2014 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS maintenance

Adding engineoil
GWARNING
If engineoil comes intocontactwithhot
componentsintheenginecompartment, it
may ignite. There isariskoffireand injury.
Makesurethatengineoil is notspilled next
to the filler neck. Let the enginecool down
and thoroughly clean the engineoil off the
componentsbefore starting the engine.
HEnvironmental note
When adding oil, take care not to spill any. If
oil enters the soil or waterways, it is harmful
to the environment.
!Only use engineoils and oil filtersthat
have been approved for vehicles with a
servicesystem. You can obtainalist of the
engineoils and oil filterstested and
approved in accordance with the
Mercedes-Benz Specificationsfor Service
Productsatany Mercedes-Benz Service
center.
Damage to the engineorexhaust system is
caused by the following:
Rusing engineoils and oil filtersthat have
not been specifically approved for the
servicesystem
Rreplacing engineoil and oil filtersafter
the interval for replacementspecified by
the servicesystem has been exceeded
Rusing engineoil additives.
!Do not add too much oil. adding too much
engineoil can result in damage to the
engineortothe catalytic converter. Have
excess engineoil siphoned off.
Example: engineoil capXTurn capcounter-clockwise and remove
it.
XAdd engineoil.
If the oil level is at or below the MIN mark
on the oil dipstick, add 1.1 US qt(1.0 liter)
of engine oil.
XReplace capon the fillerneck and turn
clockwise.
Ensurethatthe cap locks into place
securely.
XCheck the oillevel againwith the oil
dipstick (Ypage 307).
Further information on engine oil
(Ypage 375).
Additionalservice products
Checking coolant level
GWARNING
The engine cooling system is pressurized,
particularly when the engine is warm. When
opening the cap, you could be scaldedbyhot
coolantspraying out. There isarisk of injury.
Let the enginecool down before openingthe
cap. Wear eye and hand protection when
openingthe cap. Open the cap slowly half a
turn to allow pressure to escape.
308Engine compartment
Maintenance and care

XPark the vehicle onalevel surface.
Only check the coolant level when the
vehicle is onalevel surface and the engine
has cooled down.
XTurn the SmartKey to position2in the
ignition lock (Ypage 147).
On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, press the
Start/Stop button twice (Ypage 147).
XCheck the coolant temperature display in
the instrument cluster.
The coolant temperature must be below
158‡(70 †).
XTurn the SmartKey to position
0(Ypage 147) in the ignition lock.
XSlowly turn caphalfaturn counter-
clockwise to allow excess pressure to
escape.
XTurn capfurther counter-clockwise and
remove it.
If the coolant is at the level of marker bar
$in the filler neck when cold, there is
enough coolant in coolant expansion
tank.
If the coolant level is approximately 0.6 in
(1.5 cm) above marker bar$in the fuel
filler neck when warm, there is enough
coolant in expansion tank.
XIf necessary, add coolant that has been
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
XReplace capand turn it clockwise as far
as it will go.
For further information on coolant,see
(Ypage 377).
Adding washer fluid to the windshield
washer system/headlampcleaning
system
GWARNING
Windshield washer concentrate is highly
flammable. If it comes intocontactwith hot
enginecomponentsorthe exhaust systemit
could ignite. There isariskoffire and injury.
Make sure that no windshield washer
concentrate is spilled nexttothe filler neck.
XTo open:pull capupwards by the tab.
XAdd the premixed washer fluid.
XTo close:press capontothe filler neck
until it engages.
The washer fluid reservoir is used for both the
windshield washer system and the headlamp
cleaning system.
If the washer fluid level drops below the
recommended minimum of1liter,amessage
appears in the multifunction display
promptingyou to refill the washer fluid
(Ypage 262).
Further information on windshield washer
fluid/antifreeze (Ypage 378).
Maintenance
ASSYST PLUS
Service messages
The ASSYSTPLUS service interval display
informsyou of the nextservice due date.
Maintenance309
Maintenance and care
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Information on the type of service and service
intervals (see the separate Maintenance
Booklet).
You can obtain further information from an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or at
http://www.mbusa.com (USA only).
iThe ASSYST PLUS service interval display
does not show any information on the
engine oil level.Observe the notes on the
engineoil level (Ypage 307).
The multifunction display showsaservice
message for several seconds, e.g.:
RServiceAin..Days
RServiceADue
RServiceAExceeded by .. Days
Depending on the operatingconditionsofthe
vehicle, the remainingtime or distance until
the nextservice due date is displayed.
The letterAorB,possibly in connection with
anumber or another letter, shows the type of
service.Astands foraminor serviceandBfor
amajor service.
