Market Position:
The 2001 CL55 AMG represented Mercedes-Benz's pinnacle of luxury grand touring coupes, blending high performance with sophisticated comfort and technology. This manual targets owners and independent repair facilities specializing in high-end German vehicles.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed directly with models like the BMW 8 Series (e.g., 840Ci, 850Ci – though the 8 Series was ending production or had been replaced), Porsche 911, and other high-performance luxury coupes. Its key differentiator was the combination of a potent V8 AMG engine with the refined comfort and advanced technology characteristic of Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Key Features:
Hand-built AMG 5.4L V8 engine, Active Body Control (ABC) suspension, advanced COMAND infotainment system, bi-xenon headlights, luxurious interior appointments, and strong emphasis on safety and comfort.
Target Audience:
Mercedes-Benz CL55 AMG owners, independent Mercedes-Benz specialists, automotive repair technicians.
Coverage Areas:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, Climate Control, Body & Interior, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics
Page Count:
Extensive (Software-based, no fixed page count)
Manual Type:
Official Service and Repair Manual Software
Format:
Software (Digital)
Delivery Method:
Instant Digital Download
Systems Covered:
1.0 Engine Mechanical, 2.0 Engine Electrical, 3.0 Fuel System, 4.0 Exhaust System, 5.0 Drivetrain (Transmission, Driveshafts, Differentials), 6.0 Suspension (Front and Rear), 7.0 Steering System, 8.0 Brake System (Hydraulic and Electronic), 9.0 ABS/Traction Control, 10.0 Electrical System (Wiring Diagrams, ECUs, Sensors), 11.0 Climate Control System, 12.0 Body & Interior (Panels, Seats, Upholstery), 13.0 Body Control Module (BCM), 14.0 Infotainment System, 15.0 SRS Airbag System, 16.0 Lighting System
Procedures Included:
Routine Maintenance, Scheduled Servicing, Component Removal and Installation, Component Diagnosis and Testing, Electrical Troubleshooting, Diagnostic Scan Tool Procedures, Engine Overhaul, Transmission Service and Rebuild, Suspension and Steering Alignment, Brake System Bleeding and Component Replacement, Climate Control System Servicing, Body Panel Repair and Replacement, Interior Trim Removal and Installation, Airbag System Safety Protocols, Software Updates and Programming
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures, wiring diagrams, and specifications for all major systems. Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Diagnostics:
Detailed troubleshooting trees, fault code interpretation (OBD-II compliant), wiring diagrams for electrical system diagnosis.
Bodywork Coverage:
Includes procedures for body panel alignment, door and trunk lid adjustments, bumper cover removal and installation, and minor dent repair techniques.
Interior Coverage:
Covers removal and installation of seats, door panels, dashboard components, center console, headliner, and carpeting.
Engine Displacement:
5.4 Liters (5439 cc)
Engine Configuration:
SOHC V8
Aspiration:
Naturally Aspirated (Prior to the supercharged version in later model years)
Horsepower:
Approximately 355 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
Approximately 391 lb-ft (530 Nm) @ 3000-4400 rpm
Fuel System:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher)
Spark Plug Type:
NGK Iridium (e.g., BKR6EIX-11)
Engine Oil Capacity:
8.5 Liters (with filter change)
Engine Oil Specification:
MB 229.5 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40)
Valvetrain:
Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC) per bank, 3 valves per cylinder (2 intake, 1 exhaust).
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Automatic (AMG Speedshift)
Optional Transmission:
N/A for 2001 CL55 AMG
Transmission Features:
Provides manual shifting mode for enhanced driver control, optimized shift points for AMG performance.
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB 236.10 or MB 236.12 (e.g., ATF LT 71141)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 8.5 Liters (total system, drain and fill varies)
Gear Ratios:
Refer to specific manual section for detailed ratios (e.g., 1st: 3.59, 2nd: 2.19, 3rd: 1.42, 4th: 1.00, 5th: 0.73)
NHTSA Front Impact Rating:
5-Star (for driver and front passenger)
IIHS Side Impact Rating:
Good (for relevant tests performed at the time)
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Traction Control System (ASR), Active Body Control (ABC) suspension for enhanced handling and stability.
Passive Safety Features:
Front and side airbags, front and rear head curtain airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters, crumple zones, reinforced passenger cell.
Front Brakes:
Vented Discs with 4-piston calipers
Rear Brakes:
Vented Discs with 2-piston calipers
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5 x 112 mm
Standard Wheel Size:
18 inches
Infotainment System:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation)
Infotainment Features:
CD player, AM/FM radio, GPS navigation (map data on CD-ROM), optional premium sound system (e.g., Bose).
Driver Assistance Features:
Cruise Control, Parktronic (parking assist sensors), Rain-sensing wipers, Auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Connectivity Features:
Limited by modern standards; primarily analog systems. Optional Tele Aid emergency call system.
Comfort Features:
Heated and ventilated front seats, multi-contour driver's seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable steering column, power windows, power sunroof, keyless entry.
Lighting Type:
Bi-Xenon Headlights with automatic leveling, Halogen fog lights.
Service Interval Oil Change:
Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (with synthetic oil). Actual interval can vary based on driving conditions.
Service Interval Major Service:
Major services (e.g., spark plugs, transmission fluid) typically recommended every 30,000-60,000 miles or as indicated by the vehicle's service indicator (ASSYST).
Coolant Specification:
Mercedes-Benz specification 325.0 (e.g., Zerex G-05 or Pentofrost G12 Plus)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 Plus (MB 331.0)
Power Steering Fluid:
MB specification 343.0 (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent)
Known Issues:
Active Body Control (ABC) system leaks/failures (hydraulic lines, accumulators, pumps), catalytic converter failure, electronic module issues (SAM, ECU), window regulator failures, trunk hydraulic cylinders leakage, serpentine belt tensioner pulley failure.
Oil Filter Part Number:
e.g., Mann-Filter HU 718/5 x, Mahle KL 36
Air Filter Part Number:
e.g., Mann-Filter C 30 104/1
Cabin Filter Part Number:
e.g., Mann-Filter CU 22 19
Towing Capacity:
Not Recommended/Designed for Towing
Brand Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz boasts a long history of engineering excellence and luxury vehicle production, with a strong tradition in performance vehicles through its AMG division.
Model Evolution:
The C215 CL-Class, launched in 1999, succeeded the C140 S-Class Coupe. The CL55 AMG variant, introduced for the 2001 model year, brought a significant performance upgrade to the luxurious coupe platform, featuring the AMG-tuned 5.4L V8. This generation was known for its sleek, aerodynamic design and advanced technology.
Production Years:
2001-2002 (for the naturally aspirated 5.4L V8 CL55 AMG). The CL-Class itself ran from 1999-2006, with a facelift in 2003 introducing the supercharged CL55 AMG.
Vehicle Segment:
Full-size Luxury Coupe
Recognitions:
While specific awards for the 2001 CL55 AMG are not prominently advertised, the CL-Class generally received accolades for its luxury, comfort, and technological advancements from automotive publications of its era.
Ratings:
Consistently rated highly by automotive journalists for its performance, handling (especially with ABC), and luxurious appointments.