifunction steering wheel........ 140

Contents
Menus .......................................... 142
Standard display menu ................ 145
AMG menu ................................... 145
AUDIO menu ................................ 148
NAV* menu .................................. 150
Distronic* menu........................... 151
Vehicle status message
memory menu .............................. 151
Settings menu .............................. 152
Trip computer menu..................... 164
TEL* menu ................................... 166
Automatic transmission ..................... 169
Gear selector lever ....................... 169
Shifting procedure ....................... 170
Gear selector lever positions ....... 171
Driving tips ................................... 173
Gear ranges ................................. 174
Automatic shift program .............. 175
Gear selector lever one-touch
gearshifting .................................. 176
Steering wheel gearshift control
one-touch gearshifting* ............... 177
Manual shift program
CLS 63 AMG ................................ 179
Emergency operation
(Limp-Home Mode) ...................... 182Good visibility ..................................... 183
Headlamp cleaning system* ......... 183
Rear view mirrors .......................... 183
Sun visors ..................................... 184
Rear window sunshade* ............... 185
Rear window defroster .................. 186
4-zone automatic climate control ....... 188
Deactivating the climate control
system .......................................... 193
Operating the climate control
system in automatic mode............ 194
Setting the temperature................ 195
Adjusting air distribution............... 195
Adjusting air volume ..................... 196
Front defroster.............................. 197
Maximum cooling MAX COOL
(USA only) ..................................... 198
Air recirculation mode .................. 198
Air conditioning............................. 201
Residual heat and ventilation
(Canada only) ................................ 201
Rear climate control ..................... 202
Front center console storage
compartment ventilation............... 204Power windows .................................. 205
Opening and closing
the windows ................................. 205
Synchronizing power windows ...... 207
Summer opening feature .............. 208
Convenience closing feature......... 208
Power tilt/sliding sunroof .................. 210
Opening and closing the power
tilt/sliding sunroof........................ 210
Synchronizing the power
tilt/sliding sunroof........................ 212
Driving systems .................................. 213
Cruise control ............................... 213
Distronic* ..................................... 217
Airmatic DC (Dual Control) ........... 230
Parktronic system
(Parking assist)* ........................... 234
Loading .............................................. 238
Roof rack* .................................... 238
Loading instructions ..................... 238
Ski bag* (Canada only) ................. 239
Cargo tie-down hooks ................... 242
Retaining hook.............................. 242

Contents
Useful features .................................. 243
Storage compartments................. 243
Cup holders .................................. 246
Ashtrays ....................................... 248
Cigarette lighter ........................... 249
Power outlets ............................... 250
Heated steering wheel
(Canada only) ............................... 251
Floormats ..................................... 252
Telephone*................................... 253
Tele Aid ........................................ 256
Garage door opener ..................... 262
Operation......................................... 269
The first 1 000 miles (1 500 km)......... 270
Driving instructions............................ 271
Drive sensibly – save fuel ............. 271
Drinking and driving ..................... 271
Pedals .......................................... 271
Power assistance ......................... 272
Brakes .......................................... 272
Driving off .................................... 274
Parking ......................................... 275
Tires ............................................. 275
Hydroplaning ................................ 276
Tire traction.................................. 276
Tire speed rating .......................... 277
Winter driving instructions ........... 278
Standing water ............................. 279
Passenger compartment .............. 280
Driving abroad.............................. 280
Control and operation of
radio transmitter .......................... 280
Catalytic converter ....................... 281
Emission control .......................... 281
Coolant temperature .................... 282At the gas station .............................. 283
Refueling ...................................... 283
Check regularly and before a
long trip ....................................... 285
Engine compartment ......................... 286
Hood ............................................ 286
Engine oil ..................................... 287
Transmission fluid level................ 289
Coolant level ................................ 290
Battery ......................................... 291
Washer system and headlamp
cleaning system* ......................... 292
Tires and wheels................................ 293
Important guidelines .................... 293
Tire care and maintenance........... 294
Direction of rotation..................... 295
Loading the vehicle ...................... 296
Recommended tire inflation
pressure ....................................... 301
Checking tire inflation pressure ... 303
MOExtended system* .................. 313
Tire labeling ................................. 314
Load identification ....................... 318
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................. 318
Maximum tire load ....................... 320

Contents
Maximum tire inflation pressure .. 320
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (U.S. vehicles) ............. 321
Tire ply material ........................... 323
Tire and loading terminology ........ 323
Rotating tires ............................... 326
Winter driving .................................... 328
Winter tires .................................. 328
Block heater* (Canada only) ........ 329
Snow chains................................. 329
Maintenance ...................................... 330
Maintenance service indicator
message....................................... 330
Calling up the maintenance
service indicator........................... 331
Resetting the maintenance
service indicator........................... 332
Vehicle care ....................................... 333
Cleaning and care of vehicle ........ 333
Practical hints.................................. 343
What to do if … ................................... 344
Lamps in instrument cluster ......... 344
Lamp in center console................. 356
Vehicle status messages in the
multifunction display..................... 358
Where will I find...? ............................. 393
First aid kit .................................... 393
Spare wheel .................................. 393
Vehicle tool kit .............................. 395
Luggage box ................................. 397
Unlocking/locking in an emergency... 398
Unlocking the vehicle.................... 398
Locking the vehicle ....................... 399
Fuel filler flap emergency release . 400
Manually unlocking the gear
selector lever ................................ 400
Resetting activated head restraints .... 401
Replacing SmartKey batteries ............ 402
Replacing bulbs .................................. 404
Bulbs ............................................. 404
Replacing bulbs for front lamps .... 407
Replacing bulbs for rear lamps ..... 409
Replacing wiper blades....................... 410
Wiper blades ................................. 410Flat tire............................................... 412
Preparing the vehicle .................... 412
Mounting the spare wheel ............ 412
MOExtended system* ................... 419
Battery ............................................... 420
Disconnecting the battery ............ 421
Removing the battery ................... 421
Charging and reinstalling the
battery .......................................... 422
Reconnecting the battery ............. 422
Jump starting...................................... 423
Towing the vehicle.............................. 425
Installing towing eye bolt .............. 426
Fuses.................................................. 428
Fuse box in passenger
compartment ................................ 429
Fuse box in trunk .......................... 429

