2011 MERCEDES-BENZ CL-Class windshield wipers

the headlamp range is set automatically
depending on the distance between the
vehicle and other road users.
If you are driving at speeds above
approximately 35 mph (55 km/h) and no
other road users are detected:
the high-beam headlamps are switched on
automatically. The K indicator lamp in
the instrument cluster also lights up.
If you are driving at speeds below
approximately 30 mph (45 km/h) or other
road users are detected or the roads are
illuminated sufficiently:
the high-beam headlamps are switched off
automatically. The K indicator lamp in
the instrument cluster goes out. The _
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
stays on.
XTo deactivate: move the combination
switch back to its normal position.
The _ indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.
High-beam flasher
XTo switch on: turn the key in the ignition
lock to position 1 or 2 or start the engine.
XPull the combination switch briefly in the
direction of arrow =.
Hazard warning lamps
The hazard warning lamps automatically
switch on if:
Ran air bag is deployed.
Rthe vehicle decelerates rapidly from a
speed of more than 45 mph (70 km/h) and
comes to a standstill.
XTo switch on the hazard warning lamps:
press button :.
All turn signals flash. If you now switch on
a turn signal using the combination switch,
only the turn signal lamp on the
corresponding side of the vehicle will flash.
XTo switch off the hazard warning
lamps: press button :.
The hazard warning lamp switches off
automatically after full brake application if the
vehicle then reaches a speed of above 6 mph
(10 km/h).
iThe hazard warning lamps still operate if
the ignition is switched off.
Headlamp cleaning system
The headlamps are cleaned automatically if
the "Wipe with washer fluid" function is
operated ten times while the lights are on and
the engine is running (Y page 251). When you
switch off the ignition, the automatic
headlamp cleaning system is reset and
counting is resumed from 0.
Cornering light function
248Exterior lightingLights and windshield wipers

The cornering light function improves the
illumination of the road over a wide angle in
the direction you are turning, enabling better
visibility in tight bends, for example. It can
only be activated when the low-beam
headlamps are switched on.
Active:
Rif you are driving at speeds below 25
(40 km/h) and switch on the turn signals
or turn the steering wheel.
Rif you are driving at speeds between
25 mph (40 km/h) and
45 mph (70 km/h) and turn the steering
wheel.
Not active: if you are driving at speeds above
25 mph (40 km/h) or switch off the turn
signals or turn the steering wheel to the
straight-ahead position.
The cornering light function may remain lit for
a short time, but is automatically switched off
after no more than three minutes.
Headlamps fogged up on the inside
The headlamps may fog up on the inside if
there is high atmospheric humidity.
XDrive with the headlamps switched on.
The headlamps clear up after a short
distance.
If the moisture does not disappear, the
headlamp casing is not sealed correctly and
moisture has been able to enter.
XHave the headlamps checked at a qualified
specialist workshop.Interior lighting
Overview of interior lighting
Overhead control panel
:p To switch the left-hand reading lamp
on/off
;v To switch the rear interior lighting
on/off
=c To switch the front interior lighting
on/off
?| To switch the automatic interior
lighting control on/off
Ap To switch the right-hand reading
lamp on/off
Interior lighting control
Important notes
In order to prevent the vehicle's battery from
discharging, the interior lighting functions are
automatically deactivated after some time
except for when the key is in position 2 in the
ignition lock.
Automatic interior lighting control
XTo switch on/off: press the | button.
The OFF indicator lamp shows whether the
automatic interior lighting control is
deactivated (indicator lamp on) or
activated (indicator lamp off).
Interior lighting249Lights and windshield wipersZ

