🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

CL500

Year:

1998

Chassis Code:

C140

👋 Introduction

Class:

Luxury Grand Tourer (GT)

Competitors:

BMW 8 Series, Lexus SC400, Cadillac Eldorado, Jaguar XJS

Body Style:

2-door Coupe (C140)

Powertrain Highlight:

Powerful V8 engine, advanced suspension technology (ABC)

Luxury Features:

High-quality interior materials, advanced comfort and convenience features for its era.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Coverage:

Full Service, Repair, Diagnostics, Electrical Schematics, Maintenance

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

Type:

Service and Repair Manual Software (Digital)

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Software (Likely PDF or proprietary executable)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (M119), Transmission (722.6 '5G-Tronic'), Fuel System, Exhaust System

Chassis:

Suspension (Active Body Control - ABC), Steering, Brakes (ABS, ESP)

Electrical:

Full Vehicle Electrical System, ECUs, Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Instruments, Infotainment

Body:

Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Climate Control (ETS), Doors, Windows, Convertible Top (if applicable to CL)

Maintenance:

Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Lubrication

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Fault Finding Procedures

Repair:

Component Removal and Installation, Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Suspension Components, Brake System Servicing

Special Procedures:

Active Body Control (ABC) System Servicing, Electronic Systems Calibration, Diagnostic Tool Usage (e.g., STAR Diagnosis)

Depth:

Comprehensive from basic checks to full engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

Likely PDF or proprietary executable with search functionality and hyperlinked sections.

Clarity:

High-resolution digital images, diagrams, and text for easy readability and printing.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Software)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Software)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M119

Configuration:

4.966L (5.0L) V8

Aspirated:

Naturally Aspirated

Bore X Stroke:

96.0 mm x 85.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Horsepower:

302 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque:

339 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm

Injection:

Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (SFI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)

ECU:

Bosch Motronic M 3.8.3

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Automatic (722.6 '5G-Tronic')

Gear Ratios:

3.93 / 2.43 / 1.41 / 1.00 / 0.73 (Reverse: 3.35)

Electronic Control:

Electronically controlled with hydraulic lock-up torque converter and adaptive shift programs.

Fluid Type:

MB 236.10 Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)

Capacity:

Approximately 8.0 Liters (with torque converter refill)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

197.4 in (5015 mm)

Width:

73.4 in (1865 mm)

Height:

55.3 in (1405 mm)

Wheelbase:

113.1 in (2875 mm)

Curb Weight:

4178 lbs (1895 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

5489 lbs (2490 kg)

Towing Capacity:

Not Recommended/Available

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test:

Not Specifically Rated (Vehicle design predates standardized comprehensive testing as we know it)

Airbags:

Driver and Front Passenger Airbags, Side Airbags (Optional/Standard depending on market)

Seatbelts:

3-point Inertia-reel Seatbelts with Pretensioners and Load Limiters

Chassis Construction:

High-strength steel safety cell

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Esp:

Electronic Stability Program (ESP)

Traction Control:

ASR (Acceleration Skid Control)

Headlights:

Halogen Projector Headlights, Optional Xenon Headlights

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

Mercedes-Benz Audio 30 APS (Navigation and Radio)

Display:

Centralized LCD display for navigation, climate control, and vehicle settings.

Audio System:

Bose Premium Sound System (Optional)

Cruise Control:

Standard Cruise Control

Parking Assistance:

Parkingtronic (Ultrasonic Parking Assist) (Optional)

Telecommunications:

Integrated car phone (Optional, often obsolete by modern standards)

Climate Control:

Electronic Automatic Climate Control (ETS) with dual-zone functionality

Seats:

Electrically adjustable front seats with memory, heated and ventilated options.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 16,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first.

Transmission Fluid:

Inspect every 20,000 miles (30,000 km), Change interval typically around 40,000 - 60,000 miles (60,000 - 100,000 km), consult manual for specifics.

Brake Fluid:

Every 2 years

Engine Oil:

MB 229.1 (e.g., 0W-40, 5W-40, 10W-40 depending on climate and brand recommendation)

Coolant:

MB 325.0 Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrate (Blue)

Power Steering Fluid:

MB 236.3 (or equivalent approved fluid)

Abc Suspension:

Hydraulic line leaks, strut seal failures, pump wear, sensor issues leading to 'ABC Fault - Visit Workshop' messages.

Ignition Coils:

Coil pack failure leading to misfires and rough running.

Window Regulators:

Motor or regulator failure causing windows to not operate.

Εκctronic Modules:

Various control modules (e.g., ABS, ECU, SAM) can be prone to failure or corrosion over time.

Catalytic Converters:

Degradation or failure, especially if engine misfires have occurred.

Wiring Harnesses:

Degradation of insulation, especially in engine bay or near heat sources.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage Focus:

Mercedes-Benz's long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, and safety.

Predecessor:

W126 SEC Coupe

Generation:

C140 (First Generation CL-Class)

Introduction Year:

1992 (as SEC Coupe variant of S-Class), 1996 (rebranded as CL-Class)

Production Years:

1992-1999

Manufacturing Location:

Sindelfingen, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Award Type:

Noteworthy for its engineering and luxury rather than specific awards in the traditional sense. Often praised in contemporary automotive press for its comfort, performance, and technological advancements.