Vehicle Segment:
Luxury Grand Tourer Coupe
Target Audience:
Affluent consumers seeking high-performance, technologically advanced, and luxurious personal transportation.
Key Competitors:
BMW 6 Series, Lexus SC 430, Aston Martin DB7 (entry-level), potentially lower-spec Porsche 911 models.
Distinctive Attributes:
S-Class Coupe platform, advanced ABC (Active Body Control) suspension, powerful V8 engine, sophisticated interior, advanced COMAND system.
Instrument Cluster:
Gauges, warning lamps, trip computer, display functions
Entertainment Systems:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation), radio, CD player, navigation system operation
Climate Controls:
Automatic climate control operation, air conditioning, heating, ventilation, air quality system
Lighting:
Exterior lights (headlights, taillights, turn signals), interior lighting, automatic headlamp functions
Driver Controls:
Steering wheel controls, gear selector operation, parking brake, cruise control
Locks And Security:
Remote keyless entry, central locking, alarm system, immobilizer
Seating And Safety Restraints:
Power seat adjustments, headrest adjustment, seatbelt operation, airbag system explanation
Driving:
Driving techniques, starting and stopping the engine, shifting gears, parking, driving aids (e.g., ESP)
Engine Compartment:
Component identification, fluid checks
Fuel System:
Fuel recommendations, fueling procedure
Electrical System:
Battery maintenance, fuse box locations (implied by maintenance sections)
Maintenance Procedures:
Routine checks (oil, coolant, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, basic cleaning
Troubleshooting:
Indicator lamp explanations, basic fault diagnosis (driver-level)
Technical Procedures:
Refill capacities, lubricant specifications, fuse replacement guidance (implied)
Depth Of Information:
Owner-oriented, covering operation, basic maintenance, and safety features. Not a full service or repair manual.
Engine Type:
V8, Naturally Aspirated
Engine Code:
M113 (likely)
Displacement:
4.973 Liters (5.0L)
Bore X Stroke:
97.0 mm x 84.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Horsepower:
302 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
339 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm
Fuel Induction:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (SFI)
Fuel Type Recommendation:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Engine Oil Filter Part Number Example:
Mann-Filter HU 718/5 y or Mercedes-Benz A0001802609
Air Filter Part Number Example:
Mann-Filter C35136/3 or Mercedes-Benz A2710940204
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 8.0 Liters (8.5 US Quarts) with filter change
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 10.0 Liters (10.6 US Quarts)
Engine Oil Specification:
MB 229.5 (Synthetic)
Engine Oil Viscosity Recommendation:
SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Automatic
Transmission Code:
722.6 (5G-TRONIC)
Transmission Features:
TouchShift (manual shifting capability), electronic control, adaptive shifting programs
Transmission Fluid Specification:
MB 236.10 or MB 236.12 (ATF)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 7.5 - 8.5 Liters (7.9 - 9.0 US Quarts) for torque converter refill
NHTSA Frontal Crash Test Rating:
5-Star (for driver and front passenger, where applicable)
IIHS Front Crash Test Rating:
Good (for similar models of the era)
Electronic Stability Program:
Standard (ESP)
Anti Lock Braking System:
Standard (ABS)
Brake Assist:
Standard (BAS)
Traction Control:
Standard (ASR)
Active Suspension:
Active Body Control (ABC) standard on CL500 Sport
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, curtain airbags (likely)
Seatbelt Pretensioners:
Standard on all seating positions
Rollover Protection:
Pop-up roll bars behind rear headrests (active deployment upon detecting rollover risk)
Primary Infotainment System:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) 2.5 or 2.7 (depending on exact build date)
Infotainment Features:
AM/FM Radio, CD Player, Navigation System, optional Television Tuner, Voice Control (LINGUATRONIC)
Display Type:
Color LCD screen integrated into the dashboard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Optional DISTRONIC
Parking Assistance:
Front and rear parking sensors (PARKTRONIC)
Phone Integration:
Optional integrated telephone system with Bluetooth or proprietary cradle (often requires specific phone models or adapters for modern connectivity)
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first (based on 'flexible service system')
Major Service Intervals:
Assy A (approx. 10k miles), Assy B (approx. 20k miles), Assy C (approx. 30k miles), etc., requiring more comprehensive checks and fluid changes.
Transmission Fluid Service:
Recommended every 40,000-60,000 miles, though debated; fluid and filter replacement is crucial for longevity.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 Plus (MB 331.0)
Power Steering Fluid Specification:
MB 343.0 (Hydraulic Fluid)
Common Problems:
ABC suspension hydraulic leaks, SBC (Sensotronic Brake Control) issues (pre-2005 models), coil pack failures, catalytic converter issues, window regulator failures, rust on wheel wells and door bottoms.
Maintenance Considerations:
Requires specialized knowledge and tools for certain repairs, especially ABC and electronics. Owners should adhere strictly to fluid specifications.
Mercedes Benz Legacy:
Pioneer in automotive luxury, safety, and engineering. Long history of producing high-end coupes and sedans.
Cl Class Lineage:
Successor to the SEC-Class (W140 Coupe), represents the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz's coupe offerings at the time. Shares platform with S-Class sedan.
C215 Generation Details:
Launched in 1999, received a facelift (Phase 2) for the 2003 model year, which included updated styling, improved COMAND system, and potentially engine/transmission enhancements.
Production Location:
Sindelfingen, Germany
Production Years:
1999-2006
Automotive Awards Era:
While specific awards for the 2003 CL500 Sport may not be readily documented, the CL-Class platform often received accolades for luxury, engineering, and performance from automotive publications of the time.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Often rated average to below average for reliability in its class due to complex systems, particularly the ABC suspension and electronics. Maintenance is critical.
