🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: CL-Class Model Variant: CL55 AMG Year: 2003 Generation Chassis Code: C215 Generation Name: Second Generation (W215/C215) Codes Engine Code: M113 ML55 Amg Package Code: AMG Styling Package 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Full-size Luxury Grand Tourer Coupe Target Audience: Discerning buyers seeking high performance, luxury, and advanced technology in a coupe format. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: BMW 8 Series (E31 generation ending around this time, but direct predecessor), BMW 6 Series (E63/E64), Audi A8 Coupe (discontinued), Porsche 911 (different segment but performance overlap), Bentley Continental GT. Key Features Performance Focus: Emphasis on AMG's performance enhancements, particularly the powerful V8 engine. Luxury Appointments: High-quality interior materials, advanced comfort features, and sophisticated styling. Technology Integration: Integration of advanced infotainment, climate control, and driver assistance systems. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Topics: 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 Page Count Estimated Page Count: Varies by specific printing, but factory manuals are typically 200-400 pages. Manual Type Type: Owner's Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, lubrication, exhaust system basics, transmission operation. Chassis: Braking system operation, suspension system features, steering system basics, wheels and tires. Electrical: Lighting system controls, instrument cluster functions, basic electrical system warnings, infotainment system overview, climate control operation. Interior: Seating adjustment, safety restraint systems (airbags, seatbelts), interior climate controls, door locks and security features, power windows and mirrors. Body: Door operation, trunk/boot operation, hood operation, basic cleaning and care procedures. Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Engine oil checks and refills, fluid level checks (coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, basic cleaning. Safety Procedures: Proper use of safety restraints, airbag system information, child seat installation guidelines (general). Driver Controls: Operation of steering wheel controls, gear selector, parking brake, light switches, wiper controls, climate controls. Troubleshooting Basic: Understanding dashboard warning lamps and messages, basic troubleshooting of common user-interface issues. Technical Depth Depth: Designed for the end-user, focusing on operation, basic maintenance, and safety. Does not cover in-depth mechanical repair procedures or advanced diagnostics. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Compatibility: Requires PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader). Searchability: Likely text-searchable due to PDF format. Print Quality Quality Description: Digital reproduction of factory original, quality dependent on source scan. Binding Type Type: N/A (Digital PDF) Paper Type Type: N/A (Digital PDF) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: V8 Supercharged (M113 ML55) Displacement: 5.4 Liters (5439 cc) Bore X Stroke: 97.0 mm x 92.0 mm Compression Ratio: 9.0:1 Performance Horsepower: 493 bhp @ 6100 rpm Torque: 516 lb-ft @ 2600-4000 rpm Fuel System Induction: Supercharged with intercooler, Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI) Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded (91 octane or higher recommended) Lubricant Specifications Engine Oil Type: Full Synthetic SAE 0W-40 (MB Approval 229.5) Refill Capacities Engine Oil Capacity: 8.5 Liters (9 US quarts) Maintenance Engine Oil Change Interval: Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, or as indicated by the flexible service system (ASSYST). 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 5-Speed Automatic with Touchshift Gear Ratios: Refer to manual for specific ratios (typically 3.27 / 2.13 / 1.42 / 1.00 / 0.83). Features Features: Touchshift manual shifting mode, AMG SpeedShift functionality for faster gear changes. Lubricant Specifications Transmission Fluid Type: MB 236.10 Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) (e.g., Shell ATF 134, Mobil ATF 134). Refill Capacities Transmission Fluid Capacity: Approximately 8.0 Liters (refer to manual for exact capacity for service fill). 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 199.7 inches (5073 mm) Width: 73.7 inches (1872 mm) Height: 55.1 inches (1400 mm) Wheelbase: 116.7 inches (2965 mm) Front Track: 62.6 inches (1590 mm) Rear Track: 62.2 inches (1580 mm) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 4,500 lbs (2041 kg) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Approx. 5,700 lbs (2585 kg) Cargo Trunk Volume: 14.0 cubic feet (396 Liters) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact: Not specifically rated for 2003, but Mercedes-Benz vehicles of this era generally performed well. IIHS Side Impact: Not specifically rated for 2003, but generally strong performance expected. Active Features Braking System: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist (BAS). Traction Control: Electronic Traction System (ETS) / Acceleration Skid Control (ASR). Stability Control: Electronic Stability Program (ESP). Passive Features Airbags: Front airbags, front side airbags, front and rear head curtain airbags (Sidebag SRS). Seatbelts: Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with belt tensioners and force limiters. Other: Occupant classification system for front passenger airbag, crumple zones, reinforced passenger cell. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment System: COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation). Features: CD player, Radio (AM/FM), optional navigation system, telephone integration (e.g.,...