You can obtain further information from an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The ASSYST PLUS serviceinterval display
does not take intoaccountany periods of
time during which the battery is
disconnected.
Maintaining the time-dependent service
schedule:
XNote down the serviceduedate displayed
in the multifunctiondisplay before
disconnecting the battery.
or
XAfter reconnecting the battery, subtract
the battery disconnection periods fromthe
service date shown on the display.
Hidingaservice message
XPresstheorbutton on the
steeringwheel.
Displaying service messages
XSwitch on theignition.
XPressthe\norbutton on the
steeringwheel to selecttheServ.menu.
XPress theorbutton to select the
ASSYST PLUSsubmenu and confirm by
pressing thebutton.
The service due date appears in the
multifunction display.
Information about Service
Resetting the ASSYST PLUS service
interval display
!If the ASSYST PLUS service interval
displayhas been inadvertently reset, this
settingcan be corrected ataqualified
specialist workshop.
Have service work carried out as described
in the MaintenanceBooklet. This may
otherwise lead to increased wear and
damage to the major assemblies or the
vehicle.
Aqualified specialist workshop, e.g. an
authorizedMercedes-BenzCenter, will reset
the ASSYST PLUS serviceinterval display
after the servicework has been carried out.
You can also obtain further information on
maintenancework, for example.
Special service requirements
The specified maintenanceinterval takes only
the normal operation of the vehicle into
account. Under arduous operatingconditions
or increased load on the vehicle,
maintenancework must be carried out more
frequently, for example:
Rregular city driving with frequent
intermediate stops
Rif the vehicle is primarily used to travel
short distances
Ruse in mountainous terrain or on poor road
surfaces
Rif the engineisoften left idling for long
periods
310Maintenance
Maintenance and care

Under these or similarconditions, have, for
example, the air filter, engine oil and oil filter
replaced or changed more frequently. Under
arduous operating conditions, the tires must
be checked more often.Further information
can be obtained ataqualified specialist
workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Driving abroad
An extensive Mercedes-Benz Servicenetwork
is also available in other countries. You can
obtain further information from any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Care
General notes
HEnvironmental note
Dispose of empty packagingand cleaning
clothsinanenvironmentally responsible
manner.
!For cleaningyour vehicle, do not use any
of the following:
Rdry, rough or hard cloths
Rabrasive cleaningagents
Rsolvents
Rcleaningagents containingsolvents
Do not scrub.
Do not touch the surfaces or protective
films with hard objects, e.g.aring or ice
scraper. You could otherwise scratch or
damage the surfaces and protective film.
!Do not park the vehicle for an extended
period straight after cleaningit, particularly
after having cleaned the wheels with wheel
cleaner. Wheel cleaners could cause
increased corrosion of the brake discs and
brake pads/linings. For this reason, you
should drive forafew minutes after
cleaning. Braking heats the brake discs and
the brake pads/linings, thus drying them.
The vehicle can then be parked.
Regular care of your vehicle isacondition for
retaining the quality in the long term.
Use care productsand cleaningagents
recommended and approved by Mercedes-
Benz.
Washing the vehicle and cleaning the
paintwork
Automatic car wash
GWARNING
Braking efficiency is reduced after washing
the vehicle. There isarisk of an accident.
After the vehicle has been washed, brake
carefully while paying attention to the traffic
conditions until full brakingpower is restored.
!If DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function
is activated, the vehicle brakes
automatically in certain situations. To
preventdamage to thevehicle,deactivate
DISTRONICPLUS and the HOLD function in
the following or other similar situations:
Rwhen towing the vehicle
Rin the car wash
!Never clean yourvehicle inaTouchless
Automatic Car Wash as these use special
cleaningagents.These cleaning agents can
damage the paintwork or plastic parts.
!Make sure that:
Rthe side windows and the sliding sunroof
are fully closed.
Rthe ventilation/heating is switched off
(the OFF button has been pressed).
Rthe windshield wiper switch is in position
0.
Otherwise, the vehicle might be damaged.
!In car washes withatowing mechanism,
make sure that the automatic transmission
is in transmission positionN,otherwise the
vehicle could be damaged.
RVehicles withaSmartKey:
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Maintenance and care
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Do not remove the SmartKeyfromthe
ignition lock. Do not open the driver's
door or front-passengerdoor when the
engine is switched off. Otherwise, the
automatic transmission selects park
positionPautomatically and locks the
wheels. You can prevent this by shifting
the automatic transmission toN
beforehand.
RVehicles with KEYLESS-GO:
Do not open the driver's door or front-
passenger door when the engine is
switched off. Otherwise, the automatic
transmission selects park positionP
automatically and locks the wheels.
