2002 MERCEDES-BENZ ML320 low range

189 Automatic transmission
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Gear ranges:
Upshift through 4th gear only. Suitable for
performance driving.
Upshift through 3rd gear only. Suitable for
moderately steep hills. Since the transmission
does not shift higher than 3rd gear, this gear
selection will allow use of the engine’s braking
power downhill.
Upshift through 2nd gear only. For driving in
mountainous regions or under extreme operating
conditions. This gear selection will allow use of
the engine’s braking power when descending
steep grades.
Use this position, which makes maximum use of
the engine’s braking effect, while descending
very steep or lengthy downgrades and only at
speeds below 40 mph (60 km / h).Note:
To avoid overrevving the engine on the rpm limit, the
transmission will upshift automatically to the next
higher gear range as long as the vehicle is accelerating.

199 Driving instructions
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Snow chains
Use only snow chains that are tested and recommended
by Mercedes-Benz. Your authorized Mercedes-Benz
Light Truck Center will be glad to advise you on this
subject.
Snow chains should be used on all four wheels. With
only two chains available, they should be mounted on
the rear wheels. Follow the manufacturer’s mounting
instructions.
Snow chains should only be driven on snow covered
roads at speeds not to exceed 30 mph (50 km / h).
Remove chains as soon as possible when driving on
roads without snow.
When driving with snow chains, press the ESP control
switch to OFF, refer to page 225.
Model ML 55 AMG
Use of snow chains is not permissible with tire size
285 / 50 R 18.Winter driving instructions
The most important rule for slippery or icy roads is to
drive sensibly and to avoid abrupt acceleration, braking
and steering maneuvers. Do not use the cruise control
system under such conditions.
When the vehicle is in danger of skidding, move
selector lever to position “N”. Try to keep the vehicle
under control by corrective steering action.
Caution!
Do not use LOW RANGE mode when driving on ice or
packed snow. At speeds below 18 mph (30 km / h)
vehicle steering is adversely affected by the LOW
RANGE ABS, see page 220.
Road salts and chemicals can adversely affect braking
efficiency. Increased pedal force may become necessary
to produce the normal brake effect. We therefore
recommend depressing the brake pedal periodically
when traveling at length on salt-strewn roads. This can
bring road salt impaired braking efficiency back to
normal. A prerequisite is, however, that this be done
without endangering other drivers on the road.

202 Driving instructions
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Off-Road driving
Familiarize yourself with the vehicle characteristics and
gear changing before you attempt any difficult terrain
off-road driving. We recommend that you start out with
easy off-road travel.
Please read this chapter carefully before you begin
off-road travel.
Special driving features are available for specific kinds
of operation:
•LOW RANGE mode, see page 227
•LOW RANGE - ABS, see page 220
•LOW RANGE - 4-ETS+, see page 222
•LOW RANGE - ESP, see page 226
Engage the LOW RANGE mode before driving under
off-road conditions. For switching LOW RANGE mode on
and off see page 227.
Fasten items being carried as securely as possible, see
page 154.
We recommend to keep doors, liftgate, windows, and
roof closed whenever driving in off-road mode.Important!
Adjust vehicle speed to condition of terrain. The more
uneven, rutty and steeper the terrain, the lower the
speed should be.
Watch out for obstacles, such as rocks, holes,
tree-stumps, ruts.
Be especially careful when driving in unknown
territory. Eventually get out of the vehicle and scout the
path you intend to take.
Continuous and speedy driving in sandy soil overcomes
the vehicle rolling resistance, and helps to prevent the
vehicle from sinking into the ground.
Do not initiate jumps with the vehicle. It interrupts the
forward momentum of the vehicle.
Sand, dirt, mud and other material having friction
property, can cause exceptional wear and tear as well as
failure of the brakes.
In this case the brakes may be less effective or even fail
when you most need them. Always clean and check the
brakes following each off-road trip.

