🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

CL-Class

Year:

2001

Internal Chassis Code:

W215

Product Name:

2001 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class COMAND APS System Operators Manual

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The CL-Class (W215) represented the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz's luxury coupe offerings, emphasizing grand touring comfort, advanced technology, and sophisticated styling. The COMAND APS system was a key differentiator.

Competitors:

Competed with other high-end luxury coupes like the BMW 8 Series (E31 successor considerations), Lexus SC 430, and Bentley Continental GT (though a tier above).

Model Highlights:

V8 and V12 engine options, advanced ABC (Active Body Control) suspension, S-Class derived platform, luxurious interior appointments, and the sophisticated COMAND infotainment system.

Value:

Essential for owners to fully utilize the complex COMAND APS system, ensuring optimal enjoyment of navigation, audio, and communication features.

📋 Manual Details

Primary System:

COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation Entertainment System)

Included Models:

All Mercedes-Benz CL-Class (W215) models equipped with COMAND APS

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 150-200 pages (typical for factory COMAND manuals)

Type:

Operator's Manual / Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Infotainment Core:

COMAND APS head unit, display, control knob, and associated buttons

Navigation:

GPS navigation system operation, map display, route planning, destination entry, voice commands

Audio:

AM/FM radio, CD player (single or changer), audio settings, sound optimization

Communication:

Integrated hands-free phone system (if equipped), Bluetooth connectivity (if applicable to 2001 models)

Climate Control Integration:

Display and basic control of climate settings via COMAND interface

Vehicle Settings:

Customization of certain vehicle features through the COMAND interface (e.g., lighting, door locks, seat preferences)

Basic Operation:

Powering on/off, navigating menus, adjusting volume, using the control knob

Setup Configuration:

Initial setup of navigation, audio, and communication systems

Troubleshooting Basic:

Common error messages, system resets, CD loading/eject issues

Software Updates:

Information on updating navigation maps (e.g., CD-ROM based updates)

Depth:

Focuses on user operation and functionality of the COMAND APS system. Does not cover detailed electronic component repair or wiring diagrams.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF (common for factory digital conversions)

Printability:

Designed for digital viewing, but printable for personal reference.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Common:

M113 (for CL500)

Engine Type:

4.96 L (5.0L) V8 SOHC (3 valves per cylinder)

Displacement:

4966 cc

Bore X Stroke:

97.0 mm x 84.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Horsepower Hp:

302 hp @ 5600 rpm (CL500)

Torque Lb-Ft:

339 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm (CL500)

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (SFI)

Recommended Fuel:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher)

Available Engine Variants:

CL55 AMG (5.4L Supercharged V8), CL600 (5.8L V12 or 6.0L Twin-Turbo V12, depending on exact model year variant within W215)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Automatic with TouchShift (for CL500)

Transmission Code:

722.6 (5G-TRONIC)

Optional Transmission:

AMG Speedshift 5-speed Automatic (for CL55 AMG); 5-speed Automatic (for V12 models)

Shift Modes:

Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes, manual shifting via TouchShift lever

Transmission Fluid Type:

MB 236.10 or MB 236.14 Automatic Transmission Fluid

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 199.2 inches (5059 mm)

Width:

Approx. 73.3 inches (1863 mm)

Height:

Approx. 55.5 inches (1410 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 113.1 inches (2873 mm)

Seating Capacity:

4 (2 front, 2 rear bucket seats)

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 15.3 cubic feet (433 liters)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 4000-4400 lbs (1814-2000 kg), depending on engine and options

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Refer to vehicle placard

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Rating:

Not explicitly rated by NHTSA for this specific year/model in all categories, but built to rigorous Mercedes-Benz safety standards.

IIHS Front Crash Rating:

Not explicitly rated by IIHS for this specific year/model.

Stability Control:

ESP (Electronic Stability Program)

Traction Control:

ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation)

Braking:

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), Brake Assist (BAS)

Airbags:

Front airbags, front side airbags, front and rear head protection airbags (window airbags)

Seat Belts:

Pretensioners and force limiters for front seats, 3-point seat belts for all occupants

Chassis Construction:

High-strength steel body structure with crumple zones

💡 Technology Features

Display Type:

Color TFT display integrated into the dashboard

Control Interface:

Central rotary knob with integrated buttons, 'Direct Select' buttons for common functions

Navigation Media:

CD-ROM based navigation maps

Audio Sources:

AM/FM Radio, CD Player (single disc in dash or optional CD changer), Cassette Player (on some early units)

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control with speed limiter function

Parking Assist:

Optional Parking Assist sensors (front and rear) displayed on the COMAND screen.

Phone Integration:

Integrated tele-aid system and hands-free communication system (cellular phone not included, often required proprietary cradle or antenna connection)

Keyless Go:

Optional Keyless Go system allowing engine start/stop without physical key insertion.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Refer to the full owner's manual for specific conditions.

Major Service A:

Service A: Performed at approximately 10,000-mile intervals. Includes synthetic oil and filter change, tire rotation, and inspection of various components.

Major Service B:

Service B: Performed at approximately 20,000-mile intervals. Includes Service A items plus additional checks like brake fluid replacement (every 2 years), cabin air filter replacement, and more in-depth inspections.

Engine Oil Type:

Mobil 1 Synthetic 0W-40 (MB 229.5 specification)

Coolant Type:

Mercedes-Benz Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., G48 or equivalent, mixed 50/50 with distilled water)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 Plus (or DOT 4 with MB 331.0 specification)

Abc Suspension:

Active Body Control (ABC) suspension system can be prone to leaks from hoses, accumulators, and pump failures over time, requiring specialized service.

Ignition Coils:

Misfires due to failing ignition coils (especially on V8 and V12 engines) are a common maintenance item.

Comand System Reliability:

Early COMAND systems can experience screen issues (dimming, pixelation) or navigation unit failures. Software glitches can also occur.

Blower Motor Resistor:

Failure of the climate control blower motor resistor can lead to erratic fan speed or complete fan failure.

Door Lock Actuators:

Vacuum-operated or electronic door lock actuators can fail, leading to doors not locking or unlocking properly.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, safety, and innovation in the automotive industry since its inception.

W215 Introduction:

The W215 CL-Class was introduced in 1999 as a successor to the W140 S-Class Coupe, representing a new generation of large, luxurious coupes for Mercedes-Benz.

W215 Generation Features:

Key innovations included the Active Body Control (ABC) suspension system, bi-xenon headlamps, and the introduction and refinement of the COMAND infotainment system.

Production Years:

1999-2006 (for W215 generation)

Manufacturing Location:

Sindelfingen, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

General Brand Recognition:

Mercedes-Benz vehicles, including the CL-Class, have consistently received awards for luxury, safety, and engineering quality from various automotive publications and organizations over the years.

Model Specific Awards:

While specific awards for the 2001 CL-Class COMAND system are hard to pinpoint, the overall W215 CL-Class was recognized for its advanced technology and luxury features, contributing to Mercedes-Benz's reputation as an innovator.