407 Operation
Vehicle care
Automatic car wash
You can have your car washed in an auto-
matic car wash from the start. Automatic
car washes without brushes are prefera-
ble.
To protect the filter system, switch the
climate control (
page 208) or the au-
tomatic climate control (
page 222)
to air recirculation mode.
If the vehicle is very dirty, prewash it
before running it through the automatic
car wash.Ornamental moldings
For regular cleaning and care of ornamen-
tal moldings, use a damp cloth.
!
Do not clean your vehicle in an automatic
touchless car wash which use caustic spray.
Otherwise the caustic spray will damage the
paint or ornamental moldings.
!
If you want the gear position to remain inN
(for example when the vehicle is pulled through
a car wash)
do not remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch
or, when using KEYLESS-GO*
do not turn off the engine using the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button* and open
the driver’s door.
Otherwise, the transmission will shift toP and
lock the wheels, preventing the vehicle from be-
ing pulled through a car wash.
!
Make sure that the windshield wiper switch
is set to0 (
page 61). Otherwise, e.g. the rain
sensor could activate and cause the wipers to
move unintentionally. This may lead to vehicle
damage.
Due to the width of the vehicle, fold in exterior
rear view mirrors prior to running the vehicle
through an automatic car wash to prevent
damage to the mirrors.
i
After running the vehicle through an auto-
matic car wash, wipe any wax off of the wind-
shield (
page 410). This will prevent smears
and reduce wiping noise which can be caused by
residual wax on the windshield.
When leaving the car wash, make sure that the
mirrors are folded out. Otherwise they may
vibrate.
!
Do not use chrome cleaner on ornamental
moldings. Although ornamental moldings may
have chrome appearance, they could be made of
anodized aluminum that will be damaged when
cleaned with chrome cleaner. Instead, use a
damp cloth to clean those ornamental moldings.
For very dirty ornamental moldings of which you
are sure are chrome-plated, use a chrome clean-
er. If in doubt whether an ornamental molding is
chrome-plated, contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
ProCarManuals.com
463 Practical hints
What to do if …
Display symbol
Display messages
Possible cause/consequence
Possible solution
.
Turn signal
Front Left
The left front turn signal lamp is
malfunctioning. A substitute
bulb is being used.
Replace the bulb as soon as possible
(page 487).
Turn signal
Front Right
The right front turn signal lamp is
malfunctioning. A substitute
bulb is being used.
Replace the bulb as soon as possible
(page 487).
Turn signal
Rear Left
The left rear turn signal lamp is
malfunctioning. A substitute
bulb is being used.
Replace the bulb as soon as possible
(page 490).
Turn signal
Rear Right
The right rear turn signal lamp is
malfunctioning. A substitute
bulb is being used.
Replace the bulb as soon as possible
(page 490).
Turn signal
Left mirror
The turn signal in the left exteri-
or rear view mirror is malfunc-
tioning. This message will only
appear if a number of critical
LEDs have stopped working.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Light Truck Center as soon as possible.
Turn signal
Right mirror
The turn signal in the right exte-
rior rear view mirror is malfunc-
tioning. This message will only
appear if a number of critical
LEDs have stopped working.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Light Truck Center as soon as possible.
ProCarManuals.com
484 Practical hintsReplacing bulbs
Notes on bulb replacement
Only use 12-volt bulbs of the same type
and with the specified watt rating.
Switch lights off before changing a bulb
to prevent short circuits.
Always use a clean lint-free cloth when
handling bulbs.
Your hands should be dry and free of oil
and grease.
If the newly installed bulb does not
come on, visit an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.Have the LEDs and bulbs for the following
lamps replaced by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center:
the additional turn signal lamps in the
exterior rear view mirrors
the high mounted brake lamp
the Bi-Xenon* low beam lamps
the Bi-Xenon high beam flasher spot-
light*
Warning!
G
Bulbs and bulb sockets can be very hot.
Allow the lamp to cool down before chang-
ing a bulb.
Keep bulbs out of reach of children.
Halogen lamps contain pressurized gas.
A bulb can explode if you:
touch or move it when hot
drop the bulb
scratch the bulb
Wear eye and hand protection.
Because of high voltage in Xenon lamps, it is
dangerous to replace the bulb or repair the
lamp and its components. We recommend
that you have such work done by a qualified
technician.
