Market Position:
The 2005 CLS-Class (C219) was positioned as a 'four-door coupe,' a groundbreaking segment created by Mercedes-Benz, blending the style of a coupe with the practicality of a sedan. It targeted affluent buyers seeking a blend of performance, luxury, and distinctive design.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed against luxury sedans with sporty pretensions and other emerging 'four-door coupe' designs. Key competitors included the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe (though introduced later), Audi A7 (introduced later), and arguably the Porsche Panamera (introduced later). Its unique styling set it apart.
Key Features:
Sleek, low-slung 'four-door coupe' styling, powerful V8 engines (CLS500 and CLS55 AMG), sophisticated interior with high-quality materials, advanced safety features, air suspension (optional on CLS500, standard on CLS55 AMG), rear-wheel drive platform.
Systems Covered:
Vehicle operation, safety features, comfort controls, climate control, infotainment system, instrument cluster, lighting, wipers, power accessories, wheels and tires, jacking and towing, emergency equipment, vehicle care and cleaning, fluid checks, basic maintenance, troubleshooting guide, roadside assistance information, warranty overview, technical data.
Procedures Included:
Starting and operating the vehicle, understanding dashboard indicators and warning lights, adjusting seats and mirrors, using cruise control, operating the climate control system, using the COMAND infotainment system (audio, navigation, telephone), locking and unlocking doors, opening and closing windows and sunroof, operating exterior and interior lighting, maintaining tire pressure, checking and topping up essential fluids (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), changing wiper blades, jump-starting the battery, changing a flat tire, using the jack, towing procedures, basic cleaning and care recommendations.
Technical Depth:
Focuses on user operation, basic maintenance, and troubleshooting. Does not cover in-depth mechanical or electrical repair procedures, which are found in a Service Manual.
Engine Type Cls500:
Naturally Aspirated V8
Displacement Cls500:
5.0 Liters (4966 cc)
Engine Code Cls500:
M113 E50
Horsepower Cls500:
302 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque Cls500:
339 lb-ft @ 2800-4000 rpm
Engine Type Cls55 Amg:
Supercharged V8
Displacement Cls55 Amg:
5.4 Liters (5439 cc)
Engine Code Cls55 Amg:
M113 K
Horsepower Cls55 Amg:
469 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque Cls55 Amg:
516 lb-ft @ 2650-4500 rpm
Acceleration 0 60 Cls500:
Approx. 6.1 seconds
Acceleration 0 60 Cls55 Amg:
Approx. 4.5 seconds
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane recommended)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Transmission Type Cls500:
5-Speed Automatic with TouchShift
Transmission Type Cls55 Amg:
5-Speed AMG Speedshift™ Automatic
Optional Transmission:
N/A (Specific transmission standard for each model variant)
Transmission Features:
Selectable manual shifting mode (TouchShift/Speedshift), adaptive shift logic.
Length:
198.4 inches (5037 mm)
Width:
73.0 inches (1854 mm)
Height:
55.7 inches (1415 mm)
Wheelbase:
118.1 inches (2997 mm)
Front Headroom:
Approx. 37.5 inches (953 mm)
Rear Headroom:
Approx. 37.3 inches (947 mm)
Front Legroom:
Approx. 41.7 inches (1059 mm)
Rear Legroom:
Approx. 34.9 inches (886 mm)
Trunk Volume:
15.3 cubic feet (433 liters)
Curb Weight Cls500:
Approx. 3850 lbs (1746 kg)
Curb Weight Cls55 Amg:
Approx. 4000 lbs (1814 kg)
NHTSA Front Driver Rating 2005:
5-Star
NHTSA Front Passenger Rating 2005:
5-Star
IIHS Top Safety Pick Status:
Likely recognized as a Top Safety Pick for its segment due to advanced safety features.
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Traction Control System (TCS), Brake Assist (BAS), tire pressure monitoring system (optional).
Passive Safety Features:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, active front head restraints, crumple zones, reinforced safety cage.
Infotainment System Name:
COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation)
Infotainment Features:
Navigation system (optional, with CD-ROM maps), AM/FM radio, CD player, optional 6-disc CD changer, auxiliary input (depending on options), Bluetooth connectivity (optional, often via a cradle).
Driver Assistance Features:
Cruise Control, optional DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control, optional Parktronic parking sensors.
Connectivity Options:
Tele Aid emergency call system, optional Bluetooth hands-free communication.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil (check manual for specific recommendations).
Major Service Interval:
Refer to the 'Service A' and 'Service B' schedules in the owner's manual, typically occurring around 15,000-20,000 miles for Service A and 30,000-40,000 miles for Service B, involving more extensive checks and fluid changes.
Engine Oil Specification:
Mobil 1 Synthetic 0W-40 (MB-Approval 229.5) is commonly recommended.
Coolant Specification:
Mercedes-Benz approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., G05 or G48 concentrate mixed with distilled water).
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 Plus (MB-Approval 331.0)
Transmission Fluid Cls500:
MB 236.10 or MB 236.12 approved ATF (for 5-speed automatic).
Transmission Fluid Cls55 Amg:
MB 236.10 or MB 236.12 approved ATF (for AMG Speedshift).
Known Issues Overview:
While generally reliable, some common issues can arise with age and mileage. These may include SBC (Sensotronic Brake Control) hydraulic unit failure, air suspension leaks or compressor issues, oil cooler leaks, and potential electronic module malfunctions.
Sbc Brake System Concern:
The SBC system has a service life counter and may require replacement of the hydraulic unit around 200,000 activations. The manual will advise on proper brake system operation and checks.
Air Suspension Component Wear:
Air springs and air compressors can wear over time, leading to a sagging suspension. The manual provides basic information on vehicle height adjustments.
Brand Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for luxury, engineering excellence, and safety, dating back to the invention of the automobile.
Model Evolution:
The first generation CLS-Class (C219) was introduced for the 2005 model year. It was based on the W211 E-Class platform but featured a unique, coupe-like body style. The CLS500 was the standard model, while the CLS55 AMG offered significantly enhanced performance.
Production Years:
2005-2011 (for the C219 generation)
Manufacturing Location:
Sindelfingen, Germany
Design Award Recognition:
The CLS-Class design was widely acclaimed and is often cited as a trendsetter in automotive design for its four-door coupe silhouette.
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Consumer Reports ratings for this era often highlighted the sophisticated ride and powerful engines, but also noted potential reliability concerns typical of complex German luxury cars.
Certifications:
Certified by Mercedes-Benz for meeting rigorous safety and performance standards.