Observe the following to make sure that the
automatic transmission stays in positionN:
XMake sure the vehicle is stationary and the
ignition is switched off.
XTurn the SmartKey to position2in the
ignition lock (Ypage 147).
Use the SmartKey instead of the Start/
Stop button on vehicles with KEYLESS-GO.
XDepress and hold the brake pedal.
XShift the automatic transmission to
positionN.
XRelease the brake pedal.
XRelease the electric parking brake.
XSwitch off the ignition and leave the
SmartKey in the ignition lock.
You can wash the vehicle in an automatic car
wash from the very start.
If the vehicle is very dirty, pre-wash it before
cleaning it in an automatic car wash.
After using an automatic car wash, wipe off
wax from the windshield and the wiper
blades. This will prevent smears and reduce
wiping noises caused by residue on the
windshield.
Washing by hand
In some countries, washing by hand is only
allowedatspecially equipped washing bays.
Observe the legal requirements in all
countries concerned.
XDo not use hot water and do not wash the
vehicle in direct sunlight.
XUseasoft sponge to clean.
XUseamild cleaning agent, such asacar
shampoo approved by Mercedes-Benz.
XThoroughly hose down the vehicle with a
gentle jet of water.
XDo not point the water jet directly towards
the air inlet.
XUse plenty of water and rinse out the
sponge frequently.
XRinse the vehicle with clean water and dry
thoroughly withachamois.
XDo not let the cleaning agent dry on the
paintwork.
When using the vehicle in winter, remove all
traces of road salt deposits carefully and as
soon as possible.
Power washers
GWARNING
The water jet fromacircular jet nozzle (dirt
blasters) can cause invisible exterior damage
to the tires or chassis components.
Componentsdamaged in this way may fail
unexpectedly. There isarisk of an accident.
Do not use power washers with circular jet
nozzles to clean the vehicle. Have damaged
tires or chassis components replaced
immediately.
!Always maintainadistance of at least
11.8in(30 cm) between the vehicleand the
powerwasher nozzle. Information about
thecorrectdistanceisavailablefromthe
equipmentmanufacturer.
Movethepower washernozzle around
when cleaning your vehicle.
Do not aim directly at any of the following:
Rtires
Rdoor gaps, roof gaps, joints, etc.
Relectrical components
312Care
Maintenance and care

Rbattery
Rconnectors
Rlights
Rseals
Rtrim
Rventilation slots
Damaged seals or electrical components
can lead to leaks or failures.
Cleaning the paintwork
!Do not affix:
Rstickers
Rfilms
Rmagnetic plates or similar items
to painted surfaces.You could otherwise
damage the paintwork.
Scratches, corrosive deposits, areas affected
by corrosion and damage caused by
inadequate care cannot always be completely
repaired. In such cases, visitaqualified
specialist workshop.
XRemove dirt immediately, where possible,
while avoiding rubbing too hard.
XSoak insect remains with insect remover
and rinse off the treated areas afterwards.
XSoak bird droppings with water and rinse
off the treated areas afterwards.
XRemove coolant, brake fluid, tree resin,
oils, fuels and greases by rubbing gently
withacloth soaked in petroleum ether or
lighter fluid.
XUse tar remover to remove tar stains.
XUse silicone remover to remove wax.
If water no longer forms "beads" on the paint
surface, use the paint care products
recommended and approved by Mercedes-
Benz.This is the case approximately every
three to five months, depending on the
climate conditionsand the care product used.
If dirt has penetrated the paint surface or if
the paint has become dull, the paint cleaner
recommended and approved by Mercedes-
Benz should be used.
Do not use these care products in the sun or
on the hood while the hood is hot.
XUseasuitable touch-up stick,e.g. MB
Touch-Up Stick, to repair slight damage to
the paintwork quickly and provisionally.
Mattefinish care
!Never polish the vehicle or the light alloy
wheels. Polishing causes the finish to
shine.
!The following may cause the paint to
become shiny and thus reduce the matte
effect:
RVigorous rubbing with unsuitable
materials.
RFrequent use of car washes.
RWashing the vehicle in direct sunlight.
!Never use paint cleaner, buffing or
polishing products, or gloss preserver, e.g.
wax. These products are only suitable for
high-gloss surfaces. Their use on vehicles
with matte finish leads to considerable
surface damage (shiny, spotted areas).
Always have paintwork repairs performed
ataqualified specialist workshop, e.g. an
authorized Mercedes-BenzCenter.
!Do not use wash programs withahot wax
treatment under any circumstances.
