🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: CL-Class Model Variant: CL500 Year: 2003 Chassis Code: C215 Generation Generation: Second Generation (C215) Codes Engine Code: M113.991 (for CL500) 👋 Introduction Market Position Market Position: The 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class CL500 (C215) was positioned as a flagship luxury grand tourer coupe, offering a blend of high performance, sophisticated technology, and opulent comfort, competing with other high-end coupes from brands like BMW (8 Series), Lexus (SC), and Bentley. Competitive Analysis Competitive Analysis: Competed in a niche but prestigious segment of the luxury automotive market. Key differentiators included Mercedes-Benz's reputation for build quality, safety, and advanced engineering, along with its distinct styling and powerful V8 engine. Key Features Key Features: • Powerful V8 engine • Luxurious interior appointments • Advanced safety systems (e.g., ABC suspension, ESP) • Supersport styling • High-end infotainment and comfort features 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage Areas: • 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 Page Count: Not specified, but typical for factory owner's manuals Manual Type Manual Type: Owner's Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital PDF Manual Type Detail Manual Type Detail: Factory-produced owner's manual converted to digital PDF format for convenient access and portability. 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Systems Covered: • Engine and powertrain operation • Instrument cluster indicators and warnings • Audio/navigation systems • Climate control system (HVAC) • Exterior and interior lighting functions • Driver controls (steering wheel, pedals, shifter) • Central locking, keyless entry, alarm system • Airbags, seatbelts, child seat installation • Driving techniques, cruise control • Basic maintenance procedures • Fluid checks and top-offs • Battery maintenance • Fuel recommendations • Air filter replacement • Engine compartment layout and component identification Procedures Included Procedures Included: • Starting and operating the vehicle • Using various vehicle features and controls • Performing routine checks (oil, coolant, washer fluid) • Understanding dashboard warning lights • Proper use of safety restraints • Basic troubleshooting for common issues • Maintenance schedule recommendations • Refilling fluid capacities • Understanding lubricant specifications • Cleaning and care of the vehicle Technical Depth Technical Depth: Covers operation, features, basic maintenance, and specifications necessary for the vehicle owner. Does not typically include detailed diagnostic procedures or component-level repair instructions, which are found in service manuals. Manual Completeness: Comprehensive coverage of user-operable functions, basic maintenance, and general vehicle information, mirroring the original factory manual's scope. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Format: PDF Print Quality Print Quality: Digital quality, viewable on screen. Printability depends on user's printer capabilities. Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Digital format) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital format) File Features File Features: Searchable text within the PDF, allowing for quick location of specific information. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Primary Engine: 4.966L SOHC 32-valve V8 (M113.991) Performance Horsepower: 302 hp @ 6000 rpm Torque: 339 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm Fuel System Fuel System: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Engine Features Engine Features: Aluminum block and cylinder heads, dual ignition Engine Code Full Engine Code Full: M113 E50 (M113.991 variant) 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard Transmission: 5-speed automatic with TouchShift Optional Optional Transmission: N/A for CL500 in 2003 Features Transmission Features: Electronically controlled, adaptive shifting, manual shift mode (TouchShift) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 197.8 inches (5024 mm) Width: 73.1 inches (1857 mm) Height: 55.5 inches (1410 mm) Wheelbase: 113.1 inches (2873 mm) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 4,090 lbs (1855 kg) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Not specified 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Crash Rating: Not independently rated by NHTSA for this specific model/year, but Mercedes-Benz vehicles of this era were designed to high safety standards. IIHS Crash Test Rating: Not independently rated by IIHS for this specific model/year. Active Features Active Features: • Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) • Electronic Stability Program (ESP) • Traction Control System (TCS) • Brake Assist (BAS) Passive Features Passive Features: • Front airbags • Side curtain airbags • Front and rear side-impact airbags • Occupant classification system • Pretensioner seatbelts • Active head restraints Chassis Features Chassis Features: Active Body Control (ABC) suspension system 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Infotainment System: COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system with CD player, AM/FM radio, navigation (optional), and cassette player. Display Type: Color LCD screen integrated into the dashboard. Driver Assistance Driver Assistance Features: • Distronic (optional adaptive cruise control) • Parktronic (parking assist sensors) Connectivity Connectivity Features: Tele Aid emergency calling system (subscription-based). Convenience Features Convenience Features: •...
The 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class CL500 (C215) was positioned as a flagship luxury grand tourer coupe, offering a blend of high performance, sophisticated technology, and opulent comfort, competing with other high-end coupes from brands like BMW (8 Series), Lexus (SC), and Bentley.
