R
Washer system and headlamp cleaning
system (Y page 181)
R Brake fluid ( Y page 182) Engine compartment
Hood
G
Warning!
Do not pull the release lever while the vehicle
is in motion. Otherwise the hood could be
forced open by passing air flow.
This could cause the hood to come loose and
injure you and/or others.
Opening G
Warning!
If you see flames or smoke coming from the
engine compartment, or if the coolant
temperature indicator 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. G
Warning!
You could be injured when the hood is open –
even when the engine is turned off.
Parts of the engine can become very hot. To
prevent burns, let the engine cool completely
before touching any components on the
vehicle. Comply with all relevant safety
precautions. G
Warning!
To help prevent personal injury, stay clear of
moving parts when the hood is open and the
engine is running.
The radiator fan may continue to run for
approximately 30 seconds or may even
restart after the engine has been turned off.
Stay clear of fan blades. G
Warning!
The engine is equipped with a transistorized
ignition system. Because of the high voltage
it is dangerous to touch any components
(ignition coils, spark plug sockets, diagnostic
socket) of the ignition system
R with the engine running
R while starting the engine
R when the ignition is switched on and the
engine is turned manually X
Pull hood lock release lever :.
The hood is unlocked.
! Never open the hood if the wiper arms are
folded forward away from the windshield.
Otherwise the windshield wipers or the
hood could be damaged. X
Push handle ; under the hood upwards.
X Pull up on the hood and then release it.
The hood will be held open at shoulder
height by gas-filled struts automatically. 178
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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 X
Open the hood (Y page 178). 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 CLS 550:
The filling quantity between the upper and
lower marks on the oil dipstick is
approximately 2.1 US qt. (2.0 l).
i CLS 63 AMG:
The filling quantity between the upper and
lower marks on the oil dipstick is
approximately 1.6 US qt. (1.5 l).
X If necessary, add engine oil.
For more information on engine oil, see
“Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.”
(Y page 296). Engine compartment
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For information on messages in the
multifunction display concerning engine oil,
see the “Practical hints” section
(Y page 246).
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. CLS 550 CLS 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 296) and
(Y page 298). 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. 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†). 180
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Maintenance service term exceeded
If you have exceeded the suggested
maintenance service term, you will see the
following message in the multifunction
display:
Service A Exceeded By XXXXX Miles
(Km)
Service A Exceeded By XXX Days
Service A Exceeded By X Day
In addition, a signal sounds when the
message appears.
Any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will
reset the maintenance service indicator
following a completed maintenance service.
Calling up the maintenance service
indicator display
i The menu overview can be found on
(Y page 112).
You can call up the maintenance service
indicator display at any time to check when
the next maintenance service is required.
X Switch on the ignition.
X Press button V or U on the
multifunction steering wheel repeatedly
until the standard display
(Y page 112)
appears in the multifunction display.
X Press button * or & on the
multifunction steering wheel until the
maintenance
service indicator display with
the service symbol ¯ and the
maintenance service deadline appears in
the multifunction display.
i If
the battery was disconnected, the days
of disconnection will not be included in the
count shown by the maintenance service
indicator. To arrive at the true maintenance
service deadline, you will need to subtract
these days from the days shown in the
maintenance service indicator message or
maintenance service indicator display. Do not confuse the maintenance service
indicator
with the engine oil level indicator
4. Resetting the maintenance service
indicator
In
the event that the maintenance service on
your vehicle is not carried out at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center, you can have the
maintenance service indicator reset.
The automotive maintenance facility carrying
out the maintenance service will find the
information for resetting the maintenance
service indicator in the maintenance-relevant
literature for your vehicle.
Such literature is available at any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center or directly from
Mercedes-Benz.
! If the maintenance service indicator was
reset inadvertently, have an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center correct it.
Only reset the maintenance service
indicator if the proper maintenance service
has been performed. Not following the
proper maintenance service as described
in the Maintenance Booklet will result in
engine damage and/or other vehicle
damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty. Vehicle care
Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Notes Regular and proper care will help to maintain
the value of your vehicle.
G
Warning!
Many cleaning products can be hazardous.
Some are poisonous, others are flammable.
Always follow the instructions on the
particular container. Always open your Vehicle care
215
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Power washer
!
Follow the instructions provided by the
power washer manufacturer on
maintaining
a distance between the vehicle
and the nozzle of the power washer.
Never use a round nozzle to power-wash
tires. The intense jet of water can result in
damage to the tire.
Always replace a damaged tire.
Always keep the jet of water moving across
the surface. Do not aim directly at electrical
parts, electrical connectors, seals, or other
rubber parts.
i Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO:
If a door handle is hit by a strong jet of
water, and a SmartKey is within
approximately 3 ft (1 m) of the vehicle, it
could be inadvertently locked or unlocked.
Tar stains Quickly remove tar stains before they dry and
become more difficult to remove. A tar
remover is recommended.
Paintwork, painted body components
!
Affixing stickers, magnets, adhesive tape
or similar materials to painted body
components may damage the paintwork.
Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Care should
be applied when water drops on the paint
surface do not “bead up”. This should
normally be done every 3 to 5 months,
depending on the climate and washing
detergent used.
Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Cleaner
should be applied if the paint surface shows
signs of embedded dirt (i.e. loss of gloss).
Do not apply any of these products or wax if
your
vehicle is parked in the sun or if the hood
is still hot.
X Use the appropriate MB-Touch-Up Stick for
quick
and provisional repairs of minor paint damage (i.e. chips from stones, vehicle
doors, etc.).
Vehicles with mat paint
Your vehicle is painted with mat clear-coat
paint. Observe the following notes to avoid
paint
damage caused by improper treatment.
i Only use insect remover and car shampoo
approved by Mercedes-Benz.
