🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

CLS-Class

Year:

2008

Platform Code:

C219 (Second Generation)

Body Style:

4-door Coupe

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Luxury Grand Tourer / Executive Coupe

Target Audience:

Affluent individuals seeking a blend of style, performance, and luxury

Key Competitors:

BMW 6 Series, Audi A7 (later models), Porsche Panamera (later models)

Design Philosophy:

Four-door coupe styling, emphasizing aerodynamic lines and a sleek profile

Interior Appointments:

Premium materials, advanced technology integration, driver-focused cockpit

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

File Format:

PDF

Coverage Areas:

Comprehensive: Safety, Instruments & Controls, Pre-Driving Checks, Climate Control, Audio, Phone, Voice Recognition, Driving Operation, Emergency Procedures, Appearance & Care, Maintenance, Do-It-Yourself, Technical & Consumer Information

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, starting, driving modes

Chassis & Suspension:

Braking system overview, steering system overview

Electrical System:

Lighting operation, instrument cluster functions, warning indicators

Climate Control:

Automatic climate control operation, air conditioning, heating

Infotainment:

Audio system operation, radio functions, CD player, optional navigation system basics

Comfort & Convenience:

Power seats, windows, mirrors, sunroof operation

Safety Systems:

Seat belt operation, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) components, child seat installation guidelines

Pre-Driving Checks:

Fluid level checks, tire pressure inspection, exterior light function

Adjustments:

Seat and steering wheel adjustment, mirror adjustment

Operation:

Starting and stopping the engine, shifting gears, parking

Emergency Procedures:

Changing a flat tire (if applicable), jump-starting the battery, emergency braking assistance

Appearance & Care:

Exterior washing and waxing, interior cleaning, basic paint care

Maintenance:

Fluid top-offs, wiper blade replacement guidance

Diagnostics:

Basic troubleshooting guidance based on warning lamps and indicator messages

Repair:

Limited DIY repair guidance, primarily focused on user-serviceable items

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Compatibility:

All Versions of Windows & Mac

Downloadable:

YES

Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader

Searchability:

Assumed searchable text due to PDF format

Printability:

Printable pages

Original Binding:

Staple-bound or perfect-bound (typical for OEM manuals)

Original Paper Type:

High-quality glossy or matte paper stock

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M272 (V6) / M273 (V8) - Specific to model variant not detailed in product info, but common for 2008 CLS

Configuration:

V6 or V8, 90-degree bank angle

Aspiration:

Naturally Aspirated

Displacement Cls350:

3.5 Liters (approx. 3498 cc)

Horsepower Cls350:

268 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)

Torque Cls350:

258 lb-ft @ 2400-5000 rpm (approx.)

Displacement Cls550:

5.5 Liters (approx. 5461 cc)

Horsepower Cls550:

382 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)

Torque Cls550:

391 lb-ft @ 2800-4800 rpm (approx.)

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)

🔧 Transmission

Cls350:

7G-TRONIC 7-Speed Automatic

Cls550:

7G-TRONIC 7-Speed Automatic

Drivetrain:

4MATIC All-Wheel Drive (Optional on some models, standard on others)

Modes:

Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes

Gear Selection:

Steering column stalk shifter (selector lever)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4996 mm (196.7 in)

Width:

1856 mm (73.1 in)

Height:

1400 mm (55.1 in)

Wheelbase:

2841 mm (111.9 in)

Front Headroom:

Approx. 965 mm (38.0 in)

Rear Headroom:

Approx. 925 mm (36.4 in)

Curb Weight Cls350:

Approx. 1770 kg (3902 lbs)

Curb Weight Cls550:

Approx. 1845 kg (4068 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Not directly available for 2008 CLS-Class coupe; similar generation E-Class received 5-star ratings in frontal impacts.

IIHS Front Overlap:

Not tested by IIHS for this specific model year/body style in the same way as modern vehicles.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Esp:

Electronic Stability Program (ESP)

Traction Control:

Traction Control System (ASR)

Airbags Front:

Dual-stage front airbags for driver and passenger

Airbags Side:

Front side-impact airbags

Airbags Window:

Window airbags (curtain airbags) covering front and rear occupants

Seatbelts:

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

Child Seat Anchors:

ISOFIX (or LATCH) child seat anchor points

💡 Technology Features

Comand System:

COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system, offering navigation, audio control, climate control interface, and telephone integration.

Audio System:

Premium audio system (e.g., Harman Kardon or Bose optional), with CD player and radio tuner.

Parking Sensors:

PARKTRONIC parking assist system (front and rear sensors)

Adaptive Cruise Control:

DISTRONIC (optional) adaptive cruise control system

Bluetooth:

Bluetooth telephony connectivity (often requiring a separate adapter or module depending on original spec)

Voice Recognition:

LINGUATRONIC voice control system (optional)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Variable, typically indicated by the 'Service A' or 'Service B' reminder via the ASSYST PLUS system, often around 10,000-15,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first.

Major Service Intervals:

Refer to the ASSYST PLUS system for specific service requirements, which can include spark plug replacement, transmission fluid changes, and brake fluid flushes at prescribed intervals (e.g., 30,000-60,000 miles).

Engine Oil Type:

Full Synthetic, SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40, MB-Approval 229.5 or 229.3

Coolant Type:

Mercedes-Benz Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., G05 or equivalent), typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 Plus or DOT 5.1

Transmission Fluid Type:

MB 236.14 (for 7G-TRONIC)

M272 Engine Balance Shaft Issue:

Certain M272 engines from this era may have issues with the polymer used in the balance shaft sprocket, leading to timing chain wear and potential check engine lights. Requires inspection and potential replacement.

Air Suspension Components:

AirMatic suspension components, such as air springs and compressor, can be prone to leaks or failure over time, requiring specialized diagnosis and repair.

Interior Electronics:

While generally reliable, older electronics, like the COMAND system or seat control modules, can occasionally develop faults.

📚 Vehicle History

Marque History:

Mercedes-Benz, a globally recognized luxury automotive manufacturer with a long history of innovation and engineering excellence since its founding in 1926.

Cls Class Introduction:

The CLS-Class was introduced in 2004 (as a 2005 model) as the brand's first four-door coupe, establishing a new segment and blurring the lines between sedans and coupes.

Second Generation C219:

The 2008 model year falls within the first generation (C219), which was produced from 2004 to 2010. This generation was based on the W211 E-Class platform but featured a distinct, sleeker body style.

Manufacturing Location:

Sindelfingen, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Segment Awards:

The CLS-Class, as a pioneer in its segment, often received praise for its design and luxury appeal, contributing to Mercedes-Benz's reputation in the executive car market. Specific awards for the 2008 model year are not as prominent as later generations, but it was recognized for its styling.