Competitive Analysis
Competitive Analysis:
Competed in a niche but prestigious segment of the luxury automotive market. Key differentiators included Mercedes-Benz's reputation for build quality, safety, and advanced engineering, along with its distinct styling and powerful V8 engine.
Key Features
Key Features:
• Powerful V8 engine
• Luxurious interior appointments
• Advanced safety systems (e.g., ABC suspension, ESP)
• Supersport styling
• High-end infotainment and comfort features
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Coverage Areas:
• 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
Page Count:
Not specified, but typical for factory owner's manuals
Manual Type
Manual Type:
Owner's Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
Digital PDF
Manual Type Detail
Manual Type Detail:
Factory-produced owner's manual converted to digital PDF format for convenient access and portability.
Covers operation, features, basic maintenance, and specifications necessary for the vehicle owner. Does not typically include detailed diagnostic procedures or component-level repair instructions, which are found in service manuals.
Manual Completeness:
Comprehensive coverage of user-operable functions, basic maintenance, and general vehicle information, mirroring the original factory manual's scope.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Format:
PDF
Print Quality
Print Quality:
Digital quality, viewable on screen. Printability depends on user's printer capabilities.
Binding Type
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital format)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital format)
File Features
File Features:
Searchable text within the PDF, allowing for quick location of specific information.
Not independently rated by NHTSA for this specific model/year, but Mercedes-Benz vehicles of this era were designed to high safety standards.
IIHS Crash Test Rating:
Not independently rated by IIHS for this specific model/year.
Active Features
Active Features:
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
• Traction Control System (TCS)
• Brake Assist (BAS)
Passive Features
Passive Features:
• Front airbags
• Side curtain airbags
• Front and rear side-impact airbags
• Occupant classification system
• Pretensioner seatbelts
• Active head restraints
Chassis Features
Chassis Features:
Active Body Control (ABC) suspension system
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment System:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system with CD player, AM/FM radio, navigation (optional), and cassette player.
Display Type:
Color LCD screen integrated into the dashboard.
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance Features:
• Distronic (optional adaptive cruise control)
• Parktronic (parking assist sensors)
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
Tele Aid emergency calling system (subscription-based).
Convenience Features
Convenience Features:
• Keyless-Go (keyless entry and start)
• Power adjustable steering column
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Multi-contour front seats with massage function (optional)
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact schedule based on driving conditions).
Major Service Intervals:
Refer to manual for specific mileage-based service items (e.g., spark plugs, coolant flushes, transmission service).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Specification:
API SN or higher, ACEA A3/B4. Viscosity typically 0W-40 or 5W-40, depending on climate (refer to manual for precise MB approval).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 liters (8.9 US quarts)
Coolant Specification:
Mercedes-Benz approved coolant (e.g., G05 or equivalent) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Transmission Fluid Specification:
MB 236.10 or 236.12 automatic transmission fluid (e.g., Mobil ATF 134)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 Plus
Known Issues
Known Issues:
• Active Body Control (ABC) system leaks or malfunctions
• Ignition coil failures
• Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor issues
• Biodegradable wiring insulation degradation
• Window regulator failures
• Climate control blower motor resistor issues
• Slightly less robust electronic systems compared to later models
Filter Part Numbers
Oil Filter Part Number:
Example: Mann-Filter HU721/4x or equivalent Mercedes-Benz part number (e.g., A1131840125).
Air Filter Part Number:
Example: Mann-Filter C35132/1 or equivalent Mercedes-Benz part number (e.g., A2710900349).
Refill Capacities
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 11.0 liters (11.6 US quarts)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
23.2 gallons (88 liters)
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, and pioneering automotive safety technologies since its inception.
Model Evolution
Model Evolution:
The C215 CL-Class, introduced in 1999, was the successor to the C140 S-Class Coupe. It represented a significant advancement in technology and design, offering a sleeker, more aerodynamic profile and incorporating cutting-edge features like Active Body Control (ABC) and bi-xenon headlights. The CL500 was a core model in this generation.
Production
Production Years:
1999-2006 (for C215 generation)
Manufacturing Location:
Germany
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Recognitions:
While specific awards for the 2003 CL500 are not readily cataloged in the same way as mass-market vehicles, Mercedes-Benz vehicles of this era consistently received praise for luxury, performance, and safety from automotive journalists and industry publications. The CL-Class was generally regarded as one of the finest luxury coupes available.