Market Position:
Flagship luxury coupe, positioned as a high-performance grand tourer offering advanced technology and unparalleled comfort.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed against other high-end luxury coupes such as the Bentley Continental GT (later models), Aston Martin DB7, and high-performance BMW 8 Series and Lexus SC models of the era.
Key Features:
V12 engine, advanced active suspension (ABC), luxurious interior appointments, extensive standard equipment, powerful yet refined driving experience.
Coverage Areas Listed:
Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting safety defects (U.S.only), Cleaning, Maintenance and Specifications, Engine compartment, Engine oil, Battery, Fuel information, Air filter(s), Part numbers, Refill capacities, Lubricant specifications, Accessories, Service Information and Specifications, Maintenance Information and Specifications
Page Count:
Estimated based on factory original, typically 300-500 pages for this era and model complexity.
Manual Type:
Owner's Manual
Language:
English (as indicated by product description)
Systems Covered:
All major vehicle systems including powertrain (engine, transmission), chassis (suspension, steering, brakes), electrical (lighting, accessories, infotainment), climate control, safety restraints, security systems, and driver controls.
Procedures Included:
Basic operation of all vehicle features, safety precautions, recommended maintenance procedures, fluid level checks, tire pressure information, basic cleaning, reporting safety defects, and understanding dashboard indicators.
Technical Depth:
Focused on user operation and routine maintenance. Does not include detailed diagnostic or repair procedures typically found in a service manual.
Safety Ratings:
NHTSA and IIHS ratings for this specific model year and variant are not readily available in general public databases but represent high safety standards for its class.
Passive Features:
Frontal airbags, side-impact airbags, front and rear head curtain airbags (optional/standard depending on market), seatbelt pre-tensioners, crumple zones, anti-lock braking system (ABS), traction control (ASR).
Active Features:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP), ABS, Traction Control System (ASR), Bi-Xenon headlights (optional/standard).
Infotainment System:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system with integrated radio, CD player, and navigation. Features may include analog TV tuner (obsolete), cassette player, and optional Bose sound system.
Driver Assistance Features:
Cruise Control, Rain-sensing wipers, Auto-dimming rearview mirror, Parktronic (optional parking sensors), Bi-Xenon Headlights with automatic leveling and cleaning (optional/standard).
Connectivity Features:
Original systems would have included cellular phone integration (often via cradle), potentially analog tele-assist services.
Climate Controls:
Dual-zone automatic climate control with dust filter and recirculate function. Often includes rear seat vents and heated/ventilated front seats.
Lighting Features:
Automatic headlights, interior ambient lighting, illuminated vanity mirrors, front and rear reading lights.
Service Intervals General:
Based on Mercedes-Benz's 'Service A' and 'Service B' system, typically every 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. Specific intervals for components like transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant, and spark plugs are detailed in the service manual and owner's manual.
Engine Oil Specification:
MB Approved 229.1 or 229.3 synthetic oil (e.g., SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 Liters (9.0 US quarts)
Transmission Fluid Specification:
MB Approved ATF Specification 236.10 or 236.12 (e.g., Shell ATF 134, Mobil ATF 134)
Coolant Specification:
MB Approved Antifreeze/Coolant Specification 325.0 or 326.0 (Silicate-free, ethylene glycol based)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 Plus (MB Specification 331.0)
Power Steering Fluid Specification:
MB Approved Power Steering Fluid Specification 236.3 (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11 S)
Known Issues Common:
Coil spring perch rust, ABC suspension hydraulic leaks and component wear (struts, pump, accumulators), active body control (ABC) warning lights, sagging suspension, E55 AMG supercharger pulley issues (not applicable to CL600), window regulator failures, catalytic converter failures, ignition coil failures (especially on V12), crank position sensor issues, transmission conductor plate issues (on 722.6 transmission).
Engine Compartment Overview:
Details on location of key components like oil fill cap, dipstick (if applicable), coolant reservoir, brake fluid reservoir, power steering fluid reservoir, air filter housings, battery, and fuse box. The V12 engine bay is complex and densely packed.
Air Filter Part Number Example:
A 275 090 00 01 (This is an example, actual part number may vary slightly by VIN)
Battery Type And Location:
Typically a Group 49 (H8) or similar size battery, located in the trunk on the right side. May require specific venting.
Brand Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for luxury, engineering, and safety, dating back to the invention of the automobile.
Model Evolution:
The CL-Class (C215) replaced the S-Class Coupe and was a pillarless coupe based on the W220 S-Class platform. It represented the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz's coupe offerings at the time.
Production Years:
1999-2006 (C215 platform)
Manufacturing Location:
Sindelfingen, Germany
