vehicle’s doors or windows when cleaning the
inside.
Never use fluids or solvents that are not
designed for cleaning your vehicle.
Always
lock away cleaning products and keep
them out of reach of children.
! When cleaning the vehicle, do not use
scouring agents. Never apply strong force
and only use a soft, wet cloth or sponge.
Otherwise you may scratch or damage the
surface to be cleaned.
While in operation, even while parked, your
vehicle is subjected to varying external
influences which, if gone unchecked, can
attack the paintwork as well as the vehicle
underbody and cause lasting damage.
Such damage is caused not only by extreme
and varying climatic conditions, but also by:
R Air pollution
R Road salt
R Tar
R Gravel and stone chipping
To avoid paint damage, you should
immediately remove:
R Grease and oil
R Fuel
R Coolant
R Brake fluid
R Bird droppings
R Insects
R Tree resins etc.
Frequent washing reduces and/or eliminates
the aggressiveness and potency of the above
adverse influences. More frequent washings are necessary to
deal with unfavorable conditions:
R
near the ocean
R in industrial areas (smoke, exhaust
emissions)
R during winter operation
You should check your vehicle from time to
time
for stone chipping or other damage. Any
damage should be repaired as soon as
possible to prevent corrosion.
In doing so, do not neglect the underbody of
the vehicle. A prerequisite for a thorough
check is a washing of the underbody followed
by a thorough inspection. Damaged areas
need to be re-undercoated.
Your vehicle has been treated at the factory
with a wax-base rustproofing in the body
cavities which will last for the lifetime of the
vehicle. Post-production treatment is neither
necessary nor recommended by Mercedes-
Benz because of the possibility of
incompatibility between materials used in the
production process and others applied later.
We have selected vehicle-care products and
compiled recommendations which are
specially matched to our vehicles and which
always reflect the latest technology. You can
obtain Mercedes-Benz approved vehicle-care
products at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Scratches, corrosive deposits, corrosion or
damage due to negligent or incorrect care
cannot always be removed or repaired with
the vehicle-care products recommended
here. In such cases it is best to seek aid at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The following topics deal with the cleaning
and care of your vehicle and give important
“how-to” information as well as references to
Mercedes-Benz approved vehicle-care
products. 216
Vehicle care
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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
217
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An automotive glass cleaner is
recommended.
! Fold the windshield wiper arms back onto
the windshield before turning the SmartKey
in the starter switch or pressing the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button.
Hold on to the wiper when folding the wiper
arm back. If released, the force of the
impact from the tensioning spring could
crack the windshield.
! To clean the window interior, do not use
a dry cloth, abrasives, solvents or cleaners
containing solvents. Do not touch the
inside of the windows with hard objects
such as an ice scraper or ring. Doing so may
damage the windows.
Light alloy wheels If possible, clean wheels once a week.
X
Use Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care,
a soft bristle brush and a strong spray of
water for cleaning the light alloy wheels.
! Only use acid-free cleaning materials.
Acid may cause corrosion or damage the
clear coat.
! The vehicle should not be parked for an
extended period of time immediately after
it
has been cleaned. This applies especially
after the wheel rims have been cleaned
with wheel rim cleaner. Wheel rim cleaners
can lead to increased corrosion of the
brake disks and brake pads. Non-approved
wheel cleaners may also damage the wheel
paint if the vehicle is not driven after
cleaning.
Therefore, the vehicle’s brake system
should always be warmed-up before it is
parked after cleaning. Drive your vehicle for
several minutes to allow the brakes to dry.
When applying Mercedes-Benz approved
Tire Care and Mercedes-Benz approved
Wheel Care products, take care not to
spray them on the brake disks. Plastic and rubber parts X
Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or mild
detergent
for delicate fabrics as a washing
solution.
X Wipe with a cloth moistened in a lukewarm
solution.
The
surface may temporarily change color.
If this is the case, wait for it to dry. G
Warning!
Do not use cleaners or cockpit care sprays
containing
solvents to clean the cockpit or the
steering wheel. Cleaners containing solvents
will make the surface porous and vehicle
occupants could suffer serious injuries from
plastic parts coming loose in the event of air
bag deployment.