! Do not polish the vehicle. Polishing will
brighten the paintwork.
Do not use paintwork cleaning agents,
abrasives, polishing compounds, or wax for
paintwork care. Such products are
intended for use on high-polish surfaces.
Using such products on mat paint causes
severe damage, such as bright, spotted
areas on the respective surface.
Have paintwork repairs performed at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Have stone chipping repairs as soon as
possible.
Remove the following immediately if possible.
Do not apply strong force.
R Soak insect remains with insect remover
and rinse them of with water afterwards.
Use a soft bristle toothbrush for remains
that have not come off.
R Soak bird droppings with water and rinse
them of with water afterwards. Use a soft
bristle toothbrush for remains that have not
come off.
R Remove tree resins, grease, oil, and
gasoline with silicone remover.
R Dab off wax with silicone remover.
R Dab off tar splashes or tar stains with tar
remover.
Engine cleaning Prior to cleaning the engine compartment,
make sure to protect electrical components
and connectors from contact with water and
cleaning agents. Vehicle care
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Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
X Solutions# Low
Voltage
Start
Engine The battery has insufficient voltage.
X
Start the engine. 4 Check oil
level at
next
refueling. The engine oil has dropped to a critical level.
X
Check the engine oil level ( Y page 179) and add engine oil
as required ( Y page 180).
X If you must add engine oil frequently, have the engine
checked for possible leaks. If the message
Check
oil level at next
refueling. appears while the engine is
running and at operating temperature, the
engine oil level has dropped to approximately
the minimum level.
The message will be stored in the vehicle
status message memory after you have
cleared it from the multifunction display.
Visually check for oil leaks. If there are no
obvious oil leaks, drive to the nearest service
station to refill your engine oil to the required
level. For information on approved engine oils
contact
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
or visit www.mbusa.com (USA only).
! Engine oil level warnings should not be
ignored. Extended driving with the symbol
displayed could result in serious engine
damage that is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
X SolutionsC The fuel level is low.
X
Refuel at the next gas station. 7 Reserve
Fuel The fuel level has dropped below the reserve mark.
X
Refuel at the next gas station. 7 Gas Cap
Is Open A loss of pressure has been detected in the fuel system. The
fuel cap may not be closed properly or the fuel system may
be leaking.
X
Check the fuel cap ( Y page 177).
X If it is not closed properly: Close the fuel cap.
X If it is closed properly: Have the fuel system checked at
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. ¸ Replace
Air Filter The air filter is clogged.
X
Have the air filter checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center. 246
Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display
Practical hints
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Model Capacity Fuels, coolants,
lubricants, etc.
Engine with oil
filter
CLS 550 9.0 US qt (8.5 l) Approved engine
oils
CLS 63 AMG
33 9.3 US qt (8.8 l)
Automatic
transmission
CLS 550 9.7 US qt (9.2 l) MB Automatic
Transmission Fluid
CLS 63 AMG 9.3 US qt (8.8 l)
Rear axle
CLS 550 1.3 US qt (1.2 l) MB Hypoid Gear Oil
(SAE 85W-90)
CLS 63 AMG 1.3 US qt (1.2 l) Fuchs Titan
EG 5010 D
CLS 63 AMG
34 1.3 US qt (1.2 l) Castrol SAF-XJ
(SAE 75W-140)
Power steering
CLS 550 approx. 1.0 US qt (0.9 l) MB Power Steering
Fluid (Chevron
Texaco PSF 9109)
CLS 63 AMG approx. 1.3 US qt (1.2 l)
Brake system
All models 0.63 US qt (0.6 l) MB Brake Fluid
(DOT 4+)
Cooling system
CLS 550 approx. 11.9 US qt (11.3 l) MB 325.0
Anticorrosion/
Antifreeze
CLS 63 AMG approx. 12.5 US qt (11.8 l)
Fuel tank
All models 21.1 US gal (80.0 l) Premium unleaded
gasoline (Minimum
Posted Octane 91
[Avg. of
96 RON/86 MON])
Fuel tank
reserve
CLS 550 approx. 2.4 US gal (9.0 l)
CLS 63 AMG approx. 3.7 US gal (14.0 l)
Air
conditioning
system
All models — R134a refrigerant
and special
PAG lubricant oil
(never R 12)
Washer system
All models 4.8 US qt (4.5 l) MB Windshield
Washer
Concentrate
35
(Y page 302)
Washer fluid mixing
ratio ( Y page 302) Washer system
and headlamp
cleaning
system
All models 6.9 US qt (6.5 l)
33
Engine with oil cooler.
34 With Performance Package.
35 Mixed with water or commercially available premixed washer solvent/antifreeze. Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
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Approved engine oils
Engine oils are specifically tested for their
suitability in our engines and durability for our
service intervals. Therefore, only use
approved engine oils and oil filters required
for vehicles with the 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).
! Using engine oils and oil filters of a
specification other than those expressly
required for the Maintenance System, or
changing of oil and oil filter at change
intervals longer than those called for by the
Maintenance System will result in engine or
emission control system damage not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Please follow Maintenance System
recommendations for scheduled oil
changes. Failure to do so will result in
engine or emission control system damage
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Mercedes-Benz recommends MOBIL OIL.
Use the table below to determine the
MB sheet number. Model Engine,
type MB sheet
number
CLS 550 273 229.5
CLS 63 AMG 156
229.5
36 i
MB sheet numbers are printed on the
outside of oil containers. 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.
36 Restriction: Only SAE 0W-40/SAE 5W-40 engine oils may be used. 298
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.Technical data
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