More ownership mistakes are made with the wrong fluid than with almost anything else, and this is a car that cares: nearly every fluid in it carries a Mercedes approval number, and the tables below give those numbers exactly as the factory printed them, alongside how much of each fluid the car holds.
The second half of the chapter is the factory’s own service rhythm. The Crossfire does not work to a fixed mileage table — its Flexible Service System asks for Service A or Service B in the cluster, and the two checklists below show what each service actually includes.
2. Fluids & Capacities
Fluid types / specifications
| Fluid | Specification (as printed) |
|---|---|
| Engine oil | Synthetic, approved to MB 229.3 or MB 229.5; SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40, API SL and/or GF-3; Mopar 05127394AA |
| Coolant | Ethylene-glycol HOAT, approved to MB 325.0 (5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula); Mopar 05066386AA; 50/50 mix with distilled water = freeze protection −37 °C (−35 °F); minimum concentration 44% |
| Automatic transmission fluid | Approved to MB 236.10 / MB 236.12; Mopar 05127382AA; synthetic Dexron III may be substituted |
| Manual transmission fluid | Approved to MB 236.2; SAE 5W-20 (API SL or GF-3) engine oil may be substituted; Mopar 04761872AB |
| Rear axle lubricant | Synthetic SAE 75W-85 meeting MB 231.1; Mopar 05126035AA (Group 0) / 05136035AA (Group 3, as printed); SAE 80W-90 GL-5/MIL-2105-E synthetic may be substituted |
| Brake fluid | Approved to MB 331.0; Mopar 0454925AC (as printed); DOT 4: min. dry boiling point 500 °F, min. wet boiling point 356 °F, max. viscosity 1500 mm²/s; FMVSS 116 / ISO 4925 |
| Power steering fluid | Pentosin CHF 11S; Mopar 05127381AA |
| Fuel | Premium unleaded, minimum octane 91 (R+M)/2 |
| A/C refrigerant | R-134a |
| A/C compressor oil | ND-8 PAG oil |
Fluid capacities
| Fluid | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Automatic transmission fluid | 8.0 L (8.5 qts.) |
| Brake system | 0.5 L (0.5 qts.) |
| Cooling system — 3.2L | 11.2 L (11.8 qts.) |
| Cooling system — 3.2L SRT | 14.5 L (15.3 qts.) |
| Engine oil w/ filter | 8.0 L (8.5 qts.) |
| Fuel tank — total | 60.0 L (15.8 gal.) |
| Fuel tank — reserve | 8.0 L (2.1 gal.) |
| Manual transmission fluid | 1.8 L (1.9 qts.) |
| Power steering | 1.0 L (1.1 qts.) |
| Rear axle | 1.3 L (1.4 qts.) |
| Windshield washer reservoir | 7.0 L (7.4 qts.) |
Cooling capacity includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
Source: Group 0 — Fluid Types / Specifications – Fluid Capacities (PDF p.15); Group 3 — Differential Lubricant (PDF p.159)
3. Maintenance Schedule
The vehicle uses the Flexible Service System (FSS): service is demand-indicated in the instrument cluster as Service A or Service B (no fixed mileage table in the manual). After an FSS reset, the display shows 7,000 miles (11,000 km).
Service A — items due
- Engine oil and oil filter change
- Lubricate hood hinges, hood latch, secondary hood latch
- Reset FSS display
- Function check: horn, hazard flashers, turn signals, indicator lamps
- Function check: headlamps and exterior lighting
- Function check: windshield wipers and washer system
- Inspect front and rear brake pad lining thickness
- Inspect tires for damage and general condition; check/correct tire pressures
- Check fluid levels: engine cooling system (incl. antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor), hydraulic brake system, power steering system, windshield washer system
Service B — items due (includes Service A scope, plus)
- Rotate tires
- Replace dust filter
- Check seat belts for damage and proper function
- Test hydraulic brakes; check parking brake function
- Inspect front and rear brake disc condition
- Check major underbody components for leakage or damage
- Check front axle ball joints and rubber boots
- Check steering components and rubber boots
- Check underhood components for leakage or damage
- Check accessory drive belt condition
- Check headlamp aiming
- Check windshield wiper blades
Source: Group 0 — Maintenance Schedules (PDF p.17–19)