357 Practical hints
What to do if …
Problem
Possible cause/consequence
Suggested solution
D
The red coolant warning lamp
comes on when the engine is
running.
There is insufficient coolant in the reservoir.
If this warning lamp comes on frequently,
there is a leak in the cooling system.
If the coolant level is correct, the electric
radiator fan may be broken.
Immediately add coolant to prevent
engine from overheating
(page 297).
Have the cooling system checked.
If the coolant temperature is below
266°F (130°C), you can continue
driving to the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Avoid high engine loads (e.g. driving
uphill) and stop-and-go driving.
D
The red coolant warning lamp
comes on while driving and you
hear a warning sound.
The coolant temperature has exceeded
266°F (130°C).
Stop as soon as possible and allow
the engine and coolant to cool down.
l
The red distance warning lamp
comes on while driving.
You are too close to the vehicle in front of you
to maintain selected speed.
Apply the brakes immediately to in-
crease the following distance.
Warning!
G
Driving when your engine is badly overheat-
ed can cause some fluids which may have
leaked into the engine compartment to
catch fire. You could be seriously burned.
Steam from an overheated engine can cause
serious burns and can occur just by opening
the engine hood. Stay away from the engine
if you see or hear steam coming from it.
Turn off the engine, get out of the vehicle
and do not stand near the vehicle until the
engine has cooled down.
377 Practical hints
What to do if …
Display symbol
Display messages
Possible cause/consequence
Possible solution
(USA only);(Canada only)3
Brake fluid
Visit workshop
There is insufficient brake fluid in the
reservoir.
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.
Warning!
G
Driving with the messages “Brake fluid Visit
workshop” displayed can result in an acci-
dent. Have your brake system checked im-
mediately.
If there is a malfunction in the
electro-hydraulic brake system, we recom-
mend that the vehicle be transported with
all wheels off the ground using flatbed or ap-
propriate wheel lift/dolly equipment.
A tow bar must be used if circumstances do
not permit the use of the recommended
towing methods and the vehicle requires
towing with all four wheels on the ground.
Towing the vehicle with all four wheels on
the ground is only permissible for distances
up to 30 miles (50 km) and at a speed not to
exceed 30 mph (50 km/h). For more infor-
mation, refer to “Towing the vehicle”
(page 437).
If the electro-hydraulic brake system enters
its emergency operation mode, the driver
must apply significantly greater brake pedal
pressure and depress the pedal much fur-
ther than normal to obtain braking effect. If
necessary, apply full pressure to the brake
pedal. Brakes may only be applied to the
front wheels. Stopping distance is in-
creased!
Do not add brake fluid before checking the
brake system. Overfilling the brake fluid res-
ervoir can result in spilling brake fluid on hot
engine parts and the brake fluid catching
fire. You can be seriously 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.
462 Technical dataFuels, coolants, lubricants etc.
Model
Capacity
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.
Power steering
approx. 1.1 US qt (1.0 l)
MB Power Steering Fluid (Pentosin CHF 11S)
Front wheel hubs
approx. 3.0 oz (85 g) each
High temperature roller bearing grease
Brake system
1.1 US qt (1.05 l)
MB Brake Fluid (DOT 4+)
Cooling system
CLS 500
11.9 US qt (11.3 l)
MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/Antifreeze
CLS 55 AMG
13.84 US qt (13.1 l)
MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/Antifreeze
Fuel tank
21.12 US gal (80.0 l)
Premium unleaded gasoline
Minimum Posted Octane 91 (Avg. of 96
RON/86 MON)
including a reserve of
2.38 US gal (9.0 l)
464 Technical dataFuels, coolants, lubricants etc.Engine oils
Engine oils are specifically tested for their
suitability in our engines and durability for
our service intervals. Therefore, only use
approved engine oils and oil filters re-
quired for vehicles with Maintenance Sys-
tem (U.S. vehicles) or FSS PLUS (Canada
vehicles). For a listing of approved engine
oils and oil filters, refer to the Factory Ap-
proved Service Products pamphlet, or con-
tact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Engine oil additives
Do not blend oil additives with engine oil.
They may damage the engine.
Damage or malfunctions resulting from
blending oil additives are not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.Air conditioning refrigerant
R-134a (HFC) refrigerant and special PAG
lubricating oil are used in the air condition-
ing system.
Never use R-12 (CFC) or mineral-based lu-
bricating oil. Otherwise damage to the
system will occur.
Brake fluid
During vehicle operation, the boiling point
of the brake fluid is continuously reduced
through the absorption of moisture from
the atmosphere.
Only brake fluid approved by
Mercedes-Benz is recommended. Your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will pro-
vide you with additional information.
!Using engine oils and oil filters of spec-
ification other than those expressly re-
quired for the Maintenance System
(U.S. vehicles) or FSS PLUS (Canada
vehicles), or changing of oil and oil filter
at change intervals longer than those
called for by the Maintenance System
(U.S. vehicles) or FSS PLUS (Canada
vehicles) will result in engine damage
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
Please follow Maintenance System
(U.S. vehicles) or FSS PLUS (Canada
vehicles) recommendations for sched-
uled oil changes. Failure to do so could
result in engine damage not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Warning!
G
Under extremely strenuous operating condi-
tions, this moisture content can lead to the
formation of bubbles in the system, thus re-
ducing the system’s efficiency.
Therefore, the brake fluid must be replaced
regularly. Refer to your vehicle’s Mainte-
nance Booklet for replacement interval.
