
Driving
Abroad ........................................... 401
Hydroplaning ................................. 400
Instructions ........................... 285, 397
In winter ........................................ 396
Problems ....................................... 288
Safety systems
................................ 56
Systems ......................................... 301
Through standing water .................400
With DISTRONIC PLUS ................... 313
Driving and parking
Safety notes .................................. 285
Driving off .................................. 287, 400
Driving safety systems ....................... 56
ABS .................................................. 57
Adaptive Brake ................................ 59
Adaptive Brake Lights ...................... 59
BAS .................................................. 57
BAS PLUS ........................................ 57
EBP .................................................. 59
ESC .................................................. 59
ETS/4-ETS ....................................... 60
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake ............................. 62
Driving systems
Active Body Control (ABC) ............. 319
Advanced Parking Guidance ..........327
AIRMATIC ...................................... 317
All-wheel drive (4MATIC) ................ 321
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 335
Cruise control ................................ 302
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 304
Hill-start assist system .................. 315
HOLD function ............................... 316
Night View Assist ........................... 333
Park Assist ..................................... 324
Parktronic system ..........................321
Rear view camera .......................... 332
Driving tips, automatic
transmission ...................................... 295
DVD, audio ......................................... 162
DVD, video ......................................... 174 E
EBP (Electronic Brake
Proportioning) ...................................... 59
Electrical system
Improper work on or
modifications
................................... 22
Power outlets ................................. 353
Electrical system (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification
Electronic parking brake ..................288
Electronic Stability Control see ESC
Electronic Traction System
see ETS/4-ETS
Emergency, in case of
First aid kit ..................................... 412
Flat tire .......................................... 465
Hazard warning flasher ..................278
Roadside Assistance ................ 21, 356
Towing the vehicle .........................473
Emergency calls
Tele Aid .......................................... 354
Telephone ...................................... 137
Emergency engine shutdown ...........478
Emergency operations
Remote door lock (Tele Aid) ........... 359
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) ....... 359
Trunk lid, emergency release .........260
Emergency Tensioning Device
see ETD
Emission control ............................... 401
Information label ............................ 481
System warranties ........................... 20
Engine
Break-in recommendations ............366
Cleaning ......................................... 405
Compartment ................................ 368
Malfunction indicator lamp ............ 457
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 442
Number .......................................... 481
Starting .......................................... 285
Turning off ..................................... 290
Engine (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification
Engine coolant
see Coolant 8
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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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Vehicle specification
CL 550 4MATIC ............................. 483
CL 600 ........................................... 483
CL 63 AMG .................................... 484
CL 65 AMG .................................... 485
Vehicle status message memory .... 214
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 412
Vehicle washing see Vehicle care
Vehicle weights
see Vehicle specification
Video .................................................. 174
Video Aux ........................................... 172
Voice Control System
Address book ................................. 229
CD/DVD changer/MP3 .................234
Command list ................................ 237
External devices ............................. 236
Individualization ............................. 250
Introduction ................................... 217
Navigation ..................................... 219
Radio ............................................. 231
Settings ........................................... 80
Telephone ...................................... 225
Troubleshooting ............................. 247 W
Warning sounds Advanced Parking Guidance ..........330
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 307
Driver’s or passenger’s seat belt
.....48
Electronic parking brake ................ 431
Park Assist ..................................... 326
Parktronic system ..........................324
Seat belt telltale ............................ 454
Warranty coverage ............................ 480
Washer and headlamp cleaning
system ................................................ 496
Washer fluid
Mixing ratio .................................... 496
Refilling .......................................... 372
Washing the vehicle .......................... 403
Wear pattern (tires) ..........................388
Weights (vehicle) see Vehicle specification Wheel
Changing ....................................... 465
Removing ....................................... 467
Spare ............................................. 465
Tightening torque ........................... 469
Wheels, sizes
..................................... 486
Wheels, Tires and .............................. 373
Window curtain air bags ..................... 41
Windows see Power windows
Windows, cleaning ............................408
Windshield Cleaning wiper blades .................... 408
Defogging ...................................... 343
Infrared reflecting ..........................364
Washer fluid ................................... 496
Wipers ........................................... 280
Windshield wipers
Replacing wiper blades .................. 464
Winter driving
Instructions .................................... 396
Snow chains .................................. 396
Tires ............................................... 395
Winter tires ................................ 395, 486
Wood trims, cleaning ........................ 410 Z
ZAGAT ®
Rating Service .....................115 Index
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Function Page
L
Steering wheel adjustment
stalk
270
Heated steering wheel 270
M
Electronic parking brake 288
N
Door control panel 34
O
Hood lock release
368 Function Page
P
On-board diagnostics
(OBD) socket
Q
Night View Assist 333
R
Exterior lamp switch 27528
CockpitAt a glance
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Instrument cluster
Function Page
:
Coolant temperature gauge 300
;
Fuel gauge with:
Fuel tank reserve warning
lamp
457
K High-beam headlamp
indicator lamp
277
! Antilock Brake
System (ABS) indicator
lamp
451
6 Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS)
indicator lamp
455
=
Parktronic/Park Assist
warning indicator for left
front area
323,
326 ?
