🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

CL-Class

Generation:

C215

Year:

2002

Trim:

CL600 Sport

Chassis Code:

C215

Engine Code Variant:

M137

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size Luxury Coupe

Brand Perception:

Represents the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz automotive engineering and luxury for its era.

Key Competitors:

BMW 8 Series (E31 - preceding model), Bentley Continental GT, Rolls-Royce models (though generally higher luxury tier)

Styling:

Sleek, pillarless coupe design, often considered a timeless classic.

Performance Focus:

Emphasis on powerful engine, refined ride, and advanced technology for its time.

Interior Luxury:

Premium materials, advanced comfort features, and sophisticated infotainment/climate systems.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Operation, Maintenance, Safety, and Features of the 2002 Mercedes-Benz CL600 Sport

Secondary Coverage:

Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lighting, Driver Controls, Locks, Security, Seating, Restraints, Driving Modes, Customer Assistance, Safety Defect Reporting (US), Cleaning, Basic Maintenance, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel, Air Filters, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories, Service Information, Maintenance Information

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for this model/era)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, fuel system, cooling system, ignition system, exhaust system (basic operational aspects)

Chassis:

Braking system (operation), suspension (basic operation), steering system (operation), wheels and tires (specifications)

Electrical:

Lighting controls, instrument cluster functions, power windows, locks, mirrors, seat adjustments, basic entertainment system operation, climate control system operation

Safety Systems:

Airbag system (operation, warnings), seat belt system (operation, adjustments), child restraint system (ISOFIX/LATCH anchors, seat installation guidance)

Comfort Convenience:

Climate control (manual and automatic operation), power seats (adjustment, memory), sunroof operation, keyless entry, central locking, cruise control

Maintenance:

Recommended service intervals for fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid), filter replacements (oil, air, fuel, cabin), tire rotation, general cleaning instructions

Operation:

Starting and stopping the engine, gear selection (automatic transmission), parking, fuel filling procedures, operation of all vehicle controls and features

Safety Information:

Safe driving practices, understanding warning indicators, proper use of safety restraints, child seat installation guidelines, emergency procedures (e.g., tire change - if covered)

Troubleshooting Basic:

Interpreting dashboard warning lights and messages, basic troubleshooting for common issues (e.g., battery drain, non-starting) - limited to owner-level actions

Depth:

Owner-level information for everyday use and basic maintenance. Focuses on 'what' and 'how to use', not 'how to repair'.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

Digital PDF

Readability:

Optimized for viewing on computers, tablets, and smartphones with a compatible PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader)

Searchability:

Typically searchable text within the PDF for quick information retrieval

Quality:

High-resolution digital reproduction of the original factory manual, ensuring clarity of text and diagrams

Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Configuration:

V12, Naturally Aspirated

Displacement:

5.8 Liters (5786 cc)

Engine Code:

M137 E57

Horsepower:

360 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque:

420 lb-ft (560 Nm) @ 3000-4000 rpm

Type:

Electronic Fuel Injection (Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection - Bosch Motronic ME2.8)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)

Valve Train:

SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) with 3 valves per cylinder (2 intake, 1 exhaust)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-Speed Automatic with TouchShift

Transmission Code:

722.6

Shift Modes:

Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes

Transmission Fluid Type:

MB 236.14 Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) - often referred to as 'blue' or 'shell spirax s6 atf zxt'

📐 Dimensions

Length:

199.6 inches (5070 mm)

Width:

73.7 inches (1872 mm)

Height:

55.1 inches (1400 mm)

Wheelbase:

113.9 inches (2895 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 4,400 - 4,600 lbs (2000 - 2087 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Not explicitly listed but implied by GVWR of chassis

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 11.2 cu ft (317 Liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash Test:

Not explicitly rated by NHTSA for this specific model/era as a coupe; Mercedes-Benz internal standards apply.

IIHS Ratings:

Not typically rated by IIHS for coupes of this vintage.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Esp:

Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP), often branded as Electronic Stability Program

Traction Control:

Standard Acceleration Skid Control (ASR)

Airbags:

Frontal airbags, front side airbags, head airbags (window airbags) for front occupants.

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with belt tensioners and force limiters in front.

Child Restraints:

ISOFIX (or LATCH) anchor points for child seats in rear.

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

COMAND 2.5 (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system, featuring radio, CD player, and optional navigation.

Audio System:

Bose premium audio system often standard or optional.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control, potentially with DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control as an option.

Parking Assist:

Front and rear parking sensors (PARKTRONIC) often standard or optional.

Phone Integration:

Early integrated phone systems or cradle for compatible car phones (optional).

Suspension System:

Active Body Control (ABC) suspension system for adaptive damping and ride height control.

Lighting:

Bi-Xenon headlights (low and high beam), automatic headlight activation, cornering lights.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil.

Major Service Intervals:

Refer to the manual for 'A', 'B', 'C', or similar service indicators based on mileage and driving conditions. Often involves more comprehensive checks and fluid changes around 30,000-60,000 miles.

Engine Oil Type:

Synthetic Engine Oil, API SJ or higher, ACEA A3/B3 or A3/B4, MB-Approval 229.5. Recommended viscosity: 0W-40 or 5W-40.

Coolant Type:

MB-Approval 325.0 (Ethylene Glycol based coolant) - typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 Plus (MB-Approval 331.0)

Power Steering Fluid Type:

MB-Approval 343.0 (Hydraulic fluid, typically Dexron III/Mercon compatible)

Windshield Washer Fluid:

Approved washer fluid concentrate or pre-mixed solution, often with cleaning agents.

Common Wear Items:

Ignition coils and spark plugs (especially on V12), ABC suspension hydraulic lines/accumulators, door seals, window regulators, COMAND system (older versions), catalytic converters (age-related failure).

Maintenance Emphasis:

Strict adherence to maintenance schedules and using correct fluids is crucial for longevity, particularly for the V12 engine and ABC suspension.

Oil Filter Part Number:

A0011808809 (example, verify specific VIN)

Air Filter Part Number:

A2750940101 (example, verify specific VIN)

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 8.5 - 9.5 liters (8.9 - 10.0 US quarts) with filter change. Exact capacity varies slightly.

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 10-12 liters (10.6 - 12.7 US quarts) for the complete system.

📚 Vehicle History

Legacy:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for luxury, engineering excellence, and safety since its inception.

Cl Class Lineage:

Successor to the S-Class Coupe (C140), this generation (C215) brought a more aerodynamic and modern design, alongside advanced technology.

C215 Generation Years:

1999-2006

Manufacturing Location:

Sindelfingen, Germany

Production Volume:

Relatively low volume, exclusive luxury model. Specific figures for CL600 Sport vary.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

General Reputation:

Consistently recognized by automotive journalists and enthusiasts for its blend of performance, luxury, and advanced technology for its era.

Owner Satisfaction Tendencies:

High owner satisfaction often reported for comfort and performance, but maintenance costs can be a factor.