414 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 fuel:
The octane number (posted at the
pu mp ) m us t be 91 m in. It i s a n a ver age
of both the Research (R) octane num-
ber and the Motor (M) octane 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 must not exceed 15%.
The ratio of Methanol to gasoline must not
exceed 3% plus additional cosolvents.
Using mixtures of Ethanol and Methanol is
not allowed. Gasohol, which contains
10% Ethanol and 90% unleaded gasoline,
can be used.
These blends must also meet all other fuel
requirements, such as resistance to spark
knock, boiling range, vapor pressure, etc.
!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.
415 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Gasoline additives
A major concern among engine manufac-
turers is carbon build-up caused by gaso-
line. Mercedes-Benz recommends only the
use of quality gasoline containing additives
that prevent the build-up of carbon depos-
its.
After an extended period of using fuels
without such additives, carbon deposits
can build up especially on the intake valves
and in the combustion area, leading to en-
gine performance problems such as:
Warm-up hesitation
Unstable idle
Knocking/pinging
Misfire
Power lossIn areas where carbon deposits may be en-
countered due to lack of availability of gas-
olines which contain these additives,
Mercedes-Benz recommends the use of
additives approved by us for use on Mer-
cedes-Benz vehicles. Refer to Factory Ap-
proved Service Products Pamphlet for a
listing of approved product(s). Follow di-
rections on product label.
Do not blend any specific fuel additives
with fuel. This only results in unnecessary
cost and may be harmful to the engine op-
eration.
Damage or malfunction resulting from
poor fuel quality or from blending addition-
al fuel additives other than those tested
and approved by us for use on Mer-
cedes-Benz vehicles listed in the Factory
Approved Service Products Pamphlet are
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Coolants
The engine coolant is a mixture of water
and anticorrosion/antifreeze, which pro-
vides:
Corrosion protection
Freeze protection
Boiling protection (by increasing the
boiling point)
The cooling system was filled at the factory
with a coolant providing freeze protection
to approximately –22°F (–30°C) and cor-
rosion protection.
If the antifreeze mixture is effective to
–22°F (–30°C), the boiling point of the
coolant in the pressurized cooling system
is reached at approximately 266°F
(130°C).
The coolant solution must be used
year-round to provide the necessary corro-
sion protection and increase boil-over pro-
tection. Refer to Maintenance Booklet for
replacement interval.
416 Technical dataFuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.Coolant system design and coolant used
determine the replacement interval. The
replacement interval published in the
Maintenance Booklet is only applicable if
MB 325.0 anticorrosion/antifreeze solu-
tion or other Mercedes-Benz approved
products of equal specification (see
Factory Approved Service Products pam-
phlet) are used to renew the coolant con-
centration or bring it back up to the proper
level.
To provide important corrosion protection,
the solution must be at least 45% anticor-
rosion/antifreeze [equivalent to freeze
protection to approx. –22°F (–30°C)]. If
you use a solution that is more than 55%
anticorrosion/antifreeze [freeze protec-
tion to approx. –49°F (–45°C)], the engine
temperature will increase due to the lower
heat transfer capability of the solution.
Therefore, do not use more than this
amount of anticorrosion/antifreeze.If the coolant level is low, water and
MB 325.0 anticorrosion/antifreeze should
be used to bring it up to the proper level
(have cooling system checked for signs of
leakage). Please make sure the mixture is
in accordance with label instructions.
The water in the cooling system must meet
minimum requirements, which are usually
satisfied by normal drinking water. If you
are not sure about the water quality, con-
sult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.Anticorrosion/antifreeze
Your vehicle contains a number of alumi-
num parts. The use of aluminum compo-
nents in motor vehicle engines
necessitates that anticorrosion/antifreeze
coolant used in such engines be specifical-
ly formulated to protect the aluminum
parts. (Failure to use such anticorrosion/
antifreeze coolant will result in a signifi-
cantly shortened service life.)
Therefore, the following product is strongly
recommended for use in your vehicle:
Mercedes-Benz 325.0 Anticorrosion/Anti-
freeze Agent.
