Mercedes-Benz 2001 CL 55 AMG User manual

CL
Operator’s Manual

CL 500
CL 55 AMG
CL 600

Our company and staff congratulate you on the purchase of your new Mercedes-Ben .
Your selection of our product is a demonstration of your trust in our company name. Further, it exemplifies your desire
to own an automobile that will be as easy as possible to operate and provide years of service.
Your Mercedes-Ben represents the efforts of many skilled engineers and craftsmen. To ensure your pleasure of
ownership, and for your safety and that of your passengers, we ask you to make a small investment of your time:
•Please read this manual carefully before putting it aside. Then return it to your vehicle where it will be handy for
your reference.
•Please abide by the recommendations contained in this manual. They are designed to acquaint you with the
operation of your Mercedes-Ben .
•Please abide by the warnings and cautions contained in this manual. They are designed to help improve the safety
of the vehicle operator and occupants.
We extend our best wishes for many miles of safe, pleasurable driving.
DaimlerChrysler AG

1Contents
Introduction
Product information .......................... 7
Operator’s manual ............................. 8
Where to find it ................................ 13
Reporting Safety Defects ................ 15
Instruments and controls
Instruments and controls ............... 18
Door control panel .......................20
Overhead control panel ...............21
Dashboard .....................................22
Center console ..............................24
Operation
Vehicle keys ......................................28
Start lock-out ....................................32
General notes on the
central locking system ...............33
Central locking system ................... 34
Radio frequency and
infrared remote control .............. 34
KEYLESS-GO ................................ 38
Opening and closing
windows and
sliding/pop-up roof
from outside ................................. 45
Panic button ................................. 47
Mechanical keys .......................... 47
Doors ................................................. 48
Power closing assist for
doors and trunk lid .................... 50
Central locking switch .................... 50
Automatic central locking .............. 52
Emergency unlocking
in case of accident ...................... 52
Trunk ................................................. 53
Trunk lid release switch ................ 57
Trunk lid release/close switch ...... 58
Trunk lid emergency release .........61
Antitheft alarm system ................... 62
Tow-away alarm ............................... 64
Easy-entry/exit feature .................. 66
Front seat adjustment .....................67
Removal and installation
of front seat head restraints ...... 71
Backrest .............................................72
Lumbar support ............................... 74
Multicontour backrest ..................... 74
Seat heater ........................................ 76
Seat ventilation system ...................79
Power head restraints, rear ............ 81
Seat belts and
integrated restraint system .......82
Seat belts ...........................................82
Seat belt nonusage
warning system ............................83
BabySmartTM airbag
deactivation system ....................88
Self-test BabySmartTM
without special child
seat installed .................................89
Supplemental restraint
system (SRS) ................................90
Emergency tensioning
retractor (ETR) ............................. 91
Airbags ..............................................92

2Contents
Safety guidelines for the
seat belt, emergency
tensioning retractor
and airbag ..................................100
Infant and child
restraint systems .......................102
Steering wheel adjustment ..........105
Rear view mirrors ..........................106
Rear view mirror,
automatic antiglare ................... 106
Memory function ............................111
Instrument cluster ..........................114
Multifunction steering wheel,
multifunction display ...............120
Trip and main odometer,
FSS, tire inflation pressure
monitor and
engine oil level indicator .........124
Audio systems ................................125
Radio ............................................125
CD player .....................................126
Cassette player ...........................127
Telephone ........................................128
Telephone book .......................... 128
Redialing .....................................130
Incoming call ...............................131
Navigation system ..........................132
Distronic (DTR) ...............................133
Trip computer .................................134
Malfunction/warning
message memory ......................136
Individual settings .........................138
Setting the audio volume ............. 146
Flexible service system
(FSS) ........................................... 147
Tire inflation
pressure monitor .......................150
Engine oil level indicator ..............154
Engine oil consumption ................155
Exterior lamp switch ......................156
Headlamp mode ..............................157
Night security illumination ..........158
Headlamp cleaning system ...........159
Combination switch .......................160
Ha ard warning flasher
switch ..........................................163
Automatic climate control .............164
Display and controls ..................166
Dust filter .....................................167
Basic setting ...............................168
Special settings ..........................169
Air recirculation ......................... 171
Activated charcoal filter ............172
Economy mode ........................... 173
Residual engine heat
utili ation .................................... 174
Switching the automatic
climate control on and off .........175
Front center console storage
compartment ventilation .......... 175
Rear window defroster .................. 176
Rear passenger compartment
adjustable air outlets ................177
Power windows ...............................178
Sliding/pop-up roof ....................... 181
Interior lighting ............................. 184
Rear window sunshade ................. 186
Sun visors .......................................187
Vanity mirrors ................................ 187
Interior ............................................188
Storage compartments
and armrests ..............................188
Glove box .....................................189

