2005 MERCEDES-BENZ ML500 ECO mode

210 OperationDriving instructionsRuts
A number of off-road tracks or other by-
ways have deep ruts which can cause the
undercarriage to come in contact with the
ground.

Select gear range1 on the automatic
transmission (
page 122).


Drive next to the ruts rather than
through them if at all possible.Returning from off-road drivingOff-road driving increases strain on the
vehicle.
We recommend that you inspect the vehi-
cle for possible damage after each off-road
trip. Recognizing any damage and a subse-
quent timely repair reduces the chance of
a possible breakdown or accident later on.
Proceed as follows:


Switch off the LOW RANGE mode
(page 127).


Remove excessive dirt from tires,
wheels, wheel housings, and under-
body.
For instance, after driving in mud, clean
the radiator, chassis, engine, brakes,
and wheels from extreme dirt using a
strong jet of water.
Warning!
G
If you feel a sudden significant vibration or
ride disturbance, or you suspect that possi-
ble damage to your vehicle has occurred,
you should turn on the hazard warning flash-
ers, carefully slow down, and drive with cau-
tion 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 ap-
pear unsafe, have it towed to the nearest
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center or tire
dealer for repairs.

231 Operation
Tires and wheels
Tires and wheels
See an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center for information on tested and
recommended rims and tires for summer
and winter operation. They can also offer
advice concerning tire service and pur-
chase.
Retreaded tires are not tested or recom-
mended by Mercedes-Benz, since previous
damage cannot always be recognized on
retreads. Mercedes-Benz can therefore
not assure the operating safety of the vehi-
cle when such tires are used.
See an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center for information on tested and
recommended rims and tires for summer
and winter operation.
Important guidelines

Only use sets of tires and rims of the
same type and make.


Tires must be of the correct size for the
rim.


Break in new tires for approximately
60 miles (100 km) at moderate
speeds.


Regularly check the tires and rims for
damage. Dented or bent rims can
cause tire pressure loss or damage to
the tire beads.


If vehicle is heavily loaded, check tire
pressure and correct as required.


Do not allow your tires to wear down
too far. Adhesion properties on wet
roads are sharply reduced at tread
depths under
1/8in (3 mm).


When replacing individual tires, you
should mount new tires on the front
wheels first.
Warning!
G
Replace rims or tires with the same designa-
tion, manufacturer and type as shown on the
original part. See an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center for fur-
ther information. If incorrectly sized rims
and tires are mounted:

The wheel brakes or suspension compo-
nents can be damaged.


The correct operating clearance of the
wheels and the tires are no longer guar-
anteed.
Warning!
G
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the
tire tread is badly worn, or if the tires have
sustained damage, replace them.
When replacing rims, use only genuine
Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts specified for the
particular rim type. Failure to do so can re-
sult in the bolts loosening and possibly an
accident.

237 Operation
Maintenance
Maintenance
We strongly recommend that you have
your vehicle serviced by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center, in
accordance with the Maintenance Booklet
at the times called for by the maintenance
service indicator display.
Failure to have the vehicle maintained in
accordance with the Maintenance Booklet
and maintenance service indicator at the
designated times / mileage will result in
vehicle damage not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
The maintenance service indicator will
notify you when your next service is due.1Knob
2Display in the speedometer
Starting approximately one month before
your maintenance service is due, the type
of maintenance service is indicated in the
speedometer display2:
9Minor service (A)
½Major service (B)The following information, depending on
operating conditions throughout the year,
is also shown:


calculated distance remaining


calculated remaining time in days
Clearing the maintenance service
indicator
The maintenance service indicator is auto-
matically cleared after ten seconds when
you switch on the ignition or when reach-
ing the service threshold while driving. You
can also clear it yourself.
Press knob1.iVehicles equipped with FSS (Flexible
Service System) only (Canada vehi-
cles): The interval between mainte-
nance services depends on your driving
habits. A gentle driving style, moderate
engine speeds and the avoidance of
short-distance trips will lengthen the
interval between services.

307 Technical data
Rims and tires
Rims and tires
Only use tires and rims which have been
specifically developed for your vehicle and
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Other tires and rims can have detrimental
effects, such as

poor handling characteristics


increased noise


increased fuel consumption
Rims and tires
!Moreover, tires and rims not approved
by Mercedes-Benz may, under load,
exhibit dimensional variations and
different tire deformation characteris-
tics that could cause them to come into
contact with the vehicle body or axle
parts. This may result in damage to the
tires or the vehicle.
iFurther information on tires and rims is
available at any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center. A
tire inflation pressure table is located
on the fuel filler cap of the vehicle. The
tire pressure should be checked regu-
larly and should only be adjusted on
cold tires. Follow tire manufacturer’s
maintenance recommendation includ-
ed with vehicle.
Model
ML 350
ML 500
Rims (light alloy)
8J x 17 H2
81/2J x 17 H2
Wheel offset
2.0in (52mm)
2.0in (52mm)
All-season tires (radial-ply tires)
255 / 60 R17 106 H
275 / 55 R17 109 V
Rims* (light alloy)
81/2 J x 17 H2
81/2 J x 17 H2
Wheel offset*
1.85 in (47 mm)
1.85 in (47 mm)
All-season tires (radial-ply tires)*
275 / 55 R17 109 V
275 / 55 R17 109 V

