🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

CL-Class

Variant:

CL500

Year:

2004

Chassis Code:

C215

Engine Code Family:

M113

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size Luxury Grand Tourer Coupe

Brand Perception:

Represents Mercedes-Benz's pinnacle of automotive engineering, comfort, and performance in the coupe segment.

Key Competitors:

BMW 8 Series (E31 - previous generation, but the CL fills this space), Bentley Continental GT, Aston Martin DB9.

Design Philosophy:

Elegant and timeless coupe styling with a focus on aerodynamic efficiency and luxurious appointments.

Technology Integration:

Early adoption of advanced driver assistance systems, sophisticated COMAND infotainment, and comfort features.

Performance Bias:

Comfort-oriented performance with a powerful V8 engine providing effortless cruising and strong acceleration.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Owner's operation and basic maintenance for the 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL500 (C215 chassis).

Secondary Coverage:

Driver controls, instrument cluster, climate control, entertainment systems, locks and security, seating and safety restraints, driving, customer assistance, U.S. safety defect reporting, cleaning, engine compartment, engine oil, battery, fuel information, air filter, part numbers, refill capacities, lubricant specifications, accessories, service information and specifications, maintenance information and specifications.

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 350-450 pages (typical for Mercedes-Benz owner's manuals of this era).

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, fuel system, lubrication, cooling system, exhaust system.

Chassis:

Braking system, suspension system, steering system, wheels and tires.

Electrical:

Instrument cluster, lighting systems, power accessories, battery, infotainment system (COMAND), climate control.

Body And Interior:

Doors, locks, security system, seating, safety restraints (airbags, seatbelts), mirrors, windows, convertible top (if applicable to specific model sub-variants not detailed here), interior controls.

Operation:

Starting and stopping the engine, operating transmission (Tiptronic), using climate controls, operating infotainment and navigation, adjusting seats and mirrors, using lighting controls, opening/closing doors and windows.

Maintenance:

Checking and adding engine oil, checking coolant level, checking windshield washer fluid, checking tire pressure, replacing wiper blades, basic cleaning procedures.

Safety:

Understanding warning lamps and indicators, proper use of seatbelts and child restraints, operation of airbags and safety systems, understanding security features.

Troubleshooting:

Interpreting dashboard warning lights, basic troubleshooting for common issues, customer assistance contact information.

Depth:

Owner-focused, covering operation, basic checks, and safety. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or component-level repair instructions typically found in a service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Typically searchable text within the PDF for easy information retrieval.

Quality:

Digital reproduction of factory original, quality dependent on source scan. Content clarity is generally high.

Binding:

N/A (Digital File)

Paper:

N/A (Digital File)

Compatibility:

Compatible with any device capable of reading PDF files (computers, tablets, smartphones) using standard PDF readers like Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader, etc.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated V8

Engine Code:

M113 E50

Displacement:

4.966 liters (303 cubic inches)

Bore X Stroke:

97.0 mm x 84.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Valvetrain:

SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) with 3 valves per cylinder (2 intake, 1 exhaust)

Horsepower:

302 hp (225 kW) @ 5600 rpm

Torque:

339 lb-ft (460 Nm) @ 3200 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic ME 2.8)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Engine Oil Type:

API SJ or higher, ACEA A2 or A3 specification. Synthetic oil highly recommended.

Refill Capacity With Filter:

8.5 liters (9.0 US quarts)

Recommended Oil Viscosity:

SAE 0W-40 or SAE 5W-40 (depending on climate conditions as per manual)

Part Number Example:

A2701590104 (This is a common OE part number for many Mercedes M113 engines, consult manual for exact fitment).

Type:

Group 49/H8 (typically 800-900 CCA)

Part Number Example:

0055410301 (Mercedes-Benz OE part number, various aftermarket brands available).

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Automatic with Tiptronic (Sport/Comfort modes)

Transmission Fluid Type:

MB 236.12 or MB 236.14 specification (e.g., Pentosin ATF1 or similar approved fluid).