Multifunction display with:
Speedometer
F Electronic parking
brake warning or indicator
lamps, USA only
453 Function Page
! Electronic parking
brake warning or indicator
lamps, Canada only
453
$ Brake warning lamp,
USA only
453,
451 J Brake warning lamp,
Canada only
453,
451 7 Seat belt telltale
454
h Combination low tire
pressure/TPMS
malfunction telltale, USA
only
377,
458 h Low tire pressure
telltale, Canada only
377,
458 # Left turn signal
indicator lamp
! Right turn signal
indicator lamp
÷ ESC warning lamp
435
· Distance warning
lamp
1 457
1
Vehicles without DISTRONIC PLUS: Warning lamp without function. It illuminates when the ignition is on. It
should go out when the engine is running. Instrument cluster
29At a glance
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The ESC warning lamp
÷ in the instrument
cluster comes on when you switch on the
ignition. It goes out when the engine is
running. G
Warning!
Never switch off the ESC when you see the
ESC warning lamp ÷ flashing in the
instrument cluster. In this case proceed as
follows:
R When driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
R While driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid. The ESC cannot
prevent accidents resulting from excessive
speed.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC:
Because the ESC operates automatically,
the engine and ignition must be shut off
(SmartKey in starter switch position 0 or
1 or KEYLESS-GO start/stop button in
position 0
or 1
) when the electronic parking
brake is being tested on a brake test
dynamometer.
Active braking action through the ESC may
otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
! Vehicles without 4MATIC:
Because the ESC operates automatically,
the engine and ignition must be shut off
(SmartKey in starter switch position 0 or
1 or KEYLESS-GO start/stop button in
position 0 or 1) when the electronic parking
brake is being tested on a brake test
dynamometer or when the vehicle is being
towed with one axle raised.
Active braking action through the ESC may
otherwise seriously damage the brake system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
! The ESC will only function properly if you
use wheels of the recommended tire size
as specified
in the “Technical data” section
of this Operator’s Manual.
i The DISTRONIC PLUS and cruise control
switch off automatically when the ESC
engages.
Electronic Traction System
(ETS/4-ETS) G
Observe Safety notes, see page 56.
The ETS (Electronic Traction System) and
4-ETS (four-wheel Electronic Traction
System, vehicles with 4MATIC only) are
components of the ESC. The
ETS/4-ETS
improves the vehicle’s ability to utilize
available traction, especially under slippery
road conditions by applying the brakes to a
spinning wheel. Vehicles with 4MATIC also
transfer more power to the wheel(s) with
traction.
When you switch off the ESC, the
ETS/4-ETS is still enabled.
Switching off the ESC Switching off the ESC (except CL 63 AMG)
G
Warning!
The ESC should not be switched off during
normal driving other than in the
circumstances described below. Disabling
the system will reduce vehicle stability in
driving maneuvers.
Do not
switch off the ESC when a spare wheel
is mounted. 60
Driving safety systems
Safety and security
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ambient lighting conditions require you to do
so.
