2006 MERCEDES-BENZ ML500 roof rack

ContentsDriving systems ................................. 238
Cruise control............................... 238
Downhill Speed Regulation
(DSR) ............................................ 243
Off-road driving program .............. 248
Air suspension package* ............. 249
Adaptive Damping System
(ADS)* .......................................... 249
Vehicle level control* ................... 250
Parktronic* system
(Parking assist) ............................. 254
Loading .............................................. 259
Loading instructions ..................... 259
,Split rear bench seat ................... 261
Partition net* ............................... 263
Cargo compartment cover*.......... 265
Cargo management system*........ 265
Roof rack* .................................... 269Useful features .................................. 270
Storage compartments ................ 270
Cup holders.................................. 274
Armrest in rear seat bench........... 275
Ashtrays* ..................................... 275
Cigarette lighter* ......................... 277
12-V sockets ................................ 277
Floormats* ................................... 279
Telephone* .................................. 279
Tele Aid* ...................................... 280
Garage door opener ..................... 289
Compass ...................................... 295
Infrared reflecting windshield* ..... 296
Operation......................................... 297
The first 1000 miles (1500 km) ......... 298
Driving instructions ........................... 299
Drive sensibly – save fuel............. 299
Drinking and driving ..................... 299
Pedals .......................................... 299
Power assistance ......................... 299
Brakes.......................................... 300
Driving off .................................... 301
Parking......................................... 301
Tires ............................................. 302
Hydroplaning................................ 303
Tire traction ................................. 303
Tire speed rating .......................... 303
Winter driving instructions ........... 304
Standing water............................. 305
Off-road driving ............................ 306
Trailer towing ............................... 314
Passenger compartment .............. 319
Driving abroad ............................. 319
Control and operation of radio
transmitters ................................. 320
Catalytic converter....................... 320
Emission control .......................... 321
Coolant temperature.................... 322

119 Controls in detail
Locking and unlocking

Pull remote tailgate switch1 until
tailgate begins to open.
The tailgate opens. The indicator lamp
in the remote tailgate switch comes on
and remains lit until the tailgate is
closed. While the tailgate is opening an
acoustic signal sounds.Limiting opening height of tailgate*
Vehicles with tailgate opening/closing
system*:
The tailgate opening height can be limited
when transporting goods on a roof rack
(e.g. presence of an MB sport luggage con-
tainer*). When activated, the tailgate
opens to approximately 6.4 ft (1.95 m).

Activate the limiting opening height of
tailgate using the control system
(page 173).
Warning!
G
Maintain sight of the area around the rear of
the vehicle while operating the tailgate with
the door-mounted remote tailgate switch or
with the Šbutton on the SmartKey or
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*. Monitor the
opening procedure carefully to make sure
no one is in danger of being injured.
To interrupt the opening procedure, press or
pull the door-mounted remote tailgate
switch or press the Šbutton on the
SmartKey or SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*.
!The tailgate swings open upwards auto-
matically. Always make sure there is
sufficient overhead clearance. To stop
the opening procedure, press or pull re-
mote tailgate switch1 or press the
Šbutton on the SmartKey or
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*. The
tailgate stops moving.iVehicles with tailgate opening/closing
system*:
The tailgate can also be opened using
the buttonŠ on the SmartKey or
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*.

269 Controls in detail
Loading

Remove the head restraints
(page 131).

Fold the seat backrest forward
(page 262).
Roof rack*Roof rails
For further information, inquire at your
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
!Leave the seat cushion hinge in this po-
sition. The upholstery could be dam-
aged if you fold the hinge back.
Warning!
G
Take into consideration that when the roof
rack is loaded, the handling characteristics
are different from those when operating the
vehicles without the roof rack loaded.
The maximum roof load when using roof
rack systems is 220 lb (100 kg).
!Attach roof racks to the roof rails only.
Only use those roof racks approved by
Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle model.
Follow manufacturer’s installation in-
structions.
The vehicle could otherwise be dam-
aged.

299 Operation
Driving instructions
Driving instructions
Drive sensibly – save fuel
Fuel consumption, to a great extent, de-
pends on driving habits and operating con-
ditions.
To save fuel you should:

Keep tires at the recommended infla-
tion pressures.


Remove unnecessary loads.


Remove roof rack when not in use.


Allow engine to warm up under low
load use.


Avoid frequent acceleration and decel-
eration.


Have all maintenance work performed
at the intervals specified in the
Maintenance Booklet and as required
by the Maintenance System (U.S. vehi-
cles) or FSS (Canada vehicles). Contact
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center.Fuel consumption is also increased by
driving in cold weather, in stop-and-go traf-
fic, on short trips and in hilly areas.
Drinking and driving
PedalsPower assistance
Warning!
G
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs
and driving are a very dangerous combina-
tion. Even a small amount of alcohol or
drugs can affect your reflexes, perceptions
and judgment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal
accident are greatly increased when you
drink or take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or
taking drugs.
Warning!
G
Keep driver’s foot area clear at all times. Ob-
jects stored in this area may impair pedal
movement.Warning!
G
With the engine is not running, there is no
power assistance for the brake and steering
systems. In this case, it is important to keep
in mind that a considerably higher degree of
effort is necessary to brake and steer the ve-
hicle.

