2008 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS63AMG power steering

251 Controls in detail
Useful features
Power outlet in trunk
1Power outlet
Heated steering wheel (Canada only)
The steering wheel heating warms up the
leather area of the steering wheel.
The stalk is on the lower left-hand side of
the steering wheel.
1Switching on
2Switching off
3Indicator lampSwitching on
Switch on the ignition (page 38).
Turn switch at the tip of stalk in direc-
tion of arrow1.
The steering wheel is heated. Indicator
lamp3 comes on.
iThe power outlet can be used to accommo-
date 12-V DC electrical accessories (e.g. air
pump, auxiliary lamps) up to a maximum 180 W.
iThe steering wheel heating is temporarily
suspended while indicator lamp3 remains on
when

the temperature of the vehicle interior is
above 86°F (30°C)

the temperature of the steering wheel is
above 95°F (35°C)
When these conditions do not apply anymore,
steering wheel heating continues.

252 Controls in detail
Useful features
Switching off
Turn switch at the tip of stalk in direc-
tion of arrow2.
The heated steering wheel is switched
off. Indicator lamp3 goes out.
For information on steering wheel, see
“Multifunction steering wheel”
(
page 140).
Floormats
1Retainer pins
2Eyelets
Removing
Pull floormats off of retainer pins1.
Remove the floormats.
Installing
Lay down the floormat.
Press the floormat eyelets2 onto re-
tainer pins1.
iIndicator lamp3 flashes or goes out

in case of power surge or undervoltage

in case of a steering wheel heating malfunc-
tion
iThe steering wheel heating switches off au-
tomatically when you remove the SmartKey from
the starter switch or, on vehicles with
KEYLESS-GO*, when you switch off the ignition
(
page 61) and open the driver’s door.
Warning!G
Whenever you are using floormats, make
sure there is enough clearance and that the
floormats are securely fastened.
Floormats should always be securely fas-
tened using eyelets2 and retainer pins1.
Before driving off, check that the floormats
are securely in place and adjust them if nec-
essary. A loose floormat could slip and
hinder proper functioning of the pedals.
Do not place several floormats on top of
each other as this may impair pedal
movement.
iTo install or remove the floormat more easi-
ly, move the driver’s seat or front passenger seat
as far to the rear as possible (
page 42).

272 Operation
Driving instructions
Power assistanceBrakes
To 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.
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
vehicle.
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.
!Because the ESP® operates automatically,
the engine and ignition must be shut off
(SmartKey in starter switch position0 or1 or
KEYLESS-GO* start/stop button in position0
or1) when testing the brakes on a brake test dy-
namometer and such testing should be no longer
than 10 seconds.
Active braking action through ESP
® may other-
wise seriously damage the brake system which is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited War-
ranty.

323 Operation
Tires and wheels
Tire ply material
1Plies in sidewall
2Plies under tread
This marking tells you about the type of
cord and number of plies in the sidewall
and under the tread.Tire 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.
Warning!G
The temperature grade for this tire is estab-
lished for a tire that is properly inflated and
not overloaded. Excessive speed, underin-
flation, or excessive loading, either sepa-
rately or in combination, can cause
excessive heat build-up and possible tire
failure.
iFor illustration purposes only. Actual data
on tires are specific to each vehicle and may vary
from data shown in above illustration.

360 Practical hints
What to do if …
Text messages
Display messagePossible cause/consequencePossible solution
ABSABS, ESP
Inoperative
See Operator’s Man.The ABS, ESP® as well as PRE-SAFE® have
switched off due to a malfunction.
BAS is also switched off.
The brake system is still functioning nor-
mally but without the ABS, BAS, ESP
® and
PRE-SAFE® available.
Continue driving with added caution. Wheels
w i l l l o c k d u r i n g h a r d b raking, reducing steering
capability.
Have the system checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the
risk of an accident.
ABSABS, ESP
Unavailable
See Operator’s Man.The ABS, ESP® as well as PRE-SAFE® were
deactivated because of insufficient power
supply. The charging voltage has fallen be-
low 10 volts.
BAS is also switched off.
The brake system still functions normally
but without ABS, BAS, ESP
® and
PRE-SAFE® available.
When the voltage is above this value again, the
ABS, ESP® and PRE-SAFE® are operational again
and the message should disappear.
If the message does not disappear:
Have the system checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.

