Page 83 of 342
80 Rear view mirrors
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Driver’s side exterior rear view mirror, antiglare
mode (optional on ML 320)
Antiglare mode:
With the key in steering lock position 2, the mirror
reflection brightness responds to changes in light
sensitivity.
With the gear selector lever in position “R”, or with the
interior light switched on, the mirror brightness does
not respond to changes in light sensitivity.Note:
The automatic antiglare function does not react, if
incoming light is not aimed directly at sensors in the
inside rear view mirror.
The antiglare function will not react for example, if the
cargo area is fully loaded.
Page 92 of 342

89 Trip computer
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Trip computer (optional on ML 320)
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 s e l e c t a m o d e :
With key in steering lock position 2, press MODE key
repeatedly to illuminate the display and scroll through
menu for one of the following options:
1. Date, see page 90.
2. Compass, see page 90.
3. Stop watch, see page 93.
4. Present fuel consumption – displays miles per
gallon or liters per 100 km.
5. Average fuel consumption – displays miles per
gallon or liters per 100 km, see page 93.
6. Distance remaining with fuel presently in tank.
Note:
The display flashes 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 93.
8. Trip computer switched off.
MODE
Page 137 of 342
134 Interior equipment
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Storage compartment under front passenger seat
(standard; optional on ML 320)
The storage compartment under the front passenger
seat is lockable with its separate key (1).
Note:
Slide seat rearward to gain easier access to the storage
compartment.Cup holder in instrument panel
Touch top of cover. The cup holder (1) opens
automatically.
Caution!
Keep cup holder closed while traveling. Place only
containers that fit into the cup holder to prevent spills.
Do not fill containers to a height where the contents
could spill during vehicle maneuvers, especially hot
liquids.
Page 147 of 342
144 Interior equipment
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Third row seats (optional on ML 320 and ML 500)
Two single seats can be unfolded to enlarge the seating
area.
To fol d s ea t d own:
1. Remove head restraint from seat cushion.
2. Remove cargo floor plate, see page 147.
3. Lift tensioner (1) upward to a horizontal position to
release tension of the strap.4. Disengage hook (2) and attach belt at hook and loop
strip on underside of seat.
5. Fold seat down until it locks securely in place.
Important!
When seat is correctly unfolded, the red marking on
the seat release (4) should not be visible.
6. Store cargo floor plates inside the backrest, see
page 148.
4
Page 201 of 342

198 Driving instructions
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Tire speed rating
ML 320:
Your vehicle is factory equipped with “H”-rated tires,
which have a maximum speed rating of 130 mph
(210 km / h).
ML 500:
Your vehicle is factory equipped with “V”-rated tires,
which have a maximum speed rating of 150 mph
(240 km / h).
An electronic speed limiter prevents your vehicle from
exceeding a speed of 130 mph (210 km / h).
ML 55 AMG:
Your vehicle is factory equipped with “W”-rated tires,
which have a maximum speed rating of 168 mph
(270 km / h).Despite the tire rating, local speed limits should be
obeyed. Use prudent driving speeds appropriate to
prevailing conditions.
Wa r n i n g !
Even when permitted by law, never operate a
vehicle at speeds greater than the maximum speed
rating of the tires.
Exceeding the maximum speed for which tires are
rated can lead to sudden tire failure causing loss of
vehicle control and resulting in personal injury
and possible death.
Page 206 of 342

203 Driving instructions
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Checklist before off-road driving
• Tires: Check the tread depth and maintain specified
tire pressure (see tire pressure label inside the fuel
filler flap). Check tires for possible damage and
remove foreign objects. The valve caps must be
mounted.
•Rims: Dented or bent rims can cause tire pressure
loss and damage the tire beads. For this reason,
check and, if neccesary, change rims before driving
off-road.
• Vehicle tool kit: Check if the vehicle jack is
functional. In all cases take the vehicle tool kit, a
strong tow rope, a shovel and a small plank (to put
under the vehicle jack on sandy soil) with you.Driving in steep terrain
Slope angle:
126
° (ML 320 and ML 500)
21° (ML 55 AMG)
226° (ML 320 and ML 500)
23° (ML 55 AMG)
Switch to LOW RANGE mode before starting to drive up
or down steep inclines, see page 227.
Maximum vehicle climbing ability is a 60% grade.1
2
Page 239 of 342

236 What you should know at the gas station
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Leaving the engine running and the fuel cap open can
cause the “CHECK ENGINE” lamp to illuminate.
ML 320 and ML 500:
Fuel tank capacity approximately 22.0 US gal (83.0 l).
This includes approximately 3.2 US gal (12.0 l) reserve.
ML 55 AMG:
Fuel tank capacity approximately 25.0 US gal (95.0 l).
This includes approximately 3.2 US gal (12.0 l) reserve.
Use premium unleaded gasoline: Posted Octane
Index 91 (Average of 96 RON / 86 MON).• Engine oil
Engine oil level check, see page 96 and page 255.
Fill quantity between upper and lower dipstick
marking level: 2.1 US qt (2.0 l).
Recommended engine oils, see Approved Service
Products sheet.
Wa r n i n g !
Overfilling of fuel tank may result in creating
pressure in the system which could cause a gas
discharge such as the gas spraying back out upon
removing the filler nozzle which could cause
personal injury.
Page 281 of 342
278 Towing
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
ML 320, ML 500The rear towing eye is located behind the right side
cover in the bumper panel.
2Towin g eye, rea r
Cover removal:
Using a flat blade screwdriver pry out the cover.
Cover installation:
Engage cover at bottom and press in top securely.
P88.20-2192-26