366 OperationTires and wheelsGVW (G
ross V
ehicle W
eight)
The GVW comprises the weight of the
vehicle including fuel, tools, spare wheel,
installed accessories, passengers and
cargo and, if applicable, trailer tongue
load. The GWV must never exceed the
GWVR indicated on the certification label
located on the driver’s door B-pillar.
GVWR (G
ross V
ehicle W
eight R
ating)
This is the maximum permissible vehicle
weight of the fully loaded vehicle (weight of
the vehicle including all options, passen-
gers, fuel, and cargo and, if applicable,
trailer tongue load). It is indicated on
certification label located on the driver’s
door B-pillar.
Kilopascal (kPa)
The metric unit for air pressure. There are
6.9 kPa to 1 psi; another metric unit for air
pressure is bars. There are 100 kilopascals
(kPa) to 1 bar.Maximum load rating
The maximum load in kilograms and
pounds that can be carried by the tire.
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
The sum of curb weight, accessory weight,
vehicle capacity weight and production
options weight.
Maximum tire inflation pressure
This number is the greatest amount of air
pressure that should ever be put in the tire
under normal driving conditions.
Normal occupant weight
The number of occupants the vehicle is
designed to seat, multiplied by
68 kilograms (150 lbs).
Occupant distribution
The distribution of occupants in a vehicle
at their designated seating positions.Production options weight
The combined weight of those installed
regular production options weighing over
5 lbs (2.3 kilograms) in excess of those
standard items which they replace, not
previously considered in curb weight or
accessory weight, including heavy duty
brakes, ride levelers, roof rack, heavy duty
battery, and special trim.
PSI (P
ounds per s
quare i
nch)
A standard unit of measure for air pressure
-> bar, kilopascal (kPa).
Recommended tire inflation pressure
Recommended tire inflation pressure
listed on placard located on driver’s door
B-pillar for normal driving conditions.
Provides best handling, tread life and
riding comfort.

520 IndexLoading 259
Cargo compartment cover* 265
Cargo tie-down rings 260
Hooks 261
Instructions 259
Partition net* 263
Roof rack* 269
Trailer 315
Loading terminology 365
Loading the vehicle 338
Locator lighting 141
Setting 168
Lock buttons
Door handle (KEYLESS-GO*) 64
Locking 106
Automatic while driving 125
Centrally from inside 126
Fuel filler flap 323
Global (SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO*) 113
Global, SmartKey 108
Vehicle in an emergency 436Locking knob 503
Locking knobs 32
Locking the vehicle 116
Loss of Service and
Warranty Information Booklet 483
Loss of SmartKey 110
Loss of Smartkey with
KEYLESS-GO* 116
Low beam bulbs
Replacing bulbs 446
Low beam headlamps
Replacing bulbs 443
Switching on 54
Lowering
Vehicle 460M
Main dimensions 491
Main fuse box 478
Maintenance 12
Maintenance service
Resetting maintenance
service indicator 373
Term exceeded 372
When due 371
Maintenance service indicator 371
Resetting 373
Malfunction
Parktronic* system 258
Manual headlamp mode 139
Manual operations
Fuel filler flap 438
Interior lighting control 146
Locking the vehicle 436
Power tilt/sliding sunroof* 439
Unlocking the driver’s door 435
Manual seat
Adjusting head restraint tilt 41

526 IndexReplacing key batteries
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* 441
Reporting
Safety defects 19
Reset button in the instrument
cluster 161
Resetting
All functions of a submenu 162
Fuel consumption 177
Maintenance service indicator 373
Trip odometer 149
Residual heat utilization 212, 226, 227,
505
Residual ventilation 212, 226
REST (Residual engine heat
utilization) 505Restraint system 505
Restraint system see Infant
and child restraint systems
Returning from off-road driving 313
Returning seat backrest to original
position 262
Rim 367
Rims 487
Roadside assistance 12
Tele Aid* 284
RON 324
RON (Research Octane Number) 505
Roof rack* 269
Rotating wheels 368
Rubber parts
Cleaning 380
Run Flat Indicator 348S
Safety
Occupant 66
Safety belts see Seat belts
Safety defects
Reporting 19
Safety systems
Driving 93
Seat backrest
Returning to original position 262
Seat belt force limiter 76
Seat belt height adjustment 48
Seat belts 73
Cleaning 379
Fastening 46
Height adjustment 48
Proper use of 48, 74
Safety guidelines 70
Warning lamp 388, 389