318 Technical dataFuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.Anticorrosion / antifreeze
Your vehicle contains a number of
aluminum parts. The use of aluminum
components in motor vehicle engines ne-
cessitates that anticorrosion / antifreeze
coolant used in such engines be
specifically formulated to protect the
aluminum parts. (Failure to use such anticorrosion / antifreeze coolant will
result in a significantly shortened service
life.)
Therefore, the following product is strongly
recommended for use in your vehicle:
Mercedes-Benz 325.0
anticorrosion / antifreeze agent.Before the start of the winter season (or
once a year in hot southern regions), you
should have the anticorrosion / antifreeze
concentration checked. The coolant is also
regularly checked each time you bring your
vehicle to an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Light Truck Center for service.
Anticorrosion / antifreeze quantityModel
Approx. freeze protection– 35°F (– 37°C)
– 49°F (– 45°C)
ML 350, ML 500,
6.4 US qt (6.0 l)
7.0 US qt (6.6 l)

327 Technical terms
Tele Aid System*
(T
elematic A
larm I
dentification on
D
emand)
The Tele Aid system consists of three
types of response: automatic and man-
ual emergency, roadside assistance
and information. Tele Aid is initially ac-
tivated by completing a subscriber
agreement and placing an acquain-
tance call.
The Tele Aid system is operational pro-
vided that the vehicle’s battery is
charged, properly connected, not dam-
aged and cellular and GPS coverage is
available.
Telematics*
A combination of the terms “telecom-
munications” and “informatics”.
Tightening torque
Force times lever arm (e.g. a lug
wrench) with which threaded fasteners
such as wheel bolts are tightened.Tire speed rating
Part of tire designation; indicates the
speed range for which a tire is ap-
proved.
Traction
Force exerted by the vehicle on the
road via the tires.
Transfer case
Speed of rotation / torque converter
that works together with the ->auto-
matic transmission. In the LOW mode
off-road position, the transfer case de-
creases the output rotational speed of
the ->automatic transmission by ap-
proximately half. This results in a corre-
sponding increase of torque on the
drive axles.
The vehicle then has nearly double the
driving force but drives only approxi-
mately half as fast.TWR
(T
ongue W
eight R
ating)
The TWR is the maximum permissible
weight on the trailer tongue.
Maintenance System (U.S. vehicles)
Maintenance service indicator in the
speedometer display that informs the
driver when the next vehicle mainte-
nance service is due. The Maintenance
System tracks distance driven and the
time elapsed since your last mainte-
nance service, and calls for the next
maintenance service accordingly.
VIN
(V
ehicle I
dentification N
umber)
The number set by the manufacturer
and placed on the body to uniquely
identify each vehicle produced.
Voice control system*
Voice control system for car phones,
portable cell phones and audio sys-
tems (radio, CD, etc.).

330 IndexAir recirculation mode 140
Activating 141
Deactivating 141
Air vents
Automatic climate control 144
AIRBAG OFF
Warning lamp 249
Airbags 59
BabySmart
TM airbag deactivation
system 323
BabySmartTM deactivation
system 70
Children 60
Front 63
Passenger 63
Safety guidelines 62
Side impact 64
Window curtain 64
Alarm
Audible 75, 84, 86
Canceling 84, 86
Visual 83
Alarm system
Anti-theft 83Anticorrosion/antifreeze 318
Antiglare
Automatic 128
Antilock brake system (ABS) 323
Anti-theft alarm system
Arming 83
Canceling alarm 84, 86
Disarming 84
Anti-theft systems
Anti-theft alarm system 83
Immobilizer 83
Tow-away alarm,
glass breakage sensor 84
Aquaplaning see Hydroplaning
Armrest
Storage compartment in front of 168
Storage compartments 168
Armrest in rear seat bench 170
Ashtray
Front center console 171
ATF (automatic transmission fluid) 227Attaching a trailer 213
Automatic antiglare for
rear view mirror 128
Automatic central locking
Activating 94
Deactivating 94
Automatic climate control 136
Adjusting air distribution 139
Adjusting air volume 139
Air conditioning 141
Air vents 144
Basic setting 139
Changing basic setting 139
Defrosting 140
Economy mode 137
Rear passenger compartment 143
Rear window defroster 135
Residual heat utilization 142
Residual ventilation 142
Switching off 139
Switching on 139

331 Index
Automatic headlamp mode 108
Automatic interior lighting control
Activating 114
Deactivating 114
Automatic locking when driving 93
Automatic transmission
Accelerator position 124
Emergency operation
(Limp Home Mode) 126
Gear ranges 122
Gear selector lever position 123
Gear shifting malfunctions 126
Kickdown 124
Manual shifting 121
One-touch gearshifting 121
Selector lever position 120
Towing a trailer 125
Transmission fluid 227
B
BabySmart
TM
Airbag deactivation system 70
Compatible child seats 70, 323
Self-test 70
BabySmart
TM airbag
deactivation system 323Backrest tilt 36
Backup lamps 275, 279
Bulbs 275
BAS 78, 323
Malfunction indicator lamp 251, 252,
253
Warning lamp 251
Batteries, remote control
Replacing 273
Battery discharged
Jump starting 291
Battery indicator lamp
Indicator lamp 261
Battery, vehicle 228, 272
Charging 289
Disconnecting 289
Reconnecting 289
Reinstalling 289
Removing 289
Bi-Xenon headlamps* 323
Block heater (Canada only) 236
Blocking
Rear door window operation 74
Brake assist system (BAS) 323
Brake fluid 314
Brake lamp bulbs 275Brake pad wear
Indicator lamp 261
Brakes 198
Warning lamp 250
Break-in period 196
Bulbs, replacing 274
Additional turn signals 274
Backup lamps 275
Brake lamps 275
Fog lamps 274
Front fog lamp 279
Front lamps 274
High beam 274
High mounted brake lamp 281
License plate lamps 275, 281
Low beam 274
Parking, standing lamp 274
Rear fog lamps 279
Rear side marker lamp bulbs 279
Side marker lamps 274, 275
Standing lamps 274
Tail lamp assemblies 279
Turn signal lamps 274, 275
Turn signal, side marker lamp 274