Class:
Full-size Luxury Coupe
Segment:
Grand Tourer (GT)
Competitors:
BMW 8 Series (E31), Lexus SC 400/430, Jaguar XK8/XKR, Porsche 911 (996 generation in some aspects).
Luxury Appointments:
High-quality interior materials (leather, wood trim), advanced comfort features, sophisticated styling.
Performance Orientation:
Powerful V8 engine, refined ride and handling, capable for long-distance driving.
Technology Integration:
Early adoption of advanced electronic systems, sophisticated infotainment and climate control.
Primary Coverage:
Owner's Manual - comprehensive guide for operating and maintaining the 2001 Mercedes-Benz CL500.
Specific Sections:
Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. only), Cleaning, Maintenance and Specifications, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter(s), Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories, Service Information and Specifications, Maintenance Information and Specifications.
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for factory owner's manuals of this era and complexity).
Powertrain:
Engine operation, fluid types, capacities, and basic maintenance procedures for the M113 V8 engine.
Chassis:
Brake system operation, suspension overview, steering system basics, and tire specifications.
Electrical And Electronics:
Instrument cluster functions, lighting operation, power locks, security systems, and basic infotainment system interaction.
Comfort And Convenience:
Climate control system operation, seat adjustments, power windows, sunroof, and interior feature controls.
Features:
Seat belt usage, airbag system information, child restraint systems, and emergency procedures.
Basic Maintenance:
Checking and topping up essential fluids (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, battery care, air filter replacement guidelines.
Operational:
Starting and stopping the engine, driving techniques, parking, use of various vehicle controls and features.
Troubleshooting Basic:
Understanding warning indicators on the instrument cluster, basic troubleshooting tips for common issues (e.g., battery issues).
Level:
Owner-focused, providing information on operation, care, and basic maintenance. Does not contain detailed repair procedures or diagnostic codes typical of a service manual.
NHTSA Front Crash:
Not specifically rated or tested under the modern NHTSA system for this model year.
IIHS Front Crash:
Not specifically rated or tested under the modern IIHS system for this model year.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Esp:
Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP), also known as Active Body Control (ABC) integration for stability.
Airbags:
Front airbags (driver and passenger), side airbags.
Seat Belts:
Pretensioning seat belts with force limiters, rear seat belts.
Other:
Integrated crumple zones, reinforced passenger cell.
Audio System:
Factory premium audio system (e.g., Bose) with AM/FM radio, CD player, and cassette player.
Navigation:
Optional COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system with a central display and navigation capabilities.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Parking Assistance:
Optional Parktronic parking sensors.
Features:
Early integration of telecommunications, often with a cellular phone system (typically analog or early digital).
Oil Change:
Typically every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 1 year, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Severe driving may require more frequent changes. Consult the manual for specific intervals based on Mercedes-Benz Service A/B schedules.
Major Service:
Key inspections and fluid changes typically around 30,000 miles, 60,000 miles, and 100,000 miles. Specific items include transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid, and spark plugs.
Engine Oil:
MB 229.5 specification, SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 synthetic oil recommended. Check manual for exact requirements.
Coolant:
Mercedes-Benz coolant (e.g., G48) mixed with distilled water. Capacity: approx. 10.5 liters (11.1 US quarts).
Transmission Fluid:
MB 236.10 or MB 236.12 specification (e.g., ATF 4G-TRONIC).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 specification.
Abc Suspension:
Active Body Control (ABC) system can be prone to leaks from hydraulic lines, struts, and the ABC pump. Failure can lead to a 'limp mode' or sagging suspension. Regular fluid checks and line inspections are crucial.
Ignition Coils:
Coil-on-plug ignition systems can sometimes have individual coil failures, leading to misfires.
Electronics:
Various electronic control units (ECUs) and sensors can fail over time due to age and heat, potentially affecting engine, transmission, or comfort systems. PSE pump failures for door locks and trunk can occur.
Catalytic Converters:
Can degrade over time, leading to reduced engine performance and check engine lights.
Oil Filter Example:
Mercedes-Benz part number A0001802609 (may vary slightly based on exact model year/updates).
Air Filter Example:
Mercedes-Benz part number A1130940004 (may vary).
Engine Oil:
Approximately 8.0 liters (8.5 US quarts) with filter change.
Marque Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for luxury, engineering excellence, and automotive innovation dating back to the late 19th century.
C215 Introduction:
The C215 CL-Class replaced the C140 S-Coupe and was produced from 1999 to 2006. The CL500 was the entry-level model for this generation, featuring the M113 V8.
Predecessor:
C140 (S-Class Coupe)
Manufacturing Location:
Sindelfingen, Germany
