Page 256 of 498

255 Controls in detail
Useful features
Cup holders Cup holder in the center console
Extending the cup holder
Briefly press mark on cup holder.
The cup holder automatically extends
upward.
Retracting the cup holder
Press mark on cup holder and push cup
holder in until it engages.
Warning!
G
In order to help prevent spilling liquids on
vehicle occupants and/or vehicle equip-
ment, only use containers that fit into the
cup holder. Use lids on open containers and
do not fill containers to a height where the
contents, especially hot liquids, could spill
during braking, vehicle maneuvers, or in an
accident. Liquids spilled on vehicle occu-
pants may cause serious injury. Liquids
spilled on vehicle equipment may cause
damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
The cup holder must be extended when in
use with bottles.
When not in use, keep the cup holder
closed. An open cup holder may cause injury
to you or others when contacted during
braking, vehicle maneuvers, or in an acci-
dent.
Keep in mind that objects placed in the cup
holder may come loose during braking, vehi-
cle maneuvers, or in an accident and be
thrown around in the vehicle interior.
Objects thrown around in the vehicle interi-
or may cause an accident and/or serious
personal injury.
Page 294 of 498
293 Operation
Engine compartment
Engine compartment
Hood
Opening
1Hood release
Pull lever1 downwards.
The hood is unlocked.
1Lever for opening the hood
Push lever1 on the hood upwards.
Pull up on the hood and then release it.
The hood will be automatically held
open at shoulder height by gas-filled
struts.
Warning!
G
Do not pull the release lever while the vehi-
cle is in motion. Otherwise the hood could
be forced open by passing air flow.
!To avoid damage to the windshield wip-
ers or hood, never open the hood if the
wiper arms are folded forward away
from the windshield.
Warning!
G
To help prevent personal injury, stay clear of
moving parts when the hood is open and the
engine is running. Make sure the hood is
properly closed before driving. When closing
the hood, use extreme caution not to catch
hands or fingers.
The radiator fan may continue to run for
approximately 30 seconds or even restart
after the engine has been turned off. Stay
clear of fan blades.
Page 295 of 498

294 OperationEngine compartment
Closing
Let the hood drop from a height of
approximately 1 ft (30 cm).
The hood will lock audibly.
Check to make sure the hood is fully
closed.
If you can raise the hood at a point
above the headlamps, then it is not
properly closed. Open it again and let it
drop with somewhat greater force.
Engine oil
The amount of oil your engine needs will
depend on a number of factors, including
driving style. Higher oil consumption can
occur when
the vehicle is new
the vehicle is driven frequently at
higher engine speeds
Engine oil consumption checks should only
be made after the vehicle break-in period.
Warning!
G
If you see flames or smoke coming from the
engine compartment, or if the coolant tem-
perature gauge indicates that the engine is
overheated, do not open the hood. Move
away from vehicle and do not open the hood
until the engine has cooled. If necessary,
call the fire department.Warning!
G
The engine is equipped with a transistorized
ignition system. Because of the high voltage
it is dangerous to touch any components (ig-
nition coils, spark plug sockets, diagnostic
socket) of the ignition system
with the engine running
while starting the engine
if ignition is “on” and the engine is
turned manually
Warning!
G
Be careful that you do not close the hood on
anyone.
iDo not use any special lubricant addi-
tives, as these may damage the drive
assemblies. Using special additives not
approved by Mercedes-Benz may
cause damage not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
More information on this subject is
available at any Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Page 324 of 498

323 Operation
Tires and wheels
General:
Depending on the design standards used,
the tire size molded into the sidewall may
have no letter or a letter preceding the tire
size designation.
No letter preceding the size designation
(as illustrated above): Passenger car tire
based on European design standards.
Letter “P” preceding the size designation:
Passenger car tire based on U.S. design
standards.
Letter “LT” preceding the size designation:
Light Truck tire based on U.S. design
standards.
Letter “T” preceding the size designation:
Temporary spare tires which are high
pressure compact spares designed for
temporary emergency use only.Tire width
The tire width1 (
page 322) indicates
the nominal tire width in mm.
Aspect ratio
The aspect ratio2 (page 322) is the
dimensional relationship between tire
section height and section width and is
expressed in percentage. The aspect ratio
is arrived at by dividing section height by
section width.Tire code
The tire code3 (
page 322) indicates
the tire construction type. The “R” stands
for radial tire type. Letter “D” means diag-
onal or bias ply construction; letter “B”
means belted-bias ply construction.
At the tire manufacturer’s option, any tire
with a speed capability above 149 mph
(240 km/h) can include a “ZR” in the size
designation (for example: 245/40 ZR 18).
For additional information, see “Tire speed
rating” (
page 324).
Rim diameter
The rim diameter4 (
page 322) is the
diameter of the bead seat, not the
diameter of the rim edge. Rim diameter is
indicated in inches (in).
Page 333 of 498

