
1, 2, 3 ...
4-ETS see ETS/4-ETS   
                                       
4MATIC
see All-wheel drive (4MATIC)                   
911 emergency call  ..........................137A
ABC (Active Body Control)  ................319
Messages in the multifunction
display  ........................................... 419
ABS (Antilock Brake System)  
.............57
Indicator lamp ................................ 451
Messages in the multifunction
display  ................................... 429, 430
Accessory weight  .............................. 393
Accidents  ........................................... 288
Air bags ........................................... 37
Emergency calls (Tele Aid) ............. 354
Emergency calls (Telephone) ......... 137
Active Bi-Xenon headlamps
see Headlamps                                        
Active Body Control
see ABC                                                    
Adaptive Brake  .................................... 59
Adaptive Brake Lights  ......................... 59
Adaptive Damping System see ADS                                                    
Additives 
Engine oil ....................................... 493
Gasoline ......................................... 494
Address book  ..................................... 146
Address change  ................................... 21
ADS (Adaptive Damping System)  ..... 317
Advanced Parking Guidance  ............327
Canceling  ....................................... 332
Detecting a parking space  .............329
Messages in the multifunction
display  ........................................... 423
Parking .......................................... 330
Advanced Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (Advanced
TPMS) ................................................. 377
Messages in the multifunction
display  ........................................... 426Air bags
 ................................................ 37
Emergency call upon deployment  ..354
Front, driver and passenger ............. 40
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp .......................... 41, 459
Knee bag ..........................................
40
Messages in the multifunction
display  ........................................... 417
OCS (Occupant Classification
System) ........................................... 41
Safety guidelines  ............................. 39
Side impact ...................................... 40
Window curtain ................................ 41
Air conditioning refrigerant and
lubricant ............................................. 493
Air distribution .................................. 342
AIRMATIC  
ADS (Adaptive Damping System)  ...317
Introduction ................................... 317
Messages in the multifunction
display  ........................................... 437
Vehicle level control ...................... 318
Air pressure
see Tire inflation pressure                        
Air pressure (tires) ............................ 393
Air recirculation mode  ......................343
Air volume  .......................................... 342
Alarm system see Anti-theft systems                             
Alignment bolt (vehicle tool
kit) .............................................. 412, 468
All-wheel drive (4MATIC)  ..................321
Alternator  Messages in the multifunction
display  ................................... 425, 444
Alternator (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification                         
AMG menu ......................................... 208
Anticorrosion/antifreeze  ..................495
Antilock Brake System see ABS                                                    
Anti-theft systems  ............................... 65
Anti-theft alarm system ................... 65
Immobilizer ...................................... 65
Aquaplaning
see Hydroplaning                                      4
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Engine oil
 
Adding ........................................... 371
Additives ........................................ 493
Checking level  ............................... 369
Consumption ................................. 369
Messages in the multifunction
display  ........................................... 444
Oil dipstick .....................................
369
Recommended engine oils and oil
filter ............................................... 492
ESC (Electronic Stability Control)  ......59
ETS/4-ETS ....................................... 60
Messages in the multifunction
display  ........................... 429, 430, 435
Warning lamp ................................. 456
ETD (Emergency Tensioning
Device)  ................................................. 48
Safety guidelines  ............................. 39
ETS/4-ETS (Electronic Traction
System) ................................................ 60
Express operation  Power windows .............................. 282
Tilt/sliding sunroof  ........................345
Exterior lamp switch ......................... 275
Exterior rear view mirrors  ................271
Fold-in function .............................. 273
Parking position ............................. 272
Power folding  ................................. 273
Exterior view of vehicle  ......................26 F
Fastening the seat belts  .....................47
First aid kit  .........................................
412
Flat tire
 ............................................... 465
Lowering the vehicle  ......................469
Mounting the spare wheel ............. 466
Preparing the vehicle  .....................465
Spare wheel ........................... 465, 490
Floormats ........................................... 363
Fluids  
ABC fluid ................................ 371, 491
Automatic transmission fluid ......... 491
Brake fluid  ..................................... 491
Capacities ...................................... 490
Engine coolant ............................... 491
Engine oil ....................................... 490Power steering fluid .......................