Before the start of the winter season (or
once a year in hot southern regions), you
should have the anticorrosion/antifreeze
concentration checked. The coolant is also
regularly checked each time you bring your
vehicle to an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center for service.
417 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Anticorrosion/antifreeze quantityModel
Approx. freeze protection
– 35°F (– 37°C)
– 49°F (– 45°C)
CL 500
6.1 US qt (5.75 l)
6.7 US qt (6.3 l)
CL 600 (main cooling system)
7.9 US qt (7.5 l)
8.7 US qt (8.25 l)
CL 600 (low temperature cooling system)
1.2 US qt (1.1 l)
1.3 US qt (1.2 l)
CL 55 AMG
8.38 US qt (7.93 l)
9.21 US qt (8.72 l)
CL 65 AMG (main cooling system)
8.08 US qt (7.65 l)
8.9 US qt (8.42 l)
CL 65 AMG (low temperature cooling system)
1.53 US qt (1.45 l)
1.7 US qt (1.6 l)
418 Technical dataFuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.Windshield and headlamp washer system
Both the windshield and headlamp washer
systems are supplied from the windshield
washer fluid reservoir.
The windshield and headlamp washer fluid
reservoir has a capacity of approx.
7.1 US qt (6.7 l).
Refill the reservoir with MB Windshield
Washer Concentrate and water (or con-
centrate and commercially available
premixed windshield washer solvent/
antifreeze, depending on ambient tem-
peratures).Windshield and headlamp washer fluid
mixing ratio
For temperatures above freezing point, use
MB Windshield Washer Concentrate “S”
and water:
1 part “S” to 100 parts water
[40 ml “S” to 1 gallon (4 liters) water].
For temperatures below freezing point, use
MB Windshield Washer Concentrate “S”
and commercially available premixed
windshield washer solvent/antifreeze:
1 part “S” to 100 parts solvent
[40 ml “S” to 1 gallon (4 liters) solvent].
Warning
G
Washer solvent/antifreeze is highly flamma-
ble. Do not spill washer solvent/antifreeze
on hot engine parts, because it may ignite
and burn. You could be seriously burned.
423 Technical terms
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/axles
Program mode selector switch
Used to switch the automatic transmis-
sion between standard operationS and
comfort operationC.
CL 55 AMG and CL 65 AMG with steer-
ing wheel gearshift control and manual
shift program: in addition toS andC
(see above), you can useM for manual
operationREST
(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, air bags
and child restraint systems. As inde-
pendent systems, their protective func-
tions complement one another.
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 the SmartKey
turned and the brake pedal depressed.
SRS
(S
upplemental R
estraint S
ystem)
Seat belts, emergency tensioning de-
vice and air bags. Though independent
systems, they are closely interfaced to
provide effective occupant protection.
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
429 Index
Central locking
Automatic 110
From inside 111
Switch 111
Switching on/off (control
system) 161
Unlocking from inside 111
Central locking switch 111
Change of address or ownership 12
Changing
Key setting 162
Vehicle level 222
Changing CDs 144
Charcoal filter 192
Activating 192
Deactivating 192
Charging
Vehicle battery 387
CHECK ENGINE malfunction indicator
lamp 328, 329Checking
Coolant level 279
Oil level 272, 274
Oil level via control system 275
Tire inflate pressure 272
Vehicle lighting 272
Checking the batteries
SmartKey 93
Child safety 72
Air bags 64
Infant and child restraint systems 68,
72
LATCH child seat mounts 77
Child safety switch see Blocking of rear
window operation 78
Cigarette lighter 239Cleaning
Cup holder 322
Distronic* system sensor cover 320
Gear selector lever 322
Hard plastic trim items 322
Headlamps 178
Headliner and shelf below rear
window 322
Instrument cluster 322
Leather upholstery 323
Light alloy wheels 322
Nubuck leather upholstery 323
Parktronic* system sensor 320
Plastic and rubber parts 323
Seat belts 322
Steering wheel 322
Upholstery 323
Windows 321
Windshield 55
Wiper blades 320
Wood trims 323
Cleaning tires 285