2003 MERCEDES-BENZ CL55AMG octane

13 Introduction
Operator’s Manual
Operating your vehicle outside the USA or Canada
If you plan to operate your vehicle in for-
eign 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 avail-
able; the use of leaded fuels will dam-
age the catalysts.


Gasoline may have a considerably low-
er octane rating, and improper fuel can
cause engine damage.Certain Mercedes-Benz models are avail-
able for delivery in Europe under our Euro-
pean Delivery Program. For details, consult
your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or
write to:
In the USA:
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
European Delivery Department
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada:
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
European Delivery Department
849 Eglinton Avenue East
Toronto, Ontario M4G 2L5

235 Operation
At the gas station
At the gas station
The fuel filler flap is located on the
right-hand side of the vehicle towards the
rear. Locking/unlocking the vehicle with
the SmartKey or the KEYLESS-GO* card
automatically locks/unlocks the fuel filler
flap.

Remove the key from the starter
switch.

Open the fuel filler flap by pushing at
the point indicated by the arrow.
The fuel filler flap springs open.

Turn the fuel cap to the left and hold on
to it until possible pressure is released.

Take off the cap and set it in the recess
on the fuel filler flap.
To prevent fuel vapors from escaping
into open air, fully insert filler nozzle
unit.

Only fill your tank until the filler nozzle
unit cuts out – do not top up or over-
fill.

Replace the fuel cap by turning it to the
right.
You will hear when the fuel cap is tight-
ened.

Close the fuel filler flap.
Warning!
G
Gasoline is highly flammable and poisonous.
It burns violently and can cause serious inju-
ry. Whenever you are around gasoline, avoid
inhaling fumes and skin contact, extinguish
all smoking materials. Never allow sparks,
flame or smoking materials near gasoline!
Warning!
G
Overfilling of the fuel tank may create pres-
sure in the system which could cause a gas
discharge. This could cause the gas to spray
back out when removing the fuel pump noz-
zle, which could cause personal injury.
iCL 600: Use only premium unleaded
gasoline with a minimum Posted Oc-
tane Rating of 93 (average of
98 RON / 88 MON).
CL 500 and CL 55 AMG: Use only pre-
mium unleaded gasoline with a mini-
mum Posted Octane Rating of 91
(average of 96 RON / 86 MON).
Information on gasoline quality can
normally be found on the fuel pump.
More information on gasoline can be
found in the Factory Approved Service
Products pamphlet.

338 Technical dataFuels, coolants, lubricants etc.
Model
Capacity
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.
Low temperature cooling system
CL 600
2.43 US qt (2.3 l)
MB 325.0 Anticorrosion / Antifreeze
Fuel tank
including a reserve of
CL 500
CL 55 AMG
23.2 US gal (88.0 l)
2.9 US gal (11.0 l)
Premium unleaded gasoline:
Posted Octane Rating of min 91
(average of 96 RON / 86 MON)
Fuel tank
including a reserve of
CL 600
23.2 US gal (88.0 l)
2.9 US gal (11.0 l)
Premium unleaded gasoline:
Posted Octane Rating of min 93
(average of 98 RON / 88 MON)
Air conditioning system
R-134a refrigerant and special PAG
lubricant oil (never R-12)
Windshield washer and
headlamp cleaning system:
7.1 US qt (6.7 l)
MB Windshield Washer Concentrate
1
1Use MB Windshield Washer Concentrate “S” and water for temperatures above freezing or MB Windshield Washer Concentrate “S” and commercially available pre-
mixed windshield washer solvent / antifreeze for temperatures below freezing. Follow suggested mixing ratios (
page 344).

