🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

CL-Class

Model Code:

C215

Year:

2003

Trim Level:

CL600

Body Style:

2-door Coupe

Vin Prefix:

WDBDA9...

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Ultra-luxury Grand Tourer (GT) coupe.

Target Audience:

Affluent individuals seeking a combination of high performance, advanced technology, and luxurious comfort.

Key Competitors:

Bentley Continental GT, Aston Martin DB9, BMW 7 Series Coupe (E63/E64 M6 precursor), Lexus SC 430.

Performance Focus:

Powerful V12 engine, sophisticated suspension, and powerful braking system.

Luxury Appointments:

Premium leather, fine wood trim, advanced climate control, high-end audio system, extensive power adjustments for seating and steering.

Technology Integration:

Advanced infotainment (COMAND), active suspension systems (ABC), bi-xenon headlights, multiple airbags, advanced driver assistance systems.

📋 Manual Details

General:

Comprehensive coverage of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class CL600.

Sections Listed:

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 400-600 pages (typical for this era and model complexity).

Type:

Factory Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, fuel system, lubrication, cooling system, ignition system (as relevant to owner operation and basic understanding).

Chassis:

Brakes, suspension, steering system operation (basic understanding).

Electrical:

Lighting systems, battery care, instrument cluster interpretation, fuse box location and identification (for basic user access).

Body & Interior:

Locks, security system, power seats, climate control, infotainment systems, door operation, convertible top operation (if applicable to specific trim).

Operation:

Starting and operating the vehicle, using climate controls, operating the audio and navigation systems, adjusting seats and mirrors, using lighting controls, parking brake operation.

Maintenance:

Checking and topping off engine oil, checking coolant level, checking brake fluid level, checking windshield washer fluid, tire pressure checks, basic cleaning procedures, battery terminal inspection.

Safety:

Proper use of seat belts and airbags, child seat installation guidelines, emergency procedures, safety defect reporting (U.S.).

Depth:

Owner-level information focused on operation, basic checks, and user-accessible maintenance. Does not cover in-depth mechanical repair or diagnostics typically found in a service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Readability:

Searchable text for easy information retrieval. Requires PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader).

Quality:

Digital reproduction of factory original, maintaining clarity of text and diagrams.

Type:

Not Applicable (Digital PDF)

Type:

Not Applicable (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M137 (for CL600)

Configuration:

V12 SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) with 3 valves per cylinder

Displacement:

5.5 Liters (5513 cc)

Aspiration:

Twin-turbocharged

Horsepower:

493 hp @ 5000 rpm

Torque:

590 lb-ft @ 1800-3500 rpm

Type:

Sequential multi-port fuel injection (ME-SFI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane Recommended)

Engine Oil Type:

Mobil 1 0W-40 (or equivalent API SJ/SL, ACEA A3-98)

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 8.5 Liters (9.0 US Quarts)

Air Filter Part Numbers:

Likely two separate elements, e.g., A2700420313 / 2700420313 (verify with specific VIN).

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed automatic transmission

Transmission Model:

722.6 (W5A 580)

Shift Modes:

Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes

Transmission Fluid Type:

MB 236.10 (e.g., Mobil ATF 220 or Pentosin ATF 1)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approximately 8 Liters (8.5 US Quarts) for dry fill, less for refill.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

5020 mm (197.6 inches)

Width:

1871 mm (73.7 inches)

Height:

1391 mm (54.8 inches)

Wheelbase:

2885 mm (113.6 inches)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 1950 kg (4300 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approximately 2400 kg (5291 lbs)

Standard Wheel Size:

18-inch alloy wheels

Standard Tire Size:

245/45 R18 (front), 265/40 R18 (rear)

Bolt Pattern:

5x112

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash:

Not explicitly rated in a modern standardized way, but designed to high Mercedes-Benz safety standards.

IIHS Tests:

Not applicable to 2003 model year testing as conducted by IIHS today.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist (BAS)

Esp:

Electronic Stability Program (ESP)

Suspension:

Active Body Control (ABC) suspension system for dynamic stability and ride comfort.

Airbags:

Dual front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags (front), optional rear side airbags.

Seat Belts:

Pretensioning seat belts with force limiters.

Structure:

High-strength steel body structure, crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

System Name:

COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation).

Features:

Color display screen, CD player, AM/FM radio, optional navigation system, voice control (limited by year/software version).

Audio System:

Bose premium audio system with multiple speakers.

Cruise Control:

Distronic (optional) adaptive cruise control.

Parking Assistance:

Front and rear parking sensors (PARKTRONIC).

Lighting:

Bi-xenon headlights with automatic leveling and cleaning system.

Phone Integration:

Integrated hands-free communication system with compatible mobile phones (via optional teleaid or accessory).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Variable based on 'Assyst' service system, typically 10,000-15,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first.

Major Service Intervals:

Significant services (e.g., spark plugs, transmission fluid) typically around 60,000-100,000 miles, with specific items detailed in the manual.

Coolant Type:

MB-Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., G05 or equivalent, typically blue or green)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 (MB 332.0 specification)

Power Steering Fluid:

MB 236.3 (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent)

Ignition Coils:

Can be prone to failure on V12 engines, leading to misfires.

Abc Suspension:

Hydraulic leaks, pump issues, or sensor failures can occur, requiring specialized diagnosis and repair. Fluid maintenance is critical.

Climate Control Actuators:

Blend door actuators can fail, leading to uneven or non-functional climate control.

Catalytic Converters:

Can degrade over time, affecting performance and emissions.

Comand System:

Infotainment system can experience occasional glitches or require software updates.

📚 Vehicle History

Legacy:

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

Predecessor:

S-Class Coupe (C140) predecessor.

Generation:

C215 generation, introduced in 1998.

Facelift:

Minor styling updates and technology enhancements occurred during its production run.

Manufacturing Location:

Sindelfingen, Germany

Production Years:

1998-2006

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver Best:

While not specific to the 2003 CL600, Mercedes-Benz models of this era consistently appeared on Car and Driver's '10Best' lists for luxury and performance.

Overall Reputation:

Regarded as one of the most sophisticated and powerful luxury coupes of its time, emphasizing comfort and performance.