🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

CL-Class

Model Variant:

CL550

Year:

2008

Body Style:

2-door Coupe

Generation:

C216

Chassis Code:

C216

Engine Code Prefix:

M273

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size Luxury Coupe

Target Audience:

Affluent buyers seeking a blend of performance, comfort, advanced technology, and prestigious brand image.

Key Competitors:

BMW 6 Series, Audi A5/A7 (though A7 is later), Lexus LS Coupe (discontinued model), Bentley Continental GT, Aston Martin DB9.

Design Philosophy:

Emphasis on elegant styling, sophisticated engineering, and a high level of comfort and refinement, embodying the Mercedes-Benz 'The Best or Nothing' ethos.

Technological Advancements:

Introduction of advanced driver assistance systems, sophisticated COMAND infotainment, and high-quality interior materials.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

2008 Mercedes-Benz CL550 (C216)

Secondary Coverage:

General CL-Class (C216) owner information applicable across minor trim variations within the model year.

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 400-500 pages (typical for a comprehensive Mercedes-Benz owner's manual of this era).

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Interior Controls:

Instrument cluster layout and indicators, infotainment system (COMAND APS), climate control (THERMOTRONIC), lighting controls (exterior and interior), driver controls (steering wheel, pedals, shift lever), power seat adjustments, power windows, sunroof operation, door locks and central locking.

Safety Systems:

Seat belts and SRS airbags (front, side, curtain), ISOFIX child seat anchorage points, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), ABS, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation), Brake Assist (BAS).

Powertrain And Chassis:

Engine compartment layout, engine oil specifications and checking procedure, battery maintenance, fuel system information, air filter replacement, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid, listing of refill capacities, lubricant specifications.

Driver Assistance:

Details on systems like DISTRONIC (optional adaptive cruise control), PARKTRONIC (parking assistance), Lane Keeping Assist (optional).

Accessories:

Operation and care of factory-installed accessories, potential aftermarket accessory guidelines.

Basic Operation:

Starting and stopping the engine, driving techniques, parking, operating various vehicle functions, using the cruise control, climate control adjustments.

Maintenance Checks:

Checking and topping up fluid levels (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), checking tire pressure, understanding dashboard warning lamps, basic cleaning procedures for interior and exterior.

Troubleshooting:

Guidance on what to do in case of warning lights or minor malfunctions, recommendations for customer assistance.

Safety Reporting:

Instructions for reporting safety defects (specifically noted as U.S. only).

Depth:

Comprehensive owner-level operational and maintenance information. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or full repair instructions typical of a workshop manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely searchable text content, enabling quick information retrieval.

Quality:

High-resolution digital reproduction of factory original.

Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Device Compatibility:

Any device capable of reading PDF files (desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones).

Reader Requirement:

Requires a PDF reader application (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader, or built-in browser/OS viewers).

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated V8

Engine Code:

M273.961

Displacement:

5.5 Liters (5461 cc)

Horsepower:

382 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

391 lb-ft @ 2800-4500 rpm

Induction:

Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch ME 9.7 ECU)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Coolant Type:

Antifreeze/Coolant, G05 specification or equivalent (typically 50/50 mix with distilled water).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

7-speed Automatic with Touchshift

Transmission Code:

722.9 (7G-TRONIC)

Driving Modes:

Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes.

Fluid Type:

MB Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) 236.14 (e.g., Shell ATF 134, Pentosin ATF 134).

Capacity:

Approximately 9-10 liters for a complete fluid and filter change (check manual for exact capacity).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

199.1 inches

Width:

73.7 inches

Height:

55.3 inches

Wheelbase:

116.7 inches

Curb Weight:

Approximately 4400-4500 lbs

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approximately 5512 lbs

Trunk Volume:

16.0 cubic feet

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rating:

Not directly available for this generation/model year from NHTSA in a standardized format comparable to modern vehicles. However, Mercedes-Benz vehicles of this era were generally designed to meet or exceed all applicable safety standards.

