Segment:
Full-size Luxury Coupe
Target Audience:
Affluent buyers seeking executive-class comfort, advanced technology, and powerful performance in a stylish coupe format.
Key Competitors:
BMW 6 Series, Audi A8 Coupe (discontinued but relevant era), Bentley Continental GT, Aston Martin DB9 (higher tier)
Design Philosophy:
Elegant styling, substantial road presence, sophisticated interior appointments.
Technology Focus:
Pioneering comfort systems (ABC), advanced infotainment (COMAND), and driver assistance features.
Performance Emphasis:
Powerful V8 and V12 engines, refined ride and handling balance.
Powertrain:
Engine operation, cooling, lubrication, fuel, ignition, exhaust, emissions controls
Transmission:
Automatic transmission operation, selector lever positions, shifting characteristics
Chassis And Suspension:
ABC (Active Body Control) system, suspension operation, steering system, braking system
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, lighting, indicators, fuses, relays, wiring harnesses (overview)
Comfort And Convenience:
Climate control (THERMOTRONIC), power seats, windows, mirrors, sunroof, interior lighting, keyless-go
Infotainment And Navigation:
COMAND APS system (radio, CD/DVD, navigation, telephone), voice control
Safety And Security:
Airbags, seatbelts, ABS, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), cruise control, tire pressure monitoring, alarm system
Driver Assistance:
Distronic (adaptive cruise control), Parktronic (parking assist)
Body And Exterior:
Doors, hood, trunk, exterior lighting, wipers, washers
Operation:
Starting and driving the vehicle, operating vehicle controls, adjusting seating and mirrors, using climate control
Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, washer fluid), tire inflation, basic exterior/interior care
Troubleshooting:
Understanding dashboard warning lights and messages, basic fault identification (e.g., flat tire)
Emergency:
Changing a flat tire (if applicable/accessible), using roadside assistance information, safety precautions in emergencies
Depth:
Comprehensive owner-level operation and basic maintenance information. Does NOT include detailed repair procedures, diagnostic codes, or complete service/overhaul instructions typically found in a Factory Service Manual (FSM).
File Type:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Searchable Text:
Typically Yes, if the PDF was created from a digital source or scanned with OCR.
Printable:
Yes, PDF files are generally printable.
Quality:
Dependent on the source scan quality; OEM PDFs are usually high resolution.
Binding:
N/A (Digital Format)
Paper:
N/A (Digital Format)
Cl500:
M113 E50 (5.0L V8, naturally aspirated)
Cl55 Amg:
M113 E55 ML (5.4L V8, Supercharged)
Cl600:
M275 E60 ML (6.0L V12, Twin-Turbocharged)
Cl65 Amg:
M275 E60 ML (6.0L V12, Twin-Turbocharged)
Cl500 Horsepower:
302 hp @ 5600 rpm
Cl500 Torque:
339 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm
Cl55 Amg Horsepower:
493 hp @ 6100 rpm
Cl55 Amg Torque:
516 lb-ft @ 2600-4000 rpm
Cl600 Horsepower:
493 hp @ 5000 rpm
Cl600 Torque:
590 lb-ft @ 1800-3500 rpm
Cl65 Amg Horsepower:
604 hp @ 4400-5500 rpm
Cl65 Amg Torque:
738 lb-ft @ 2000-4000 rpm
Cl500 Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Cl55 Cl600 Cl65 Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Induction:
Naturally Aspirated (CL500), Supercharged (CL55 AMG), Twin-Turbocharged (CL600, CL65 AMG)
Cl500:
5-speed automatic (722.6 series)
Cl55 Amg:
5-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT automatic (722.6 series, reinforced)
Cl600:
5-speed automatic (722.6 series)
Cl65 Amg:
5-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT automatic (722.6 series, reinforced)
Optional Transmissions:
None (All models came with a 5-speed automatic)
Gear Selection:
Driver-adaptive shift programs, manual shifting mode (TouchShift)
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB 236.10 or MB 236.12 (e.g., Shell ATF 134, Pentosin ATF1)
Length:
Approx. 197.7 inches (5022 mm)
Width:
Approx. 73.7 inches (1872 mm)
Height:
Approx. 55.5 inches (1410 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 116.7 inches (2964 mm)
Curb Weight Approx:
4,000 - 4,600 lbs (1814 - 2087 kg), varies by model and options
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Approx:
5,200 - 5,600 lbs (2359 - 2540 kg)
NHTSA Ratings:
Not specifically rated by NHTSA for this niche coupe segment in the same way as sedans. However, construction and safety systems are designed to high-impact absorption standards.
