🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

CL-Class

Model Code:

C215

Year:

2000

Trim Level:

CL500

Generation Code:

Second Generation (C215)

Generation Years:

1999-2006

Chassis Code:

C215

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Full-size Luxury Coupe

Target Audience:

Affluent buyers seeking a blend of performance, luxury, and advanced technology in a stylish coupe format.

Key Competitors:

BMW 8 Series, Lexus SC, Jaguar XK Series

Design Philosophy:

Elegant and timeless styling, muscular proportions, and a focus on aerodynamic efficiency.

Technological Advancements:

Pioneering features like Active Body Control (ABC) suspension, COMAND infotainment, and advanced safety systems for its era.

Mercedes Benz Heritage:

Represents Mercedes-Benz's commitment to luxury, engineering excellence, and automotive innovation.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Owner's Manual Content

Specific Systems:

Instrument Cluster, Entertainment, Climate Controls, Lighting, Driver Controls, Locks & Security, Seating & Safety Restraints, Driving Operation, Customer Assistance, Cleaning, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel, Air Filters, Accessories

Technical Information:

Maintenance, Specifications, Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Service Information

Regional Coverage:

U.S. Market (Reporting safety defects)

Estimated Page Count:

Varies by OEM; typically 300-500 pages for a vehicle of this caliber.

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Interior Systems:

Instrument cluster indicators and warnings, COMAND infotainment system (radio, navigation, CD changer), THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control, power seats, seatbelt pre-tensioners, airbag systems, interior lighting, power windows, central locking.

Exterior Systems:

Exterior lighting (headlights, taillights, fog lamps), automatic headlamp activation, power mirrors, windshield wipers and washers, remote keyless entry, central locking system.

Powertrain Components:

Engine oil requirements, battery maintenance and specifications, fuel type recommendations, air filter replacement guidance.

Chassis Systems:

Braking system (general operation, warning lights), suspension system (general operation), steering system (general operation).

Routine Maintenance:

Checking and topping up engine oil, checking tire pressure, cleaning vehicle exterior and interior, jump-starting procedures (battery).

Operation:

Starting and driving the vehicle, operating climate control, using the COMAND system, adjusting seats and mirrors, understanding driver aids.

Safety Features:

Proper use of seatbelts and airbags, child seat installation recommendations, understanding safety warning lights.

Troubleshooting:

Understanding dashboard warning lights and messages, basic fault identification for common issues.

Depth Of Information:

Comprehensive owner-level information, focusing on operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Does not include detailed repair procedures or diagnostic codes found in a service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Compatibility:

Compatible with all devices capable of reading PDF files (Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader, etc.).

Searchability:

Typically searchable text within the PDF for easy information retrieval.

Quality Description:

Compiled from factory original manual, ensuring high fidelity of text and diagrams.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Product)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Product)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M113

Engine Type:

4.96L (5.0L) Naturally Aspirated V8

Horsepower:

302 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque:

339 lb-ft @ 3100 rpm

Fuel Induction:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (SFI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)

Block Material:

Aluminum Alloy

Cylinder Head Material:

Aluminum Alloy

Configuration:

SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) per bank, 3 valves per cylinder

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Automatic

Transmission Model:

722.6 (Mercedes-Benz 5G-TRONIC)

Shifting Modes:

Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes

Transmission Fluid Type:

MB Spec 236.14 (or equivalent approved fluid, e.g., Pentosin ATF 1)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

198.1 inches (5032 mm)

Width:

73.0 inches (1854 mm)

Height:

56.0 inches (1422 mm)

Wheelbase:

113.1 inches (2873 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 4,200 - 4,400 lbs (1905 - 2000 kg)

Trunk Volume:

Approximately 15.0 cubic feet (425 liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

Specific NHTSA ratings for this model year and body style may not be readily available, but Mercedes-Benz vehicles of this era generally performed well in internal crash testing and met or exceeded regulatory standards.

Traction Control:

ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation)

Stability Control:

ESP (Electronic Stability Program)

Braking Systems:

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

Airbags:

Front airbags (driver and passenger), side airbags, curtain airbags (optional/standard depending on market).

Seat Belts:

Front and rear seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters, automatic seat belt presenters for front occupants.

Restraint Systems:

Active head restraints (front seats).

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System Name:

COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation)

Infotainment Features:

Includes AM/FM radio, CD player (often with a trunk-mounted CD changer), navigation system with map display, and vehicle settings control.

Suspension System:

Active Body Control (ABC) – a sophisticated hydraulic suspension system that adjusts to road conditions and vehicle load for superior ride comfort and handling.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control, with DISTRONIC (adaptive cruise control) available as an option on some models.

Connectivity Features:

Basic connectivity for the era, primarily focused on the integrated COMAND system. No Bluetooth or USB connectivity typically included as standard from the factory.

Headlight Type:

Halogen projector or Bi-Xenon HID headlights (optional) with automatic leveling and cleaning system.

Climate Control System:

THERMOTRONIC dual-zone automatic climate control with advanced air filtration and residual heat utilization.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for specific service 'A' or 'B' indicators).

Major Service Intervals:

Intervals for spark plugs, transmission fluid, coolant, and brake fluid are typically indicated at higher mileage points (e.g., 30,000, 60,000, 100,000 miles) and should be followed as per the manual's recommendations.

Engine Oil Type:

Mobil 1 Synthetic 0W-40 or equivalent MB Spec 229.5 approved oil.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 8.5 US quarts (8.0 liters) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

Mercedes-Benz Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., G05 or G48 equivalent, typically a blue or green ethylene glycol based coolant).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 Plus (or MB Spec 331.0 approved fluid).

Common Problems Class:

While generally robust, common issues for the C215 CL-Class can include ABC suspension hydraulic leaks, O2 sensor failures, electronic module issues (e.g., EIS, SAM), and aging of interior materials like headliner sagging or dashboard material degradation. Also, catalytic converter issues can occur on higher mileage vehicles.

Air Filter Part Number Example:

Typically 2 x Mann-Filter C35180/2 or equivalent (for V8 engine). Refer to manual for exact part numbers.

📚 Vehicle History

Mercedes Benz Legacy:

Founded in 1926, Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for automotive engineering, luxury, and innovation, tracing its roots back to Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler.

Cl Class Lineage:

The CL-Class designation evolved from the SEC models (e.g., W126 SEC, C140 SEC), representing Mercedes-Benz's flagship personal luxury coupes.

C215 Introduction:

The C215 CL-Class was introduced in 1999, replacing the larger and more angular C140 S-Class Coupe. It featured a sleeker, more aerodynamic design and incorporated advanced technologies.

Production Years:

1999-2006

Manufacturing Plant:

Sindelfingen, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Model Era Accolades:

While specific awards for the 2000 CL500 are not extensively documented, the CL-Class model line generally received praise for its luxury, performance, and technological innovations from automotive journalists and industry publications during its production years.