Segment:
Full-Size Luxury Coupe (though the CLS is often described as a four-door coupe).
Key Competitors:
Audi A7, BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, Porsche Panamera, Maserati Ghibli.
Design:
Distinctive 'four-door coupe' styling, sweeping roofline, frameless doors, luxurious interior appointments.
Powertrain:
Powerful V8 biturbo engine, standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive for enhanced traction and stability.
Technology:
Advanced safety systems, COMAND infotainment, multi-contour seating, ambient lighting.
General Coverage:
Driver and Passenger Safety, Instruments and Controls, Comfort and Convenience Features, Operation Tips, Appearance Care, Unexpected Situations, Technical Information, Warranty and Customer Relations, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving Advice, Customer Assistance, Safety Defect Reporting (U.S. Specific), Cleaning, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter, Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories, Service Information, Maintenance Information.
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for official Mercedes-Benz owner's manuals of this era).
Format:
Digital PDF (Instant Download)
Powertrain:
Engine operation, lubrication, fuel system, cooling system, ignition system, exhaust system, engine break-in procedures.
Drivetrain:
4MATIC all-wheel drive system operation, differentials, axle shafts.
Chassis And Suspension:
Brake system operation, steering system, suspension components, wheel and tire information.
Electrical And Electronics:
Instrument cluster, lighting systems (interior/exterior), power windows, locks, mirrors, sunroof, wipers, infotainment system, climate control system, basic electrical component identification.
Safety And Restraints:
Airbag system, seat belts, child seat installation, ISOFIX, LATCH system, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Traction Control System (TCS).
Operation:
Starting and driving, parking, using cruise control, operating transmission modes, using parking brake, opening/closing doors and trunk, operating windows and sunroof.
Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, tire rotation, basic exterior and interior cleaning, engine compartment inspection.
Troubleshooting:
Understanding warning lights and indicators, what to do in case of a breakdown, jump-starting, changing a flat tire (if equipped with spare/repair kit).
Depth:
Comprehensive owner-level information covering daily operation, basic maintenance checks, safety features, and system explanations. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures, component-level repair instructions, or wiring diagrams typically found in a workshop or service manual.
Engine Type:
4.7L Biturbo V8
Engine Code:
M278 DE46 LA
Horsepower:
402 hp @ 5,000-5,500 rpm
Torque:
443 lb-ft @ 1,800-3,500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Direct Injection (BlueDIRECT)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher)
Bore X Stroke:
92.0 mm x 87.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.5:1
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder with variable valve timing (CAMTRONIC).
NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not directly rated by NHTSA for this specific model/year in coupe form, but generally expected to perform well based on Mercedes-Benz safety standards.
IIHS Ratings:
Likely received good ratings in relevant IIHS crashworthiness tests for its era.
Esp:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS)
Brake Assist:
BAS (Brake Assist System)
Airbags:
Front airbags, side airbags, front and rear head curtain airbags, knee airbags (driver).
Seat Belts:
Pretensioning seat belts with force limiters.
System Name:
COMAND infotainment system
Features:
Navigation, AM/FM/CD/DVD, USB/Auxiliary inputs, Bluetooth connectivity, Harman Kardon audio system (optional).
Key Features:
Distronic Plus (adaptive cruise control), Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Parking Assist (PARKTRONIC), rearview camera.
Bluetooth:
Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming.
Lighting:
Bi-Xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights, ambient interior lighting.
Seating:
Multi-contour front seats with massage, heating, and ventilation functions (optional).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. May vary based on oil type and driving habits (refer to manual for specifics).
Major Service Interval:
Indications for Service A/B at approximately 10,000/20,000 mile intervals, managed by the Assyst Plus system. Detailed service requirements are listed within the manual.
Engine Oil Specification:
MB 229.5 or MB 229.51 (e.g., Mobil 1 ESP 0W-40, Total Quartz INEO MC3 0W-30).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 8.5 quarts (8.0 liters) with filter change (verify in manual).
Coolant Specification:
MB 325.0 or MB 326.0 (Glysantin G48 or equivalent).
Transmission Fluid Specification:
MB 236.14 (e.g., Febi Bilstein 236.14, Pentosin ATF 134).
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 Plus (MB specification 331.0).
Potential Issues:
While generally reliable, owners may report occasional issues with electronic components, suspension air springs (if equipped on certain variants, though less common on the CLS 550 4MATIC), and the turbocharger system requiring specific maintenance. The M278 engine can be sensitive to oil quality and maintenance.
Engine Air Filter Part Numbers:
Commonly A278 094 00 04 or 278 094 00 04 (for a pair of filters). Verify exact part number for your vehicle.
Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for luxury, engineering, and safety dating back to the late 19th century.
Generation:
Second generation (C218/X218) CLS-Class, introduced for the 2012 model year, marking a complete redesign from the C219.
Manufacturing Location:
Sindelfingen, Germany