332 OperationTires and wheelsTire and loading terminology
Accessory weight
The combined weight (in excess of those
standard items which may be replaced) of
automatic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power
seats, radio, and heater, to the extent that
these items are available as
factory-installed equipment (whether
installed or not).
Air pressure
The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire.
Air pressure is expressed in pounds per
square inch (psi), or kilopascal (kPa) or
bars.
Aspect ratio
Dimensional relationship between tire
section height and section width
expressed in percentage.Bar
Another metric unit for air pressure. There
are 14.5038 pounds per square inch (psi)
to 1 bar; there are 100 kilopascals (kPa)
to 1 bar.
Bead
The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped
by steel cords that hold the tire onto the
rim.
Cold tire inflation pressure
Tire inflation pressure when your vehicle
has been sitting for at least 3 hours or driv-
en no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
Curb weight
The weight of a motor vehicle with stan-
dard equipment including the maximum
capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant, and, if so
equipped, air conditioning and additional
optional equipment, but without passen-
gers and cargo.DOT (D
epartment o
f T
ransportation)
A tire branding symbol which denotes the
tire meets requirements of the
U.S. Department of Transportation.
GAWR (G
ross A
xle W
eight R
ating)
The GAWR is the maximum permissible
axle weight. The gross vehicle weight on
each axle must never exceed the GAWR for
the front and rear axle indicated on the
certification label located on the driver’s
door B-pillar.
GVW (G
ross V
ehicle W
eight)
The GVW comprises the weight of the
vehicle including fuel, tools, spare wheel,
installed accessories, passengers and
cargo and, if applicable, trailer tongue
load. The GWV must never exceed the
GWVR indicated on the certification label
located on the driver’s door B-pillar.
Page 397 of 498
396 Practical hintsWhat to do if …Display symbol
Display messages
Possible cause/consequence
Possible solution
t
Function
unavailable
This display appears if button t or
s on the multifunction steering wheel
is pressed and the vehicle is not equipped
with a telephone.
Ê
Trunk open
This message will appear whenever the
trunk is open.
Close the trunk.
W
Washer fluid,
please refill
The fluid level has dropped to about
1/3
of total reservoir capacity.
Add washer fluid (
page 300).
@
Vehicle rising
Your vehicle is adjusting to your level se-
lection.
Vehicle rising
Please wait briefly
The vehicle level is too low.
Do not drive off.
The Airmatic has not yet adjusted the
vehicle level to the necessary height
required for driving.
Wait until the message disappears
from the multifunction display.
You may then drive off.
Page 404 of 498

403 Practical hints
Unlocking/locking in an emergency
Unlocking the trunk
A minimum height clearance of 5.90 ft
(1.80 m) is required to open the trunk lid.
If you are unable to unlock the trunk with
the SmartKey or KEYLESS-GO*, open the
trunk with the mechanical key.
The handle is located above the rear
license plate recess.
1Locking
2Unlocking
Insert the mechanical key into the
trunk lid lock.
Turn the mechanical key counterclock-
wise to position2 and hold it in this
position.
Pull trunk handle and lift the trunk lid.
Turn the mechanical key clockwise to
position1 and remove it.
Locking the vehicle
If you cannot lock the vehicle with the
SmartKey or the SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO*, do the following:
Close the passenger doors and the
trunk.
Press the central locking switch in the
cockpit (
page 123).
Check to see whether the locking
knobs on the passenger doors have
moved down.
If necessary push them down manually.
Remove the mechanical key2 out of
the SmartKey (
page 402).
Check whether the trunk is locked.
If necessary, lock the trunk with the
mechanical key (
page 121).
Except for the driver's door, the vehicle
should now be locked.
!Always make sure there is sufficient
overhead clearance.
Page 460 of 498
459 Technical data
Main dimensions
Main dimensions
Model
CLS 500
CLS 55 AMG
Overall vehicle length
190.3 in (4913 mm)
193.5 in (4915 mm)
Overall vehicle width (exterior rear
view mirrors folded out)
81.1 in (2059 )
81.1 in (2059 mm)
Overall vehicle heightOverall vehicle height (Airmatic DC)
54.5 in (1390 mm)
54.5 in (1389 mm)
Wheelbase
112.4 in (2854 mm)
112.4 in (2854 mm)
Track, front
62.5 in (1587 mm)
63 in (1599 mm)
Track, rear
63 in (1600 mm)
62.3 in (1583 mm)