2013 MERCEDES-BENZ CL CLASS Clearance

XClose the front-passenger door.XMake sure that the doors and the trunk are
locked.
i If you lock the vehicle as described above,
the fuel filler flap is not locked. The anti-
theft alarm system is not activated.
Trunk
Important safety notes
Do not leave the SmartKey in the trunk. You
could otherwise lock yourself out.
GWARNING
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the ignition lock. Always take
the SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle.
Do not leave children unsupervised in the
vehicle, even if they are secured in a child
restraint system, and do not give them access
to an unlocked vehicle. A child's unsupervised
access to a vehicle could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury. They could:
R injure themselves on vehicle parts
R be seriously or fatally injured by extreme
heat or cold
R injure themselves or have an accident with
vehicle equipment that may still be in
operation even after the SmartKey has
been removed from the ignition, such as the
seat adjustment, steering wheel
adjustment or memory function.
If children open a door, they could cause
severe or even fatal injury to other persons; if
they get out of the vehicle, they could injure
themselves when doing so or be seriously or
even fatally injured by any passing traffic.
Do not expose the child restraint system to
direct sunlight. The child restraint system's
metal parts, for example, could become very
hot, and a child could be burned on these
parts.
GWARNING
Do not carry heavy or hard objects in the
passenger compartment or trunk unless they
are firmly secured in place.
Unsecured or improperly positioned cargo
increases a child's risk of injury in the event
of
R strong braking maneuvers
R sudden changes of direction
R an accident
GWARNING
Make sure the trunk lid is closed when the
engine is running and while driving. Among
other dangers, deadly carbon monoxide (CO)
gases may enter the vehicle interior resulting
in unconsciousness and death.
! The trunk lid swings upwards when
opened. Therefore, make sure that there is
sufficient clearance above the trunk lid.
You can limit the opening angle of the trunk
lid. This could be useful, for example, if there
is insufficient space above the trunk lid. You
can switch the Trunk Opening-height
Restriction function on or off via COMAND
( Y page 239).
To open the trunk lid completely, a minimum
clearance of 5.90 ft (1.80 m) above the
ground is necessary.
The trunk lid can be:
R opened and closed manually from outside
R opened and closed automatically from
outside
R opened and closed automatically from
inside
R locked separately
R unlocked using the mechanical key
R opened using the emergency release
button inside the trunk
84TrunkOpening and closing

Opening and closing manually
Opening the trunk lid
You can only open the trunk lid after
unlocking it first.
XPress the % button on the key.XPull handle :.
Closing the trunk lid
GWARNING
To prevent possible personal injury, always
keep hands and fingers away from the trunk
opening when closing the trunk lid. Be
especially careful when small children are
around.
XPull the trunk lid down using recess :.XLock the vehicle if necessary with
the & button on the key or with
KEYLESS-GO ( Y page 75).Opening/closing automatically from
outside
Important safety notesGWARNING
Make sure the trunk lid is closed when the
engine is running and while driving. Among
other dangers, deadly carbon monoxide (CO)
gases may enter the vehicle interior resulting
in unconsciousness and death.
! The trunk lid swings upwards when
opened. Therefore, make sure that there is
sufficient clearance above the trunk lid.
To open the trunk lid completely, a minimum
clearance of 5.90 ft (1.80 m) above the
ground is necessary.
Opening
You can open the trunk lid with the SmartKey.
XPress and hold the F button on the
SmartKey until the trunk lid opens.
Closing
GWARNING
Monitor the closing procedure carefully to
make sure no one is in danger of being
injured. To prevent possible personal injury,
always keep hands and fingers away from the
trunk opening when closing the trunk lid. Be
especially careful when small children are
around. To stop the closing procedure, do one
of the following:
R Press button F on the SmartKey.
R Press the remote trunk opening/closing
switch (on the driver's door).
R Press the trunk closing switch.
R Press the KEYLESS-GO locking/closing
switch.
R Pull the trunk lid handle.
Even with the SmartKey removed from the
starter switch or the SmartKey with KEYLESS-
GO removed from the vehicle, the remote
Trunk85Opening and closingZ