The interior lighting automatically switches
on if you:
R unlock the vehicle
R open a door
R remove the key from the ignition lock
The interior light is activated for a short while
when the key is removed from the ignition
lock. You can activate this delayed switch-off
using COMAND ( Y page 232).
Manual interior lighting controlXTo switch the front interior lighting on/
off: press the c button.XTo switch the rear interior lighting on/
off: press the u button.XTo switch the reading lamps on/off:
press the p button.
Changing bulbs
Important safety notes
Xenon bulbs
If your vehicle is equipped with Xenon bulbs,
you can recognize this by the following: the
cone of light from the Xenon bulbs moves
from the top to the bottom and back again
when you start the engine. For this to be
observed, the lights must be switched on
before starting the engine.
GWarning
Xenon bulbs carry a high voltage. You could
get an electric shock and be seriously or even
fatally injured if you touch the electric
contacts on Xenon bulbs. Therefore, never
remove the cover from Xenon bulbs.
Do not change Xenon bulbs yourself, but have
them replaced at a qualified specialist
workshop which has the necessary specialist
knowledge and tools to carry out the work
required.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for this
purpose. In particular, work relevant to safety
or on safety-related systems must be carried
out at a qualified specialist workshop.
Bulbs and lamps are an important aspect of
vehicle safety. You must therefore make sure
that these function correctly at all times.
Have the headlamp setting checked regularly.
Other bulbsGWarning!
Bulbs and lamps can be very hot. You should
therefore allow them to cool down before you
change them. Otherwise, you could be burned
if you touch them.
Keep bulbs out of the reach of children.
Otherwise, they could damage the bulbs, for
example, and injure themselves.
Never use a bulb which has been dropped.
Such a bulb may break or even explode and
injure you.
Halogen bulbs are pressurized and can
explode when you change them, particularly
if they are very hot. You should therefore wear
eye protection and gloves when you are
changing them.
There are bulbs other than the Xenon bulbs
that you cannot replace. Replace only the
bulbs listed (Y page 251). Have the bulbs that
you cannot replace yourself changed at a
qualified specialist workshop.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for this
purpose. In particular, work relevant to safety
or on safety-related systems must be carried
out at a qualified specialist workshop.
If you require assistance changing bulbs,
consult a qualified specialist workshop.
Do not touch the glass tube of new bulbs with
your bare hands. Even minor contamination
can burn into the glass surface and reduce
the service life of the bulbs. Always use a lint-
free cloth or only touch the base of the bulb
when installing.
Only use bulbs of the correct type.
250Changing bulbsLights and windshield wipers

If the new bulb still does not light up, consult
a qualified specialist workshop.
Bulbs and lamps are an important aspect of
vehicle safety. You must therefore make sure
that these function correctly at all times.
Have the headlamp setting checked regularly.
Overview: changing bulbs/bulb types
You can change the following bulbs. The bulb
type can be found in the legend.
Bi-Xenon headlamps
:High-beam spot lamp: H7 55 WInfrared light (Night View Assist Plus):
H11 55 W
Changing the front bulbs
High-beam spot lamp/infrared light
(Night View Assist Plus)
XSwitch off the lights.XOpen the hood.XTurn housing cover ; counter-clockwise
and pull it out.
XTurn bulb holder : counter-clockwise and
pull it out.
XTake the bulb out of bulb holder :.XInsert the new bulb into bulb holder :.XInsert bulb holder :.XTurn bulb holder : clockwise.XAlign housing cover ; and turn it
clockwise until it engages.
Windshield wipers
Switching the windshield wipers on/
off
GWarning!
Wiper blades are components that are subject
to wear and tear. Replace the wiper blades
twice a year, preferably in the spring and fall.
Otherwise the windshield will not be wiped
properly. As a result, you may not be able to
observe surrounding traffic conditions and
could cause an accident.
! Do not operate the windshield wipers
when the windshield is dry, as this could
damage the wiper blades. Moreover, dust
that has collected on the windshield can
scratch the glass if wiping takes place when
the windshield is dry.
! If the windshield wipers leave smears on
the windscreen after the vehicle has been
washed in an automatic car wash, wax or
other residues may be the reason for this.
Clean the windshield using washer fluid
after washing the vehicle in an automatic
car wash.
Windshield wipers251Lights and windshield wipersZ

