Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, timing system, lubrication system, cooling system, intake manifold, exhaust manifold
Engine Management:
Fuel system (EFI), ignition system, emission control systems (OBD-II diagnostics), electronic control unit (ECU) functions and diagnostics
Transmission:
5-speed automatic transmission (722.6 series) - removal, installation, overhaul, diagnostics, fluid specifications, torque converter
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, differential, axles, propeller shaft
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, stabilizer bars, Active Body Control (ABC) system troubleshooting and components
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ESP (Electronic Stability Program), SBC (Sensotronic Brake Control) system, brake discs, pads, calipers, lines, master cylinder, parking brake
Steering:
Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, power steering fluid
Electrical System:
Battery, alternator, starter motor, wiring diagrams for all circuits, fuses, relays, lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior lighting)
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, interior trim, seats, dashboard, headliner, climate control system (HVAC), power windows, mirrors, sunroof
Comfort Systems:
Central locking system, keyless entry, remote control operation, seat adjustment mechanisms, heated/ventilated seats
Safety Systems:
Airbag system (SRS), seatbelt pre-tensioners, diagnostics and troubleshooting
Infotainment:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system troubleshooting, radio, CD changer, navigation system, speaker system
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, brake inspection, tire rotation
Repair:
Component removal and installation, engine rebuilding, transmission repair, suspension component replacement, brake system overhaul, electrical component diagnosis and repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnostics, fault code interpretation (OBD-II and proprietary Mercedes-Benz codes), diagnostic tool usage (e.g., STAR DIAGNOSIS related information)
Calibration:
SBC system bleeding procedures, ABC system calibration, steering angle sensor calibration
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle systems
Depth:
Extensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including complex electronic system diagnostics and repair
Engine Type:
V8, naturally aspirated
Displacement:
4.966 Liters (303 cu. in.)
Bore X Stroke:
97.0 mm x 84.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Valvetrain:
SOHC, 3 valves per cylinder (M113 engine family evolution)
Horsepower:
302 hp @ 6000 rpm (SAE Net)
Torque:
339 lb-ft @ 3100 rpm (SAE Net)
Injection Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Bosch Motronic ME 2.8
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane recommended)
Engine Oil Type:
Mobil 1 0W-40 (MB-Approval 229.5) or equivalent
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz/Daimler AG approved coolant (e.g., MB 325.0 or 326.0)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 8.0 Liters (8.5 US quarts) with filter change
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
4 Stars (Driver), 4 Stars (Passenger) - Based on available data for the generation
IIHS Front Crash Test:
Good (Based on available data for the generation)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Esp:
Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Sbc:
Sensotronic Brake Control (Brake-by-wire system) - a key feature for this model, requiring specific service procedures
Abc:
Active Body Control (Hydraulic suspension system) - standard on CL500, offering adaptive damping and ride height adjustment
Airbags:
Front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags (optional/standard depending on market)
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters
Oil Change Interval:
Variable (based on 'service indicator' or approximately every 10,000-15,000 miles / 1 year)
Transmission Fluid Interval:
Typically every 30,000-60,000 miles or as indicated by the service indicator (MB recommends for 'severe' service)
Brake Fluid Interval:
Every 2 years (DOT 4)
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 3-5 years or as specified by Mercedes-Benz
Power Steering Fluid:
Mercedes-Benz Power Steering Fluid (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent MB-approved fluid)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Plus (MB 331.0)
Abc System Leaks:
Common issue involves leaks from ABC hydraulic lines, accumulators, or pump. Requires specialized knowledge and fluid.
Sbc System Faults:
The SBC system has a service life (measured in brake applications) and can require replacement. Diagnostics are critical for this system.
Ignition Coils And Spark Plugs:
M113 engines can experience aging ignition coils leading to misfires. Spark plug replacement is a routine maintenance item.
Cooling System Hoses:
Older rubber hoses can degrade and leak, particularly the expansion tank hose.
Air Matic Suspension Components:
While the CL500 has ABC, other Mercedes models of this era with AirMatic can have issues with air springs and compressors. This manual focuses on ABC.