Refill Capacity:

Approximately 2.5 liters (dry fill requires more, refer to service manual for precise procedure).

Tiptronic Functionality:

Allows manual gear selection via shift lever or steering wheel buttons (if equipped).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

197.0 inches (5004 mm)

Width:

73.3 inches (1862 mm)

Height:

55.0 inches (1397 mm)

Wheelbase:

113.9 inches (2893 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 4,250-4,400 lbs (1928-2000 kg), varies with options.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approximately 5,291 lbs (2400 kg).

Standard Wheel Size:

17-inch alloy wheels

Standard Tire Size:

225/55 R17 (front and rear)

Optional Wheel Size:

18-inch alloy wheels

Optional Tire Size:

245/45 R18 (front), 265/40 R18 (rear) - common for AMG or sport packages.

Bolt Pattern:

5 x 112 mm

Center Bore:

66.6 mm

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

Specific NHTSA ratings for this exact model/year may not be readily available publicly as typical for high-end coupes of this era. However, Mercedes-Benz vehicles of this period generally performed well in independent crash testing.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Esp:

Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP), known as 'Active Body Control' (ABC) system, which integrates suspension and stability control.

Traction Control:

Standard Traction Control System (ASR - Acceleration Slip Regulation)

Airbags:

Front airbags, side airbags, front and rear head curtain airbags (often standard or optional depending on specific package).

Seatbelts:

Pretensioning seatbelts with force limiters, automatic height adjustment for front seats.

Restraint System:

Advanced SRS (Supplemental Restraint System).

💡 Technology Features

Comand System:

COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system, typically featuring a CD player, AM/FM radio, and optional navigation system. May have integration for telephone (via Bluetooth or cradle) and CD changer.

Display:

Central color display screen in the dashboard.

Audio System:

Harman Kardon premium sound system often standard or optional.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control with speed limiter function.

Parking Assistance:

Optional Parktronic system (audible and visual parking sensors).

Telephone Preparation:

Pre-wiring for cellular telephone integration, often using a cradle or early Bluetooth systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Variable Service Interval (VSI) system, typically around 10,000 - 15,000 miles (16,000 - 24,000 km) or 1 year, depending on driving conditions and oil quality. Consult the 'Service A' and 'Service B' indicators on the instrument cluster.

Major Service Intervals:

Major services ('Service B' and subsequent services) typically involve spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, transmission fluid and filter service (at higher mileages, e.g., 60,000 miles), differential fluid service, and inspection of various components. Specific intervals depend on model year and Mercedes-Benz maintenance schedule.

Coolant Type:

MB 325.0 or MB 326.0 specification (Ethylene Glycol based, typically blue or green color).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 Plus (or equivalent specified by Mercedes-Benz)

Power Steering Fluid Type:

MB 343.0 (Hydraulic fluid for power steering).

Active Body Control Abc:

Common issues include ABC suspension strut leaks (spheres), pump failures, and fluid leaks due to aged seals and hoses. Repair can be costly.

Ignition Coils And Spark Plugs:

Can be prone to failure, leading to misfires and rough running. Routine replacement is recommended.

Window Regulators And Door Latches:

As with many Mercedes of this era, power window regulators and door lock actuators can sometimes fail.

Catalytic Converters:

Can degrade over time, potentially leading to reduced engine performance and check engine lights.

Mass Air Flow Sensor Maf:

Can become dirty or fail, affecting fuel mixture and engine performance.

📚 Vehicle History

Marque Legacy:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for luxury, engineering excellence, and safety dating back to the early 20th century.

C215 Generation:

The C215 CL-Class is the second generation of Mercedes-Benz's flagship coupe, succeeding the C140 S-Class Coupe. It was based on the W220 S-Class platform.

Production Years:

1999-2006 (Model years for C215). The 2004 model represents the facelifted version introduced in 2003, featuring updated styling and technology.

Manufacturing Location:

Sindelfingen, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

General Accolades:

While specific awards for the 2004 CL500 are not widely publicized, the CL-Class consistently received praise from automotive journalists for its blend of performance, luxury, and cutting-edge technology.