!
Do not replace the LEDs yourself. You could
otherwise damage the LEDs or parts of the vehi-
cle. Only have the LEDs replaced by a qualified
specialist workshop having the necessary skills
and tools for carrying out the work required.
i
Replacing the bulbs for the front lamps is a
technically complex process. For your conve-
nience, we recommend that you have this work
carried out by an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Light Truck Center.
Have the headlamp adjustment checked
regularly.
ProCarManuals.com
489 Practical hints
Replacing bulbs
Turn the hook or screwdriver 90°.
Hold the cover1 and pull the hook or
screwdriver outwards.
You can now access the front fog lamp.
Example ML 350, ML 500 without Sport
Package; Sport Package similar3Retaining screws
Turn retaining screws3 counterclock-
wise.
Remove front fog lamp2 out of the
bumper.
Pull electrical connector off.4Bulb socket of front fog lamp bulb
Turn bulb socket4 counterclockwise.
Pull bulb socket4 out of the housing.
Pull the front fog lamp bulb out of bulb
socket4.
Insert the new front fog lamp bulb into
bulb socket4.
Insert bulb socket4 into the housing.
Turn bulb socket4 clockwise until it
engages.
Plug in the electrical connector.
Insert front fog lamp2 back into
bumper.
Fasten retaining screws3.
Reinsert cover1 and press it in until it
engages.
Additional turn signal lamps bulbs
The additional turn signal lamps in the
exterior rear view mirrors have LEDs.
If a malfunction occurs or LEDs fail to func-
tion, the entire turn signal unit must be re-
placed. Have the turn signal unit replaced
by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center.
ProCarManuals.com
514 Practical hintsBattery
Connect the positive lead to the posi-
tive terminal and fasten it’s cover
(page 512).
Connect the negative lead to the nega-
tive terminal (
page 512).
Charging the battery
If the battery is discharged, the battery can
be charged using the jump-start contacts
located in the engine compartment
(page 516).
Charge the battery in accordance with
the instructions of the battery charger
manufacturer.
Batteries contain materials that can harm
the environment if disposed of improperly.
Large 12-volt storage batteries contain
lead. Recycling of batteries is the preferred
method of disposal. Many states require
sellers of batteries to accept old batteries
for recycling.
!
Never invert the terminal connections!
i
The following procedures must be carried
out following any interruption of battery power
(e.g. due to reconnection):
Set the clock (
page 169).
Vehicles with COMAND system with naviga-
tion module*: Time and date are set auto-
matically.
Synchronize the door windows
(page 238).
Synchronize the power tilt/sliding sunroof*
(page 244).
Synchronize the power folding exterior rear
view mirrors* (
page 202).
Warning!
G
Never charge a battery while still installed in
the vehicle unless the accessory battery
charge unit approved by Mercedes-Benz is
being used. Gases may escape during charg-
ing and cause explosions that may result in
paint damage, corrosion or personal injury.
An accessory battery charge unit specially
adapted for Mercedes-Benz vehicles and
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz is
available, permitting the charging of the
battery in its installed position. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center for information and availability.
Charge battery in accordance with the
separate instructions for the accessory
battery charger.