340 Technical dataFuels, coolants, lubricants etc.Brake fluid
During vehicle operation, the boiling point
of the brake fluid is continuously reduced
through the absorption of moisture from
the atmosphere. Under extremely strenu-
ous operating conditions, this moisture
content can lead to the formation of bub-
bles in the system, thus reducing the sys-
tem’s efficiency.
Therefore, the brake fluid must be re-
placed every two years, preferably in the
spring.
Only brake fluid approved by
Mercedes-Benz is recommended. Your au-
thorized Mercedes-Benz Center will pro-
vide you with additional information.
Premium unleaded gasoline
Fuel requirements
Use only premium unleaded gasoline
meeting ASTM standard D 439:

The octane number (posted at the
pump) must be min. 91 for CL 500 and
CL 55 AMG and min. 93 for CL 600. It
is an average of both the Research (R)
octane number and the Motor (M) oc-
tane number: (R+M) / 2). This is also
known as the ANTI-KNOCK INDEX.
Unleaded gasoline containing oxygenates
such as ethanol, IPA, IBA and TBA can be
used provided the ratio of any one of these
oxygenates to gasoline does not exceed
10%; MTBE not to exceed 15%.
!To maintain the engine’s durability and
performance, premium unleaded gaso-
line must be used. If premium unleaded
is not available and low octane fuel is
used, follow these precautions:

Have the fuel tank only partially
filled with unleaded regular and fill
up with premium unleaded as soon
as possible.


Avoid full throttle driving and abrupt
acceleration.


Do not exceed an engine speed of
3000 rpm if the vehicle is loaded
with a light load such as two per-
sons and no luggage.


Do not exceed 2 / 3 of maximum ac-
celerator pedal position if the vehi-
cle is fully loaded or operating in
mountainous terrain.

350 Technical termsMON
(M
otor O
ctane N
umber)
The Motor Octane Number for gasoline
as determined by a standardized meth-
od. It is an indication of a gasoline's
ability to resist undesired detonation
(knocking). The average of both the
MON (Motor Octane Number) and
->RON (Research Octane Number) is
posted at the pump, also known as AN-
TI-KNOCK INDEX.
Multifunction display
Display field in the speedometer used
to present information provided by the
control system.
Multifunction steering wheel
Steering wheel with buttons for operat-
ing the control system.
Overspeed range
Engine speeds within the red marking
of the tachometer dial. Avoid this en-
gine speed range, as it may result in se-
rious engine damage that is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.Parktronic*
System which uses visual and acoustic
signals to assist the driver during park-
ing maneuvers.
Poly-V-belt drive
Drives engine-components (alternator,
AC compressor, etc.) from the engine.
Power train
Collective term designating all compo-
nents used to generate and transmit
motive power to the drive axles, includ-
ing:


Engine


Clutch/torque converter


Transmission


Transfer case


Drive shaft


Differential


Axle shafts/axlesProgram mode selector switch
Used to switch the automatic transmis-
sion between sport operationS and
comfort operationC.
CL 55 AMG with steering wheel gear-
shift control and manual shift program:
in addition toS andC (see above), you
can use theM for manual operation.
Remote Vehicle Diagnostics
Transmission of vehicle data and cur-
rent location to the Mercedes-Benz
Customer Assistance Center for sub-
scribers to Tele Aid service.
REST
(Residual engine heat utilization)
Feature that uses the engine heat
stored in the coolant to heat the vehi-
cle interior for a short time after the en-
gine has been turned off.
Restraint systems
Seat belts, belt tensioners, airbags and
child restraint systems. As indepen-
dent systems, their protective func-
tions complement one another.

351 Technical terms
RON
(R
esearch O
ctane N
umber)
The Research Octane Number for gaso-
line as determined by a standardized
method. It is an indication of a gaso-
line's ability to resist undesired detona-
tion (knocking). The average of both
the ->MON (Motor Octane Number)
and RON (Research Octane Number) is
posted at the pump, also known as AN-
TI-KNOCK INDEX.
Shift lock
When the vehicle is parked, this lock
prevents the transmission selector le-
ver from being inadvertently moved out
of positionP without key turned and
brake pedal depressed.
Speedshift
Steering wheel gearshift control and
manual shift program. In the manual
shift program mode you can change
the gears yourself on the steering
wheel or by using the selector lever. SRS
(S
upplemental R
estraint S
ystem)
Seat belts, emergency tensioning de-
vice and airbags. Though independent
systems, they are closely interfaced to
provide effective occupant protection.
Tele Aid System
(T
elematic A
larm I
dentification on D
e-
mand)
The Tele Aid system consists of three
types of response: automatic and man-
ual emergency, roadside assistance
and information. Tele Aid is initially ac-
tivated by completing a subscriber
agreement and placing an acquain-
tance call.
The Tele Aid system is operational pro-
viding that the vehicle’s battery is
charged, properly connected, not dam-
aged and cellular and GPS coverage is
available.Telematics
A combination of the terms “telecom-
munications” and “informatics”.
Tightening torque
Force times lever arm (e.g. a lug
wrench) with which threaded fasteners
such as wheel bolts are tightened.
Tire speed rating
Part of tire designation; indicates the
speed range for which a tire is ap-
proved.
Traction
Force exerted by the vehicle on the
road via the tires.
VIN
(V
ehicle I
dentification N
umber)
The number set by the manufacturer
and placed on the body to uniquely
identify each vehicle produced.
Voice control system*
Voice control system for car phones,
portable cell phones and audio sys-
tems (radio, CD, etc.).