Discerning buyers seeking high performance, luxury, and advanced technology in a coupe format.
Competitive Analysis
Key Competitors:
BMW 8 Series (E31 generation ending around this time, but direct predecessor), BMW 6 Series (E63/E64), Audi A8 Coupe (discontinued), Porsche 911 (different segment but performance overlap), Bentley Continental GT.
Key Features
Performance Focus:
Emphasis on AMG's performance enhancements, particularly the powerful V8 engine.
Luxury Appointments:
High-quality interior materials, advanced comfort features, and sophisticated styling.
Technology Integration:
Integration of advanced infotainment, climate control, and driver assistance systems.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Primary Topics:
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
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
Varies by specific printing, but factory manuals are typically 200-400 pages.
Braking system operation, suspension system features, steering system basics, wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Lighting system controls, instrument cluster functions, basic electrical system warnings, infotainment system overview, climate control operation.
Interior:
Seating adjustment, safety restraint systems (airbags, seatbelts), interior climate controls, door locks and security features, power windows and mirrors.
Body:
Door operation, trunk/boot operation, hood operation, basic cleaning and care procedures.
Understanding dashboard warning lamps and messages, basic troubleshooting of common user-interface issues.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Designed for the end-user, focusing on operation, basic maintenance, and safety. Does not cover in-depth mechanical repair procedures or advanced diagnostics.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Compatibility:
Requires PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader).
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable due to PDF format.
Print Quality
Quality Description:
Digital reproduction of factory original, quality dependent on source scan.
Binding Type
Type:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Paper Type
Type:
N/A (Digital PDF)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
V8 Supercharged (M113 ML55)
Displacement:
5.4 Liters (5439 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
97.0 mm x 92.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
9.0:1
Performance
Horsepower:
493 bhp @ 6100 rpm
Torque:
516 lb-ft @ 2600-4000 rpm
Fuel System
Induction:
Supercharged with intercooler, Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded (91 octane or higher recommended)
Lubricant Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
Full Synthetic SAE 0W-40 (MB Approval 229.5)
Refill Capacities
Engine Oil Capacity:
8.5 Liters (9 US quarts)
Maintenance
Engine Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, or as indicated by the flexible service system (ASSYST).
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
5-Speed Automatic with Touchshift
Gear Ratios:
Refer to manual for specific ratios (typically 3.27 / 2.13 / 1.42 / 1.00 / 0.83).
Limited by modern standards. Primarily focused on in-car entertainment and basic communication (e.g., Bluetooth for phone calls if equipped).
Comfort Features
Seats:
Multi-contour heated and ventilated front seats with memory function, power adjustment for all seats.
Climate:
Multi-zone automatic climate control with active charcoal filters.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change:
10,000 miles / 12 months, using synthetic 0W-40 (MB 229.5).
Transmission Service:
Typically every 40,000-60,000 miles, fluid and filter change recommended. Consult manual or dealer for exact interval.
Spark Plugs:
Typically around 100,000 miles for iridium spark plugs.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.
Fluid Specifications
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Plus (MB 331.0).
Power Steering Fluid Type:
MB 236.3 Power Steering Fluid (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11S).
Known Issues
Abc Suspension:
Active Body Control (ABC) hydraulic leaks, pump failures, strut leaks are common wear items.
Electronics:
Various electronic control unit (ECU) failures, SAM unit issues, and door lock actuator problems can occur.
Supercharger Belt:
Wear and tear on the supercharger drive belt and tensioner.
Catalytic Converters:
Can degrade over time, especially on higher-mileage vehicles.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz has a long history of producing luxury vehicles with a focus on engineering, comfort, and safety, dating back to the late 19th century.
Model Evolution
Predecessor:
The CL-Class is the successor to the S-Class Coupe. The C215 generation replaced the C140 CL-Class.
Introduction Of C215:
The C215 CL-Class was introduced in 1999 as a 2000 model year vehicle, replacing the more angular W140 S-Class Coupe. The CL55 AMG variant debuted shortly after.
Facelift:
The C215 received a significant facelift for the 2003 model year, including updated styling, new headlights, redesigned bumpers, and importantly, the introduction of the supercharged CL55 AMG as a primary AMG model.
Production
Production Period:
2000-2006
Amg Variant Production:
CL55 AMG (C215) produced from 2000/2001 (naturally aspirated) and then predominantly as the supercharged M113 ML55 from 2003 onwards.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Performance Awards:
While specific awards for the 2003 CL55 AMG are not readily cataloged, Mercedes-Benz and AMG models of this era were consistently recognized for their engineering, performance, and luxury by automotive publications.