2005 MERCEDES-BENZ CL500 tow

377 Practical hints
Replacing bulbs
High beam flasher bulb
Press ends of housing cover1 tab to-
gether and remove cover.

Press connector2 downward.

Remove connector2 with the bulb.

Insert the new bulb so that the base lo-
cates in the recess on the holder.

From below, press connector2 with
bulb upward onto the reflector.

Align housing cover1 and click into
place.
Front turn signal bulb

Turn bulb socket4 counterclockwise
and pull out.

Gently push bulb into bulb socket4,
turn counterclockwise and remove.

Insert new bulb in bulb socket4, push
in and twist clockwise.

Reinsert bulb socket4 in lamp and
twist clockwise.Parking and standing lamp bulb

Press ends of housing cover1 tab to-
gether and remove cover.

Pull out the bulb socket3 with the
bulb.

Pull the bulb out of the bulb socket3.

Insert a new bulb in the socket3.

Reinstall the bulb socket3.

Align housing cover1 and click into
place.
Side marker lamp bulb

Carefully slide lamp towards rear.

Remove front end first.

Twist bulb socket counterclockwise
and pull out.

Pull bulb out of the bulb socket.

Insert new bulb in socket.

Reinstall bulb socket, push in and twist
clockwise.

To reinstall lamp, set rear end in
bumper and let front end snap into
place.
Replacing bulbs for rear lamps
Before you start to replace a bulb for a
front lamp, do the following first:
Turn the exterior lamp switch to M
(page 52).

Open the trunk (
page 101).

389 Practical hints
Jump starting
Jump starting
If the battery is discharged, the engine can
be started with jumper cables and the bat-
tery of another vehicle. Observe the follow-
ing:

Jump starting should only be performed
when the engine and catalytic convert-
er are cold.


Do not start the engine if the battery is
frozen. Let the battery thaw out first.


Only use 12 volt battery to jump start
your vehicle. Jump starting with a more
powerful battery could damage the ve-
hicle’s electrical system, which will not
be covered by the Mercedes-Benz Lim-
ited Warranty.


Only use jumper cables with sufficient
cross-section and insulated terminal
clamps.


Always make sure that the jumper ca-
bles are not on or near pulleys, fans or
other parts that move when an engine
is started or running.
Warning!
G
Failure to follow these directions will cause
damage to the electronic components, and
can lead to a battery explosion and severe
injury or death.
Never lean over batteries while connecting
or jump starting, you might get injured.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not
allow this fluid to come in contact with eyes,
skin or clothing. In case it does, immediately
flush affected area with water, and seek
medical help if necessary.
A battery will also produce hydrogen gas,
which is flammable and very explosive. Keep
flames or sparks away from battery, avoid
improper connection of jumper cables,
smoking, etc.
Attempting to jump start a frozen battery
can result in it exploding, causing personal
injury.
Read all instructions before proceeding.
!Avoid repeated and lengthy starting at-
tempts.
Do not attempt to start the engine us-
ing a battery quick charge unit.
If engine does not run after several un-
successful starting attempts, have it
checked at the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Excessive unburned fuel generated by
repeated failed starting attempts may
damage the catalytic converter and
may present a fire risk.
Make sure the jumper cables do not
have loose or missing insulation.
Make sure the cable clamps do not
touch any other metal part while the
other end is still attached to a battery.!Do not tow-start the vehicle.

391 Practical hints
Towing the vehicle
Towing the vehicle
Mercedes-Benz recommends that the vehi-
cle be transported with all wheels off the
ground using flatbed or appropriate wheel
lift/dolly equipment. This method is pref-
erable to other types of towing.When circumstances do not permit the
recommended towing methods, the vehi-
cle may be towed with all wheels on the
ground or front wheels raised only so far as
necessary to have the vehicle moved to a
safe location where the recommended
towing methods can be employed.
!Use flatbed or wheel lift/dolly equip-
ment with SmartKey in starter switch
turned to position0.
Do not tow with sling-type equipment.
Towing with sling-type equipment over
bumpy roads will damage radiator and
supports.
To prevent damage during transport,
do not tie down vehicle by its chassis or
suspension parts.
Switch off the tow-away alarm
(page 87) and the automatic central
locking (
page 162).
Do not tow-start the vehicle.
!If the vehicle is towed with the front
axle raised, the engine must be shut off
(SmartKey in starter switch position0
or1). Otherwise, the ESP will immedi-
ately be engaged and will apply the rear
wheel brakes.
When towing the vehicle with all wheels
on the ground, the selector lever must
be in positionN and the SmartKey
must be in starter switch position2.
When towing the vehicle with all wheels
on the ground or the front axle raised,
the vehicle may be towed only for dis-
tances up to 30 miles (50 km) and at a
speed not to exceed 30 mph
(50 km/h).