480 IndexAutomatic transmission 176
Accelerator position 180
Emergency operation
(Limp-Home Mode) 190
Gear ranges 181
Gear selector lever position 178
Gear shifting malfunctions 190
Kickdown 180
Kickdown, manual shift program
(CLS 55 AMG) 190
Manual shift program mode
(CLS 55 AMG) 188
Manual shifting 183
One-touch gearshifting 183
Program mode selector switch 182
Selector lever position 176
Starting the engine 49
Winter program mode 182B
BabySmart
TM
Airbag deactivation system 78
Compatible child seats 471
Self-test 79
BabySmart
TM air bag deactivation
system 471
Backrest
Seat, multicontour* 126
Seat, power 40
Backup lamps
Messages in display 387
Bar 332
BAS 86, 472
Batteries, SmartKey
Changing 408
Checking battery condition 102
Batteries, SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
Checking 109
Battery
Jump starting 435Battery, vehicle 431
Charging 433
Disconnecting 432
Messages in display 369, 373
Reconnecting 434
Removing 433
Bead 332
Bi-Xenon headlamps* 472
Block heater* (Canada only) 337
Brake assist system (BAS) 472
Brake fluid 291
Messages in display 377
Brake lamp
Messages in display 387
Brake pads
Message in display 374
Brakes
Warning lamp 354
Break-in period 278
Bulbs, replacing see Replacing bulbs
488 IndexM
Main Dimensions 459
Maintenance 12
Calling up the service indicator 340
Clearing service indicator 340
FSS PLUS (Canada vehicles) 339
Maintenance System
(U.S. vehicles) 339
Messages in display 392
Service indicator 339
Service term exceeded 340
Maintenance service
Resetting maintenance service
indicator 341
Maintenance service indicator
message 339
Maintenance System (U.S.
vehicles) 339, 475
Manual headlamp mode 135
Manual operations
Unlocking the driver’s door 402
Unlocking the trunk lid 403
Manual shift program (CLS 55 AMG)
Deactivating 190
Massage function 128
Maximum load rating 333Maximum loaded vehicle weight 333
Maximum tire inflation pressure 333
Mechanical key 402
Memory function 131, 475
Storing exterior rear view mirror
parking positions 133
Storing SmartKey dependent
settings 132
Memory function*
Recalling positions from
memory 132
Menus
AUDIO 153
Distronic* 155, 230
In control system 150, 151
Standard display 153
Submenus 149
TEL* 172
Trip computer 171
Vehicle status message memory 156
Messages
Displaying 156
Microphone, Hands-free 29
Mirrors
Adjusting 44
Auto-dimming 191Exterior rear view mirror 44
Exterior rear view mirror parking
positions 169, 192
Interior rear view mirror 44
Storing exterior mirror parking
position 133
MOExtended system* 321, 429
MOExtended tires*456
MON 291
MON (Motor Octane Number) 475
Multicontour seat* 126
Multifunction display 147, 475
Selecting language 160
Multifunction display messages
ABS 365
Airmatic DC 396, 397
Batteries 369
Battery 373
Brake fluid 377
Brake pads 374
Check engine 355
Coolant 378, 379, 380
Cruise control 365
Distronic* 366
Door 382
489 Index
Electro-hydraulic brake system 375,
376
Engine oil 382, 383
ESP
®
368
Fog lamps 387, 388, 389, 390
Hood 384
Light sensor 389
Maintenance service 392
Parking brake 375
Parking lamps 388
Power tilt/sliding sunroof 392
Reserve fuel 384
Seat belts 392
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* 385,
386
SRS 393
Taillamps 390
Tele Aid 393
Telephone* 396
Tires 370, 395
Trunk 396
Turn signals 391
Windshield washer fluid 396
Multifunction steering wheel 26, 148,
475
Button operation 148N
Navigation system
See separate COMAND operating
instructions 155
Night security illumination 136
Normal occupant weight 333
O
Occupant distribution 333
Occupant safety 64
Air bags 65
Children and air bags 66
Children in the vehicle 75
Fastening the seat belt 46
Infant and child restraint systems 76
LATCH-type child seat anchors 81
Seat belts 46, 68
Oil
Consumption 294
Viscosity 473
Oil see Engine oil
One-touch gearshifting 183
Opening
Fuel filler flap 290
Operating safety 16
Ornamental moldings, cleaning 345Outside temperature indicator 146
Overdue maintenance service 339
Overhead control panel 29
Overspeed range, engine 475
P
Paintwork, Cleaning 343
Panic alarm 83
Parking 58
Parking brake 51, 59
Message in display 375
Parking lamps 412
Replacing bulbs 415
Switching on 134
Parking position
Exterior rear view mirrors 133
Parktronic 242
Activating/deactivating 245
Minimum distance 243
Range 242
Warning indicators 244
Parktronic system (Parking assist)* see
Parktronic
496 IndexW
Warning lamps see Lamps, indicator and
warning
Warning sounds
Distance warning function* 235
Distronic* 229
Parking brake 52
Parktronic* 245
Seat belt telltale 70
Warranty coverage 445
Washing the vehicle 342
Wear pattern, Tires 335
Weights, Vehicle 460
Wheel
Change 423
Removing 425
Tightening torque 429
Wheels, Tires and 301
Window curtain air bags 70
Windows see Power windows
Windows, cleaning 347Windshield
Cleaning wiper blades 347
Defogging 206
Windshield washer fluid 300
Messages in display 396
Refilling 300
Wiping 55
Windshield wipers 54
Fast wiper speed 54
Intermittent wiping 54
Replacing wiper blades 417, 418
Wiping with windshield washer
fluid 55
Winter driving
Block heater* (Canada only) 337
Snow chains 337
Tires 336
Winter driving instructions 285
Winter tires 336
Wood trims, cleaning 350X
Xenon headlamps*
Bi-Xenon* 472