
7 IntroductionProduct information
Kindly observe the following in your own best interest:
We recommend using Mercedes-Benz 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-Benz 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 authorization 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-Benz original parts as well as conversion parts and accessories approved by us are available 
at your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center where you will receive comprehensive information, also on 
permissible technical modifications, and where proper installation will be performed. 

36 Tow-away protection
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Tow-away alarm and glass breakage sensor
The switch is located in the overhead console.
The tow-away alarm and glass breakage sensor are part 
of the antitheft alarm system.
Once the alarm system has been armed, the turn signal 
lamps will flash rapidly and the horn will sound when 
someone attempts to raise the vehicle, or breaks a 
window and reaches into the passenger compartment.The alarm will last approximately 3 minutes in the form 
of rapidly flashing turn signal lamps. At the same time 
the horn will sound for approximately 30 seconds. The 
alarm will stay on even if the vehicle is immediately 
lowered.
If the alarm stays on for more than 20 seconds, an 
emergency call is initiated automatically. See Tele Aid 
on page 148.
To prevent triggering the tow-away alarm feature, switch 
off the tow-away alarm and glass breakage sensor before 
towing the vehicle, or when parking on a surface subject 
to movement, such as a ferry or auto train.
To do so, turn key in steering lock to position 1, then 
return it to position 0 and remove key from steering 
lock.
Within 30 seconds, push left or right button. (On 
vehicles equipped with optional trip computer, push 
RESET or MODE button, display shows OFF.)
Exit vehicle, and lock vehicle with remote control.
The tow-away alarm and glass breakage sensor remain 
switched off until the key is inserted in steering lock 
and turned to position 1. 

40 Seats
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Power seats (standard; optional on model ML 320)
The slide switches are located on the entry side of each 
front seat base.
Turn key in steering lock to position 1 or 2 (with the 
driver’s or passenger’s door open, the power seats can 
also be operated with the key removed or in steering 
lock position 0).We recommend to adjust the power seat in the following 
order:
1Seat, up / down
Press the switch (up/down direction) until 
comfortable seating position with still sufficient 
headroom is reached.
2Seat adjustment, fore / aft
Press the switch (fore / aft direction) until a 
comfortable seating position is reached that still 
allows you to reach the accelerator / brake pedal 
safely. The position should be as far rearward as 
possible, consistent with ability to properly operate 
controls.
3Seat cushion tilt
Press the switch in the direction of the arrow until 
your legs are lightly supported.
4Backrest tilt
Press the switch in the direction of the arrow until 
your arms are slightly angled when holding the 
steering wheel. 

42 Seats
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Memory storing and recalling 
(optional on model ML 320 and ML 430)
5Memory button
6Position buttonsStoring
Three sets of seat positions may be programmed into 
memory. After the seat is positioned, push memory 
button (5), release, and within 3 seconds push position 
button “1”. A second and third set of positions for the 
same seat can be programmed into memory by pushing 
first memory button (5) and then position button “2”, 
respectively “3”.
Recalling
To recall a seat position, push and hold one of the 
position buttons “1”, “2” or “3” until seat movement has 
stopped. The seat movement stops when the respective 
position button is released.
Caution!
Do not operate the power seats using the memory 
button if the seat backrest is in an excessively reclined 
position. Doing so could cause damage to front or rear 
seats.
First move the backrest to an upright position. 

58 Restraint systems
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out after approximately 5 seconds; after the lamp goes 
out, the system continues to monitor the components 
and circuitry of the airbag system and will indicate a 
malfunction by coming on again. If the lamp does not 
come on at all or if it fails to extinguish after 
approximately 5 seconds or if it comes on thereafter, 
a malfunction in the system has been detected.
The following system components are monitored or 
undergo a self-check: crash-sensor(s), airbag ignition 
circuits, front seat belt buckles, emergency tensioning 
retractors, seat sensor.
Initially, when the key is turned from steering lock 
position 0 to positions 1 or 2, malfunctions in the 
crash-sensor are detected and indicated (the “SRS” 
indicator lamp stays on longer than 5 seconds or does 
not come on).
Have the system checked at your authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center immediately.In the operational mode, after the indicator lamp has 
gone out following the initial check, interruptions or 
short circuits in the airbag ignition circuit and in the 
driver and front passenger seat belt buckle harnesses, 
and low voltage in the entire system are detected and 
indicated.
Wa r n i n g !
In the event a malfunction of the “SRS” is indicated 
as outlined above, the “SRS” may not be 
operational. For your safety, we strongly 
recommend that you visit an authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center immediately to 
have the system checked; otherwise the “SRS” may 
not be activated when needed in an accident, which 
could result in serious or fatal injury, or it might 
deploy unexpectedly and unnecessarily which 
could also result in injury. 