XInsert the mechanical key into the trunk lid
lock as far as the stop.XTurn the mechanical key clockwise from
position 1 to position 2.XRemove the mechanical key.XReplace the mechanical key in the
SmartKey.
Unlocking the trunk (mechanical key)
! The trunk lid swings upwards when
opened. Therefore, make sure that there is
sufficient clearance above the trunk lid.
If the trunk can no longer be unlocked with
the SmartKey or KEYLESS-GO:
XTake the mechanical key out of the
SmartKey ( Y page 77).XInsert the mechanical key into trunk lid
lock : as far as the stop.XTurn the mechanical key counter-clockwise
as far as possible.
The trunk is unlocked.XTurn the mechanical key back and remove
it.XReplace the mechanical key in the
SmartKey.
Trunk emergency release
You can open the trunk lid from inside the
vehicle with the emergency release button.
XBriefly press emergency release
button :.
The trunk lid unlocks and opens.
The trunk lid can be unlocked and opened
with the trunk lid emergency release when
the vehicle is stationary or while driving.
Trunk lid emergency release light:
R The button flashes for 30 minutes after the
trunk lid is opened.
R The button flashes for 60 minutes after the
trunk lid is closed.
The trunk lid emergency release does not
open the trunk lid if the battery is
disconnected or discharged.
Trunk87Opening and closingZ

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 29).
Notes on breaking-in a new vehicle
The first 1,000miles (1,500 km)
The more you look after the engine when it is
new, the more satisfied you will be with its
performance in the future.
R You should therefore drive at varying
vehicle and engine speeds for the first
1,000miles (1,500km).
R Avoid heavy loads, e.g. driving at full
throttle, during this period.
R Change gear in good time, before the
tachometer needle is Ô of the way to the
red area of the tachometer.
R Do not manually shift to a lower gear to
brake the vehicle.
R If possible, do not depress the accelerator
pedal past the point of resistance
(kickdown).
R Only select shift ranges 3, 2 or 1 when
driving slowly, e.g. in mountainous terrain.
R If possible, for the first 1,000miles
(1,500km), drive in drive program E (in
AMG vehicles in drive program C).
After 1,000 miles (1,500km), you can
increase the engine speed gradually and bring
the vehicle up to full speed.
Additional breaking-in notes for AMG
vehicles:
R do not drive faster than 85 mph
(140 km/h) for the first 1,000 miles
(1,500 km).
R only allow the engine to reach a maximum
engine speed of 4,500 rpm briefly.
R change gear in good time.
i You should also observe these breaking-
in notes if the engine or parts of the drive
train on your vehicle have been replaced.
i Always observe the respective speed
limits.
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
272DrivingDriving and parking

If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than
six weeks, the vehicle may suffer damage as
a result of lack of use.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop and
seek advice.
Driving tips
General driving tips
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Always remember that you must concentrate
primarily on driving the vehicle. The driver's
concentration must always be directed
primarily at road traffic. For your own safety
and that of others, we recommend that you
stop the vehicle at a safe place and in
accordance with the traffic conditions before
making or accepting a phone call.
Comply with all legal requirements if you use
the telephone while driving. Use the hands-
free system and only use the telephone when
road, weather and traffic conditions permit. In
some jurisdictions, it is forbidden for drivers
to use mobile phones while driving.
Only operate COMAND (Cockpit Management
and Data System) in compliance with all legal
requirements and when the road, weather and
traffic conditions permit. You may otherwise
not be able to observe the traffic conditions,
endangering yourself and others.
Remember that your vehicle covers a distance
of 44 ft (approximately 14 m) a second when
it is traveling at only 30 mph (approximately
50 km/h).
Drive sensibly – save fuel
Observe the following tips to save fuel:
XThe tires should always be inflated to the
recommended tire pressure.XRemove unnecessary loads.XRemove roof racks when they are not
needed.XWarm up the engine at low engine speeds.XAvoid frequent acceleration or braking.XHave all maintenance work carried out as
indicated by the service intervals in the
Maintenance Booklet or by the service
interval display.
Fuel consumption also increases when
driving in cold weather, in stop-and-go traffic
and in mountainous terrain.
Drinking and driving
GWARNING
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs and
driving are very dangerous combinations.
Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can
affect your reflexes, perceptions and
judgment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal
accident are greatly increased when you drink
or take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or
taking drugs.
Pedals
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 that 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.
Rolling with the engine switched off
GWARNING
There is no power assistance for the steering
and the brake when the engine is not running.
292Driving tipsDriving and parking

