Segment:
Full-size Luxury Coupe
Target Audience:
Affluent individuals seeking performance, luxury, and advanced technology in a personal coupe
Key Competitors:
BMW 8 Series (E31), Lexus SC 400/430, Porsche 911 (996), Aston Martin DB7
Design:
Elegant pillarless coupe design, aerodynamic styling
Technology:
Active Body Control (ABC), COMAND infotainment, bi-xenon headlamps
Performance Variants:
Naturally aspirated V8 (CL500), Supercharged V8 (CL55 AMG), V12 (CL600)
Powertrain:
Engine (M113, M137, M113 E55), transmission (5G-Tronic 722.6)
Chassis:
Suspension (ABC - Active Body Control), steering, brakes (ABS, ESP), wheels and tires
Electrical:
Lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, climate control, COMAND infotainment, telematics
Bodywork:
Doors, windows, locks, seats, interior trim, exterior features
Safety Systems:
Airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners, ISOFIX child seat anchors, tire pressure monitoring
Operation:
Vehicle startup, driving controls, parking, climate control operation, infotainment system usage
Maintenance:
Fluid level checks, tire pressure adjustments, wiper blade replacement, basic cleaning procedures
Troubleshooting:
Dashboard warning lights and indicators, common operational issues
Depth:
Operator-level, focused on user understanding and basic checks, not comprehensive repair procedures.
NHTSA Ratings:
Not officially rated by NHTSA for this era of Coupe, but engineered to high Mercedes-Benz standards.
Brake Assist:
Yes (BAS - Brake Assist)
Traction Control:
Yes (ASR - Acceleration Slip Regulation)
Stability Control:
Yes (ESP - Electronic Stability Program)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, side airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners and belt force limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
ISOFIX mounting points (rear seats)
Head Unit:
COMAND 2.5 (CD-based navigation, radio, CD player)
Audio System:
Bose premium sound system (optional)
Cruise Control:
Adaptive Cruise Control (Distronic) available on some models.
Telematics:
Optional telematics services available (e.g., for emergency calls)
Seats:
Multi-contour, heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats (optional)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first (as per typical Mercedes-Benz recommendations for this era)
Transmission Service Interval:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 3-4 years, replacement of filter and fluid
Major Service Points:
Spark plugs, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, drive belts, ABC fluid flush
Engine Oil Specification:
MB 229.5 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40 Synthetic)
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., G48)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Plus (or DOT 4)
Power Steering Fluid:
Mercedes-Benz Power Steering Fluid (MB 343.0 or equivalent)
Common Problems:
ABC suspension system (strut leaks, pump failure), ignition coil failure (especially on V8/V12), catalytic converter issues, window regulator failures, rust (less common than earlier models but still possible), electronics (COMAND, sensors).
Oil Filter Part Number:
e.g., Mann Filter HU 718/5 y, Mercedes-Benz A1131800009
Air Filter Part Number:
e.g., Mann Filter C35154/3, Mercedes-Benz A2710901901
Brand Philosophy:
Engineering excellence, luxury, safety, and innovation
Predecessor:
SEC-Class (W140)
Generation:
C215 (1998-2006)
Key Innovations Of Generation:
Active Body Control (ABC) suspension, COMAND infotainment, Xenon headlights
Manufacturing Location:
Germany
