🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

CLS550

Year:

2011

Chassis Code:

C218

Engine Code:

M273 (for 5.5L V8)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The 2011 CLS550 represented Mercedes-Benz's entry into the four-door coupe segment, offering a blend of luxury, performance, and distinctive styling. It competed with other premium grand tourers and luxury sedans.

Key Competitors:

BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe (later models), Audi A7, Porsche Panamera, Maserati Ghibli

Styling:

Distinctive 'dropping roofline' silhouette, frameless doors, aggressive front fascia

Powertrain:

Powerful 5.5L V8 engine, advanced 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission

Luxury Appointments:

Premium interior materials, advanced COMAND infotainment system, optional AIRMATIC suspension

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

All mechanical and electrical systems of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS550

Secondary Coverage:

Bodywork, interior, diagnostics, troubleshooting, specifications

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

Manual Type:

Official Service and Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Software (likely PDF or proprietary executable)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

M273 5.5L V8 DOHC, including lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition, emissions, and timing

Transmission:

7G-TRONIC (722.9) automatic transmission, including operation, diagnosis, fluid, and overhaul procedures

Drivetrain:

Rear-wheel drive (RWD) or 4MATIC all-wheel drive (AWD) systems, including differentials, axles, and driveshafts

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, including airmatic suspension, springs, dampers, control arms, and steering linkage

Brakes:

ABS, ESP, SBC (if applicable), brake calipers, rotors, pads, hydraulic system, and parking brake

Steering:

Hydraulic power steering system, steering column, steering wheel, and associated components

Electrical System:

12V battery, alternator, starter, lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, and control modules

Comfort Systems:

HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning), power windows, power seats, sunroof, keyless-go, and central locking

Infotainment:

Audio system, COMAND navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and dashboard displays

Body And Interior:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, seats, airbags, and restraints

Diagnostics:

OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics) information, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), and Mercedes-Benz specific diagnostic procedures

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, cabin), fluid level checks and top-offs, tire rotation, spark plug replacement

Major Repairs:

Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake system service, exhaust system repair

Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting charts

Component Removal And Installation:

Detailed instructions for removing and installing virtually all vehicle components

Electrical Diagnostics:

Wiring diagrams, component testing procedures, and troubleshooting for electrical faults

Software Updates:

Information on accessing and performing software updates for various control modules

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering all aspects from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed specifications, torque values, and diagnostic information

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Proprietary Software or Searchable PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text for quick information retrieval

Print Capability:

Printable pages for hard copy reference

Binding:

N/A (Software-based)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Software-based)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated V8

Displacement:

5.5 Liters (5461 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

98.0 mm x 90.5 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.7:1

Valve Train:

DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

Horsepower:

382 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

391 lb-ft @ 2800-4800 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection (MFI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Engine Control Unit:

Bosch ME 9.7

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

7-speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC)

Drive Type:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) standard, 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive (AWD) optional

Shift Modes:

Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes

Fluid Type:

MB 236.14 Automatic Transmission Fluid

Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 7.5 - 9.5 liters (dry fill)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

193.4 inches (4913 mm)

Width:

73.1 inches (1857 mm)

Height:

55.0 inches (1397 mm)

Wheelbase:

113.2 inches (2874 mm)

Trunk Volume:

15.1 cubic feet (428 liters)

Curb Weight Rwd:

Approx. 3900 lbs (1769 kg)

Curb Weight AWD:

Approx. 4000 lbs (1814 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5-Star (for similar model year sedans)

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Yes (for similar model year sedans)

Electronic Stability Program:

Standard (ESP)

Anti Lock Braking System:

Standard (ABS)

Traction Control:

Standard (ASR)

Brake Assist:

Standard (BAS)

Tire Pressure Monitoring:

Standard

Airbags:

Dual-stage front airbags, front side airbags, side curtain airbags

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH system

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system with a central display, CD/DVD changer, USB interface, and optional Harman Kardon surround sound

Navigation:

Integrated hard-drive based navigation system

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Optional DISTRONIC PLUS

Lane Keeping Assist:

Optional Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) and Blind Spot Assist (BSA)

Parking Assist:

Optional PARKTRONIC parking sensors and rearview camera

Bluetooth:

Standard Bluetooth interface for hands-free calling and audio streaming

Keyless Entry And Start:

KEYLESS-GO

Ambient Lighting:

Adjustable interior ambient lighting

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 miles or 1 year, based on Flexible Service System (FSS)

Major Service Intervals:

Refer to FSS system or manual for detailed service A, B, C, etc. (e.g., spark plugs around 60,000-100,000 miles, transmission service around 40,000-60,000 miles)

Engine Oil:

MB 229.5 (e.g., Mobil 1 Synthetic 0W-40)

Coolant:

MB 325.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 Plus (MB 331.0)

Airmatic Suspension Leaks:

Common issue with aging air springs and compressor seals, leading to vehicle sag

Oil Cooler Seals:

Leaking oil cooler seals can cause oil to enter the coolant system

Ignition Coils And Spark Plugs:

Can be a source of misfires, particularly as the vehicle ages

Transmission Conductor Plate:

Failure of the conductor plate in the 7G-TRONIC can lead to shifting issues or a complete loss of drive

📚 Vehicle History

Mercedes Benz Legacy:

Founded in 1926, Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for luxury, engineering excellence, and innovation in automotive technology.

Cls Lineage:

The CLS-Class was introduced in 2004 (as the C219) as a groundbreaking 'four-door coupe'. The 2011 model marks the introduction of the second generation, the C218, with a significantly redesigned exterior and updated technology.

Manufacturing Location:

Sindelfingen, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Design Awards:

The CLS-Class design often received accolades for its distinctive and elegant styling, contributing to its status as a design trendsetter.

Automotive Press Reviews:

Generally well-received by automotive press for its blend of performance, luxury, and unique styling, although some critics noted the trade-off in rear headroom due to the sloping roofline.