In
low
ambient lighting conditions, only switch
from position c to L with the vehicle
at a standstill in a safe location. Switching
from c to L will briefly switch off the
headlamps. Doing so while driving in low
ambient lighting conditions may result in an
accident.
The automatic headlamp feature is only an aid
to the driver. The driver is responsible for the
operation of the vehicle’s lights at all times.
X Switching on: Turn the exterior lamp
switch to position c.
The following lamps come on and go out
depending on the brightness of the ambient
light with the SmartKey in starter switch
position 1 or the KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button pressed once:
R Tail lamps
R Parking lamps
R License plate lamps
R Side marker lamps
When the engine is running, the low-beam
headlamps will also come on and turn off
automatically.
Canada only:
High-beam headlamps are only
available with the exterior lamp switch in
position L.
Daytime running lamp mode In Canada, the daytime running lamp mode is
mandatory
and
therefore in a constant mode.
In the USA, the daytime running lamp mode
is deactivated by default.
X Activate the daytime running lamp mode
using the control system, see “Switching daytime running lamp mode on or off (USA
only)”
(
Y page 215).
X Turn the exterior lamp switch to position
$ or c.
When the engine is running, the low-beam
headlamps come on.
In low ambient lighting conditions, the
following lamps will come on additionally:
R
Tail lamps
R Parking lamps
R License plate lamps
R Side marker lamps
With the daytime running lamp mode
activated and
the engine running, you cannot
switch off the low-beam headlamps manually.
Canada only
With the exterior lamp switch in position
$ or c, you cannot switch on the
high-beam headlamps.
The high-beam flasher is available at all times.
X For nighttime driving turn the exterior lamp
switch to
position L to permit activation
of the high-beam headlamps.
When the engine is running, and you
R shift from a driving position to park
position P with
the vehicle at a standstill or
the electronic parking brake is engaged,
the low-beam headlamps will go out with a
delay of 3 minutes
R turn the exterior lamp switch to position
T, the low-beam headlamps, the tail
and parking lamps, the license plate lamps
and the side marker lamps come on
R turn the exterior lamp switch to position
L, the manual headlamp mode has
priority over the daytime running lamp
mode
The corresponding exterior lamps come on
(Y page 275). 276
Lighting
Controls in detail
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or with access to an unlocked vehicle. A
child’s unsupervised access to a vehicle could
result in an accident and/or serious personal
injury.
You can start your vehicle without the
SmartKey in the starter switch using the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button.
The SmartKey must be located in the vehicle. KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
:
USA only
; Canada only
X Make sure the KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button is inserted in the starter switch
(Y page 262).
i To start the engine with the SmartKey
instead of the KEYLESS-GO function,
remove the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
from the starter switch. Proceed as
described in “With SmartKey”
(Y page 285).
X Depress the brake pedal during the starting
procedure.
X Do not depress the accelerator pedal.
X Press the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
once.
The engine starts automatically.
Starting difficulties !
Remember that extended starting
attempts can drain the battery. The engine does not start. You can hear
the starter.
There could be a malfunction in the engine
electronics or in the fuel supply system.
Carry out the following steps:
X
If you are starting the engine with the
SmartKey: Turn the SmartKey in the starter
switch to position 0 and repeat the starting
procedure.
X If you are starting the engine with KEYLESS-
GO: Close any doors that may be open to
allow for better detection of the SmartKey.
or
X Remove the KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button from the starter switch.
X Start the engine with the SmartKey as radio
signals from another source may be
interfering with the KEYLESS-GO function.
X Repeat the starting procedure.
If the engine does not start after several
starting attempts:
X Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call Roadside Assistance.
The engine does not start. You cannot
hear the starter.
The battery may not be charged sufficiently.
X Get a jump start (Y page 471).
If the engine will not start despite a jump
start:
X Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call Roadside Assistance.
The starter has been exposed to excessive
temperatures.
X Let the starter cool for about 2 minutes.
X Repeat the starting procedure.
If the engine does not start after several
starting attempts:
X Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call Roadside Assistance. 286
Driving and parkingControls in detail
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