! Do not use oil, wax or scouring agents.
Otherwise you may scratch or damage the
surface.
Hard plastic trim items
X Use Mercedes-Benz approved Interior Care
on
a soft, lint-free cloth and apply with light
pressure.
COMAND display !
You
must switch off the COMAND display
and allow it to cool prior to cleaning.
! Do not use any liquids or cleaning agents.
These can damage or even destroy the
COMAND display screen.
X Use a standard microfiber cloth and apply
with light pressure.
Steering wheel and gear selector lever X
Wipe with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly
or clean with Mercedes-Benz approved
Leather Care. 220
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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Notes on bulb replacement
!
Do not replace LEDs or bulbs not
described in this section. You could
otherwise damage the LEDs, the bulbs or
parts of the vehicle. Only have the LEDs and
bulbs replaced at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center. G
Observe Safety notes, see page 266.
R Only use 12-volt bulbs of the same type and
with the specified watt rating.
R Switch the lights off before changing a bulb
to prevent short circuits.
R Always use a clean lint-free cloth when
handling bulbs.
R Your hands should be dry and free of oil and
grease.
R If the newly installed bulb does not come
on, contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
i Mercedes-Benz recommends using
Longlife (LL) bulbs. Replacing bulbs for front lamps
G
Warning!
Do not remove the cover for the Bi-Xenon
headlamp. Because of high voltage in Xenon
lamps, it is dangerous to replace the bulb or
repair the lamp and its components. It is
recommended to have such work done by a
qualified technician.
Before you start to replace a bulb for a front
lamp, do the following:
X Switch off the ignition.
X Turn the exterior lamp switch to position
$.
X Open the hood (Y page 178). :
Housing cover for low-beam halogen or Bi-
Xenon headlamp
; Housing cover for high-beam headlamp/
high-beam flasher bulb and for parking
and standing lamp bulb =
Bulb socket for turn signal lamp bulb
? Bulb socket for high-beam bulb
A Bulb socket for parking and standing lamp
bulb
B Bulb socket for low-beam bulb
Low-beam bulb (halogen headlamps
only) X
Turn housing cover : counterclockwise
and remove it.
X Turn bulb socket B with the bulb
counterclockwise and remove it.
X Pull the bulb out of bulb socket B.
X Gently press the new bulb into bulb socket
B. 268
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X
Place jack = on firm ground.
X Position jack = under take-up
bracket ; so that it is always vertical as
seen from the side, even if the vehicle is
parked on an incline. X
Turn crank ? clockwise until jack = is
fully seated in take-up bracket ; and the
jack base evenly meets the ground.
X Jack up the vehicle until the wheel is a
maximum of 1.2 in (3 cm) from the ground.
Removing the wheel X
Unscrew the uppermost wheel bolt and
remove it.
X Replace this wheel bolt with alignment
bolt :.
X Remove the remaining bolts.
! Do not place wheel bolts in sand or dirt.
This could result in damage to the wheel
bolts and wheel hub threads.
X Remove the wheel. Attaching the spare wheel G
Warning!
Vehicles with spare wheel with collapsible tire
only: Inflate collapsible tire only after the
wheel is properly attached.
Inflate the collapsible tire using the electric
air pump before lowering the vehicle.
G
Warning!
Always replace wheel bolts that are damaged
or rusted.
Never apply oil or grease to wheel bolts.
Damaged wheel hub threads should be
repaired immediately. Do not continue to
drive under these circumstances! Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or call
Roadside Assistance.
Incorrect wheel bolts or improperly tightened
wheel bolts can cause the wheel to come off.
This could cause an accident. Make sure to
use the correct wheel bolts. G
Warning!
Only use genuine Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts.
Other wheel bolts may come loose.
Do not tighten the wheel bolts when the
vehicle is raised. Otherwise the vehicle could
fall off the jack.
X Clean contact surfaces of wheel and wheel
hub.
! To avoid paint damage, place wheel flat
against hub and hold it there while
installing first wheel bolt. 274
Flat tirePractical 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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