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

205 Driving instructions
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Driving downhill:
Select gear range “1” on the automatic transmission,
see page 183.
Drive downhill observing the same rules as driving
uphill.
Driving on embankments, slopes and other steep
inclines should only be done straight up or downhill, i.e.
in the line of gravity.
Do not drive along the side of a slope (danger of vehicle
rollover). If in doing so, the vehicle begins to show a
tendency to roll, immediately steer into a line of gravity
(straight up or downhill).Utilize the engine’s braking power when descending a
slope, observe the engine speed (do not overrev the
engine). Apply the service brake as needed.
The special LOW range ABS setting allows for precise
and brief (cyclical) blocking of the front wheels,
permitting them to dig into loose ground. Remember
that the front wheels when stopped, slide across a
surface, thus loose their ability to steer the vehicle.
Check the brakes after a lengthy downgrade drive.
Important!
Only apply the service brake if the vehicle travels
straight downhill, i.e. in the line of gravity.

206 Driving instructions
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Driving through water
120 in (50 cm)
Before driving through water, determine its depth. It
should not be deeper than approximately
20 inches (50 cm).Switch to LOW RANGE mode before driving through
water.
Switch off the exterior lamps as well as the climate
control.
Enter the water only at a shallow spot. Never take a
running start. Drive slowly, avoiding a bow wave.
Do not stop vehicle immersed in water, and do not shut
off the engine.
To dry the brakes, apply pressure to the brake pedal
several times after leaving the water.

207 Driving instructions
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Crossing obstacles:
Select gear range “1” on the automatic transmission,
see page 183.
Cross obstacles (e.g. tree stumps or big rocks) very
slowly by aiming one of the front wheels at the center of
the obstacle, and repeat same with the rear wheel.
Important!
Damage on the vehicle definitely increases the chance
for a subsequent accident.Notes:
Check the vehicle clearance before crossing obstacles
that possibly could damage the undercarriage.
If possible use the assistance of a second person.
Special attention is needed when crossing obstacles on
a steep incline. The vehicle could slide sideways as a
result of its possible slanted position.
Ruts:
Select gear range “1” on the automatic transmission,
see page 183.
A number of off-road tracks or other byways have deep
ruts which can cause the undercarriage to come in
contact with the ground.
Drive next to the ruts rather than through them if at all
possible.
Notes:
Check the vehicle clearance.
Damage on the vehicle definitely increases the chance
for a subsequent accident.

208 Driving instructions
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Returning from off-road driving
Off-road driving increases strain on the vehicle.
We recommend that you inspect the vehicle for possible
damage after each off-road trip. Recognizing any
damage and a subsequent timely repair reduces the
chance of a possible breakdown or accident later on.
Proceed as follows:
•Switch off the LOW RANGE mode, see page 227.
•Remove excessive dirt from tires, wheels, wheel
housings, and underbody. For instance, after driving
in mud, clean the radiator, chassis, engine, brakes,
and wheels from extreme dirt, using a strong jet of
water.
•Inspect frame, oil pan, brake hoses, etc., as well as
vehicle underbody for possible damage.
•Check tires for possible damage, clean all exterior
lamps, and conduct a brake test.•Check for brush or branches caught in the
undercarriage. They could increase the possibility of
a fire, as well as cut fuel and / or brake lines,
puncture rubber bellows of the axles or drive shafts.
•After continued operation in mud, sand, water or
other dirty conditions clean the brake discs, wheels,
brake pads and check and clean axle joints.
Wa r n i n g !
If you feel a sudden significant vibration or ride
disturbance, or you suspect that possible damage to
your vehicle has occurred, you should turn on the
hazard warning flashers, carefully slow down, and
drive with caution to an area which is a safe
distance from the roadway.Inspect the tires and under the vehicle for possible
damage. If the vehicle or tires appear unsafe, have
it towed to the nearest Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center or tire dealer for repairs.