AIRMATIC
Vehicle level
Important safety notes
Your vehicle regulates its height
automatically. All-round level control ensures
the best possible suspension and constant
ground clearance, even with a laden vehicle.
When you drive fast, the vehicle is lowered
automatically to improve driving safety and to
reduce fuel consumption.
The following vehicle levels are possible:
R Normal
R raised: the vehicle is raised by about
1.20 in (30 mm) when compared with the
normal level
R lowered: the vehicle is lowered by about
0.40 in (10 mm) when compared with the
normal level
The "Normal" and "Raised" vehicle levels can
be set manually.
The "Lowered" vehicle level is set
automatically at speeds over 60 mph
(100 km/h).
Setting the vehicle level
Select the "Normal" setting for normal road
surfaces and "Raised" for driving with snow
chains or on particularly poor road surfaces.
Your selection remains stored even if you
remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
GWARNING
To help avoid personal injury, keep hands and
feet away from wheel housing area, and stay
away from under the vehicle when lowering
the vehicle chassis.
Setting raised level
XStart the engine.
If indicator lamp ; is not lit:
XPress button :.
Indicator lamp ; lights up. The vehicle
height is adjusted to raised level.
The Vehicle Rising message appears in
the display.
The "Raised level" setting is canceled if you:
R drive at speeds above 75 mph (120 km/h)
R drive for about three minutes at speeds
above 50 mph (80 km/h).
The "Raised level" remains active when you
are not driving within these speed ranges.
Setting the normal level
XStart the engine.
If indicator lamp ; is lit:
XPress button :.
Indicator lamp ; goes out. The vehicle is
adjusted to normal level.
Suspension tuning
General notes
The Adaptive Damping System (ADS)
automatically controls the calibration of the
dampers and springs.
Driving systems309Driving and parkingZ

Please also read the operating instructions
for the garage door system.XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XPress button ;, = or ? which you have
programmed to operate the garage door.
Garage door system with a fixed code:
indicator lamp : lights up green.
Garage door system with a rolling code:
indicator lamp : flashes green.
i
The transmitter will transmit a signal as
long as the button is pressed. The
transmission is halted after a maximum of
ten seconds and indicator lamp : lights
up yellow. Press button ;, = or ? again
if necessary.
Clearing the memory of the integrated
garage door opener on the rear-view
mirror
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XPress buttons ; and ?.
The indicator lamp lights up yellow.XPress and hold buttons ; and ? until the
indicator lamp turns green.
i Make sure that you clear the memory of
the integrated garage door opener before
selling the vehicle.
Floormat on the driver's side
GWARNING
Whenever you are using a floormat, make sure
there is enough clearance and that the
floormat is securely fastened.
The floormat should always be securely
fastened using the fastening equipment.
Before driving off, check that the floormat is
securely in place and adjust it if necessary. A
loose floormat could slip and hinder proper
functioning of the pedals.
Do not place several floormats on top of each
other as this may impair pedal movement.XSlide the seat backwards.XTo install: place the floormat in the
footwell.XPress studs : onto retainers ;.XTo remove: pull the floormat off
retainers ;.XRemove the floormat.
Infrared reflective windshield
The infrared reflecting glass prevents the
vehicle interior from becoming too hot. It also
blocks radio waves up into the gigahertz
range.
Vehicles without Night View Assist
:Areas permeable to radio waves (to the
left and right of the rain sensor cover);Rain sensor cover=Areas permeable to radio wavesFeatures417Stowage and featuresZ

and inserting wheel chocks. Never
disengage the parking brake while the
vehicle is raised.
R the jack must be placed on a firm, flat and
non-slip surface. On a loose surface, a
large, load-bearing underlay must be used.
On a slippery surface, a non-slip underlay
must be used, e.g. rubber mats.
R do not use wooden blocks or similar
objects as a jack underlay. Otherwise, the
jack will not be able to achieve its load-
bearing capacity due to the restricted
height.
R The maximum clearance between the
underside of the tire and the ground must
be 1.2 in (3 cm).
R never place your hands and feet under the
raised vehicle.
R never lie under the raised vehicle.
R never start the engine when the vehicle is
raised.
R never open or close a door or the trunk lid
when the vehicle is raised.
R make sure that no persons are present in
the vehicle when the vehicle is raised.XUsing lug wrench :, loosen the bolts on
the wheel you wish to change by about one
full turn. Do not unscrew the bolts
completely.
The jacking points are located just behind the
wheel housings of the front wheels and just
in front of the wheel housings of the rear
wheels (arrows).
! The jack is designed exclusively for
jacking up the vehicle at the jacking points.
Otherwise, your vehicle could be damaged.
XPosition jack = at jacking point ;.XMake sure that the base of the jack is
positioned directly under the jacking point.XTurn crank ? clockwise until jack = sits
completely on jacking point ; and the
base of the jack lies evenly on the ground.XTurn handle ? until the tire is 1.2 in
(3 cm) from the ground at most.Flat tire439Breakdown assistanceZ