ProCarManuals.com
541 Technical data
Main Dimensions
Main Dimensions
Model
ML 320 CDI, ML 350, ML 500
ML 63 AMG
Overall vehicle length
188.5 in (4788 mm)
189.5 in (4812 mm)
Vehicle width (exterior rear view mirrors folded out)
83.7 in (2127 mm)
83.7 in (2127 mm)
Vehicle width (exterior rear view mirrors folded in)
76.0 in (1930 mm)
76.8 in (1951 mm)
Overall vehicle height (vehicles with steel suspen-
sion)
71.5 in (1815 mm)
-
Overall vehicle height, depending on set vehicle level
(vehicles with air suspension package*)
69.8 in-73.0 in
(1774 mm-1854 mm)
69.5 in-72.6 in
(1764 mm-1844 mm)
Wheelbase
114.8 in (2915 mm)
114.8 in (2915 mm)
Ground clearance (vehicles with steel suspension)
8.3 in (210 mm)
-
Ground clearance, depending on set vehicle level
(vehicles with air suspension package*)
7.1 in-10.3 in (181 mm-261 mm)
6.7 in-9.5 in (169 mm-242 mm)
Turning circle
39 ft (11.6 m)
39 ft (11.6 m)
Track, front
64.0 in (1627 mm)
64.8 in-65.5 in
(1647 mm-1664 mm)
Track, rear
64.1 in (1629 mm)
64.9 in-65.3 in
(1649 mm-1667 mm)
ProCarManuals.com
553 Index
A
ABS 96
Indicator lamp 414
Messages in the multifunction
display 430
Off-road - ABS 97
Accelerator position, automatic
transmission 191
Accessory weight 394
Accident 64
Active head restraint 80, 128, 479
Adaptive Damping System (ADS)* 269
Air bags 71
Children 73, 82
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp 31, 89, 426
Front, Driver 75
Front, Passenger 75
Occupant Classification System
(OCS) 85
Safety guidelines 73
Side impact (front and rear*) 76
Window curtain 76Air conditioning refrigerant 546
Air conditioning system see
Climate control or Automatic climate
control (3-zone)*
Air conditioning, Cooling 216, 230
Air distribution, Front 212, 226
Air distribution, Rear 219, 234
Air pressure see Tire inflation pressure
Air pump, electric (ML 63 AMG) 502
Air recirculation mode 214, 228
Air suspension package* 269
Adaptive Damping System
(ADS)* 269
Messages in the multifunction
display 467
Vehicle level control* 270
Air vents 219
Air vents, Front 212, 226
Air vents, Rear 235
Air volume 212, 227Alarm system see Anti-theft systems
Alignment bolt (vehicle tool kit) 470, 500
Anticorrosion/antifreeze 550
Antiglare, Interior rear view mirror 200
Antiglare, Rear view mirrors* 201
Antilock Brake System see ABS
Anti-theft systems 104
Anti-theft alarm system 103, 104
Immobilizer 103
Aquaplaning see Hydroplaning
Armrest storage compartments
Front 296
Ashtrays* 300
Aspect ratio 394
ATF 362
Attaching a trailer 344
Audio menu 159
CD operation 161
Radio operation 160
Satellite radio* operation
(USA only) 160
Auto-dimming*, Rear view mirrors 201
Automatic central locking,
Control system 176
ProCarManuals.com
560 IndexETD 80, 423
Safety guidelines 73
Expanding cargo compartment 284
Exterior rear view mirrors 49, 201
Folding 202
Power folding* 202
Synchronizing 202
F
Fastening the seat belts 51
Filler neck, Engine oil
(ML 350, ML 320 CDI) 361
Filler neck, Engine oil
(ML 500, ML 63 AMG) 361
First aid kit 469
Flat tire 497
Collapsible tire
(ML 63 AMG only) 474, 538
Lifting the vehicle 498
Lowering the vehicle 504
Minispare wheel
(except ML 63 AMG) 473
Mounting the spare wheel 498
Preparing the vehicle 498
Spare wheel 538Flexible Service System PLUS see FSS
PLUS
Floormats* 303
Fluids
Automatic transmission fluid 362
Brake fluid 354, 544, 546
Capacities 543
Engine coolant 354, 362, 549
Engine oil 358, 546
Power steering fluid 544
Windshield washer and
headlamp cleaning system* 355,
545, 551
Fog lamps 139
Corner-illuminating front fog
lamps* 140
Messages in the
multifunction display 458
Rear fog lamp 139
Replacing bulbs 488
4-ETS 102
Off-road - 4-ETS 102Front air bags 75
Front defroster 213, 227
Front lamps see Headlamps
Front passenger front air bag 70, 75
Messages in the multifunction
display 440, 441, 442, 443
Front passenger front air bag off indicator
lamp 31, 89, 426, 427
Front seat heat restraints see
Head restraints
Front towing eye 520
FSS PLUS (Canada vehicles) 361, 402
Fuel 353
Additives 547
Capacities, Fuel tank 545
Consumption statistics 180, 181
Diesel fuel 545
Filling the tank 352
Fuel filler flap and cap 352, 477
Fuel gauge 29
Fuel tank reserve warning lamp 29,
420
Premium unleaded gasoline 353,
547, 548
Requirements, Octane rating 548
ProCarManuals.com