🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: CLS-Class Model Variant: CLS550 Year: 2008 Generation Generation Code: C219 (Facelift) 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Luxury Grand Tourer Coupe (Four-door) Competitive Analysis Competitors: BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, Audi A7 Sportback, Porsche Panamera Key Features Design: Striking coupe-like silhouette with four doors, luxurious interior, emphasis on comfort and performance Powertrain: Powerful V8 engine, rear-wheel drive or 4MATIC all-wheel drive 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Owner's Manual Page Count Estimated Pages: Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for Mercedes-Benz owner's manuals of this era) Manual Type Type: Factory Owner's Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine operation, fuel system, ignition, lubrication, cooling, exhaust, engine compartment layout Transmission: Automatic transmission operation, gear selector, Park Assist (if equipped) Chassis: Brakes, suspension, steering, wheels, tires Electrical: Lighting system, instrument cluster, gauges, warning indicators, infotainment, climate control, power accessories, central locking, security system Body: Doors, windows, sunroof, seats, safety restraints, locks, security features, exterior lights Procedures Included Basic Operation: Starting the engine, shifting gears, parking, using lights, operating wipers, adjusting mirrors and seats Climate Control: Operating the automatic climate control system, air recirculation, defroster functions Infotainment: Operating the COMAND APS infotainment system, radio, CD/DVD player, navigation (if equipped), Bluetooth connectivity Safety Features: Understanding airbags, seatbelt operation and adjustment, ISOFIX child seat mounting, electronic stability program (ESP) Maintenance: Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, basic cleaning procedures, oil change intervals, filter replacement recommendations Troubleshooting: Interpreting dashboard warning lights, basic troubleshooting for common issues, emergency procedures Technical Depth Depth: Owner-level maintenance, operational guidance, feature explanation, basic troubleshooting. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Searchable text (dependent on PDF OCR quality) Print Quality Digital Quality: High-resolution digital reproduction of factory manual content Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Format) Paper Type Paper: N/A (Digital Format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: M273 Engine Type: Naturally Aspirated V8 Displacement: 5.5 Liters (5461 cc) Bore X Stroke: 98.0 mm x 90.5 mm Compression Ratio: 10.5:1 Performance Horsepower: 382 hp @ 6000 rpm Torque: 391 lb-ft @ 2800-4800 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI) Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended) Engine Compartment Engine Layout: Front-engine, Longitudinal 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 7-Speed Automatic with TouchShift Transmission Model: 7G-TRONIC Features Drive Modes: Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes Optional Drivetrain: 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive (Optional) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 196.3 inches (4986 mm) Width: 73.0 inches (1854 mm) Height: 55.7 inches (1415 mm) Wheelbase: 115.5 inches (2935 mm) Weights Curb Weight: Approximately 4000 - 4200 lbs (1814 - 1905 kg) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Approximately 5100 lbs (2313 kg) Cargo Trunk Volume: 15.3 cubic feet (433 liters) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Crash Rating: 5-Star (for 2008 CLS) IIHS Crash Test Results: Good (Frontal Offset, Side Impact - typical for vehicles of this era and class) Active Features Electronic Stability Program: Standard (ESP) Antilock Braking System: Standard (ABS) Traction Control: Standard (ASR) Passive Features Airbags: Dual-stage front airbags, front side airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags Seat Belts: 3-point inertia-reel seat belts with front belt tensioners and force limiters, ISOFIX child seat anchors Active Head Restraints: Front NECK-PRO active head restraints 💡 Technology Features Infotainment System Name: COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation) Features: High-resolution color display, CD/DVD changer, AM/FM radio, navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio readiness Driver Assistance Adaptive Cruise Control: Optional DISTRONIC PLUS Parking Assistance: Optional Parking Assist (PARKTRONIC) Night Vision: Optional Night View Assist Connectivity Bluetooth: Integrated Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, as indicated by the 'Service A' or 'Service B' indicator on the instrument cluster. Major Service: Indications for 'Service B' would typically involve checks of more components, and potentially replacement of cabin air filters, brake fluid flush, and spark plug replacement at higher mileages. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: Mobil 1 Synthetic ESP Formula 5W-40 (or equivalent meeting MB-Approval 229.51 specification) Engine Oil Capacity: Approximately 8.5 quarts (8.0 liters) with filter change Coolant Type: Mercedes-Benz approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., G48 or equivalent) Transmission Fluid Type: MB Specification 236.14 (ATF) Brake Fluid Type: DOT 4 Plus (MB Spec 331.0) Known Issues Air Suspension: Airmatic suspension struts can develop leaks over time, leading to a sagging ride height. This is a common wear item on many Mercedes-Benz models with Airmatic. Ignition Coils: M273 engines can be prone to ignition coil failure, leading to misfires and check engine lights. Camshaft Actuators: Variable valve timing (VVT) camshaft actuators can sometimes fail, causing rough idling and performance issues. Part Numbers Oil Filter: Typically a Mahle OX 173/1D or equivalent (refer to manual for exact OEM part number) Cabin Air...