3Contents
Coat hooks ...................................... 192
Cup holder ...................................... 193
Ashtrays ..........................................196
Lighter ............................................. 198
Parcel net in trunk ........................ 199
Cargo tie-down hooks ....................200
Parcel net in front
passenger footwell ....................200
Telephone, general ........................201
Garage door opener .......................202
Infrared reflecting windshield ....206
Driving
Control and operation of radio
transmitters ...............................208
The first 1 000 miles
(1 500 km) .................................209
Maintenance ...................................209
Tele Aid ........................................... 210
Catalytic converter ........................220
Emission control ............................221
Starter switch .................................222
Starter switch – KEYLESS-GO ......224
Starting and turning off
the engine ..................................227
Automatic transmission ............... 229
Parking brake ................................ 238
Driving instructions ......................239
Drive sensibly – save fuel ........ 239
Drinking and driving ................ 239
Pedals ..........................................240
Power assistance ........................ 240
Brakes .......................................... 240
Driving off ................................... 241
Parking ........................................ 242
Tires ............................................. 243
Snow chains ............................... 245
Winter driving instructions ..... 246
Deep water ..................................248
Passenger compartment ........... 248
Traveling abroad ........................ 249
Cruise control ................................250
Distronic (DTR) .............................. 253
Brake assist system
(BAS) .......................................... 268
Antilock brake system
(ABS) .......................................... 269
Electronic stability program
(ESP) ...........................................271
Active body control (ABC) ............275
Level control system ...................... 276
Parking assist (Parktronic) ..........279
What you should know
at the gas station .......................284
Check regularly
and before a long trip ...............287
Instrument cluster display
Malfunction and indicator
lamps in the
instrument cluster ....................290
On-board diagnostic system .....290
Check engine malfunction
indicator lamp .............................290
Brake warning lamp ..................292
Supplemental restraint
system (SRS)
indicator lamp .............................293
Fuel reserve warning .................293
ABS malfunction
indicator lamp .............................294

4Contents
Electronic stability program
(ESP) — warning lamp ...............295
Distronic (DTR) —
warning lamp ..............................295
Seat belt nonusage
warning lamp ..............................296
Malfunction and indicator
lamp in the center console ......296
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp .....296
Malfunction and
warning messages in the
multifunction display ...............297
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE
(engine control unit) ..................298
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE
(several systems) ........................298
BATTERY /ALTERNATOR ..........299
ENTRANCE POSITION ..............300
BRAKE ASSIST ...........................300
BRAKE LINING WEAR ..............301
BRAKE FLUID .............................301
PARKING BRAKE .......................302
TRUNK OPEN .............................302
ELEC. STABIL. PROG.
(Electronic stability
program) .....................................303
COOLANT (coolant level) ......... 304
COOLANT
(coolant temperature) ............... 305
LIGHTING SYSTEM ................... 306
LIGHT SENSOR .......................... 308
SEAT BELT SYSTEM ..................308
TELEPHONE – FUNCTION ....... 309
CRUISE CONTROL ..................... 309
ACTIVE BODY CONTROL
(ABC) ............................................310
TIRE PRESSURE .........................312
ENGINE OIL LEVEL ....................314
SEAT BACKREST .........................315
KEY ...............................................316
DOOR ............................................316
HOOD ............................................317
TELE AID ......................................317
ENGINE OIL LEVEL ....................318
WASHER FLUID ..........................319
LIGHT SENSOR .......................... 320
DISTRONIC (DTR) ...................... 321
Practical hints
First aid kit .....................................324
Fuses ................................................325
Shelf below rear window ..............327
Hood .................................................328
Checking engine oil level .............331
Automatic transmission
fluid level ...................................332
Active body control
(ABC) fluid level ........................332
Coolant level ...................................333
Adding coolant ...........................333
Windshield and headlamp
washer system ...........................334
Windshield and headlamp
washer fluid mixing ratio .........334
Spare wheel, vehicle tools,
storage compartment ................335
Jack ...................................................336
Wheels .............................................337
Tire Replacement .......................337
Rotating wheels ..........................338
Spare wheel ....................................338