392 Practical hintsTowing the vehicle
!
To be certain to avoid a possibility of
damage to the drive train, however, we
recommend the drive shaft be discon-
nected at the rear axle drive flange for
any towing beyond a short tow to a
nearby garage. Warning!
G
If circumstances require towing the vehicle
with all wheels on the ground, always tow
with a tow bar if:

the engine will not run


there is a malfunction in the power sup-
ply or in the vehicle’s electrical system
as that will be necessary to adequately con-
trol the towed vehicle.
Prior to towing the vehicle with all wheels on
the ground, make certain that the SmartKey
is in starter switch position2.
If the SmartKey is left in starter switch posi-
tion 0 for an extended period of time, it can
no longer be turned in the switch. In this
case, the steering is locked. To unlock, re-
move SmartKey from starter switch and re-
insert.Warning!
G
With the engine not running, there is no
power assistance for the brake and steering
systems. In this case, it is important to keep
in mind that a considerably higher degree of
effort is necessary to brake and steer the ve-
hicle. Adapt your driving accordingly.iThe gear selector lever will remain
locked in positionP and the SmartKey
will not turn in the starter switch if the
battery is disconnected or discharged.
See information on the battery
(page 386) or on jump starting
(page 389).
iTo signal turns while being towed with
the hazard warning flasher in use, turn
SmartKey in starter switch to
position2 and activate the combina-
tion switch for the left or right turn sig-
nal in the usual manner – only the
selected turn signal will operate.
Upon canceling the turn signal, the haz-
ard warning flasher will operate again.

393 Practical hints
Towing the vehicle
Installing towing eye bolt
1Cover on right side of front bumper
2Cover on right side of rear bumperRemoving cover

Press mark on cover in direction of ar-
row.

L i f t c o v e r o f f t o r e v e a l t h r e a d e d h o l e f o r
towing eye bolt.
Installing towing eye bolt

Take towing eye bolt and wheel wrench
out of trunk (
page 365).

Screw towing eye bolt clockwise into
its stop and tighten with wheel wrench.
Removing towing eye bolt

Loosen towing eye bolt counterclock-
wise with wheel wrench.

Unscrew towing eye bolt.

Store towing eye bolt and wheel
wrench in trunk.
Installing cover

Fit cover and snap into place.
!When towing the vehicle with all wheels
on the ground, please note the follow-
ing:
With the automatic central locking acti-
vated and the SmartKey in starter
switch position2, or KEYLESS-GO*
start/stop button (
page 35) in
position2, the vehicle doors lock if the
left front wheel as well as the right rear
wheel are turning at vehicle speeds of
approx. 9 mph (15 km/h) or more.
Switch off the tow-away alarm
(
page 87).
To prevent the vehicle door locks from
locking, deactivate the automatic cen-
tral locking (
page 162).
Towing of the vehicle should only be
done using the properly installed tow-
ing eye bolt. Never attach tow cable,
tow rope or tow rod to the vehicle chas-
sis, frame or suspension parts.