IIHS Rating:

Likely rated as 'Good' in crashworthiness tests based on typical Mercedes-Benz performance, but specific documentation for this exact configuration may vary.

Electronic Stability Control:

Standard (ESP - Electronic Stability Program)

Traction Control:

Standard (ASR - Acceleration Slip Regulation)

Anti Lock Brakes:

Standard (ABS - Anti-lock Braking System)

Brake Assist:

Standard (BAS - Brake Assist System)

Airbags:

Dual-stage front airbags, front side airbags, front and rear head protection airbags (window airbags).

Seat Belts:

3-point inertia-reel seat belts with front belt tensioners and force limiters, rear seat belts.

Child Seat Anchors:

ISOFIX/LATCH system for rear seats.

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation Entertainment System) with a 7-inch color display.

Audio System:

High-quality Harman Kardon LOGIC 7 surround sound system (standard or optional depending on package).

Navigation:

Integrated GPS navigation system with DVD-ROM based maps.

Connectivity:

Bluetooth hands-free communication, optional media interface for iPod integration.

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Optional DISTRONIC PLUS system, maintaining set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead.

Parking Assistance:

PARKTRONIC parking sensors (front and rear) with visual and audible warnings.

Headlights:

Bi-Xenon headlights with active curve illumination, LED daytime running lights.

Seat Features:

Multi-contour power front seats with memory, heating, and ventilation functions.

Climate Control:

THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control with multiple zones.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (flexible service system, refer to car's display for specific requirements based on driving conditions).

Transmission Service:

Recommended every 30,000-60,000 miles or as indicated by the flexible service system. Fluid and filter change is critical for longevity.

Major Service Points:

Spark plugs (typically around 60,000-100,000 miles), brake fluid flush (every 2 years), coolant flush (every 3-5 years).

Engine Oil Specification:

MB 229.5 specification (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40, Castrol Syntec 0W-40).

Engine Oil Viscosity:

SAE 0W-40 is commonly recommended for this engine.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 4 Plus (MB specification 331.0)

Power Steering Fluid:

MB Power Steering Fluid (specific part number should be checked, often a Pentosin CHF 11S type for some models).

Common Wear Items:

Air suspension components (e.g., air springs, ABC suspension components if equipped), ignition coils, fuel injectors, blower motor, door lock actuators, various sensors (e.g., crankshaft position sensor, camshaft position sensor).

Transmission Issues:

The 7G-TRONIC transmission can experience rough shifting or solenoids failure if not properly maintained. Regular fluid changes are crucial.

Electronics:

Complex electronics can lead to various minor gremlins, often requiring specialized diagnostic tools (e.g., Star Diagnosis).

Oil Filter Example:

Mercedes-Benz part number A2731800009 (or equivalent from Mann-Filter, Mahle, etc.). This is an example; always verify with VIN.

Air Filter Example:

Mercedes-Benz part number A2730900301 (typically a set of two filters for V8 engines). Always verify with VIN.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Mercedes-Benz boasts a long history of automotive innovation, luxury, and engineering excellence, dating back to the invention of the automobile.

Cl Class Lineage:

The CL-Class evolved from the S-Class Coupe lineage, offering a sportier, more personal luxury experience compared to its sedan counterpart. The C216 generation replaced the C215 CL-Class (1999-2006).

Production Period:

2006-2014 (for C216 generation)

Manufacturing Location:

Sindelfingen, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

General Brand Recognition:

Mercedes-Benz consistently receives accolades for luxury, safety, and engineering. Specific awards for the 2008 CL550 might include luxury car segment awards or safety commendations from automotive publications.

Consumer Reports Ratings:

While specific ratings vary year to year, Mercedes-Benz vehicles are generally rated for good predicted reliability and owner satisfaction, though luxury vehicles can sometimes face higher repair costs.