Segment:
Full-size Luxury Grand Tourer Coupe
Target Audience:
Affluent individuals seeking comfort, performance, and luxury
Competitors 2004:
BMW 6 Series, Lexus SC 430, Porsche 911 (though different segment, often cross-shopped for performance)
Design:
Pillared hardtop coupe design (no B-pillar when windows are down), S-Class based platform
Technology:
Advanced COMAND infotainment, ABC (Active Body Control) suspension, bi-xenon headlights
Performance Focus:
Emphasis on grand touring comfort with powerful engine options, especially AMG variant
Powertrain:
Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system
Transmission:
Automatic transmission operation, selector lever functions, fluid levels
Chassis:
Suspension system, steering system, braking system (ABS, ESP), wheels and tires
Electrical:
Lighting, instruments, dashboard indicators, power outlets, fuses, battery, starter, alternator
Comfort Convenience:
Climate control (COMAND), seat adjustments, power windows, sunroof, mirrors, door locks, central locking
Safety Security:
Airbags, seatbelts, child seat anchors (ISOFIX), alarm system, remote key functions
Infotainment:
COMAND navigation system, radio, CD changer, telephony (if equipped)
Basic Operation:
Starting and stopping the engine, driving controls, parking
Instrument Panel:
Understanding of all gauges, warning lights, and indicators
Maintenance Checks:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks
Refueling:
Fuel type recommendations, refueling procedure
Towing Starting:
Jump starting procedures, towing instructions
Tire Wheel:
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) operation, changing a flat tire (if applicable, often requires specialized tools for this model)
Depth:
Owner-level operations and basic checks; not a diagnostic or repair manual
Cl500 Engine:
M113 V8, 5.0L (4966 cc)
Cl55 Amg Engine:
M113 E55 ML, 5.4L (5439 cc) Supercharged V8
Cl600 Engine:
M275 E55 LA, 5.5L (5513 cc) Bi-Turbocharged V12
Cl500 Horsepower:
302 hp @ 5600 rpm
Cl500 Torque:
339 lb-ft @ 3100 rpm
Cl55 Amg Horsepower:
493 hp @ 6100 rpm
Cl55 Amg Torque:
516 lb-ft @ 2650 rpm
Cl600 Horsepower:
493 hp @ 5000 rpm
Cl600 Torque:
590 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane Recommended)
Induction:
Naturally Aspirated (CL500), Supercharged (CL55 AMG), Bi-Turbocharged (CL600)
Engine Management:
ME 2.8 (CL500), ME 2.8 AMG (CL55 AMG), ME 2.8 V12 (CL600)
Cl500 Transmission:
5-speed automatic (722.6)
Cl55 Amg Transmission:
5-speed automatic (722.6), AMG SPEEDSHIFT
Cl600 Transmission:
5-speed automatic (722.6), AMG SPEEDSHIFT
Optional Gearbox:
N/A for 2004 model year
Shifting Modes:
Comfort, Sport modes (selectable)
Torque Converter:
Lock-up torque converter for increased efficiency
NHTSA Front Crash Rating:
Not explicitly rated by NHTSA for this specific year/model in all categories as per current standards, but known for robust safety structure.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Esp:
Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Traction Control:
Standard Acceleration Skid Control (ASR)
Suspension:
Active Body Control (ABC) standard on CL600, optional on CL500/CL55 AMG for adaptive damping
Airbags:
Front airbags, side airbags, window curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
Pretensioning front seatbelts with force limiters, standard rear seatbelts
Rollover Protection:
Automatic rollover protection system (pop-up roll bar behind rear seats, deployable under specific conditions)
Comand System:
Color LCD screen with navigation, radio, CD player, optional CD changer, voice control.
Audio System:
Harmon Kardon LOGIC 7 surround sound system standard on most models.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control, optional DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control.
Parking Assist:
Optional parking sensors (PARKTRONIC).
Telephony:
Optional integrated cellular phone with hands-free operation.
Headlights:
Bi-Xenon headlights with automatic leveling and headlight washers standard.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to service schedule).
Major Service A B:
Service A and B intervals at approx. 20,000, 40,000, 60,000 miles etc., covering various checks and replacements.
Engine Oil Spec Cl500 Cl55:
MB 229.5 5W-40 or 5W-30 Synthetic
Engine Oil Spec Cl600:
MB 229.5 0W-40 or 5W-40 Synthetic
Coolant:
MB 325.0 (Ethylene Glycol based) or MB 326.0 (Propylene Glycol based) - often a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Transmission Fluid:
MB 236.10 or MB 236.12 Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Power Steering Fluid:
MB 236.3 (ATF Dexron II E compatible, but specific MB fluid recommended)
Abc Suspension Leaks:
Common wear item, prone to leaks from lines, struts, and pump. Requires specialized hydraulic fluid.
Coil Packs And Spark Plugs:
Can degrade over time, leading to misfires, especially on V8 and V12 engines.
Blower Motor Resistor:
Often fails, leading to climate control fan not working on certain speeds.
Door Lock Actuators:
Can fail, causing issues with central locking.
Pse Pump:
The vacuum pump for central locking and trunk can fail.
Electronics Modules:
Various electronic control units (ECUs) can be sensitive to voltage spikes or moisture.
Mercedes Benz Legacy:
Long-standing reputation for luxury, engineering excellence, and safety innovations since late 19th century.
Cl Class Heritage:
Successor to the S-Class Coupe lineage, representing the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz personal luxury coupes since the W116 era (280/350 SLC).
C215 Generation:
Second generation CL-Class (C215), produced from 1999-2006. This 2004 model is part of the facelifted version introduced in 2003.
Manufacturing Location:
Sindelfingen, Germany
