E
EASY-ENTRY feature Activating/deactivating .................212
Function/notes ................................ 99
EASY-EXIT feature
Crash-responsive ........................... 100
Function/notes ................................ 99
Switching on/off ........................... 212
EBD (electronic brake force
distribution) Display message ............................ 218
Function/notes ................................ 67
ECO start/stop function
Deactivating/activating .................137
General information .......................135
Electrical fuses
see Fuses
Electronic brake force distribution
see EBD (Electronic Brake force
Distribution)
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Electronic Traction System
see ETS/4ETS (Electronic
Traction System)
Emergency release
Driver's door .................................... 81
Fuel filler flap ................................. 149
Trunk ............................................... 85
Vehicle ............................................. 81
Emergency spare wheel
Storage location ............................ 295
Stowing .......................................... 295
Emergency Tensioning Devices
Function ........................................... 54
Safety guidelines ............................. 37
Emissions purification
Service and warranty information ....21
Engine
Check Engine warning lamp ........... 248
Display message ............................ 226
ECO start/stop function ................135
Emergency starting ........................309
Engine number ............................... 346
Irregular running ............................ 138
Starting problems ..........................138Starting the engine with the
SmartKey ....................................... 134
Starting with KEYLESS-GO .............134
Switching off .................................. 150
Engine electronics
Problem (malfunction) ...................138
Engine oil
Adding ........................................... 282
Additives ........................................ 349
Checking the oil level ..................... 281
Display message ............................ 228
Filling capacity ............................... 347
Notes about oil grades ................... 349
Notes on oil level/consumption ....281
Temperature (on-board computer) . 213
Viscosity ........................................ 349
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) AMG menu (on-board computer) ...213
Deactivating/activating (AMG
vehicles) .......................................... 65
Deactivating/activating (except
AMG vehicles) ................................ 206
Deactivating/activating (notes;
except AMG vehicles) ......................64
Display message ............................ 217
ETS/4ETS ........................................ 64
Function/notes ................................ 63
Important safety information ...........63
Warning lamp ................................. 245
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction
System) ................................................ 64
Exhaust tail pipe (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 290
Exterior lighting see Lights
Exterior mirrors
Adjusting ....................................... 100
Dipping (automatic) .......................101
Folding in/out (automatically) .......101
Folding in/out (electrically) ...........101
Folding in when locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 212
Out of position (troubleshooting) ...101
Setting ........................................... 101
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 102
Storing the parking position ..........102Index9
MOExtended run-flat system ........... 302
MP3 Operating ....................................... 203
see separate operating instructions
Multicontour seat ................................ 96
Multifunction display Function/notes ............................. 198
Permanent display .........................208
Multifunction steering wheel
Operating the on-board computer . 197
Overview .......................................... 29
N
Navigation Menu (on-board computer) ............202
On-board computer .......................202
see separate operating instructions
NECK-PRO head restraints
Operation ......................................... 48
Resetting after being triggered ........49
NECK-PRO luxury head restraints
Operation ......................................... 48
Resetting after being triggered ........49
Night View Assist Plus
Activating/deactivating .................181
Cleaning ......................................... 290
Function/notes ............................. 181
Problem (malfunction) ...................184
O
Occupant Classification System
(OCS) Faults ............................................... 47
Operation ......................................... 43
System self-test ............................... 46
Occupant safety
Children in the vehicle .....................55
System overview .............................. 36
Octane number (fuel) ........................ 348
Odometer ........................................... 201
see Trip odometer
Off-road system
4MATIC .......................................... 171
Oil
see Engine oil
On-board computer
AMG menu ..................................... 213
Assistance menu ........................... 206
Audio menu ................................... 203
Convenience submenu ..................212
Displaying a service message ........285
Display messages ..........................216
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 163
Factory settings submenu .............212
Important safety notes ..................196
Instrument cluster submenu ..........208
Lighting submenu .......................... 209
Menu overview .............................. 200
Message memory .......................... 216
Navigation menu ............................ 202
Operating video DVD .....................204
Operation ....................................... 197
RACETIMER ................................... 213
Service menu ................................. 208
Settings menu ............................... 208
Standard display ............................ 201
Telephone menu ............................ 204
Trip menu ...................................... 201
Vehicle submenu ........................... 211
Operating system
see On-board computer
Outside temperature display ........... 197
Overhead control panel ...................... 33
Override feature Rear side windows ...........................59
P
Paint code number ............................ 345
Paintwork (cleaning instructions) ... 287
Panic alarm .......................................... 60
Parking Important safety notes ..................150
Parking brake ................................ 151
Position of exterior mirror, front-
passenger side ............................... 102
Rear view camera .......................... 178
see Parking
see PARKTRONIC
Parking aid
Active Parking Assist .....................175
see Exterior mirrors
see PARKTRONIC
Index13
Supplement Restraint Systemsee SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System)
Surround lighting (on-board