425 Index
A
ABC 220, 419
Messages in display 337
Setting vehicle level 221
ABS 25, 80, 419
Malfunction indicator lamp 326
Messages in display 338
Warning lamp 326
Accelerator position, automatic
transmission 172
Accessory weight 309
Accident
In case of 56
Activating
Air conditioner (cooling) 194
Air recirculation mode 190
Anti-theft alarm system 86
Central locking (control system) 161
Charcoal filter 192
Distance warning function* 217
Distronic* 213Easy-entry/exit feature 163
ESP 84
Exterior lamps 126
Exterior rear view mirror parking
position 179
Front and rear fog lamp 126, 128
Hazard warning flasher 130
Headlamps 52
High beams 129
Ignition 34
Ignition with KEYLESS-GO* start/stop
button 36
Immobilizer 59, 85
Limiting opening height of trunk
lid 162
Manual shift program CL 55 AMG and
CL 65 AMG 175
Rear window defroster 193
Residual heat 194
Seat heater 119, 120
Seat ventilation* 121
Tow-away alarm 87
Windshield wipers 54Adding
Coolant 280
Engine oil 278
Additional turn signals 374
Adjustable air vents, rear passenger
compartment 196
Adjusting 37
Air distribution 188
Air volume 189
Backrest tilt 38
Exterior rear view mirror 43
Folding forward front seat
backrests 40
Head restraint height 39
Head restraint tilt 39
Instrument cluster illumination 133
Interior rear view mirror 43
Lumbar support 117
Mirrors 43
Multicontour backrest* 117
Seat cushion depth 38, 117
Seat cushion tilt 38
Seat fore and aft adjustment 38

426 Index
Seat height 38
Seat in the lumbar region 118
Seat in the shoulder region 117
Seats 37
Steering column height 42
Steering column in or out 42
Steering column up or down 42
Steering wheel 42
Air bags 63
Air conditioner (cooling)
Turning off 194
Air pressure 309
Air pressure see Tire inflation pressure
Air recirculation mode 190
Activating 190
Deactivating 191
Air vents, rear passenger compartment
Adjustable 196
Air volume
Adjusting 189Air bag off indicator lamp 334
Air bags
BabySmartTM air bag deactivation
system 419
BabySmartTM deactivation
system 74
Children 64
Front 67
Passenger 67
Safety guidelines 66
Side impact 67
Window curtain 68
Alarm
Audible 79, 87
Canceling 87
Visual 85
Alarm system
Anti-theft 85
Anti-theft alarm system indicator
lamp 27
Alignment bolt (vehicle tool kit) 365,
384, 419
Antiglare
Automatic 178Antilock Brake System (ABS) 419
Antilock Brake System see ABS 25
Anti-theft alarm system
Activating 86
Canceling alarm 87
Deactivating 86
Anti-theft systems 85
Anti-theft alarm system 85
Anti-theft alarm system indicator
lamp 27
Immobilizer 85
Tow-away alarm 87
Armrest
Storage compartment in front of 233,
234
Storage compartment in front of
armrest 233
Ashtray 238
Aspect ratio 309
At the gas station 270
ATF (automatic transmission fluid) 279

431 Index
Courtesy lighting 132
Cruise control 205, 420
Canceling 206
Driving downhill 206
Driving uphill 206
Fine adjustment 207
Lever 212
Setting current speed 206
Setting to last stored speed ("Resume"
function) 207
Cruise control lever 205
Cup holder
Cleaning 322
Closing 237
In front seat armrest 235
In rear seat armrest 237
Opening 237
Curb weight 309
Customer Assistance Center (CAC) 419D
Daytime running lamp mode 127
Setting 158
Deactivating
Air conditioner (cooling) 194
Air recirculation mode 191
Alarm 86
Anti-theft alarm system 86
Automatic climate control 193
Central locking (control system) 161
Defrost 190
Distance warning function* 217
Distronic* 215
Engine with KEYLESS-GO* 59
Engine with the key 59
ESP 83
Exterior lamps 126
Hazard warning flasher 130
Headlamps 59
Immobilizer 85Interior illumination delayed
switch-off 160
Limiting opening height of trunk
lid 162
Manual shift program CL 55 AMG and
CL 65 AMG 177
Rear window defroster 193
Residual heat 195
Seat heater 119, 120
Seat ventilation* 121
Tow-away alarm 87
Deceleration
With Distronic* 211
Deep water see Standing water 266
Defrosting 190
Delayed switch-off
Interior illumination 160
Department of Transportation see DOT
Dialing
A number (telephone) 147
Difficulties
While driving see Problems while
driving 56
Digital clock 25