High-resolution digital reproduction of factory manual content
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Format)
Paper Type
Paper:
N/A (Digital Format)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
M273
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V8
Displacement:
5.5 Liters (5461 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
98.0 mm x 90.5 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.5:1
Performance
Horsepower:
382 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
391 lb-ft @ 2800-4800 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Engine Compartment
Engine Layout:
Front-engine, Longitudinal
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
7-Speed Automatic with TouchShift
Transmission Model:
7G-TRONIC
Features
Drive Modes:
Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes
Optional
Drivetrain:
4MATIC All-Wheel Drive (Optional)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
196.3 inches (4986 mm)
Width:
73.0 inches (1854 mm)
Height:
55.7 inches (1415 mm)
Wheelbase:
115.5 inches (2935 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approximately 4000 - 4200 lbs (1814 - 1905 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approximately 5100 lbs (2313 kg)
Cargo
Trunk Volume:
15.3 cubic feet (433 liters)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Crash Rating:
5-Star (for 2008 CLS)
IIHS Crash Test Results:
Good (Frontal Offset, Side Impact - typical for vehicles of this era and class)
Active Features
Electronic Stability Program:
Standard (ESP)
Antilock Braking System:
Standard (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard (ASR)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Dual-stage front airbags, front side airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags
Seat Belts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with front belt tensioners and force limiters, ISOFIX child seat anchors
Active Head Restraints:
Front NECK-PRO active head restraints
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
System Name:
COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation)
Features:
High-resolution color display, CD/DVD changer, AM/FM radio, navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio readiness
Driver Assistance
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Optional DISTRONIC PLUS
Parking Assistance:
Optional Parking Assist (PARKTRONIC)
Night Vision:
Optional Night View Assist
Connectivity
Bluetooth:
Integrated Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, as indicated by the 'Service A' or 'Service B' indicator on the instrument cluster.
Major Service:
Indications for 'Service B' would typically involve checks of more components, and potentially replacement of cabin air filters, brake fluid flush, and spark plug replacement at higher mileages.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
Mobil 1 Synthetic ESP Formula 5W-40 (or equivalent meeting MB-Approval 229.51 specification)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 8.5 quarts (8.0 liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., G48 or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB Specification 236.14 (ATF)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Plus (MB Spec 331.0)
Known Issues
Air Suspension:
Airmatic suspension struts can develop leaks over time, leading to a sagging ride height. This is a common wear item on many Mercedes-Benz models with Airmatic.
Ignition Coils:
M273 engines can be prone to ignition coil failure, leading to misfires and check engine lights.
Camshaft Actuators:
Variable valve timing (VVT) camshaft actuators can sometimes fail, causing rough idling and performance issues.
Part Numbers
Oil Filter:
Typically a Mahle OX 173/1D or equivalent (refer to manual for exact OEM part number)
Cabin Air Filter:
Typically a set of two filters, e.g., Mann-Filter CUK 29 005 or equivalent (refer to manual for exact OEM part number)
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for luxury, engineering, and safety since its inception.
Model Evolution
First Generation:
The CLS-Class (C219) was introduced in 2004 as the first four-door coupe, a segment pioneered by Mercedes-Benz.
Facelift 2008:
The 2008 model year represents the facelifted version of the C219, featuring updated styling, technology, and mechanical revisions.
Production
Production Location:
Sindelfingen, Germany
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Segment Awards:
The CLS-Class often received praise for its distinctive styling and luxurious interior in luxury car reviews and awards of its time.