Contents
Technical data.................................. 431
Parts service ...................................... 432
Warranty coverage ............................. 433
Loss of Service and Warranty
Information Booklet...................... 433
Identification labels............................ 434
Layout of poly-V-belt drive ................. 436
CLS 550 ....................................... 436
CLS 63 AMG................................. 436
Engine ................................................ 437
Rims and tires .................................... 438
Same size tires ............................. 439
Mixed size tires ............................ 441
MOExtended tires*....................... 444
Spare wheel ................................. 445
Electrical system................................ 446
Main dimensions and weights............ 447
Main dimensions .......................... 447
Weights ........................................ 447Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. .......... 448
Capacities .................................... 448
Engine oils.................................... 450
Engine oil additives ...................... 450
Air conditioning refrigerant .......... 450
Brake fluid .................................... 450
Premium unleaded gasoline ......... 451
Fuel requirements ........................ 451
Gasoline additives ........................ 452
Coolants....................................... 452
Washer system and headlamp
cleaning system* ......................... 455Index................................................. 457

16 Introduction
Operating safety
Proper use of the vehicle
Proper use of the vehicle requires that you
are familiar with the following information
and rules:

the safety precautions in this manual

the “Technical data” section in this
manual

traffic rules and regulations

motor vehicle laws and safety stan-
dards
Warning!G
Work improperly carried out on electronic
components and associated software could
cause them to cease functioning. Because
the vehicle’s electronic components are
interconnected, any modifications made
may produce an undesired effect on other
systems. Electronic malfunctions could seri-
ously impair the operating safety of your ve-
hicle.
See your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for repairs or modifications to electronic
components.
Other improper work or modifications on the
vehicle could also have a negative impact on
the operating safety of the vehicle.
Some safety systems only function while the
engine is running. You should therefore nev-
er turn off the engine while driving.
Warning!G
Heavy blows against the vehicle underbody
or tires/wheels, for example when running
over an obstacle, road debris or a pothole,
may cause serious damage to and impair the
operating safety of your vehicle. If you feel a
sudden strong vibration or ride disturbance,
or you suspect that damage to your vehicle
has occurred, you should turn on your haz-
ard warning flashers, carefully slow down,
and drive with caution to an area which is a
safe distance from the road.
Inspect the vehicle underbody and
tires/wheels for possible damage. If the
vehicle appears unsafe, have it towed to the
nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
or other qualified maintenance or repair fa-
cility for further inspection or repairs.
Warning!G
Various warning labels are attached to your
vehicle. These warning labels are intended
to make you and others aware of various
risks. You should not remove any of these
warning labels unless explicitly instructed to
do so by information on the label itself.
Removal of any of these labels may cause
you and others to be unaware of certain
risks which may result in an accident and/or
personal injury.

21 At a glance
Exterior view
Cockpit
Instrument cluster
Multifunction steering wheel
Center console
Overhead control panel
Storage compartments
Door control panel

23 At a glance
Exterior view
ItemPage
1Trunk

Unlocking100

Opening and closing109

Spare wheel393

Vehicle tool kit395
2Rear lamps404
3Rear window, defrosting191
4Fuel filler flap283

Fuel requirements451
5Doors

Locking and unlocking100

Opening and closing108
ItemPage
6Towing eye bolt395

Installing towing eye bolt425
7Rims and tires

Checking tire inflation
pressure303

Flat tire412
8Front lamps404
9Hood, opening286

Engine oil287

Coolant290
aWindshield wipers56

Wiper blades, replacing410

Wiper blades, cleaning338
ItemPage
bWindow, cleaning338
cPower tilt/sliding sunroof210
dExterior rear view mirrors

Adjusting47

Auto-dimming183

Parking position184
eSide marker lamps404

25 At a glance
Cockpit
ItemPage
1Combination switch

Turn signals55

Windshield wipers56

High beam55
2Steering wheel gearshift
control* 177
3Cruise control lever

Cruise control213

Distronic*217
4Multifunction steering
wheel28,
140
5Instrument cluster26,
136
6Horn
ItemPage
7Lever for Voice Control Sys-
tem*, see separate
operating instructions
8Front Parktronic* warning
indicator234
9Overhead control panel31
aGlove box lid release, glove
box lock243
bGlove box243
cCenter console29
dStarter switch38
eSteering wheel adjustment
stalk 45
Heated steering wheel
(Canada only)251
ItemPage
fParking brake pedal53, 59
gHood lock release 286
hParking brake release 53
jExterior lamp switch55,126
kDoor control panel34