2011 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS-CLASS brake fluid

It can also result in the brakes overheating,
thereby significantly reducing their
effectiveness. It may not be possible to stop
the vehicle in sufficient time to avoid an
accident.
After hard braking, it is advisable to drive on
for
some time, rather than immediately park,
so that the air stream will cool down the
brakes faster.
Wet roads G
Warning!
After driving in heavy rain for some time
without
applying the brakes or through water
deep enough to wet brake components, the
first braking action may be somewhat
reduced and increased pedal pressure may be
necessary to obtain expected brake effect.
Maintain a safe distance from vehicles in
front.
To help prevent brake disk corrosion after
driving on wet or salt-covered roads, it is
advisable to brake the vehicle with
considerable force prior to parking. The heat
generated serves to dry the brakes.
Salt-covered roads G
Warning!
A layer of salt on the brake discs and the brake
linings may cause a delay in the braking
effect, resulting in a significantly increased
braking distance, which could lead to an
accident.
To avoid this danger, you should:
R occasionally brake carefully when you are
driving on salt-covered roads, so that any
layer of salt that may have built up on the
brake discs and the brake linings is removed without putting other road users
at risk
R maintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead and drive with particular care
R carefully apply the brakes at the end of a
trip and immediately after commencing a
new

trip, so that salt residues are removed
from the brake disc
Brake service !
The brake fluid level in the reservoir may
be

too low if the brake warning lamp in the
instrument cluster comes on and an
acoustic warning sounds although the
parking brake is released. Observe
additional messages in the multifunction
display that may appear.
Brake pad wear or a leak in the system may
be the reason for low brake fluid in the
reservoir.
Have the brake system inspected
immediately. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
All checks and service work on the brake
system should be carried out by qualified
technicians only. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Only install brake pads and use brake fluid
recommended by Mercedes-Benz. G
Warning!
If other than recommended brake pads are
installed, or other than recommended brake
fluid is used, the braking properties of the
vehicle

can be degraded to an extent that safe
braking is substantially impaired. This could
result in an accident.
! Because the ESP ®
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 parking
brake is being tested on a brake test Driving instructions
211
Operation
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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
Operation
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Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
X Solutions$
(USA only)
J
(Canada
only) EBV, ABS,
ESP
Inoperativ
e See
Operator’s
Man. The brake system is still functioning normally but due to a
malfunction, the ABS, the BAS, the EBP, the ESP
®
, and the
PRE-SAFE ®
system are unavailable.
X Continue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing steering capability.
X Adjust driving to be consistent with reduced braking
responsiveness.
X Have the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident. $
(USA only)
!
(Canada
only) Release
Parking
Brake You are driving with the parking brake engaged. In addition
an acoustic warning sounds.
X
Release the parking brake. $
(USA only)
J
(Canada
only) Check
Brake
Fluid
Level There is insufficient brake fluid in the reservoir.
Risk of accident!
X
Stop the vehicle in a safe location or as soon as it is safe
to do so.
X Engage the parking brake.
X Do not drive any further.
X Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or call
Roadside Assistance.
Do not add brake fluid! This will not solve the problem. G
Warning!
Driving with the message Check Brake Fluid Level displayed can result in an accident. Have
your brake system checked immediately.
Do not add brake fluid before checking the brake system. Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can
result in spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the brake fluid catching fire. You can be
seriously burned.
! If you find that the brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir has fallen to the minimum mark
or below, have the brake system checked for brake pad thickness and leaks. Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display
239
Practical hints
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Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
X Solutions+ Key Not
Detected
(message
appears in
red) The SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO is not detected while the
engine
is running because the SmartKey is not in the vehicle.
X Stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
X Engage the parking brake.
X Search for the SmartKey.
The vehicle cannot be locked centrally nor can the engine
be started again after the engine is stopped. + Key Not
Detected
(message
appears in
red) The SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO is not detected while the
engine is running because there is strong radio-frequency
interference.
X
Stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
X Engage the parking brake.
X Operate the vehicle with the SmartKey in the starter switch. + Key Not
Detected
(message
appears in
white) The SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO is momentarily not detected.
X
Change the position of the SmartKey in the vehicle.
X Operate the vehicle with the SmartKey in the starter switch
if necessary. ~ Bluetooth
Ready The telephone has not yet been connected to the COMAND
system via Bluetooth
®
.
X Connect the telephone to the COMAND system via
Bluetooth ®
. ¥ Top Up
Washer
Fluid
The fluid level has dropped to approximately
1
/ 3 of total
reservoir capacity.
X Add washer fluid ( Y page 181).242
Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display
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Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
X Solutions? Coolant
Stop
Vehicle,
turn
engine
off. The coolant is too hot.
X
Stop the vehicle immediately as soon as it is safe to do so.
X Turn off the engine immediately.
X Engage the parking brake.
X Only start the engine again after the message disappears.
You could otherwise damage the engine.
X Observe the coolant temperature indicator in the
instrument cluster.
X If the temperature rises again: Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center immediately.
During severe operation conditions and stop-and-go city
traffic, the coolant temperature may rise close to 248‡
(120†). G
Warning!
Driving when your engine is overheated can cause some fluids which may have leaked into the
engine compartment to catch fire. You could be seriously burned.
Steam
from an overheated engine can cause serious burns which can occur just by opening the
engine hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam coming from it.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location away from other traffic. Turn off the engine, get out of the
vehicle and do not stand near the vehicle until the engine has cooled down.
! The engine should not be operated with the coolant temperature above 248‡ (120†).
Doing so may cause serious damage which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty. 244
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Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
X Solutions$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
The red brake warning
lamp comes on while
the engine is running
and an acoustic
warning sounds. There is insufficient brake fluid in the reservoir.
Risk of accident!
X
Do not drive any further. Stop the vehicle in a safe location as
soon as it is safe to do so.
X Engage the parking brake.
X Read and observe messages that may appear in the
multifunction display
(Y page 228).
X Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Do not add brake fluid! This will not solve the problem. G
Warning!
Driving with the brake warning lamp
illuminated can result in an accident. Have
your

brake system checked immediately if the
brake warning lamp stays on. Do not add
brake fluid before checking the brake system.
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result
in spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the brake fluid catching fire. You can be
seriously burned.
! If

you find that the brake fluid in the brake
fluid reservoir has fallen to the minimum
mark or below, have the brake system
checked for brake pad thickness and leaks.
Safety systems Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
X Solutions7
The red seat belt
telltale comes
on for a
maximum of
6 seconds after
starting the
engine. The seat belt telltale reminds you and your passengers to fasten
your seat belts before driving off.
X
Fasten your seat belts.
Regardless of whether the seat belts are fastened or not, the seat
belt telltale always comes on and remains lit for 6 seconds after
starting the engine. 7
The red seat belt
telltale comes
on. In addition
you hear a
warning chime
for a maximum
of 6 seconds
after

starting the
engine. You have forgotten to fasten your seat belt.
X
Fasten your seat belt.
The warning chime stops sounding. What to do if …
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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.
297Technical data
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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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