2011 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS snow chains

Service and warranty information
.....19
Service intervals see
Maintenance System, Service
indicator message
Service life (tires) .............................. 198
Settings Factory setting (KEYLESS-GO) ......... 69
Factory setting (SmartKey) ..............67
Memory function .............................. 85
Menu ............................................. 118
Selective setting (KEYLESS-GO) ....... 69
Selective setting (SmartKey) ............67
Shelf below rear window, cleaning .. 221
Side impact air bags ...........................41
Side marker lamps
Cleaning lenses ............................. 219
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 248
Sidewall (tires) .................................. 207
Ski bag ............................................... 155
SmartKey see Key, SmartKey
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO
see Key, SmartKey
Snow chains ...................................... 208
Snow tires see Winter tires
Spare wheel ....................................... 291
Mounting ....................................... 272
Storage location ............................ 226
Speedometer ............................... 28, 131
Speed settings Cruise control ................................ 128
Distronic ........................................ 133
Resume function ................... 129, 134
SRS
Indicator lamp .................................. 28
SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)
Indicator lamp ......................... 36, 254
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 240
Standing water, driving through ......213
Starter switch positions KEYLESS-GO .................................... 76
SmartKey ......................................... 76
Starting difficulties (engine) ..............98
Starting the engine ............................. 97Steering column
see Multifunction steering wheel,
Adjustment

Steering wheel
see Multifunction steering wheel
Steering wheel gearshift control .....106
Stolen Vehicle Recovery Services ...169
Storage compartments .....................158
Storing tires ....................................... 199
Sunroof see Power tilt/sliding sunroof
Sunshade
Rear window .................................. 162
Sun visors .................................. 161, 162
Suspension tuning see AIRMATIC DC (Dual Control) T
Tachometer ..................................

28, 110
Overspeed range ........................... 110
Tail lamps
Cleaning lenses ............................. 219
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 249
Tar stains ........................................... 217
Technical data Air conditioning refrigerant ............ 298
Brake fluid ..................................... 298
Capacities fuels, coolants,
lubricants etc. ................................ 296
Coolant .......................................... 300
Engine oil additives ........................298
Engine oils ..................................... 298
Fuel requirements .......................... 299
Gasoline additives .......................... 299
Identification labels .......................288
Premium unleaded gasoline ...........299
Rims and tires ................................ 291
Spare wheel ................................... 296
Vehicle specification CLS 550 ....... 290
Vehicle specification CLS 63 AMG . 290
Washer and headlamp cleaning
system ................................... 297, 302
Technical data (dimensions)
see Vehicle specification
Technical data (electrical system)
see Vehicle specification Index
15 219_AKB; 4; 54, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-11T16:21:02+02:00 - Seite 15

Technical data (engine)
see Vehicle specification
Technical data (weights)
see Vehicle specification
Tele Aid ............................................... 164
Emergency calls ............................. 165
Information button .........................167
Initiating an emergency call
manually ........................................ 166
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 240
Remote door unlock ...................... 168
Roadside Assistance button .......... 166
Search & Send ............................... 168
SOS button .................................... 166
Stolen Vehicle Recovery Services .. 169
System self-test ............................. 165
Telephone ............................................. 29
Answering/ending a call ................ 126
Hands-free microphone ...................33
Menu ............................................. 125
Operation ....................................... 125
Phone book .................................... 126
Redialing ........................................ 127
Temperature
Coolant .......................................... 109
Interior temperature ......................147
Outside .................................. 113, 120
Tether anchorage points
see Children in the vehicle
Tie-down hooks ................................. 157
Tightening torque Wheels ........................................... 277
TIN (Tire Identification Number) ...... 207
Tire and Loading Information
placard ............................................... 193
Tire and loading terminology ...........205
Tire Identification Number see TIN
Tire inflation pressure
Checking ........................................ 185
Important notes on ........................ 184
Label on the inside of fuel filler
flap ................................................ 185
Placard on driver’s door B-pillar ..... 193
Tire labeling ....................................... 201
Tire load rating .................................. 206Tire ply composition and material
used ....................................................
207
Tire pressure loss warning system .
186
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) ................................................ 188
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 236, 250
Tires ........................................... 182, 291
Advanced Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (Advanced
TPMS) ............................................ 190
Air pressure ................................... 183
Care and maintenance ................... 198
Cleaning ......................................... 199
Direction of rotation, spinning .......197
Important notes on tire inflation
pressure ........................................ 184
Inflation pressure ........................... 185
Information placard ....................... 193
Inspection ...................................... 198
Labeling ......................................... 201
Load index ............................. 202, 206
Load rating .................................... 206
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 235, 250
MOExtended .................................. 292
Ply composition and material
used ............................................... 207
Problems under-/overinflation ...... 185
Retreads ........................................ 182
Rims and tires (technical data) ...... 291
Rotation ......................................... 200
Service life ..................................... 198
Sizes .............................................. 291
Snow chains .................................. 208
Speed rating .......................... 203, 207
Storing ........................................... 199
Temperature .......................... 184, 200
Terminology ................................... 205
Tire Identification Number ............. 207
Tire pressure loss warning system . 186
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) ........................................... 188
TPMS low tire pressure/
malfunction telltale ........................ 259
Traction ................................. 199, 207
Tread ............................................. 207
Tread depth ........................... 198, 20816
Index 219_AKB; 4; 54, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-11T16:21:02+02:00 - Seite 16