Observe these notes if your vehicle has a
clear mattefinish. This will help you to avoid
damage to the paintwork due to incorrect
treatment.
These notes also apply to light alloy wheels
withaclear mattefinish.
iThe vehicle should preferably be washed
by hand usingasoft sponge, car shampoo
and plenty of water.
iUse only insectremover and car shampoo
from the range of recommended and
approved Mercedes-Benz care products.
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Maintenance and care
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Cleaning thevehicle parts
Cleaning thewheels
!Do notuse acidic wheel cleaning products
to remove brake dust. This could damage
wheel bolts and brake components.
!Do not park the vehicle for an extended
period straight after cleaning it, particularly
after having cleaned the wheels with wheel
cleaner. Wheel cleaners could cause
increased corrosion of the brake discs and
brake pads/linings. For this reason, you
should drive forafew minutes after
cleaning. Braking heats the brake discs and
the brake pads/linings, thus drying them.
The vehicle can then be parked.
Cleaning the windows
GWARNING
You could become trapped by the windshield
wipers if they start moving while cleaning the
windshieldorwiper blades. There isarisk of
injury.
Always switch off the windshieldwipers and
the ignition before cleaning the windshieldor
wiper blades.
!Do not use dry cloths, abrasive products,
solvents or cleaning agents containing
solvents to clean the inside of the windows.
Do not touch the insides of the windows
with hard objects, e.g. an ice scraper or
ring. There is otherwisearisk of damaging
the windows.
!Cleanthe water drainage channels of the
windshield and the rear window at regular
intervals. Deposits such as leaves, petals
and pollen may under certain
circumstances prevent water from draining
away.This can lead to corrosion damage
and damage to electronic components.
XCleanthe inside and outside of the
windows withadamp cloth andacleaning
product that is recommended and
approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Cleaningwiper blades
GWARNING
You could become trapped by the windshield
wipers if they start moving while cleaning the
windshield or wiper blades. There isarisk of
injury.
Always switch off the windshield wipers and
the ignition before cleaning the windshield or
wiper blades.
!Do not pull the wiper blade. Otherwise,
the wiper blade could be damaged.
!Do not clean wiper blades too often and
do not rub them too hard. Otherwise, the
graphite coating could be damaged. This
could cause wiper noise.
!Hold the wiper arm securely when folding
back. The windshield could be damaged if
the wiper arm smacks against it suddenly.
XFold the windshield wiper arms away from
the windshield.
XCarefully clean the wiper blades with a
damp cloth.
XFold the windshield wiper arms back again
before switching on the ignition.
Cleaningthe exterior lighting
!Only use cleaning agents or cleaning
cloths which are suitable for plastic light
lenses. Unsuitable cleaning agents or
cleaning cloths could scratchordamage
the plastic light lenses.
XCleanthe plastic lenses of the exterior
lighting usingawet sponge andamild
cleaning agent, e.g. Mercedes-Benzcar
shampoo or cleaningcloths.
Mirror turn signals
!Only use cleaningagents or cleaning
clothsthatare suitable for plastic lenses.
Unsuitable cleaningagents or cleaning
clothscould scratch or damagetheplastic
lenses of themirror turnsignals.
314Care
Maintenance and care

XClean theplastic lenses of themirror turn
signals in theexterior mirror housingusing
awet sponge and mild cleaning agent, e.g.
Mercedes-Benz car shampoo or cleaning
cloths.
Cleaning the sensors
!If you clean the sensors withapower
washer, make sure that you keep a
distance of at least 11.8in(30 cm) between
the vehicle and the power washer nozzle.
Information about the correct distance is
available from the equipment
manufacturer.
XClean sensorsof the driving systems
with water, car shampoo andasoft cloth.
Cleaning the rear viewcamera
!Do not cleanthe camera lens and the area
around the rear view camera withapower
washer.
XUse clear water andasoft cloth to clean
camera lens.
Cleaningthe exhaust pipes
!Do not clean the exhaust pipe with acid-
based cleaning agents such as sanitary
cleansers or wheel cleaners.
Impurities combined with the effectsofroad
grit and corrosive environmental factors may
cause flash rust to form on the surface. You
can restore the original shine of the exhaust
pipe by cleaning it regularly,especiallyin
winter and after washing.
XCleanthe exhaust pipe withacare product
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Interior care
Cleaningthe display
!For cleaning, do not use any of the
following:
Ralcohol-based thinner or gasoline
Rabrasive cleaning agents
Rcommercially-available household
cleaning agents
These may damage the displaysurface. Do
not put pressure on the displaysurface
when cleaning. This could lead to
irreparable damage to the display.
Care315
Maintenance and care
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