260 OperationDriving instructionsBrakesTo help prevent brake disk corrosion after
driving on wet road surfaces (particularly
salted roads), it is advisable to brake the
vehicle with considerable force prior to
parking. The heat generated serves to dry
the brakes.
If your brake system is normally only sub-
jected to moderate loads, you should occa-
sionally test the effectiveness of the
brakes by applying above-normal braking
pressure at higher speeds. This will also
enhance the grip of the brake pads.
Refer to the description of the Brake Assist
System (BAS) (
page 81).If the parking brake is released and the
brake warning lamp in the instrument clus-
ter stays on, the brake fluid level in the res-
ervoir is too low.
Brake pad wear or a leak in the system may
be the reason for low brake fluid in the res-
ervoir.
Have the brake system inspected immedi-
ately. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
All checks and service work on the brake
system should be carried out by qualified
technicians only. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Only install brake pads and brake fluid
recommended by Mercedes-Benz.
Warning!
G
After driving in heavy rain for some time
without applying the brakes or through wa-
ter deep enough to wet brake components,
the first braking action may be somewhat
reduced and increased pedal pressure may
be necessary to obtain expected braking ef-
fect. Maintain a safe distance from vehicles
in front.
Resting your foot on the brake pedal will
cause excessive and premature wear of the
brake pads.
It can also result in the brakes overheating,
thereby significantly reducing their effec-
tiveness. It may not be possible to stop the
vehicle in sufficient time to avoid an acci-
dent.
Warning!
G
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking ma-
neuvers.
261 Operation
Driving instructions
After hard braking, it is advisable to drive
on for some time, rather than immediately
park, so that the air stream can cool down
the brakes faster.High-performance brake system
(CL 65 AMG only)
The high-performance brake system is de-
signed to operate under the extremely high
operating demands required to accommo-
date the performance capabilities of the
vehicle. The brakes may produce a squeak-
ing-type noise depending on the
vehicle speed
brake force applied
ambient conditions, e.g. temperature
and humidity
As with any brake system, the wear of indi-
vidual brake system components such as
brake pads or disks strongly depends on
your driving style and the conditions under
which you operate the vehicle. Thus, a driv-
ing style calling for high demand braking
will cause your vehicle’s brakes to wear
more quickly.
Warning!
G
If other than recommended brake pads are
installed, or other than recommended brake
fluid is used, the braking properties of the
vehicle can be degraded to an extent that
safe braking is substantially impaired. This
could result in an accident.!When driving down long and steep
grades, relieve the load on the brakes
by shifting into a lower gear to use the
engine’s braking power. This helps pre-
vent overheating of the brakes and re-
duces brake pad wear.
Warning!
G
New vehicle brake pads and discs, and
replacement brake pads and discs may take
several hundred miles of driving until they
provide optimum braking efficiency. Until
that time, you may need to use increased
brake pedal pressure while braking. Please
be aware of this and adjust your driving and
braking accordingly during this break-in
period.
Excessive high demand braking will cause
correspondingly high brake wear. Please be
attentive to the brake warning lamp in the
instrument cluster and brake condition mes-
sages in the multifunction display. Especial-
ly for high performance driving, it is
important to maintain and have the brake
system checked regularly.
324 OperationVehicle careLight alloy wheels
If possible, clean wheels once a week.
Use Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel
Care, a soft bristle brush and a strong
spray of water for cleaning the light al-
loy wheels.
Plastic and rubber parts
Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or
mild detergent for delicate fabrics as a
washing solution.Instrument cluster and cup holders
Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or
mild detergent for delicate fabrics as a
washing solution.
Wipe with a cloth moistened in a luke-
warm solution.
Hard plastic trim items
Use Mercedes-Benz approved Interior
Care, a soft, lint-free cloth and apply
with light pressure.
Steering wheel and gear selector lever
Wipe with a damp cloth and dry thor-
oughly or clean with Mercedes-Benz
approved Leather Care.
!Only use acid-free cleaning materials.
Acid may cause corrosion or damage
the clear coat.!The vehicle should not be parked for an
extended period of time immediately
after it has been cleaned, especially not
after the wheel rims have been cleaned
with wheel rim cleaner. Wheel rim
cleaners can lead to increased corro-
sion of the brake disks and brake pads.
Therefore, the vehicle’s brake system
should always be warmed-up before it
is parked after cleaning. To do so,
please drive your vehicle for several
minutes to allow the brakes to dry.
When applying Mercedes-Benz ap-
proved Tire Care and Mercedes-Benz
approved Wheel Care products, take
care not to spray them on the brake
disks. !Do not use oil or wax on these parts.
!To prevent scratches, do not use scour-
ing agents.!To prevent scratches, do not use scour-
ing agents.
