Coolant level
The engine coolant is a mixture of water and
anticorrosion/antifreeze.
When checking the coolant level, the vehicle
must be parked on level ground, and the
coolant temperature must be below 158‡
(70†). G
Warning!
In order to avoid any potentially serious burns:
R Use extreme caution when opening the
hood if there are any signs of steam or
coolant leaking from the cooling system, or
if the coolant temperature gauge indicates
that the coolant is overheated.
R Do not remove the cap on the coolant
expansion tank if the coolant temperature
is above 158‡ (70†). Allow the engine to
cool down before removing the cap. The
coolant expansion tank contains hot fluid
and is under pressure.
R Using a rag, slowly open the cap
approximately 1
/ 2 turn counterclockwise
to relieve excess pressure. If opened
immediately, scalding hot fluid and steam
will be blown out under pressure.
R Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts.
Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which
may burn if it comes into contact with hot
engine parts. Example illustration: CL 550 4MATIC X
Using a rag, slowly open cap :
approximately 1
/ 2 turn counterclockwise
to relieve excess pressure.
X Continue turning cap : counterclockwise
and remove it.
The coolant level is correct if the level
R for cold coolant: reaches marking bar
= in coolant expansion tank ;
R for warm coolant: is approximately 0.6 in
(1.5 cm) higher
X Add coolant as required.
X Screw cap : back on and tighten it.
For more information on coolant, see the
“Technical data” section ( Y page 491) and
(Y page 494). Washer system and headlamp
cleaning system
G
Warning!
Washer solvent/antifreeze is highly
flammable. Do not spill washer solvent/
antifreeze on hot engine parts, because it may
ignite and burn. You could be seriously
burned.
! Always use washer solvent/antifreeze
where temperatures may fall below
freezing point. Failure to do so could result
in damage to the washer system/fluid
reservoir.
! Only use washer fluid which is suitable for
plastic lenses. Improper washer fluid can
damage the plastic lenses of the
headlamps.
! Do not use distilled or deionized water in
the washer fluid reservoir. Otherwise, the
washer fluid level sensor could be
damaged.
Fluid for the washer system and the headlamp
cleaning system is supplied from the washer
fluid reservoir. 372
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For the tire inflation pressure for spare
wheels such as Minispare wheels or spare
wheels with collapsible tire refer to
R
the yellow label on the spare wheel rim
R the “Technical data” section of this
Operator’s Manual ( Y page 490)
R the Tire and Loading Information placard on
the driver’s door B-pillar
Unless specified otherwise, the tire inflation
pressures on the tire inflation pressure label
are valid for all approved, factory-equipped
tires. When a tire size is specified, the tire
inflation pressure that follows applies to that
particular tire size only.
i Data shown on tire inflation pressure
label examples are for illustration purposes
only. Tire inflation pressure data are
specific to each vehicle and may vary from
data shown in the following illustrations.
Refer to the tire inflation pressure label on
vehicle for actual data specific to your
vehicle. Example illustration: Tire inflation pressures for all
approved, factory equipped tires
Some tire inflation pressure labels may only
show the rim diameter instead of the entire
tire size, e.g. R 18 or 18".
The rim diameter is part of the tire size as
specified on the tire sidewall (Y page 389). Example illustration: Tire inflation pressures
specific to rim diameter
Potential problems associated with
underinflated and overinflated tires
Underinflated tires
G
Warning!
Follow recommended tire inflation pressures.
Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires
wear excessively and/or unevenly, adversely
affect handling and fuel economy, and are
more likely to fail from being overheated.
Underinflated tires can
R cause excessive and uneven tire wear
R adversely affect fuel economy
R lead to tire failure from being overheated
R adversely affect handling characteristics
Overinflated tires G
Warning!
Follow recommended tire inflation pressures.
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires can
adversely affect handling and ride comfort,
wear unevenly, increase stopping distance,
and result in sudden deflation (blowout)
because they are more likely to become
punctured or damaged by road debris,
potholes etc.
Overinflated tires can
R adversely affect handling characteristics
R cause uneven tire wear 376
Tires and wheelsOperation
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Weight Rating (GVWR) and the Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR) for either the front or
rear axle. You can obtain the GVWR and
GAWR from the certification label. The
certification label can be found on the driver’s
door B-pillar, see the “Technical data” section
(Y page 480).
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The
total weight of the vehicle, all occupants, all
cargo, and the trailer tongue load (if
applicable) must never exceed the GVWR.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR): The total
allowable weight that can be carried by a
single axle (front or rear).
To assure that your vehicle does not exceed
the maximum permissible weight limits
(GVWR and GAWR for front and rear axle),
have the loaded vehicle (including driver,
passengers and all cargo and, if applicable,
trailer fully loaded) weighed on a suitable
commercial scale.