5Contents
Changing wheels ...........................340
Tire inflation pressure ..................345
Battery .............................................346
Jump starting ..................................349
Towing the vehicle .........................351
Exterior lamps ................................354
Headlamp assembly ...................355
Taillamp assemblies ..................358
Standby bulb function ...................361
Changing batteries
in the electronic main key .......363
Synchroni ing
remote control ............................365
Changing batteries
in the KEYLESS-GO-card .........366
Emergency engine
shut-down ...................................368
Fuel filler flap,
manual release ..........................368
Emergency operation of
sliding/pop-up roof ..................369
Replacing wiper blades ................ 370
Trunk lamp ......................................371
Roof rack ......................................... 372
Vehicle care
Cleaning and care
of the vehicle ..............................374
Power washer ............................. 375
Tar stains .....................................376
Paintwork, painted body
components .................................376
Engine cleaning ..........................376
Vehicle washing ..........................376
Ornamental moldings ............... 377
Headlamps, taillamps,
turn signal lenses ...................... 377
Cleaning the Distronic
system sensor .............................378
Cleaning the parktronic
system sensors ...........................378
Wiper blades ...............................379
Light alloy wheels ......................380
Instrument cluster .....................381
Steering wheel and
gear selector lever ......................381
Cup holder ...................................381
Seat belts .....................................382
Headliner and shelf
below rear window .....................382
Leather upholstery .....................382
Hard plastic trim items .............382
Plastic and rubber parts ............382

Contents
Technical data
Spare parts service ........................384
Warranty coverage .........................384
Identification labels .......................385
Layout of poly-V-belt drive ............387
Technical data ................................388
Fuels, coolants,
lubricants etc. - capacities .......393
Engine oils ......................................395
Engine oil additives .......................395
Air conditioner refrigerant ...........395
Brake fluid ......................................395
Premium unleaded gasoline ........396
Fuel requirements .........................396
Gasoline additives .........................397
Coolants ...........................................397
Consumer information ..................399
Index
Index ............................................... 401

7Introduction
Product information
Kindly observe the following in your own best interest:
We recommend using Mercedes-Ben original parts as well as conversion parts and accessories
explicitly approved by us for your vehicle model.
We have tested these parts to determine their reliability, safety and their special
suitability for Mercedes-Ben vehicles.
We are unable to make an assessment for other products and therefore cannot be held responsible
for them, even if in individual cases an official approval or authori ation by governmental or other
agencies should exist. Use of such parts and accessories could adversely affect the safety, performance
or reliability of your vehicle. Please do not use them.
Mercedes-Ben original parts as well as conversion parts and accessories approved by us are available
at your authori ed Mercedes-Ben Center where you will receive comprehensive information, also on
permissible technical modifications, and where proper installation will be performed.

8Introduction
Operator’s manual
This Operator’s Manual contains a great deal of useful information. We urge you to read it carefully and familiari e
yourself with the vehicle before driving.
For your own safety and longer service life of the vehicle, we urge you to follow the instructions and warnings
contained in this manual. Ignoring them could result in damage to the vehicle or personal injury to you or others.
Vehicle damage caused by failure to follow instructions is not covered by the Mercedes-Ben Limited Warranty.
Your vehicle may have some or all of the equipment described in this manual. Therefore, you may find explanations
for optional equipment not installed in your vehicle. If you have any questions about the operation of any equipment,
your authori ed Mercedes-Ben Center will be glad to demonstrate the proper procedures.
Service and warranty information
The Service and Warranty Information Booklet contains detailed information about the warranties covering your
Mercedes-Ben , including:
•New Car Limited Warranty,
•Emission System Warranty,
•Emission Performance Warranty,
•California, Massachusetts, and Vermont Emission Control System Warranty
(California, Massachusetts, and Vermont only),
•State Warranty Enforcement Laws (Lemon Laws).

9Introduction
Important notice for California retail buyers of Mercedes-Benz automobiles
Under California law you may be entitled to a replacement of your vehicle or a refund of the purchase price, if
Mercedes-Ben USA, LLC or its authori ed Mercedes-Ben Center fails to conform the vehicle to its express warranties
after a reasonable number of repair attempts during the period of one year or 12 000 miles from original delivery of
the vehicle. A reasonable number of repair attempts is presumed for a retail buyer (1) if the vehicle is out of service by
reason of repair of substantial nonconformities for a cumulative total of more than 30 calendar days or (2) the same
substantial non-conformity has been subject to repair four or more times and you have at least once directly
notified us in writing of the need to repair the non-conformity and have given us an opportunity to perform the
repair ourselves. Notifications should be sent to the nearest Mercedes-Benz Regional Office listed in the
Service and Warranty Information Booklet.
Maintenance
The Service Booklet describes all the necessary maintenance work which should be performed at regular intervals.
Always have the Service Booklet with you when you take the vehicle to your authori ed Mercedes-Ben Center for
service. The service advisor will record each service in the booklet for you.