425 Practical hints
Towing the vehicle
Towing the vehicle
Mercedes-Benz recommends that the
vehicle be transported with all wheels off
the ground using flatbed or appropriate
wheel lift/dolly equipment. This method is
preferable to other types of towing.
When circumstances do not permit the
recommended towing methods, the
vehicle 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.
!Do not tow-start the vehicle.
!Use flatbed or wheel lift/dolly equipment
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 automatic central (
page 163)
locking.
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 brake sys-
tem

there is a malfunction in the power sup-
ply or in the vehicle’s electrical system
This is necessary to adequately control 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 the starter switch
position0 for an extended period of time, it
can no longer be turned in the switch. In this
case, the steering is locked. To unlock,
remove SmartKey from starter switch and
reinsert.
Warning!G
With the engine not running, there is no
power assistance for the steering system. In
this case, it is important to keep in mind that
a considerably higher degree of effort is nec-
essary to steer the vehicle. Adapt your driv-
ing accordingly.
!If the vehicle is towed with the front axle
raised, the gear selector lever must be in
positionN and the engine must be shut off
(SmartKey in starter switch position0 or1).
Active braking action through the ESP
® may
otherwise seriously damage the brake system.
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 distances up to 30 miles
(50 km) and at a speed not to exceed 30 mph
(50 km/h).

436 Technical data
Layout of poly-V-belt drive
CLS 550
1Idler pulley
2Idler pulley
3Automatic belt tensioner
4Power steering pump
5Air conditioning compressor
6Crankshaft
7Coolant pump
8Generator (alternator)CLS 63 AMG
1Idler pulley
2Idler pulley
3Idler pulley
4Automatic belt tensioner
5Power steering pump
6Air conditioning compressor
7Crankshaft
8Coolant pump
9Generator (alternator)

449 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.
ModelCapacityFuels, coolants, lubricants etc.
Power steeringCLS 550approx. 1.0 US qt (0.9 l)MB Power Steering Fluid (Chevron
Texaco PSF 9109)1
1For detailed information, please refer to the Factory Approved Service Products pamphlet (USA only) or contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
CLS 63 AMGapprox. 1.3 US qt (1.2 l)
Front wheel hubsCLS 550approx. 3.0 oz (85 g) eachHigh temperature roller bearing grease
CLS 63 AMGapprox. 3.2 oz (90 g) each
Brake systemAll models0.63 US qt (0.6 l)MB Brake Fluid (DOT 4+)
Cooling systemCLS 55011.9 US qt (11.3 l)MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/Antifreeze
CLS 63 AMG12.5 US qt (11.8 l)
Fuel tankAll models21.12 US gal (80.0 l)Premium unleaded gasoline:
Minimum Posted Octane 91
(Avg. of 96 RON/86 MON)
including a reserve ofCLS 5502.38 US gal (9.0 l)
CLS 63 AMG3.7 US gal (14.0 l)
Air conditioning systemAll modelsR-134a refrigerant and special PAG lubricant
oil (never R-12)
Washer system All models4.8 US qt (4.5 l)MB Windshield Washer Concentrate2
2Use MB Windshield Washer Concentrate “MB SummerFit” and water for temperatures above freezing or MB Windshield Washer Concentrate “MB SummerFit” and
commercially available premixed washer solvent/antifreeze for temperatures below freezing point. Follow suggested mixing ratios (page 455).
Washer and headlamp cleaning*
systemAll models6.9 US qt (6.5 l)