Trailer tongue load
The tongue load of any trailer is an important
weight to measure because it affects the load
you can carry in your vehicle. If a trailer is
towed, the tongue load must be added to the
weight of all occupants riding and any cargo
you are carrying in the vehicle. The tongue
load typically is 10% of the trailer weight and
everything loaded in it.
Your Mercedes-Benz has been designed
primarily to carry passengers and their cargo.
Mercedes-Benz does not recommend trailer
towing with your vehicle.
Maximum tire load
G
Warning!
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the
specified load limit as indicated on the Tire
and Loading Information placard on the
driver’s door B-pillar. Overloading the tires
can overheat them, possibly causing a
blowout. Overloading the tires can also result in handling or steering problems, or brake
failure.
i
For illustration purposes only. Actual data
on tires are specific to each vehicle and
may vary from data shown in above
illustration.
The maximum tire load rating : is the
maximum weight the tires are designed to
support.
For more information on tire load rating, see
(Y page 390).
For information on calculating total and cargo
load capacities, see ( Y page 382). Direction of rotation
Unidirectional tires offer added advantages,
such as better hydroplaning performance. To
benefit, however, you must make sure the
tires rotate in the direction specified.
An arrow on the sidewall indicates the
intended direction of rotation of the tire.
Spare wheels may be mounted against the
direction of rotation (spinning) even with a
unidirectional tire for temporary use only until
the regular drive wheel has been repaired or
replaced. Always observe and follow
applicable temporary use restrictions and
speed limitations indicated on the spare
wheel. Tires and wheels
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Index Speed rating
H up to 130 mph (210 km/h)
V up to 149 mph (240 km/h)
W up to 168 mph (270 km/h)
Y up to 186 mph (300 km/h)
ZR...Y up to 186 mph (300 km/h)
ZR...(..Y) above 186 mph (300 km/h)
ZR above 149 mph (240 km/h)
R
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 ZR18).
To determine the maximum speed
capability of the tire, the service
description for
the tire must be referred to.
The service description is comprised of
load index A and speed symbol B.
If your tire includes “ZR” in the size
designation and no service description is
given, the tire manufacturer must be
consulted for the maximum speed
capability.
If a service description is given, the speed
capability is limited by the speed symbol in
the service description. Example:
245/40 ZR18 97Y. In this example, “97Y”
is the service description. The letter “Y”
designates the speed rating and the speed
capability of the tire is limited to 186 mph
(300 km/h).
R Any tire with a speed capability above
186 mph (300 km/h) must include a “ZR”
in the size designation AND the service
description must be placed in parenthesis.
Example: 275/40 ZR 18 (99Y). The “(Y)”
speed symbol in parenthesis designates
the maximum speed capability of the tire
as being above 186 mph (300 km/h). Consult the tire manufacturer for the actual
maximum permissible speed of the tire.
All-season and winter tires Index Speed rating
Q M+S
33 up to 100 mph (160 km/h)
T M+S
33 up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
H M+S
33 up to 130 mph (210 km/h)
V M+S
33 up to 149 mph (240 km/h)
i
Not all M+S rated tires provide special
winter performance. Make sure the tires
you use show M+S and the mountain/
snowflake
imarking on the tire
sidewall. These tires meet specific snow
traction performance requirements of the
Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA)
and the Rubber Association of Canada
(RAC) and have been designed specifically
for use in snow conditions.
An electronic speed limiter prevents your
vehicle from exceeding a speed of:
R 130 mph (210 km/h):
-All models except AMG vehicles
R 155 mph (250 km/h):
-CL 63 AMG
R 186 mph (300 km/h):
-CL 63 AMG with increased top speed
- CL 63 AMG (Performance Package)
The factory equipped tires on your vehicle
may have a tire speed rating above the
maximum speed permitted by the electronic
speed limiter.
Make sure your tires have the required tire
speed rating as specified for your vehicle in
the “Technical data” section ( Y page 486),
for example when purchasing new tires.
If you are uncertain about the correct reading
of the information given on a tire’s sidewall,
33 or M+S ifor winter tires Tires and wheels
391
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Always use winter tires at temperatures
below 45‡ (7†) and whenever wintry road
conditions prevail. Not all M+S rated tires
provide special winter performance. Make
sure the tires you use show the mountain/
snowflakeimarking on the tire sidewall.
These tires meet specific snow traction
performance requirements of the Rubber
Manufacturers Association (RMA) and the
Rubber Association of Canada (RAC) and
have been designed specifically for use in
snow conditions. Use of winter tires is the
only way to achieve the maximum
effectiveness of your vehicle’s driving safety
systems such as the ABS and the ESC in
winter operation.
For safe handling, make sure all mounted
winter tires are of the same make and have
the same tread design.
For information on winter tires for your
vehicle model, see the “Technical data”
section (
Y page 486).