IIHS Ratings:
Similar to NHTSA, specific ratings for coupes are less common. Mercedes-Benz typically achieved high marks in available tests.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Esp:
Standard Electronic Stability Program
Distronic:
Optional Adaptive Cruise Control
Parktronic:
Optional Parking Assist System
Airbags:
Front airbags (driver and passenger), side airbags, head airbags (window curtain), optional rear side airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and belt force limiters
Rollover Protection:
Pop-up roll bars behind rear headrests (deploy automatically in case of imminent rollover detected by sensors)
System Name:
COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation)
Features:
CD/DVD player, AM/FM radio, GPS navigation with map data on DVD, integrated telephone (with compatibility for older SIM card standards), voice control system.
Audio System:
Typically Harman Kardon LOGIC 7 surround sound system, offering premium audio quality.
Adaptive Cruise Control:
DISTRONIC (optional) system maintains a set speed and distance to the vehicle ahead.
Parking Assistance:
PARKTRONIC (optional) front and rear acoustic and visual parking sensors.
Lighting System:
Bi-xenon headlamps with active curve illumination, automatic headlight activation.
Bluetooth Connectivity:
Optional, typically for hands-free calling via the COMAND system.
Auxiliary Input:
May be present for audio devices, often a 3.5mm jack or proprietary Mercedes connector.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Consult the manual for 'flexible' or 'severe' service intervals.
Major Service Schedule:
Refer to Mercedes-Benz Service A, B, C, etc., schedules which typically occur every 15,000-20,000 miles (24,000-32,000 km) or annually, covering checks of brakes, suspension, exhaust, fluid levels, and filters.
Engine Oil Type:
Mobil 1 Synthetic 0W-40 (MB-Approval 229.5) is commonly specified. Always verify with the owner's manual or VIN-specific data.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 quarts (8.0 liters) for V8 and V12 engines.
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz specification 325.0 (Glysantin G48 or equivalent blue/green coolant).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Plus (MB-Approval 331.0).
Power Steering Fluid Type:
MB 343.0 (Pentosin CHF 11 S or equivalent).
Abc System Leaks:
Common issue with aging hydraulic lines, accumulators, and ABC struts leading to system leaks and sagging suspension. Requires specialized service.
Ignition Coils And Spark Plugs:
V8 and V12 engines can be prone to ignition coil failure, leading to misfires. Spark plugs require periodic replacement.
Sbc Brake System:
CL600/CL500 models (earlier in C215 run, but potentially present) featured Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC), which had documented failures requiring replacement of the SBC hydraulic unit. Check for specific model year applicability and potential recalls/extensions.
Air Matic Suspension:
While ABC is prevalent, some variants may have had AIRMATIC. Air springs and compressor can fail over time.
Cooling System:
Plastic components in the cooling system (e.g., coolant reservoir, hoses) can become brittle and leak.
Transmission Conductor Plate:
The electronic conductor plate within the transmission can fail, causing shifting issues or complete loss of drive.
Mercedes Benz Legacy:
Over a century of automotive innovation, luxury, and engineering excellence.
Cl Class Predecessor:
Successor to the S-Class Coupe (C140).
C215 Generation:
Second generation of the CL-Class, produced from 1999 to 2006. Known for its sleeker styling compared to the C140.
2006 Updates:
Minor updates or continued with the platform established in earlier years of the C215 generation. Focus remained on high-end luxury and performance.
Manufacturing Location:
Sindelfingen, Germany
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Not typically awarded specific 'best car' awards in the same way as mainstream vehicles, but often recognized for luxury and build quality in their class.
Editorial Reviews:
Contemporary reviews often praised its potent engines, comfortable ride (especially with ABC), and opulent interior, positioning it as a strong luxury GT.
Emissions Standards:
Meets US EPA and California CARB emissions standards for the model year 2006.