346 Practical hintsWhat to do if …?Display
Possible cause/consequence
Possible solution
2
BRAKE PAD WEAR
VISIT WORKSHOP
The brake pads have reached their wear
limit.
Have the brake pads replaced as soon as
possible.
;(USA only)3(Canada only)
BRAKE FLUID
VISIT WORKSHOP
There is insufficient brake fluid in the res-
ervoir.
Risk of accident! Stop the vehicle in a
safe location and notify an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. Do not add brake
fluid! This will not solve the problem.
Failure to follow these instructions increases
the risk of accident.
Warning!
G
Driving with the message
BRAKE FLUID
VISIT WORKSHOP
displayed can result in an
accident. Have your brake system checked
immediately. Do not add brake fluid before
checking the brake system. Overfilling the
brake fluid reservoir can result in spilling
brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire. You can be serious-
ly burned.
!If you find that the brake fluid in the
brake fluid reservoir has fallen to the
minimum mark or below, have the
brake system checked for brake pad
thickness and leaks.
!Brake pad thickness must be visually
checked by a qualified technician at the
intervals specified in the Maintenance
Booklet.
434 IndexAutomatic locking when driving 110
Automatic transmission 48, 165
Accelerator position 169
Driving tips 169
Emergency operation (Limp Home
Mode) 177
Gear ranges 170
Gear selector lever position 48, 165,
167
Gear shifting malfunctions 177
Kickdown 169
Kickdown, manual shift program
CL 55 AMG and CL 65 AMG 177
Manual (One-touch) gearshifting 172
Manual shift program CL 55 AMG and
CL 65 AMG 175
Shift program mode selector
switch 171
Starting the engine 48
Steering wheel gearshift control
CL 55 AMG and CL 65 AMG 173
Transmission fluid level 279
Warning sounds (vehicles with
KEYLESS-GO*) 59B
BabySmart
TM
Air bag deactivation system 74
Compatible child seats 427
Self-test 74
Backrest
Power seats 37
Power seats, Multicontour* 117
Backrest supports
Shoulder region (Multicontour
seats*) 117
Backup lamps
Replacing bulbs 379, 383
Bar 309
BAS 81, 427
Batteries, SmartKey
Checking battery condition 93
Replacing 376
Battery, SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
Checking battery condition 99
Replacing 377
Battery, Vehicle 281, 391
Charging 392
Disconnecting 392
Jump starting 394
Message in display 345Reconnecting 393
Reinstalling 392
Removing 392
Bead 309
Beverage holder see Cup holder
Bi-Xenon headlamps see Headlamps
Block heater (Canada only) 314
Brake Assist System see BAS
Brake fluid 420
Brake warning lamp 329
Checking 271
Message in display 346
Brake lamp
High mounted 379
Messages in display 354
Replacing bulbs 379
Brake pads
Message in display 346
Brakes 260
High-performance brake system
(CL 65 AMG only) 261
Warning lamp 329
Break-in the vehicle 258
Bulbs, replacing
Side marker lamps, front 382
Bulbs, replacing see Replacing bulbs
443 Index
M
Maintenance 12, 315
Calling up service indicator 316
Clearing service indicator 316
FSS (Canada vehicles) 315, 429
Maintenance System (U.S.
vehicles) 430
Maintenance System
(U.S. vehicles) 315
Resetting service indicator 317
Service indicator 315
Service term exceeded 316
Maintenance System (U.S. vehicles) 430
Manual headlamp mode see Headlamps
Manual shift program CL 55 AMG and
CL 65 AMG
Automatic transmission 175
Massage function (PULSE, Multicontour
seats*) 118
Maximum load rating, Tires 310
Maximum loaded vehicle weight 310
Maximum tire inflation pressure 310
Mechanical key 372Loss of 94, 100
Memory function 430
Menus see Control system menus
Messages in display see Multifunction dis-
play messages
Microphone, Hands-free 29
Mirrors
Adjusting 43
Antiglare positions 178
Auto-dimming mirrors 178
Exterior rear view mirror, Storing park-
ing position 124
Exterior rear view mirrors 43, 178
Interior rear view mirror 43, 178
Power folding exterior rear view
mirrors 180
Vanity mirror in sun visor 181, 230
MON 271, 419, 430
Motor Octane Number see MON
MP3-CD operation
Selecting tracks 144
Multicontour seats* 117Multifunction display 137, 430
Changing settings see Control system
menus and Control system sub-
menus
Selecting language 158
Standard display 141
Multifunction display messages
ABC 339
ABS 341
Air filter 341
Battery 345
Brake fluid 346
Brake lamps 354
Brake pads 346
Coolant 347
Cruise control 350
Distronic* 342
Door 350
Engine oil 275, 351
ESP
®
342
Fog lamps 355, 357
Fuel cap 360
Headlamps 355