Always observe
the speed rating of the winter
tires installed on your vehicle. Snow chains
! When driving with snow chains, always
select the raised level of the vehicle level
control. Other settings may result in
damage to your vehicle.
! Some tire sizes do not leave adequate
clearance for snow chains. To help avoid
serious damage to your vehicle or tires,
make sure the use of snow chains is
permissible as specified in the “Technical
data” section of this Operator’s Manual.
Snow chains should only be driven on snow-
covered roads at speeds not to exceed
30 mph (50 km/h) . Remove chains as soon
as possible when driving on roads without
snow. Observe the following guidelines when using
snow chains:
R
Use of
snow chains is not permissible with
all wheel/tire combinations ( Y page 486).
R Use snow chains in pairs and on rear
wheels only. Follow the manufacturer’s
mounting instructions.
! If snow chains are mounted to the front
wheels, they may scrape against the body
or axle components. The tires or the vehicle
could be damaged as a result.
R Only use snow chains that are approved by
Mercedes-Benz. Any authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center will be glad to advise you on
this subject.
R Use of snow chains may be prohibited
depending on location. Always check local
and state laws before installing snow
chains.
R Do not use snow chains on the spare wheel.
i When driving with snow chains, you may
wish to switch off the ESC ( Y page 212)
before setting the vehicle in motion. This
will improve the vehicle’s traction. Winter driving instructions
G
Warning!
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, make
sure snow is kept clear of the exhaust pipe
and from around the vehicle with the engine
running. Otherwise, deadly carbon monoxide
(CO) gases may enter vehicle interior
resulting in unconsciousness and death.
To assure
sufficient fresh air ventilation, open
a window slightly on the side of the vehicle
not facing the wind. G
Warning!
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose. 396
Winter driving
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Vehicle equipment ............................
480
Parts service ..................................... 480
Warranty coverage ...........................480
Identification labels ..........................480
Vehicle specification CL 550
4MATIC (216.386) .............................483
Vehicle specification CL 600
(216.376) ........................................... 483
Vehicle specification CL 63 AMG
(216.377) ........................................... 484
Vehicle specification CL 65 AMG
(216.379) ........................................... 485
Rims and tires ................................... 486
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc. ......490 479Technical data
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Vehicle equipment
i This Operator’s Manual describes all
features, standard or optional, potentially
available for your vehicle at the time of
purchase. Please be aware that your
vehicle might not be equipped with all
features described in this manual. Parts service
All authorized Mercedes-Benz Centers
maintain a stock of Genuine Mercedes-Benz
Parts required for maintenance and repair
work. In addition, strategically located parts
distribution centers provide quick and
reliable parts service.
More than 300 000 different parts for
Mercedes-Benz models are available.
Genuine Mercedes-Benz Parts are subjected
to stringent quality inspections. Each part has
been specifically developed, manufactured or
selected for and adapted to Mercedes-Benz
vehicles.
Therefore, Genuine Mercedes-Benz Parts
should be installed.
! Do not use non-genuine Mercedes-Benz
parts and accessories not authorized by
Mercedes-Benz. Doing so could damage
the vehicle, which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. Also, it
could compromise the vehicle’s durability
or safety. Warranty coverage
Your vehicle is covered under the terms of the
warranties printed in the Service and
Warranty Information booklet.
Your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will
exchange or repair any defective parts
originally installed in the vehicle in
accordance with the terms of the following
warranties: R
New Vehicle Limited Warranty
R Emission System Warranty
R Emission Performance Warranty
R California, Connecticut, Maine,
Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania,
Rhode Island, and Vermont Emission
Control Systems Warranty
R State Warranty Enforcement Laws (Lemon
Laws)
Replacement parts and accessories are
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Parts and
Accessories warranties, copies of which are
available at any authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center. Loss of Service and Warranty
Information booklet
Should you lose your Service and Warranty
Information booklet, have an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center arrange for a
replacement. It will be mailed to you. Identification labels480
Identification labelsTechnical data
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The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) can
be found
R
on certification label : on the driver’s door
B-pillar
R embossed underneath a cover behind the
rear center armrest (Y page 481)
R on the lower edge of the windshield
(Y page 481) Example certification label (U.S. vehicles)
;
VIN
= Paintwork code Example certification label (Canada vehicles)
;
VIN
= Paintwork code
i Data shown on certification label are for
illustration purposes only. These data are
specific to each vehicle and may vary from
data shown in the illustration. Refer to
certification label on vehicle for actual data
specific to your vehicle. Rear center armrest
X
Fold down the rear center armrest.
The VIN is embossed underneath a cover
behind the rear center armrest.
X Open the cover.
VIN ? is now visible. All models except AMG vehicles
A
Engine number (engraved on engine)
B VIN (on lower edge of windshield)
C Emission control information label,
includes both federal and California
certification exhaust emission standards Identification labels
481Technical data
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