10Introduction
Roadside assistance
The Mercedes-Ben Roadside Assistance Program provides factory trained technical help in the event of a breakdown.
Calls to the toll-free Roadside Assistance number:
1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the USA)
1-800-387-0100 (in Canada)
will be answered by Mercedes-Ben Client Assistance Representatives 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
For additional information refer to the Mercedes-Ben Roadside Assistance Program brochure in your glove box.
Change of address or ownership
If you change your address, be sure to send in the “Change of Address Notice” found in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet, or simply call the Mercedes-Ben Client Assistance Center (in the USA) at
1-800-FOR-MERCedes, or Customer Service (in Canada) at 1-800-387-0100. It is in your own interest that we can
contact you should the need arise.
If you sell your Mercedes, please leave all literature with the vehicle to make it available to the next operator.
If you bought this vehicle used, be sure to send in the “Notice of Purchase of Used Car” found in the Service and
Warranty Information Booklet, or call the Mercedes-Ben Client Assistance Center (in the USA) at
1-800-FOR-MERCedes, or Customer Service (in Canada) at 1-800-387-0100.

11Introduction
Operating your vehicle outside the USA or Canada
If you plan to operate your vehicle in foreign countries, please be aware that:
•Service facilities or replacement parts may not be readily available,
•unleaded gasoline for vehicles with catalytic converters may not be available; the use of leaded fuels will damage
the catalysts,
•gasoline may have a considerably lower octane rating, and improper fuel can cause engine damage.
Certain Mercedes-Ben models are available for delivery in Europe under our European Delivery Program. For details,
consult your authori ed Mercedes-Ben Center or write to:
In the USA: In Canada:
Mercedes-Ben USA, LLC
European Delivery Department
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
Mercedes-Ben Canada, Inc.
European Delivery Department
849 Eglinton Avenue East
Toronto, Ontario M4G 2L5

12Introduction
We continuously strive to improve our product, and ask for your understanding that we reserve the right to make
changes in design and equipment. Therefore, information, illustrations and descriptions in this Operator’s Manual
might differ from your vehicle.
Optional equipment is also described in this manual, including operating instructions wherever necessary. Since they
are special-order items, the descriptions and illustrations herein may vary slightly from the actual equipment of your
vehicle.
If there are any equipment details that are not shown or described in this Operator’s Manual, your authori ed
Mercedes-Ben Center will be glad to inform you of correct care and operating procedures.
The Operator’s Manual and Service Booklet are important documents and should be kept with the vehicle.

13Introduction
Where to find it
The Operator’s Manual is divided into eight sections:
• Instruments and controls: An overview of all the controls that can be operated from the driver’s seat.
•Operation: Information on the vehicle’s equipment and its operation.
•Driving: Important information on driving.
• Instrument cluster display: Displays and indicator lamps on the instrument cluster with brief instructions.
• Practical hints: Assistance and instructions in the event of an emergency.
• Car care: Instructions on caring for your vehicle.
• Technical data: All the important technical data for your vehicle as well as consumer information such as fuels,
coolants, lubricants etc. is contained here.
•Index: Key terms to help you find a topic quickly.
Other documents may also be supplied, depending on your vehicle’s equipment.
Explanation of color used:
Warning notices for the protection of yourself and
others appear on red background.

14Introduction
Problems with your vehicle
If you should experience a problem with your vehicle, particularly one that you believe may affect
its safe operation, we urge you to immediately contact your authori ed Mercedes-Ben Center to
have the problem diagnosed and corrected if required. If the matter is not handled to your
satisfaction, please discuss the problem with the Mercedes-Ben Center management, or if
necessary contact us at the following addresses:
In the USA: Client Assistance Center
Mercedes-Ben USA, LLC
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada: Customer Relations Department
Mercedes-Ben Canada, Inc.
849 Eglinton Avenue East
Toronto, Ontario, M4G 2L5

15Introduction
For the USA only:
The following text is published as required of manufacturers under Title 49, Code of U.S. Federal Regulations,
Part 575 pursuant to the “National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966”.
Reporting Safety Defects
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or
death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA) in addition to notifying Mercedes-Ben USA, LLC.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety
defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA
cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your retailer, or Mercedes-Ben USA,
LLC.
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393
(or 366-0123 in Washington, D.C. area) or write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation,
Washington, D.C. 20590. You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from
the Hotline.

17Contents - Instruments and control
Technical
data
Instruments
and controls Operation Driving Instrument cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Instruments and controls
Instruments and controls ............... 18
Door control panel .......................20
Overhead control panel ...............21
Dashboard .....................................22
Center console ..............................24