491
Washer and headlamp cleaning
system ........................................... 492
Fog lamps ........................................... 277
Messages in the multifunction
display
 ................................... 446, 448
Fold-in function for exterior rear
view mirrors ...................................... 273
Four-wheel drive see All-wheel drive (4MATIC)                   
Front air bags
see Air bags                                             
Front passenger front air bag ............ 40
Messages in the multifunction
display  ........................................... 417
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp  ............................. 41, 459
Fuel  ..................................................... 366
Additives ........................................ 494
Capacity, fuel tank ......................... 491
Drive sensibly–safe fuel  .................397
Fuel consumption statistics  ...........204
Fuel filler flap and cap ................... 367
Fuel tank reserve warning lamp  .....457
Premium unleaded gasoline  ...........493
Refueling ........................................ 366
Requirements  ................................ 494
Fuel filler flap  ..................................... 367
Fuel gauge  ......................................... 301
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.  ........490
Fuel tank  Capacity ........................................ 491
Fuel filler flap and cap ................... 367
Refueling ........................................ 366
Fuses  .................................................. 476 G
Garage door opener .......................... 360
Gasoline see Fuel   
                                                  
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)  ...394
Gear range ......................................... 295
Indicator ........................................ 295
Limiting .......................................... 297
Shifting into optimal  ......................298
Gear selector lever  ............................291
Cleaning ......................................... 409 Index
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Selective setting (KEYLESS-GO) ..... 255
Selective setting (SmartKey) ..........
253
Time 
................................................. 79
Trunk opening-height restriction  ....193
Voice Control System ...................... 80
Shelf below rear window, cleaning  .. 409
Shortcut buttons  ................................. 69
Side impact air bags  ...........................40
Side marker lamps  
Cleaning lenses ............................. 406
Messages in the multifunction
display  ........................................... 446
Sidewall (tires)  .................................. 395
Side windows see Power windows                                  
SmartKey
see Key, SmartKey                                   
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO
see Key, SmartKey                                   
Snow chains  ...................................... 396
Snow tires see Winter tires                                        
Spare wheel  ....................................... 486
Mounting ....................................... 466
Storage location ............................ 413
Speedometer ....................................... 29
Speed settings  Cruise control ................................ 303
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 311
Resume function ................... 304, 312
SRS 
Indicator lamp .................................. 29
SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)  
Indicator lamp ......................... 36, 455
Messages in the multifunction
display  ........................................... 436
Standing water, driving through  ......400
Starter switch positions  KEYLESS-GO  .................................. 262
SmartKey ....................................... 262
Starting difficulties (engine)  ............286
Starting the engine ........................... 285
Steering column see Multifunction steering wheel,
Adjustment                                               
Steering wheel
see Multifunction steering wheel              Steering wheel gearshift control
 .....297
Stolen Vehicle Recovery Services  ...360
Storage compartments  .....................348
Storing tires ....................................... 387
Sunroof see Power tilt/sliding sunroof   
               
Sunshade 
Rear window  .................................. 352
Sun visors .......................................... 351
Suspension tuning see AIRMATIC                                           T
Tachometer  .................................. 30, 301
Overspeed range  ........................... 301
Tail lamps  
Cleaning lenses
 ............................. 406
Tar stains  ........................................... 404
Technical data  Air conditioning refrigerant .... 492, 493
Brake fluid  ............................. 491, 493
Capacities fuels, coolants,
lubricants etc.  ................................ 490
Coolant .................................. 491, 494
Engine oil additives  ........................493
Engine oils ............................. 490, 492
Fuel requirements .......................... 494
Gasoline additives .......................... 494
Identification labels  .......................480
Premium unleaded gasoline  ...........493
Rims and tires  ................................ 486
Spare wheel ................................... 490
Vehicle specification
CL 550 4MATIC ............................. 483
Vehicle specification CL 600 ......... 483
Vehicle specification CL 63 AMG  ...484
Vehicle specification CL 65 AMG  ...485
Washer and headlamp cleaning
system ................................... 492, 496
Technical data (dimensions)
see Vehicle specification                         
Technical data (electrical system)
see Vehicle specification                         
Technical data (engine)
see Vehicle specification                         
Technical data (weights)
see Vehicle specification                          16
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Closing
G
Warning!