366 IndexMirrors
Activating exterior rear view mirror
parking position 152
Adjusting 38
Automatic antiglare for rear view
mirror 151
Exterior rear view mirror 38
Exterior rear view mirror parking
position 142
Exterior rear view mirror parking
positions 142
Inside rear view mirror 38
Storing exterior rear view mirror park-
ing position 107
MON (Motor Octane Number) 235, 350
Mph or km/h in speedometer 134
Multicontour seat* 99
Multifunction display 24, 117, 350
Selecting language 135
Standard display 121Multifunction display messages
ABC 271
ABS 272
BAS 273, 283
Brake fluid 275
Brake pads 275
Check engine 268
Coolant 278
Coolant level 277
Distronic* 280
Doors 280
Engine 268
Engine oil level 282
Entry position 294
Fuel reserve tank 284
Hood 284
Key 284
KEYLESS-GO* card 276
Lamps 287
Parking brake 288
Selector lever 280
Tele Aid 293
Telephone* 294
Tires 291
Trunk 294
Washer fluid 294Multifunction
steering wheel 24, 118, 350
Buttons 118
N
Navigation system
Operating 127
See separate COMAND* operating in-
structions
Night security illumination 110
O
Occupant safety 54
Airbags 55
Children and airbags 56
Children in the vehicle 63
Fastening the seat belt 40
Infant and child restraint systems 63
LATCH child seat mounts 68
Seat belts 40, 58
Odometer, main 23
Odometer, trip 23

369 Index
Rear passenger compartment
Adjustable air vents 168
Rear seat head restraints
Folding back with switch 92, 97
Placing upright 98
Rear seats
Head restraints 97
Rear view mirror automatic antiglare 151
Rear view mirrors see Mirrors
Rear window
Blocking operation 69
Rear window defroster 165
Activating 165
Deactivating 165
Rear window sunshade* 156
Reconnecting
Vehicle battery 315
Regular checks 236
Regular driving style 191
Reinstalling vehicle battery 314
Remote controls
Integrated 218
SmartKey 80
Remote door unlock
With Tele Aid 216
Remote Vehicle Diagnostics 350Removing
Vehicle battery 314
Wheel 311
Replacing
Backup lamp bulbs 305
Brake lamp bulbs 305
Bulbs 302
Front lamp bulbs 304
License plate lamp bulbs 306
Parking lamp bulbs 305
Rear fog lamp bulb 305
Rear fog lamp bulbs 305
Rear lamp bulbs 303, 305
Rear turn signal bulbs 305
Side marker lamp bulbs 305
Standing lamp bulbs 305
Wiper blades 307
Reporting
Safety defects 18
Reset button in the instrument
cluster 132Resetting
All functions (control system) 132
All functions of a submenu 132
Fuel consumption 129
Service indicator (FSS) 255
Stored speed in Distronic* 185
Trip odometer 115
Residual heat utilization 167, 350
Residual ventilation 167
REST (Residual engine heat
utilization) 350
Restraint system see Infant and child re-
straint systems 63, 67
Rims and Tires 331
Roadside Assistance
Tele Aid 213
Roadside assistance 12
Rolling code programming 219
RON (Research Octane
Number) 235, 351
Roof rack 197
Rotating wheels 251
Rubber parts
Cleaning 261