🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

CL-Class

Model Designation:

CL600

Model Year:

2003

Trim Level:

Sport

Chassis Code:

C215

Generation Designation:

Second Generation (Facelift)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size Luxury Coupe

Target Audience:

Affluent buyers seeking a blend of high performance, advanced technology, and luxurious comfort.

Key Competitors:

BMW 8 Series (contemporaneous or previous generation), Bentley Continental GT, Aston Martin DB9 (though typically positioned slightly higher).

Performance Focus:

V12 engine, high torque output, refined grand touring capabilities.

Luxury Appointments:

High-quality interior materials, advanced comfort features, sophisticated design.

Technology Integration:

Early integration of advanced electronics for comfort, convenience, and safety.

📋 Manual Details

General Coverage:

Comprehensive operational and maintenance information for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL600 Sport.

Specific Systems:

Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lighting, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving Assistance, Customer Assistance, Cleaning, Maintenance, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter, Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories, Service Information.

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for this era's comprehensive manuals).

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine oil specifications, refill capacities, fuel information, battery specifications, air filter requirements.

Electrical:

Instrument cluster functions, lighting operation, basic electrical system overview related to owner controls.

Interior:

Climate controls, entertainment systems, locks and security features, seating and safety restraints, driver controls.

Chassis:

Basic driving information, accessory operation.

Maintenance:

Routine checks (oil, coolant, tires), basic cleaning procedures, understanding maintenance indicators, fluid refill procedures.

Operation:

How to operate climate control, infotainment, lighting, security systems, seating adjustments, and other vehicle functions.

Safety:

Proper use of safety restraints, understanding warning indicators, reporting safety defects (US).

Depth:

Owner-level information focusing on operation, basic maintenance, and understanding vehicle features. Does not cover in-depth diagnostics or repair procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Compatibility:

Viewable on any device with a PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader).

Quality:

Digital reproduction of factory original, quality dependent on original source and conversion process. Assumed to be clear and legible.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M275 (Bi-Turbocharged V12)

Displacement:

5.5 Liters (5513 cc)

Configuration:

V12, SOHC, 3 Valves per Cylinder (later evolved to 4 valves for some applications, but M275 in this era typically 3)

Horsepower:

493 hp @ 5000 rpm

Torque:

590 lb-ft @ 1800-3500 rpm

Induction:

Twin-turbocharged with intercooler

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher)

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)

Cooling Type:

Liquid Cooled

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Automatic Transmission with TouchShift

Transmission Code:

722.6 (Mercedes-Benz 5G-Tronic)

Shift Modes:

Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes.

Fluid Type:

MB 236.10 Specification Automatic Transmission Fluid (e.g., Mobil ATF 134, Shell Spirax S6 ATF Z Plus).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 198.9 inches (5052 mm)

Width:

Approx. 73.7 inches (1872 mm)

Height:

Approx. 55.3 inches (1405 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 113.9 inches (2893 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 4,586 lbs (2079 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 5,600 lbs (2540 kg)

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 13.2 cubic feet (374 liters)

Standard Wheel Size:

18-inch alloy wheels

Standard Tire Size Front:

245/40 R18

Standard Tire Size Rear:

245/40 R18 (or sometimes staggered: 275/35 R18 on rear for Sport models)

Bolt Pattern:

5x112

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rating:

N/A (NHTSA ratings were less standardized and comprehensive for luxury coupes of this era compared to sedans).

IIHS Rating:

Likely received 'Good' in frontal offset tests based on Mercedes-Benz's engineering standards of the time, but specific historical data can be elusive for this niche model.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Esp:

Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP)

Traction Control:

Standard Traction Control System (ASR)

Brake Assist:

Brake Assist System (BAS)

Airbags:

Front dual-stage airbags, front side airbags, curtain airbags (likely).

Seat Belts:

Pre-tensioning seat belts with force limiters, active head restraints (NECK-PRO).

Body Structure:

High-strength steel body structure with energy-absorbing zones.

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation)

Navigation System:

Factory-installed GPS navigation system with CD-ROM based map data.

Audio System:

Premium sound system, likely Harman Kardon or Bose, with CD changer (usually in trunk).

Climate Control:

Automatic dual-zone climate control (THERMATIC or THERMOTRONIC, depending on specific options).

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control with optional Distronic (adaptive cruise control) available on some models.

Parking Assistance:

Parking Assist System (PARKTRONIC) front and rear sensors.

Phone Integration:

Pre-wiring for a hands-free mobile phone system, often with a specific cradle and connection point.

Keyless Go:

Optional Keyless Go system for keyless entry and engine start.

Doors Locks Security:

Remote keyless entry, central locking, optional Keyless Go, security alarm system.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions (refer to manual for severe conditions).

Major Service Intervals:

Key service points around 30,000, 60,000, and 100,000 miles involving more comprehensive checks and fluid changes (e.g., transmission fluid, brake fluid).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 9.5 liters (10.0 US quarts)

Engine Oil Viscosity:

Mobil 1 Formula M 0W-40 or equivalent meeting MB 229.5 specification.

Coolant Type:

Antifreeze/coolant meeting MB 325.0 specification (typically a silicate-inhibited, long-life coolant).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 Plus (MB 331.0 specification).

Washer Fluid:

Mercedes-Benz approved washer fluid or a mix of water and windshield washer concentrate.

Oil Filter Example:

Mercedes-Benz: A2751840025 (Specific part number may vary; consult dealer or specialized catalog for exact fitment).

Air Filter Example:

Mercedes-Benz: A2750900101 (Typically two filters for V12 engines. Verify exact fitment).

Ignition Coils:

Individual ignition coils can be a failure point, leading to misfires. The V12 has 12 coils.

Abc Suspension:

Active Body Control (ABC) suspension can develop leaks, pump failures, or strut issues, requiring specialized diagnosis and repair. This manual covers basic awareness, not repair.

Electronics:

Complex electronics can be prone to intermittent faults or failure of control modules over time. Water ingress can also affect certain modules.

Turbochargers:

While robust, turbochargers can eventually require maintenance or replacement, particularly if oil starvation or extreme heat cycles occur.

📚 Vehicle History

Mercedes Benz Legacy:

Long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, and safety innovations dating back to the early 20th century.

Cl Class Origin:

Successor to the SEC coupes (C140 S-Class Coupe), positioned as the flagship luxury coupe of Mercedes-Benz.

C215 Generation Intro:

Introduced in 1999, replacing the C140 S-Class Coupe. The 2003 model year represents the facelifted version with updated styling and technology.

Cl600 Positioning:

The CL600 represented the pinnacle of performance and luxury within the CL-Class lineup, featuring the most powerful engine available.

Production Years For C215:

1999-2006

Manufacturing Location:

Sindelfingen, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

General Accolades:

As a flagship Mercedes-Benz model, the CL-Class consistently received praise for its luxury, comfort, and performance in automotive reviews of its era, though specific 'awards' are often aggregated across the model range.

Benchmark Status:

Often cited as a benchmark for luxury grand touring coupes in terms of build quality and technological advancement.