🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

CL-Class

Model Variant:

CL55 AMG

Year:

2003

Chassis Code:

C215

Generation Name:

Second Generation (W215/C215)

Engine Code:

M113 ML55

Amg Package Code:

AMG Styling Package

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size Luxury Grand Tourer Coupe

Target Audience:

Discerning buyers seeking high performance, luxury, and advanced technology in a coupe format.

Key Competitors:

BMW 8 Series (E31 generation ending around this time, but direct predecessor), BMW 6 Series (E63/E64), Audi A8 Coupe (discontinued), Porsche 911 (different segment but performance overlap), Bentley Continental GT.

Performance Focus:

Emphasis on AMG's performance enhancements, particularly the powerful V8 engine.

Luxury Appointments:

High-quality interior materials, advanced comfort features, and sophisticated styling.

Technology Integration:

Integration of advanced infotainment, climate control, and driver assistance systems.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Topics:

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

Estimated Page Count:

Varies by specific printing, but factory manuals are typically 200-400 pages.

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, lubrication, exhaust system basics, transmission operation.

Chassis:

Braking system operation, suspension system features, steering system basics, wheels and tires.

Electrical:

Lighting system controls, instrument cluster functions, basic electrical system warnings, infotainment system overview, climate control operation.

Interior:

Seating adjustment, safety restraint systems (airbags, seatbelts), interior climate controls, door locks and security features, power windows and mirrors.

Body:

Door operation, trunk/boot operation, hood operation, basic cleaning and care procedures.

Routine Maintenance:

Engine oil checks and refills, fluid level checks (coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, basic cleaning.

Safety Procedures:

Proper use of safety restraints, airbag system information, child seat installation guidelines (general).

Driver Controls:

Operation of steering wheel controls, gear selector, parking brake, light switches, wiper controls, climate controls.

Troubleshooting Basic:

Understanding dashboard warning lamps and messages, basic troubleshooting of common user-interface issues.

Depth:

Designed for the end-user, focusing on operation, basic maintenance, and safety. Does not cover in-depth mechanical repair procedures or advanced diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

Compatibility:

Requires PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader).

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable due to PDF format.

Quality Description:

Digital reproduction of factory original, quality dependent on source scan.

Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

V8 Supercharged (M113 ML55)

Displacement:

5.4 Liters (5439 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

97.0 mm x 92.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.0:1

Horsepower:

493 bhp @ 6100 rpm

Torque:

516 lb-ft @ 2600-4000 rpm

Induction:

Supercharged with intercooler, Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded (91 octane or higher recommended)

Engine Oil Type:

Full Synthetic SAE 0W-40 (MB Approval 229.5)

Engine Oil Capacity:

8.5 Liters (9 US quarts)

Engine Oil Change Interval:

Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, or as indicated by the flexible service system (ASSYST).

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-Speed Automatic with Touchshift

Gear Ratios:

Refer to manual for specific ratios (typically 3.27 / 2.13 / 1.42 / 1.00 / 0.83).

Features:

Touchshift manual shifting mode, AMG SpeedShift functionality for faster gear changes.

Transmission Fluid Type:

MB 236.10 Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) (e.g., Shell ATF 134, Mobil ATF 134).

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approximately 8.0 Liters (refer to manual for exact capacity for service fill).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

199.7 inches (5073 mm)

Width:

73.7 inches (1872 mm)

Height:

55.1 inches (1400 mm)

Wheelbase:

116.7 inches (2965 mm)

Front Track:

62.6 inches (1590 mm)

Rear Track:

62.2 inches (1580 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 4,500 lbs (2041 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 5,700 lbs (2585 kg)

Trunk Volume:

14.0 cubic feet (396 Liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Not specifically rated for 2003, but Mercedes-Benz vehicles of this era generally performed well.

IIHS Side Impact:

Not specifically rated for 2003, but generally strong performance expected.

Braking System:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist (BAS).

Traction Control:

Electronic Traction System (ETS) / Acceleration Skid Control (ASR).

Stability Control:

Electronic Stability Program (ESP).

Airbags:

Front airbags, front side airbags, front and rear head curtain airbags (Sidebag SRS).

Seatbelts:

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

Other:

Occupant classification system for front passenger airbag, crumple zones, reinforced passenger cell.

💡 Technology Features

System:

COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation).

Features:

CD player, Radio (AM/FM), optional navigation system, telephone integration (e.g., UHI connector), Bose sound system.

Features:

Cruise Control, Parking Assist (optional sensors), Rain-sensing wipers, Automatic climate control.

Connectivity Options:

Limited by modern standards. Primarily focused on in-car entertainment and basic communication (e.g., Bluetooth for phone calls if equipped).

Seats:

Multi-contour heated and ventilated front seats with memory function, power adjustment for all seats.

Climate:

Multi-zone automatic climate control with active charcoal filters.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

10,000 miles / 12 months, using synthetic 0W-40 (MB 229.5).

Transmission Service:

Typically every 40,000-60,000 miles, fluid and filter change recommended. Consult manual or dealer for exact interval.

Spark Plugs:

Typically around 100,000 miles for iridium spark plugs.

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 Plus (MB 331.0).

Power Steering Fluid Type:

MB 236.3 Power Steering Fluid (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11S).

Abc Suspension:

Active Body Control (ABC) hydraulic leaks, pump failures, strut leaks are common wear items.

Electronics:

Various electronic control unit (ECU) failures, SAM unit issues, and door lock actuator problems can occur.

Supercharger Belt:

Wear and tear on the supercharger drive belt and tensioner.

Catalytic Converters:

Can degrade over time, especially on higher-mileage vehicles.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Mercedes-Benz has a long history of producing luxury vehicles with a focus on engineering, comfort, and safety, dating back to the late 19th century.

Predecessor:

The CL-Class is the successor to the S-Class Coupe. The C215 generation replaced the C140 CL-Class.

Introduction Of C215:

The C215 CL-Class was introduced in 1999 as a 2000 model year vehicle, replacing the more angular W140 S-Class Coupe. The CL55 AMG variant debuted shortly after.

Facelift:

The C215 received a significant facelift for the 2003 model year, including updated styling, new headlights, redesigned bumpers, and importantly, the introduction of the supercharged CL55 AMG as a primary AMG model.

Production Period:

2000-2006

Amg Variant Production:

CL55 AMG (C215) produced from 2000/2001 (naturally aspirated) and then predominantly as the supercharged M113 ML55 from 2003 onwards.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Performance Awards:

While specific awards for the 2003 CL55 AMG are not readily cataloged, Mercedes-Benz and AMG models of this era were consistently recognized for their engineering, performance, and luxury by automotive publications.