Vehicle status message memory ....
117
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 224
Vehicle washing see Vehicle care

Vehicle weights
see Vehicle specification W
Warning lamps see Lamps, Indicator and warning


Warning sounds
Distance warning function .............137
Distronic ........................................ 131
Driver’s or passenger’s seat belt ..... 48
Parking brake ................................ 239
Parktronic system ..........................142
Seat belt telltale ............................ 253
Warranty coverage ............................ 288
Washer and headlamp cleaning
system ................................................ 302
Washer fluid
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 242
Mixing ratio .................................... 302
Refilling .......................................... 181
Washing the vehicle .......................... 215
Wear pattern (tires) ..........................200
Weights (vehicle) see Vehicle specification
Wheel
Changing ....................................... 271
Removing ....................................... 274
Spare ............................................. 271
Tightening torque ........................... 277
Wheels, sizes ..................................... 291
Wheels, Tires and .............................. 182
Window curtain air bags ..................... 41
Windows see Power windows
Windows, cleaning ............................219
Windshield Cleaning wiper blades .................... 219
Defogging ...................................... 150
Washer fluid ................................... 302
Wipers ............................................. 92
Windshield wipers
Replacing wiper blades .................. 270Winter driving
Instructions
.................................... 209
Snow chains .................................. 208
Tires ............................................... 208
Winter tires ................................ 208, 291
Wood trims, cleaning ........................ 22118
Index 219_AKB; 4; 54, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-11T16:21:02+02:00 - Seite 18

achieved with winter tires, or snow chains
as required.
Safety notes G
Warning!
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
R Excessive speed, especially in turns
R Wet and slippery road surfaces
R Following another vehicle too closely
The driving safety systems described in this
section cannot reduce these risks or prevent
the
natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle. They cannot increase braking or
steering efficiency beyond that afforded by
the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires
or the traction afforded.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents.
The capabilities of a vehicle equipped with the
driving safety systems described in this
section must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user’s safety or the safety of others.
Always adjust your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather conditions and
keep a safe distance to other road users and
objects on the street.
If a driving system malfunctions, other driving
safety systems may also switch off. Observe
indicator and warning lamps that may come
on as well as messages in the multifunction
display that may appear. ABS
G
Observe Safety notes, see page 58. G
Warning!
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady
brake pedal pressure instead. Pumping the
brake pedal defeats the purpose of the ABS and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates
the

brake pressure so that the wheels do not
lock during braking. This allows you to
maintain the ability to steer your vehicle.
The ABS is functional above a speed of
approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) independent
of road surface conditions.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will
respond even to light brake pressure.
The ABS indicator lamp ! in the
instrument cluster comes on when you switch
on the ignition. It goes out when the engine
is running.
Braking At the instant one of the wheels is about to
lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in the
brake pedal. The pulsation indicates that the
ABS is in the regulating mode.
X
Keep firm and steady pressure on the brake
pedal while you feel the pulsation.
Continuous, steady brake pedal pressure
yields the advantages provided by the ABS,
namely

braking power and the ability to steer
the vehicle.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
Emergency brake maneuver X
Keep continuous full pressure on the brake
pedal. G
Warning!
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving safety
systems
such as the BAS or the ESP ®
are also
switched off. Observe indicator and warning
lamps that may come on as well as messages
in the multifunction display that may appear. 58
Driving safety systems
Safety and security
219_AKB; 4; 54, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-11T16:21:02+02:00 - Seite 58