83 Trip computer
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The trip computer is located in the overhead console.
Function keys are:
•RESET
•MODE
Note:
With engine not running, the display switches off 
automatically 30 seconds after the last entry.To select a mode:
With key in steering lock position 1 or 2, press MODE 
key repeatedly to illuminate the display and scroll 
through menu for one of the following options:
1. Date, see page 84.
2. Compass, see page 84.
3. Stop watch, see page 86.
4. Present fuel consumption – displays miles per 
gallon or liters pe r 100 km.
5. Average fuel consumption – displays miles per 
gallon or liters per 100 km, see page 86.
6. Distance remaining with fuel presently in tank.
Note:
The display f lashes when fuel supply drops to the 
reserve level. The distance remaining is no longer 
shown.
7. Language – Press RESET key until the desired 
language is displayed. Depending on language 
selected, information is displayed in that country’s 
customary system. See page 86.
8. Trip computer switched off.
MODE 

86 Trip computer
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To calibrate the compass:
If the vehicle was exposed to a significant magnetic 
zone, such as high voltage power lines, the compass 
may have to be calibrated.
Calibration of the compass should be done in an area 
free of steel superstructures and power lines. All 
electrical consumers (e.g. exterior lamps, climate 
control, etc.) should be switched off, doors and liftgate 
closed. Do not open or close the roof. An open door or 
liftgate triggers the display “–––”.
1. Start and run the engine.
2. Press MODE key repeatedly until the compass 
display appears in the trip computer display.
3. Press RESET key to select the compass zone display.
4. Press RESET repeatedly until the correct zone, as 
determined from the zone map (see page 85), is 
shown in the display.
5. Press MODE key, “CAL–” appears in the display.
6. Press and hold RESET for a minimum of 2 seconds.7. Without interruption drive two or more full circles 
at a speed between 3 mph (5 km / h) and 7 mph 
(10 km / h) during which the message “CAL” is 
replaced with a compass bearing (e.g. N, SW etc.), 
immediately followed by three full circles at the 
same speed, with only the rear window defroster 
switched on. The defroster can be switched off 
again. The calibration of the compass is now 
complete.
•Stop watch  – 
Press RESET key to start the count. Press again to 
stop the count. Press and hold RESET key to reset 
sto p watch.
•Average fuel consumption –
 Press RESET key to delete present reading.
•Language –
Press RESET key to set the language used in the 
display. 

99 Climate control
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cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index 1Air volume control switch
2Temperature selector switch
3Air distribution switch
4Air recirculation
5Air conditioning mode
6Air volume control for center air outlets, 
turn wheel up to open.
7Air volume control for side air outlet, 
turn wheel up to open.
8Center air outlets, adjustable
9Side air outlets, adjustable
10Windshield air outlets
11Floor outlets
The air conditioning mode only operates with the œ 
button pushed, the air volume control switch set to 
position 1 to 4, and the engine running.To quickly cool down the passenger compartment, turn 
temperature selector switch fully to the left to 
positionO. Turn temperature selector to maintain 
desired temperature.
The air conditioning mode removes considerable 
moisture from the air during operation in the cooling 
mode. It is normal for water to drip on the ground 
through ducts in the underbody.
Important!
This vehicle is equipped with an air conditioner system 
that uses R–134a (HFC: hydrof luorocarbon) as a 
refrigerant. Repairs should always be performed by a 
qualified technician, and refrigerant should be collected 
in a recovery system for recycling.
Note:
For the air flow-through system to function properly, the 
air vents, located in the left and right side rear 
passenger compartment trim panel covers, should be 
ke pt  un obst ru cte d .