computer) .......................................... 210
Suspension tuning AIRMATIC ...................................... 169
AMG adaptive sport suspension
system ........................................... 170
SETUP (on-board computer) ..........213
Switching air-recirculation mode
on/off ................................................. 126
Switching off the alarm (ATA) ............ 69
T
Tachometer ........................................ 197
Tail lamps Display message ............................ 225
see Lights
Tank
see Fuel tank
Tank content
Fuel gauge ....................................... 27
Technical data
CLS 550 4MATIC
BlueEFFICIENCY ............................ 351
CLS 550 BlueEFFICIENCY ..............351
CLS 63 AMG .................................. 352
Tires/wheels ................................. 339
TELEAID
Call priority .................................... 271
Display message ............................ 220
Downloading destinations
(COMAND) ..................................... 272
Emergency call .............................. 269
Important safety notes ..................267
Locating a stolen vehicle ...............273
MB info call button ........................271
Remote vehicle locking ..................273
Roadside Assistance button ..........270
Search & Send ............................... 272
Self-test ......................................... 268
System .......................................... 268
Vehicle remote unlocking ..............272
Telephone
Accepting a call ............................. 205
Menu (on-board computer) ............204
Number from the phone book ........ 205
Redialing ........................................ 205
Rejecting/ending a call .................205
Temperature
Coolant .......................................... 196
Coolant (on-board computer) ......... 213
Engine oil (on-board computer) ...... 213
Outside temperature ...................... 197
Setting (climate control) ................123
Theft deterrent locking system
Immobilizer ...................................... 69
Through-loading feature ................... 259
Tilt/sliding sunroof see Sliding sunroof
Timing (RACETIMER) ......................... 213
Tiredness assistant see ATTENTION ASSIST
Tire pressure
Calling up (on-board computer) .....322
Checking manually ........................321
Display message ............................ 234
Maximum ....................................... 320
Notes ............................................. 318
Pressure loss warning ....................321
Recommended ............................... 317
Tire pressure monitoring system
Function/notes ............................. 322
Restarting ...................................... 324
Warning lamp ................................. 252
Tires
Aspect ratio (definition) .................337
Average weight of the vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................335
Bar (definition) ............................... 335
Characteristics .............................. 335
Checking ........................................ 315
Definition of terms .........................335
Direction of rotation ......................338
Display message ............................ 234
Distribution of the vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................338
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................... 334
DOT (Department of
Transportation) (definition) ............335
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
(definition) ..................................... 336Index17
Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment of your vehicle available at the
time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible. Please note that your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
related systems and functions.
i Please read the information on qualified
specialist workshops ( Y page 22).
Driving
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Make sure absolutely no objects are
obstructing the pedals' range of movement.
Keep the driver's footwell clear of all
obstacles. If there are any floormats or
carpets in the footwell, make sure the pedals
still have sufficient clearance.
During sudden driving or braking maneuvers
the objects could get caught between the
pedals. You could then no longer brake or
accelerate. This could lead to accidents and
injury.
GWARNING
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in
order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle
control. Your vehicle's ABS will not prevent
this type of loss of control.
GWARNING
It is dangerous to shift the automatic
transmission out of parking position P or
neutral position N if the engine speed is
higher than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly
on the brake pedal, the vehicle could
accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You
could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into 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.
! AMG vehicles: 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 SmartKey(shift the transmission to position P)1Power supply for some consumers, such
as the windshield wipers2Ignition (power supply for all consumers)
and drive position3To start the engine
If the SmartKey is in position 0 in the ignition
lock for an extended period of time, it can no
132DrivingDriving and parking
iIf depressing the brake pedal the first
time does not activate the HOLD function,
wait briefly and then try again.GWARNING
The vehicle's brakes are applied when the
HOLD function is activated. For this reason,
deactivate the HOLD function if the vehicle is
to be set in motion by other means (e.g. in a
car wash or by towing).
Deactivating the HOLD function
The HOLD function is deactivated
automatically if:
R you accelerate and the transmission is in
position D or R.
R the transmission is in position P.
R you apply the brakes again with a certain
amount of pressure until HOLD disappears
from the multifunction display.
R you activate DISTRONIC PLUS.
GWARNING
Never get out of the vehicle when the HOLD
function is activated.
The HOLD function must never be operated
or deactivated by a passenger or from outside
the vehicle.
The HOLD function does not replace the
parking brake and must not be used for
parking.
The braking effect of the HOLD function is
canceled and the vehicle could roll away if:
R the HOLD function is deactivated by
depressing the accelerator pedal or the
brake pedal.
R there is a malfunction in the system or an
interruption in the power supply, e.g.
battery failure.
R the electrical system in the engine
compartment, the battery or the fuses are
tampered with.
R the battery is disconnected.
If you leave the vehicle or park it, deactivate
the HOLD function and secure the vehicle
against rolling away.
When the HOLD function is activated, the
transmission is shifted automatically to
position P if:
R the driver's door is open and the driver's
seat belt is unfastened.
R the engine is switched off.
R the hood is opened.
R a system malfunction occurs.
R the power supply is not sufficient.
RACE START
Important safety notes
i RACE START is only available in AMG
vehicles.