Combination switch
1$ Windshield wipers off2Ä Intermittent wipe, low133Å Intermittent wipe, high144° Continuous wipe, slow5¯ Continuous wipe, fastBí Single wipe/ î to wipe the
windshield using washer fluid
XSwitch the ignition on.XTurn the combination switch to the
corresponding position.
! Intermittent wiping with rain sensor: due
to optical influences and the windshield
becoming dirty in dry weather conditions,
the windshield wipers may be activated
inadvertently. This could then damage the
windshield wiper blades or scratch the
windshield.
For this reason, you should always switch
off the windshield wipers in dry weather.
In the Ä or Å position, the appropriate
wiping frequency is automatically set
according to the intensity of the rain. In
the Å position, the rain sensor is more
sensitive than in the Ä position, causing
the windshield wipers to wipe more
frequently.
Replacing the wiper blades
Important safety notes
GWarning
For safety reasons, switch off the windshield
wipers and remove the key from the ignition
lock before changing the wiper blades
(vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: make sure that
the on-board electronics are in state 0).
Otherwise, the wiper motor could be switched
on suddenly and cause injury.
! To avoid damaging the wiper blades,
make sure that you touch only the wiper
arm of the wiper.
! Never open the hood if a windshield wiper
arm has been folded away from the
windshield.
Never fold a windshield wiper arm without
a wiper blade back onto the windshield.
Hold the windshield wiper arm firmly when
you change the wiper blade. If you release
the windshield wiper arm without a wiper
blade and it falls onto the windshield, the
windshield can be damaged by the force of
the impact.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you have
the wiper blades replaced by a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
! Always position the windshield wiper
arms vertically before folding them away
from the windshield. By doing so, you will
avoid damage to the hood.
13Rain sensor set to low sensitivity.14Rain sensor set to high sensitivity.
252Windshield wipersLights and windshield wipers

Replacing the windshield wiper blades
Moving the wiper arms to a vertical
position
Vehicles without KEYLESS-GO
XTurn the key to position 1 or 2 in the ignition
lock.
XSet the windshield wipers to
position ° on the combination switch.
XWhen the wiper arms have reached a
vertical position, turn the key to position
0 and remove it from the ignition lock.
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO
XSwitch off the engine.XTake your foot off the brake pedal.XSet the windshield wipers to
position ° on the combination switch.
XPress the Start/Stop button repeatedly
until the windshield wipers start.
XWhen the wiper arms have reached a
vertical position, press the Start/Stop
button.
Removing the wiper blades
XFold the wiper arm away from the
windshield until it engages.
XSet the wiper blade at right angles to the
wiper arm.
XRemove the wiper blade from the retainer
on the wiper arm in the direction of the
arrow.
Installing the wiper bladeXSlide the new wiper blade into the retainer
on the wiper arm in the opposite direction
to the arrow.
Make sure that the wiper blade slides fully
into the retainer on the wiper arm.
XTurn the wiper blade parallel to the wiper
arm.
XFold the wiper arm back onto the
windshield.
Problems with the windshield wipers
The windshield wipers are obstructed
Leaves or snow, for example, may be
obstructing the windshield wiper movement.
The wiper motor has been deactivated.
XFor safety reasons, you should remove the
key from the ignition lock.
or
XSwitch off the engine using the Start/Stop
button and open the driver's door.
XRemove the cause of the obstruction.XSwitch the windshield wipers back on.
The windshield wipers are inoperative
The windshield wiper drive is malfunctioning.
XSelect another wiper speed on the
combination switch.
XHave the windshield wipers checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
Windshield wipers253Lights and windshield wipersZ

