🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

CL600

Year:

1998

Chassis Code:

C140

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Mercedes-Benz CL600 (C140) was positioned as a flagship luxury grand tourer, representing the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz engineering and comfort for its era.

Competitors:

BMW 8 Series, Bentley Continental R, Aston Martin DB7, Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph.

Features:

V12 engine, advanced suspension systems, luxurious interior appointments, extensive use of electronic aids, and a distinctive coupe profile.

Audience:

Professional Mercedes-Benz technicians, independent repair shops specializing in luxury European vehicles, and knowledgeable DIY enthusiasts with advanced mechanical and diagnostic skills.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Complete Service and Repair

Secondary Coverage:

Diagnostic Procedures, Wiring Diagrams, Component Identification, Technical Specifications

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive, likely exceeding 2000 pages (typical for comprehensive OEM service manuals)

Type:

Official Service and Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Software (likely searchable PDF or proprietary executable)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (M120 V12), Transmission (5G-TRONIC automatic), Drivetrain

Chassis:

Suspension (Active Suspension), Steering, Brakes (ABS), Wheels and Tires

Electrical:

Engine Control Unit (ECU), Body Control Modules (BCM), Lighting, Power Accessories, CAN Bus System, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)

Body And Trim:

Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, HVAC System, Sunroof, Power Seats, Door Locks, Power Windows

Maintenance:

Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Lubrication Points

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting Flowcharts, Symptom-Based Diagnostics, Diagnostic Tool Usage (e.g., STAR DIAGNOSIS)

Repair:

Component Removal and Installation, Sub-assembly Overhaul, Engine Rebuild Procedures, Transmission Rebuild Procedures

Adjustments And Settings:

Ignition Timing, Idle Speed, Suspension Alignment, Seat Adjustments

Depth:

Comprehensive: From basic fluid checks and adjustments to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed wiring diagrams and component-level diagnostics.

Diagrams Coverage:

Detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all major systems, including engine, transmission, body electronics, and chassis control systems.

Dts Coverage:

Comprehensive coverage of Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), including descriptions, potential causes, and diagnostic steps for resolution using specialized diagnostic tools like the Mercedes-Benz SDS (STAR DIAGNOSIS).

Specs Coverage:

Detailed technical specifications for all components, including torque values, tolerances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, and performance data.

Body Repair:

Procedures for body panel removal, installation, alignment, and structural repair. Information on anti-corrosion treatment.

HVAC Coverage:

Detailed diagnostic and repair procedures for the automatic climate control system, including component testing (compressor, blower motor, actuators) and refrigerant handling.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Details:

Software, potentially executable (.exe) or a structured database with a viewer. Searchable text and graphical elements (diagrams, schematics).

Quality:

High Resolution, suitable for screen viewing and printing of individual pages/sections.

Binding:

N/A (Software Format)

Paper:

N/A (Software Format)

Text Search:

High - software format typically allows for full-text searching of all procedures, specifications, and diagnostic information.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M120.980

Engine Type:

6.0 Liter SOHC V12

Bore X Stroke:

89.0 mm x 80.2 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Horsepower:

394 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque:

420 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic M4.0 Engine Management System with Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)

Valvetrain:

SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) per bank, 2 valves per cylinder

Coolant Type:

Mercedes-Benz Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., G48 or equivalent)

Spark Plugs:

Bosch FGR8KUE (or equivalent) - dual ignition per cylinder

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Automatic (5G-TRONIC)

Optional Transmission:

N/A for CL600

Features:

Electronically controlled, Sport/Comfort modes

Transmission Fluid:

MB Specification 236.8, ATF Dexron III (or approved equivalent)

Fluid Capacity:

Approximately 8.5 Liters (subject to torque converter drain)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

5029 mm (198.0 inches)

Width:

1887 mm (74.3 inches)

Height:

1392 mm (54.8 inches)

Wheelbase:

2937 mm (115.6 inches)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 1990 kg (4387 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

2530 kg (5578 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Ratings:

NHTSA ratings not directly comparable to modern standards. Built to high OEM safety standards of the era.

Active Safety:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (ASR)

Passive Safety:

Driver and front passenger airbags, side-impact protection, crumple zones, reinforced passenger cell.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Audio 30 APS (optional COMAND 2.0 in later models), analog radio, cassette player, CD changer (optional), navigation system (optional).

Driver Assistance Features:

Cruise Control (Tempomat), Parking Assist (optional), Automatic Climate Control (THERMOTRONIC).

Connectivity:

Limited by modern standards. Early integration of telematics might be present but likely obsolete.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact specification).

Major Service Intervals:

e.g., 30,000 miles, 60,000 miles, 100,000 miles requiring specific inspections and component replacements (e.g., spark plugs, coolant, drive belts).

Engine Oil:

API SL/SM or Mercedes-Benz Approval 229.5 (e.g., 5W-40 or 0W-40 synthetic).

Engine Oil Capacity:

10.0 Liters (with filter)

Coolant:

Mercedes-Benz Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., G48) - a 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid:

MB Specification 236.3 (ATF Dexron II E equivalent)

Common Issues:

Ignition coil failures (due to dual plug design), catalytic converter issues, hydraulic suspension leaks (ABC system), electronic module failures, window regulator problems, aging wiring harnesses, CAN bus communication errors.

Oil Filter:

e.g., Mann HU718/5X, Mahle OX166/1D (verify with manual for exact part number)

Air Filter:

e.g., Mann C35160/1, Mahle LX1004 (verify with manual for exact part number)

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, and safety, particularly in the development of V12 engines and sophisticated chassis.

Evolution:

The C140 chassis succeeded the C126 SEC coupe. The CL designation was introduced for the 1996 model year. The CL600 featured the potent M120 V12 engine, evolving from earlier SOHC configurations to DOHC in later iterations, though the 1998 model retained the SOHC design.

Production Years:

1992-1999 (C140 platform)

Manufacturing Location:

Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Awards:

While specific awards for the '98 CL600 are not widely publicized, the C140 platform was generally recognized for its groundbreaking V12 engine technology and ultra-luxury positioning.

📄 Vehicle Specs

Front Brakes:

Vented Discs

Rear Brakes:

Solid Discs

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x112

Standard Tire Size:

235/55 R17 (Front and Rear)

Front Suspension:

Independent, Multi-link with self-leveling suspension (SLS)

Rear Suspension:

Independent, Multi-link with self-leveling suspension (SLS)