When closing the hood, use extreme caution
not to catch hands or fingers. Be careful that
you do not close the hood on anyone.
Make sure the hood is securely engaged
before driving off. Do not continue driving if
the hood can no longer engage after an
accident, for example. The hood could
otherwise come loose while the vehicle is in
motion and injure you and/or others.
X Let the hood drop from a height of
approximately 8 in (20 cm).
X 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 consumes will
depend on a number of factors, including
driving style. Increased oil consumption can
occur when the vehicle is new or the vehicle
is driven frequently at higher engine speeds.
Engine oil consumption checks should only
be made after the vehicle break-in period.
!  Do not use any special lubricant additives,
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.
For further information contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Notes on checking engine oil level When checking the oil level
R
the vehicle must be parked on level ground
R with the engine at operating temperature,
the vehicle must have been stationary for at least 5 minutes with the engine turned
off
R with the engine not at operating
temperature, the vehicle must have been
stationary for at least 30 minutes with the
engine turned off
Checking engine oil level with the oil 
dipstick  On the CL 550 4MATIC and CL 63 AMG you
can check the engine oil level with the oil
dipstick.
X
Open the hood (Y page 368). Example illustration: CL 550 4MATIC
X
Pull out oil dipstick  :.
X Wipe oil dipstick  : clean.
X Slowly insert oil dipstick  : fully into the
dipstick guide tube.
X Pull out oil dipstick  : again after
approximately 3 seconds to obtain
accurate reading.
The oil level is correct when it is between
lower (min) mark  = and upper (max)
mark ; of oil dipstick :.
i CL 550 4MATIC only:
The filling quantity between the upper and
lower marks on the oil dipstick is
approximately 2.1 US qt. (2.0 l).
i CL 63 AMG only:
The filling quantity between the upper and
lower marks on the oil dipstick is
approximately 1.6 US qt. (1.5 l). Engine compartment
369Operation
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! 
Excess oil must be siphoned or drained
off. It could cause damage to the engine
and emission control system not covered
by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
For information on messages in the
multifunction display concerning engine oil,
see the “Practical hints” section
(Y page 444).
Adding engine oil  ! 
Only use approved engine oils and oil
filters required for vehicles with
Maintenance System. For a listing of
approved engine oils and oil filters, contact
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or
visit www.mbusa.com (USA only).
The following will result in engine or
emission control system damage not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty:
R Using engine oils and oil filters of
specification other than those expressly
required for the Maintenance System.
R Changing of oil and oil filter at change
intervals longer than those called for by
the Maintenance System.
R Using any oil additives. Example illustration: CL 550 4MATIC Example illustration: CL 63 AMG
X
Unscrew filler cap  : from filler neck.
X Add engine oil as required. Be careful not
to overfill with oil.
Be careful not to spill any oil when adding.
Avoid environmental damage caused by oil
entering the ground or water.
!  Excess oil must be siphoned or drained
off. It could cause damage to the engine
and emission control system not covered
by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
X Screw filler cap  : back on filler neck.
For more information on engine oil, see the
“Technical data” section ( Y page 490) and
(Y page 492). Transmission fluid level
The transmission fluid level does not need to
be checked. If you notice transmission fluid
loss or gearshifting malfunctions, have an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center check the
transmission. Active Body Control (ABC) fluid level 
Regular fluid level check is not required. If you
notice fluid leaks or malfunction messages in
the multifunction display, have an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center check the ABC
system. Engine compartment
371Operation
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Viscosity grades for engine oils
Using the chart below, select oil viscosity
according to the lowest air temperature
expected before the next oil change.
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
R134a (HFC) refrigerant and special PAG
lubricating oil are used in the air conditioning
system.
!  Never use R 12 (CFC) or mineral-based
lubricating oil. Otherwise damage to the
system will occur. Brake fluid
G
Warning!
During vehicle operation, the boiling point of
the brake fluid is continuously reduced
through the absorption of moisture from the
atmosphere.