G
Warning!
Never switch off the ESP ®
when you see the
ESP ®
warning lamp d 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 ESP ®
cannot
prevent accidents resulting from excessive
speed.
! 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
dynamometer or when the vehicle is being
towed with the front axle raised.
Active braking action through the ESP ®
may otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
! The ESP ®
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 system and cruise control
switch off automatically when the ESP ®
engages.
Electronic Traction System (ETS) G
Observe Safety notes, see page 58.
The ETS (Electronic Traction System) is a
component of the ESP ®
. The ETS improves
the vehicle’s ability to utilize available
traction, especially under slippery road conditions by applying the brakes to a
spinning wheel.
Except CLS 63 AMG:
When you switch off the ESP
®
, the ETS is still
enabled.
Switching off the ESP ® Switching off the ESP
®
(except
CLS 63 AMG) G
Warning!
The ESP ®
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 ESP ®
when a spare
wheel is mounted.
To improve the vehicle’s traction, switch off
the ESP ®
. This allows the drive wheels to spin
and thus cut into surfaces for better grip, for
example
R when driving with snow chains
R in deep snow
R in sand or gravel G
Warning!
Switch on the ESP ®
immediately if the
aforementioned circumstances do not apply
anymore. Otherwise the ESP ®
will not
stabilize the vehicle when it is starting to skid
or a wheel is spinning. 60
Driving safety systemsSafety and security
219_AKB; 4; 54, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-11T16:21:02+02:00 - Seite 60

The following vehicle level settings can be selected when the vehicle is stationary and the
engine is running:
Vehicle
level when
stationary Indicator
lamp
(Y page
139) Suspension
tuning Use for Ride height
increase
over normal Automatic
lowering
Normal Lamp off Comfort For driving on
normal roads None Max. approx.
0.4 in
(10 mm)
Normal Lamp off Sport 1 or 2 For driving on
normal roads None Max. approx.
0.6 in
(15 mm)
Raised Lamp on Comfort For driving on
rough roads
or with snow
chains Approx.
0.8 in
(20 mm) Max. approx.
1.2 in
(30 mm)
Raised Lamp on Sport 1 or 2 For driving on
rough roads
or with snow
chains Approx.
0.8 in
(20 mm) Max. approx.
1.4 in
(35 mm)
X
Start the engine.
X Briefly press vehicle level control
switch : to change from normal level to
raised level. When the vehicle is in raised
level, pressing vehicle level control
switch : will return the vehicle to normal
level.
The setting raised is canceled and the vehicle
is lowered to the normal level automatically if
the vehicle speed is above 75 mph
(120 km/h) or if the vehicle speed stays
between 50 mph (80 km/h) and 75 mph (120 km/h) for approximately 5 minutes.
Indicator lamp ; in
vehicle level control switch : goes out.
If you do not drive in this speed range, the
selected vehicle level setting remains stored
in memory even if the SmartKey is removed
from the starter switch. Parktronic system
The Parktronic system is an electronic
parking aid with ultrasonic sensors designed
to assist the driver during parking maneuvers.
The Parktronic system indicates the relative
distance between the vehicle and an obstacle
visually and audibly.
The Parktronic system is activated
automatically when
R you switch on the ignition
and
R you release the parking brake Driving systems
139Controls in detail
219_AKB; 4; 54, en-US
d2ureepe, Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-11T16:21:02+02:00 - Seite 139 Z

Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires
wear excessively and/or unevenly, adversely
affect handling and fuel economy, and are
more likely to fail from being overheated.
Do
not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires can
adversely affect handling and ride comfort,
wear unevenly, increase stopping distance,
and result in sudden deflation (blowout)
because they are more likely to become
punctured or damaged by road debris,
potholes etc.
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the
specified load limit as indicated on the Tire
and Loading Information placard on the
driver’s door B-pillar. Overloading the tires
can overheat them, possibly causing a
blowout. Overloading the tires can also result
in handling or steering problems, or brake
failure.
Check the tire inflation pressure at least once
a month.
Check and adjust the tire inflation pressure
when the tires are cold ( Y page 183).
Checking tire inflation pressure
manually Follow the steps below to achieve correct tire
inflation pressure:
X
Remove the cap from the valve on one tire.
X Firmly press a tire gauge onto the valve.
X Read the tire inflation pressure on the tire
gauge and check against the
recommended