Setting the airflow
You can select different airflow settings for
the driver's and front-passenger sides.XTurn the key to position 2 in the ignition
lock.XTo increase/reduce: press the K
rocker switch up or down.
You can also use COMAND to set the airflow
( Y page 235).
Defrosting the windshield
You can use this function to defrost the
windshield or to defrost the inside of the
windshield and the side windows.
i You should only select the defrosting
function until the windshield is clear again.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XTo switch on: press the ¬ rocker
switch up or down.
The indicator lamp in the ¬ rocker
switch lights up.
The climate control system switches to the
following functions:
R cooling with air dehumidification on
R high airflow 16
R high temperature 16
R air distribution to the windshield and
front side windows
R air-recirculation mode offXTo switch off: press the ¬ rocker
switch up or down.
The indicator lamp in the ¬ rocker
switch goes out. The previously selected
settings come into effect again. The cooling
with air dehumidification function remains
on. Air-recirculation mode remains
deactivated.
or
XPress the w rocker switch up or down.orXPress the K rocker switch up or down.
Maximum cooling MAX COOL
The MAX COOL function is only available in
vehicles for the USA.
MAX COOL is only operational when the
engine is running.
The MAX COOL function is activated
automatically:
R if climate control is set to automatic
( Ã ) on both sides
R if additional cooling is used
The display shows MAX COOL.
This is the quickest way to cool the vehicle
interior when the sliding sunroof and the side
windows are closed.
Defrosting the windows
Windows fogged up on the inside
XActivate the "cooling with air
dehumidification" function via COMAND
( Y page 236).XActivate automatic mode Ã.XIf the windows continue to fog up, activate
the defrosting function ( Y page 260).
i
You should only select this setting until
the windshield is clear again.
Windows fogged up on the outside
XActivate the windshield wipers.XActivate automatic climate control.
i You should only select this setting until
the windshield is clear again.
16 Depending on the outside temperature.260Operating the control systemsClimate control

gear when the engine is idling normally and
when your right foot is firmly on the brake
pedal.
! Warm up the engine quickly. Do not use
the engine's full performance until it has
reached operating temperature.
Only shift the automatic transmission to
the desired drive position when the vehicle
is stationary.
Where possible, avoid spinning the drive
wheels when pulling away on slippery
roads. You could otherwise damage the
drive train.
! CL 63 AMG: at low engine oil
temperatures below 68 ‡ (+20 †), the
maximum engine speed is restricted in
order to protect the engine. To protect the
engine and maintain smooth engine
operation, avoid driving at full throttle when
the engine is cold.
SmartKey positions
SmartKey
gTo remove the SmartKey1Power supply for some consumers, such
as the windshield wipers2Ignition (power supply for all consumers)
and drive position3To start the engine
As soon as the ignition is switched on, all the
indicator lamps in the instrument cluster light
up. The indicator lamps of the high-beam
headlamps or the turn signal lamps only light
up if the high-beam headlamps or the turn
signal lamps are switched on. If an indicator
lamp does not light up when the ignition is
switched on, check it and replace it if
necessary. If an indicator lamp does not go
out after the engine is started or if it lights up
while the vehicle is in motion, see
( Y page 375).XRemove the SmartKey when the engine is
switched off.
The battery may otherwise discharge.
If you cannot turn the SmartKey in the ignition
lock, the vehicle battery may not be charged
sufficiently.
XCheck the vehicle battery and charge if
necessary ( Y page 428).
or
XJump-start the vehicle ( Y page 429).
i
The SmartKey can be turned in the
ignition lock even if it is not the correct
SmartKey for the vehicle. The ignition is not
switched on. The engine cannot be started.
KEYLESS-GO
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO are equipped with
a SmartKey with an integrated KEYLESS-GO
function and a detachable Start/Stop button.
The Start/Stop button must be inserted in the
ignition lock and the SmartKey must be in the
vehicle.
Pressing the Start/Stop button several times
in succession corresponds to the different
key positions in the ignition lock. This is only
the case if you are not depressing the brake
pedal.
If you depress the brake pedal and press the
Start/Stop button, the engine starts
immediately.
The Start/Stop button can be removed from
the ignition lock. Then you can insert the
SmartKey in the ignition lock.
i You do not have to remove the Start/Stop
button from the ignition lock when you
Driving267Driving and parkingZ