RACE START enables optimal acceleration
from a standing start. The precondition for
this is a suitable high-grip road surface.
GWARNING
RACE START is only available when SPORT
handling mode is activated. SPORT handling
mode only stabilizes the vehicle to a limited
extent in the event of swerving or wheelspin.
RACE START should only be used on specially
designated roads. Always adapt your speed
and driving style to the prevailing road and
weather conditions.
Conditions for activation
RACE START can be activated when:
R the doors are closed.
R the engine is running and it has reached an
operating temperature of approximately
176 ‡ (80 †). This is the case when the
engine oil temperature in the multifunction
display stops flashing.
R SPORT handling mode is activated.
( Y page 65)
Driving systems167Driving and parkingZ
XPress the = or ; button on the
steering wheel to select the Settings
menu.XPress the : or 9 button to select the
Factory Setting submenu.XPress the a button to confirm.
The Reset All Settings? message
appears.XPress the : or 9 button to select
No or Yes .XPress the a button to confirm the
selection.
If you select Yes, the multifunction display
shows a confirmation message.
AMG menu in AMG vehicles
AMG displays
XPress = or ; on the steering wheel
to select the AMG menu.:Digital speedometer;Gear indicator=Upshift indicator?Engine oil temperatureACoolant temperature
Upshift indicator UP = indicates that the
engine has reached the overrevving range
when in the manual gearshift program.
Upshift indicator UP = fades out other
messages until you have shifted up.
When the engine temperature is below
80 †, the oil temperature gauge flashes.
Avoid driving at full engine output during this
time.
SETUP
SETUP shows the drive program, the ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program) mode and the
SPORT handling mode.
XPress = or ; on the steering wheel
to select the AMG menu.XPress the 9 button repeatedly until
SETUP is displayed.
or
XBriefly press the AMG button on the center
console.:Drive program (C/S/S+/M);ESP®
mode ( ON/OFF ) or SPORT handling
mode ( SPORT)3Suspension tuning ( COMFORT/SPORT /
SPORT+ )
RACETIMER
Displaying and starting RACETIMER
GWARNING
The RACETIMER feature is only for use on
roads and in conditions where high speed
driving is permitted. Racing on public roads is
prohibited under all circumstances. The driver
is and must always remain responsible for
following posted speed limits.
You can use the RACETIMER to store lap
times.
XPress = or ; on the steering wheel
to select the AMG menu.XPress the 9 button repeatedly until the
RACETIMER is shown.
i If the RACETIMER is selected, the =
and ; buttons are inoperative.
Menus and submenus213On-board computer and displaysZ
! If the coolant temperature exceeds 248 ‡(120 †) do not continue driving. The engine will
otherwise be damaged.Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions?The engine fan is defective.XAt coolant temperatures under 248 ‡ (120 †), drive to the next
qualified specialist workshop.XAvoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in
mountainous terrain, and stop-and-go traffic.#The battery is not being charged.
Possible causes are:
R a defective alternator
R a torn poly-V-belt
R a malfunction in the electronicsXPull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.XOpen the hood.XCheck whether the poly-V-belt is torn.
If the poly-V-belt is torn:
! Do not continue driving. The engine could otherwise overheat.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
If the poly-V-belt is OK:
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.4
Check Engine Oil
At Next RefuelingThe engine oil level has dropped to a critical level.
A warning tone also sounds.XCheck the oil level ( Y page 281).XIf necessary, add engine oil ( Y page 282).XHave the engine checked for leaks if the engine oil needs to be
refilled more often than usual.
Information on approved engine oils can be obtained from any qualified specialist workshop
or on the Internet at http://www.mbusa.com (USA only).
! The oil level is too low. Avoid long journeys with too little engine oil. There is a risk of
engine damage.
The display messages and the corresponding symbol that indicate that the oil level is too
low must not be ignored.
228Display messagesOn-board computer and displays
Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment of your vehicle available at the
time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible. Please note that your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
related systems and functions.
i Please read the information on qualified
specialist workshops ( Y page 22).
Engine compartment
Hood
Opening the hood
GWARNING
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.
GWARNING
Do not open the hood when the engine is
overheated. You could be seriously injured.
Observe the coolant temperature gauge to
determine whether the engine may be
overheated. If you see flames or smoke
coming from the engine compartment, move
away from the vehicle. Wait until the engine
has cooled. If necessary, call the fire
department.
GWARNING
There is a risk of injury if the hood is open,
even if the engine is not running.
Some engine components can become very
hot.
To avoid the risk of burns, only touch those
components described in the Operator's
Manual and observe the relevant safety notes.
GWARNING
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.
GWARNING
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
XMake sure that the windshield wipers are
switched off.GWARNING
The windshield wipers and wiper linkage
could be set in motion.
When the hood is open, you or others could
be injured by the wiper linkage.
Make sure that the windshield wipers are
switched off. Remove the SmartKey or make
sure that no ignition position has been
selected with KEYLESS-GO. All indicator
lamps must be off in the instrument cluster.
280Engine compartmentMaintenance and care