tire inflation pressure on the
Tire and Loading Information placard on the
driver’s door B-pillar ( Y page 193). If
necessary, add air to achieve the
recommended tire inflation pressure.
X If you have overfilled the tire, release tire
inflation pressure by pushing the metal
stem of the valve with e.g. a tip of a pen.
Then recheck the tire inflation pressure
with the tire gauge.
X Install the valve cap.
X Repeat this procedure for each tire. Tire pressure loss warning system
(Canada only) While the vehicle is being driven, the tire
pressure loss warning system monitors the
set

tire inflation pressures by evaluating each
wheel’s rotational speed. This allows the
system to detect a significant loss of pressure
in a tire. If a wheel’s rotational speed changes
due to falling tire inflation pressure, you will
see a corresponding warning message in the
multifunction display.
The tire pressure loss warning system may
function in a restricted manner or with a delay
R when snow chains are mounted to the
vehicle
R in the presence of ice and snow
R when you are driving on a loose surface
(e.g. sand or gravel)
R when you are driving in a very sporty
manner (involving rapid acceleration or
high speeds in curves)
R when you are driving with a loaded roof
rack or heavily laden vehicle G
Warning!
When the multifunction display shows the
message Tire

Pressure Check Tires , one
or more of your tires are significantly
underinflated. You should stop and check
your tires as soon as possible, and inflate
them to the proper tire inflation pressure as
indicated on the vehicle’s Tire and Loading
Information placard or on the tire inflation
pressure label.
Driving on a significantly underinflated tire
causes the tire to overheat and can lead to
tire failure. Underinflation also reduces fuel
efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect
the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability. 186
Tires and wheels
Operation
219_AKB; 4; 54, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-11T16:21:02+02:00 - Seite 186

Treadwear indicators
Narrow bands, sometimes called “wear bars”
that
show across the tread of a tire when only
1 / 16 in (1.6 mm) of tread remains.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards A tire information system that provides
consumers with ratings for a tire’s traction,
temperature and treadwear. Ratings are
determined by tire manufacturers using U.S.
government testing procedures. The ratings
are molded into the sidewall of the tire.
Vehicle maximum load on the tire
Load on an individual tire that is determined
by distributing to each axle its share of the
maximum

loaded vehicle weight and dividing
it by two. Winter driving
General information
Have
your vehicle winterized at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. Winter tires
G
Warning!
Winter tires with a tread depth of less than
1 / 6 in (4 mm) must be replaced. They are no
longer suitable for winter operation. G
Warning!
If you use your spare wheel when winter tires
are fitted on the other wheels, be aware that
the

difference in tire characteristics may very
well impair turning stability and that overall
driving stability may be reduced. Adapt your
driving style accordingly.
Have the spare wheel replaced by a regular
road wheel with a winter tire at the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Always use winter tires at temperatures
below 45‡ (7†) and whenever wintry road
conditions prevail. Not all M+S rated tires
provide special winter performance. Make
sure the tires you use show the mountain/
snowflakeimarking on the tire sidewall.
These tires meet specific snow traction
performance requirements of the Rubber
Manufacturers Association (RMA) and the
Rubber Association of Canada (RAC) and
have been designed specifically for use in
snow conditions. Use of winter tires is the
only way to achieve the maximum
effectiveness of your vehicle’s driving safety
systems such as the ABS and the ESP
®
in
winter operation.
For safe handling, make sure all mounted
winter tires are of the same make and have
the same tread design.
For information on winter tires for your
vehicle model, see the “Technical data”
section ( Y page 291).
Always

observe the speed rating of the winter
tires installed on your vehicle. Snow chains
! When driving with snow chains, always
select the raised level of the vehicle level
control. Other settings may result in
damage to your vehicle.
! Some tire sizes do not leave adequate
clearance for snow chains. To help avoid
serious damage to your vehicle or tires,
make sure the use of snow chains is
permissible as specified in the “Technical
data” section of this Operator’s Manual.
Snow chains should only be driven on snow-
covered roads at speeds not to exceed
30 mph (50 km/h)

. Remove chains as soon
as possible when driving on roads without
snow. 208
Winter driving
Operation
219_AKB; 4; 54, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-11T16:21:02+02:00 - Seite 208