🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

CL-Class

Model Variant:

CL550 4MATIC

Year:

2012

Generation Code:

C216 (Facelift)

Chassis Code:

C216

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size Luxury Coupe

Target Audience:

Affluent consumers seeking a blend of performance, luxury, and advanced technology.

Key Competitors:

BMW 6 Series, Audi A7, Porsche Panamera, Lexus LS Coupe (if available), Aston Martin DB9

Vehicle Philosophy:

Combining the elegance and comfort of a luxury sedan with the dynamic performance and styling of a coupe.

Distinguishing Elements:

Bi-turbo V8 engine, 4MATIC all-wheel drive, Active Body Control (ABC) suspension, extensive use of premium materials, advanced safety and infotainment systems.

📋 Manual Details

Sections Included:

Introduction, Driver and Passenger Safety, Instruments and Controls, Comfort and Convenience Features, Operation Tips, Appearance Care, Taking Care of the Unexpected, Technical Information, Warranty and Customer Relations, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting safety defects (U.S.only), Cleaning, 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 Page Count:

Approximately 400-500 pages (typical for a comprehensive Mercedes-Benz owner's manual of this era)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF (Instant Download)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (V8 bi-turbo), Transmission (7-speed automatic with manual mode), Drivetrain (4MATIC all-wheel drive)

Chassis:

Suspension (Active Body Control - ABC), Steering, Brakes (ABS, ESP), Wheels and Tires

Electrical:

Lighting systems, Instrument cluster, Power windows/locks/mirrors, Keyless-Go, COMAND infotainment, Climate control system, Seat adjustments, Navigation, Audio system

Safety Features:

Airbags (front, side, curtain), Seatbelt pretensioners, ISOFIX child seat anchors, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), PRE-SAFE® anticipatory safety system, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Operation:

Starting and stopping the engine, Gear selection, Operating lights, Wipers, Mirrors, Windows, Sunroof, Convertible top (if applicable to specific trim), Seat and steering wheel adjustment, Climate control operation, Infotainment system usage, Cruise control, Parking assistance

Maintenance:

Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), Tire pressure checks, Wiper blade replacement, Bulb replacement, Basic cleaning and care

Troubleshooting:

Understanding warning lights and messages, Basic troubleshooting for common issues, Emergency procedures, Jump starting, Changing a flat tire

Depth:

Comprehensive owner-level information covering all standard features, operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or repair instructions typically found in a service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable, allowing for quick information retrieval.

Quality:

Identical to Original Factory Manuals, implying high-resolution text and diagrams.

Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M278 DE 46 LA

Engine Type:

V8 Bi-Turbocharged

Displacement:

4.6 Liters (4663 cc)

Horsepower:

429 hp @ 5250 rpm

Torque:

516 lb-ft @ 1800-3500 rpm

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Induction:

Direct Injection

Component Location:

The manual details the location of key components like the oil dipstick, coolant reservoir, brake fluid reservoir, and air filter housing for owner checks.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

7G-TRONIC PLUS (7-speed automatic)

Features:

DIRECT SELECT shifter, TouchShift manual shift control

Drive System:

4MATIC All-Wheel Drive

Driving Modes:

Comfort, Sport (influences shift points and throttle response)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

196.3 inches

Width:

73.7 inches

Height:

55.0 inches

Wheelbase:

116.7 inches

Curb Weight:

Approximately 4,500 - 4,700 lbs (depending on options and 4MATIC)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rating:

Likely not individually rated as a coupe; individual component safety is paramount. Refer to specific Mercedes-Benz safety bulletins.

Stability Control:

Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Crosswind Assist

Braking:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist System (BAS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)

Driver Assistance:

PRE-SAFE® anticipatory safety system (tightens seatbelts, moves seats, closes windows in potential collision), PARKTRONIC (parking assist), DISTRONIC PLUS (adaptive cruise control - often optional)

Airbags:

Dual-stage front airbags, front side airbags, front and rear side window airbags (curtain), active front head restraints

Restraints:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with automatic tensioners and belt force limiters, ISOFIX child seat mounting points

💡 Technology Features

System Name:

COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation)

Features:

High-resolution color display, GPS Navigation, AM/FM/CD/DVD changer, SD card slot, Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming, Harman Kardon surround sound system (optional).

Adaptive Cruise Control:

DISTRONIC PLUS (if equipped) maintains set speed and distance to vehicle ahead.

Parking Aid:

PARKTRONIC parking sensors and rearview camera (optional).

Connectivity Options:

Bluetooth hands-free communication and audio streaming, Mercedes-Benz Tele Aid (subscription-based emergency assistance and vehicle tracking system).

Seating:

14-way power-adjustable front seats with memory, lumbar support, and heating/ventilation. Multicontour seats with massage function (optional).

Climate Control:

THERMOTRONIC multi-zone automatic climate control.

Headlights:

Bi-Xenon headlamps with active curve illumination, LED daytime running lights, automatic headlamp activation.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Variable, typically indicated by the 'Service A' or 'Service B' reminders via the Assyst Plus system, usually around 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first.

Major Service:

Major services ('Service B', etc.) occur at increasing mileage intervals and include more comprehensive checks and fluid changes (e.g., transmission fluid, coolant).

Engine Oil:

SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40, meeting MB Approval 229.5 or 229.51 (specific grade depends on model year and emissions equipment). Refer to manual for exact specification.

Coolant:

MB 325.0 or 326.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant, typically blue or green).

Transmission Fluid:

MB-Approval 236.14 (for 7G-TRONIC PLUS).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 Plus (SAE J1703 or ISO 4925 Class 6).

Common Wear Items:

Spark plugs, ignition coils, serpentine belt, brake pads and rotors, suspension components (ABC system can be complex and costly to repair).

Electronic Systems:

Infotainment system glitches, sensor failures (e.g., ABS sensors), and potential issues with complex electronic modules are not uncommon in high-end vehicles of this era.

Example Part Numbers:

Specific part numbers for filters, fluids, and common replacement components would be detailed within the Service Information and Specifications section of a more comprehensive manual. The owner's manual may list part numbers for basic items like air filters.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, and pioneering automotive technology, dating back to the invention of the automobile.

Cl Class Lineage:

The CL-Class represents the flagship coupe of Mercedes-Benz, evolving from earlier S-Class Coupe models, emphasizing GT (Grand Tourer) characteristics and cutting-edge technology.

C216 Generation:

The C216 CL-Class (2007-2014) was a significant update, introducing more potent engines, advanced chassis dynamics like ABC, and a sophisticated interior.

Manufacturing Location:

Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA (for North American market vehicles)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Accolades:

While specific awards for the 2012 CL550 4MATIC might be difficult to pinpoint without dedicated historical research, the CL-Class as a whole consistently received praise for its luxury, comfort, and technological advancements from automotive publications during its production run.

Safety Perception:

Mercedes-Benz vehicles are generally perceived to have high safety standards and advanced safety features, even if not always subject to public ratings like smaller vehicles.