Under extremely strenuous operating
conditions, this moisture content can lead to
the formation of bubbles in the system, thus
reducing the system’s efficiency. Therefore, the brake fluid must be replaced
regularly. Refer to your vehicle’s Maintenance
Booklet for replacement interval.
Only brake fluid approved by Mercedes-Benz
is recommended. Any authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center will provide you with additional
information. Premium unleaded gasoline
G
Warning!
Gasoline is highly flammable and poisonous.
It burns violently and can cause serious
personal injury.
Never allow sparks, flames or smoking
materials near gasoline!
Turn off the engine before refueling.
Whenever you are around gasoline, avoid
inhaling fumes and any skin or clothing
contact. Extinguish all smoking materials.
Direct skin contact with fuels and the
inhalation of fuel vapors are damaging your
health.
!  To maintain the engine’s durability and
performance, premium unleaded gasoline
must be used.
If premium unleaded gasoline is not
available and low octane gasoline is used,
follow these precautions:
R Have the fuel tank only partially filled
with unleaded regular gasoline and fill up
with premium unleaded gasoline as soon
as possible.
R Avoid full throttle driving and abrupt
acceleration.
R Do not exceed an engine speed of
3 000 rpm if the vehicle is loaded with a
light load such as two persons and no
luggage.
R Do not exceed  2
/ 3 of maximum
accelerator pedal position if the vehicle Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
493Technical data
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is fully loaded or operating in
mountainous terrain.
Fuel requirements
Only use premium unleaded gasoline. The
octane  number 
(posted at the pump) must be
91 min. It is an average of both the Research
Octane Number (RON) and the Motor Octane
Number (MON): (RON+MON)/2. This is also
known as the ANTI-KNOCK INDEX.
Reformulated gasolines (RFG) and/or
unleaded gasoline containing oxygenates
such as ethanol, TAME, ETBE, IPA, IBA, and
TBA can be used provided the ratio of any one
of these oxygenates to gasoline does not
exceed 10%; MTBE must not exceed 15%.
The ratio of methanol to gasoline must not
exceed 3% plus additional cosolvents.
Using mixtures of ethanol and methanol is not
allowed. Gasohol, which contains 10%
ethanol and 90% unleaded gasoline, can be
used.
These blends must also meet all other fuel
requirements, such as resistance to spark
knock, boiling range, vapor pressure, etc. Gasoline additives
A major concern among engine
manufacturers is carbon build-up caused by
gasoline. Mercedes-Benz recommends only
the use of quality gasoline containing
additives that prevent the build-up of carbon
deposits.
After an extended period of using fuels
without such additives carbon deposits can
build up, especially on the intake valves and
in the combustion area, leading to engine
performance problems such as:
R Warm-up hesitation
R Unstable idle
R Knocking/pinging R
Misfire
R Power loss
In areas where carbon deposits may be
encountered due to lack of availability of
gasoline which contains these additives, the
use of Mercedes-Benz approved additives is
recommended.
Contact  an 
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
or visit www.mbusa.com (USA only) for a
listing of approved products. Follow
directions on the product label.
Do not blend other fuel additives with fuel.
This only results in unnecessary cost and may
be harmful to the engine operation.
!  Damage or malfunction resulting from
poor fuel quality or from blending additional
fuel additives other than those tested and
approved by us for use on Mercedes-Benz
vehicles are not covered by the Mercedes-
Benz Limited Warranty or by any pre-owned
or Extended Limited Warranties. Coolants
The engine coolant is a mixture of water and
anticorrosion/antifreeze, which provides:
R Corrosion protection
R Freeze protection
R Boiling  protection 
(by increasing the boiling
point)
The cooling system was filled at the factory
with a coolant providing freeze protection to
approximately -35‡ (-37†) and corrosion
protection.
!  Add premixed coolant solution only.
Adding water and MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/
Antifreeze separately from each other,
could cause engine damage not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
If the antifreeze mixture is effective to -35‡
(-37†), the boiling point of the coolant in the
pressurized cooling system is reached at
approximately 266‡ (130†). 494
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Technical data
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