2007 MERCEDES-BENZ ML320CDI Comand Manual

336 OperationDriving instructionsChecklist before off-road driving
Engine oil level

Check the engine oil level with the
control system (ML 500 only)
(page 358), or with the oil dipstick
(except ML 500) (
page 360).
Only with a proper oil level can the
vehicle obtain a trouble-free oil supply,
even on steep gradients.Tires


Check the tread depth and maintain
specified tire inflation pressure
(a placard with the recommended tire
inflation pressures is located on the
driver’s door B-pillar (
page 369)).


Check tires for possible damage and
remove foreign objects.


Replace missing valve caps.
Rims


Dented or bent rims can cause tire in-
flation pressure loss and damage the
tire beads. For this reason, check and,
if necessary, change rims before driv-
ing off-road.
Vehicle tool kit


Check if the vehicle jack (
page 471)
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 angle1 Overhang angle, front
2Overhang angle, rear
!
If the engine oil level warning lamp
(
page 453) comes on while driving, stop the
vehicle in a safe location or as soon at is safe to
do so. Check the engine oil level (
page 360).
The engine oil level warnings should not be
ignored. Extended driving with the symbol
displayed could result in serious engine damage
that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
Vehicles with
steel suspen-
sion
1
1
1
1Vehicles with AMG Sport-Package*
2
31°
22°
29°

337 Operation
Driving instructions


Comply with the warnings
(page 333) and rules for off-road
driving (
page 335).


Driving on embankments, slopes and
other steep inclines should only be
done straight up or downhill, i.e. in the
line of gravity. Maximum vehicle climb-
ing ability is a 100% grade which is
equivalent to a slope angle of
45 degrees. Keep in mind that the
climbing ability of the vehicle depends
on terrain conditions.


Shift automatic transmission to
position1 (
page 193).


Drive slowly.


Avoid excessive engine speeds – drive
with moderate engine speeds
(max. 3 000 rpm).


Utilize the engine’s braking power
when descending a slope, observe the
engine speed (do not overrev the en-
gine). Apply the service brake as need-
ed.


Check the brakes after a lengthy down-
grade drive.Traction in steep terrain
The maximum vehicle climbing ability is a
100% grade which is equivalent to a slope
angle of 45 degrees. Keep in mind that the
climbing ability of the vehicle depends on
terrain conditions.
Be easy on the accelerator and watch for
continuous wheel traction when driving in
steep terrain.
Vehicles with air
suspension
package*
1
1
1
1Vehicles with AMG Sport-Package*
2
Raised level
34°
29°
31°
Highway
29°
22°
27°
ML 63 AMG
1
2
Raised level
28°
29°
Highway
23°
24°
i
For maximum engine speed, see “Instru-
ment cluster” (
page 26) and see “Engine”
(
page 534).Warning!
G
To help avoid the vehicle rolling over, never
turn it around on steep inclines. If the vehi-
cle cannot complete the attempted climb,
back it down in reverse gear.
i
The hill start assist system supports you
when driving uphill.
For more information, see “Hill start assist sys-
tem” (page 192).
i
The 4-ETS helps greatly when starting out on
a steep incline when the front wheels have then
the tendency to slip due to the weight shifting
towards the rear axle.
The 4-ETS recognizes the situation and limits the
torque for the front wheels by braking them.
Simultaneously the torque for the rear wheels is
increased.

338 OperationDriving instructionsDriving across a hilltop
Decelerate just ahead of a hilltop (do not
shift automatic transmission to
positionN), to prevent the vehicle from
speeding up too much after climbing a hill.
Use the momentum of the vehicle to drive
across the hilltop.
After climbing a hill, driving in this manner
prevents the vehicle from:

losing ground contact when cresting
hills


losing its forward momentum


speeding up too much after climbing
the hill
Driving downhill


Drive slowly.


Do not drive at an angle to the incline.
Steer into the line of gravity and drive
with the front wheels pointing straight
downhill. Otherwise, the vehicle may
slide sideways off the path and roll
over.


Shift automatic transmission to
position1 (
page 193).


On steep inclines, use the Downhill
Speed Regulation (
page 264).


Utilize the engine’s braking power to
reduce vehicle speed.
If this is insufficient, apply the brakes
gently. Make sure the vehicle is moving
in the line of gravity.


Check the brakes after a lengthy down-
grade drive.Driving through water
1Fording depth
i
The special Off-road – ABS (
page 97) set-
ting allows for precise and brief (cyclical) block-
ing of the front wheels, permitting them to dig
into loose ground.
Remember that, when stopped, the front wheels
slide across a surface and thus lose their ability
to steer the vehicle.
Vehicles with steel
suspension
120.00 in (50 cm)
Vehicles with air
suspension
package* or
ML 63 AMG
1
Raised level
20.00 in (50 cm)

339 Operation
Driving instructions


Before driving through water, deter-
mine its depth.


Vehicles with air suspension package*:
Select the highest vehicle level
possible (
page 270).


Switch to off-road driving program
(page 268) before driving through
water.


Shift automatic transmission to
position1 or2 (
page 193).


Avoid high engine speeds.


Enter and leave the water only at a
shallow spot, driving at walking speed.


Drive through the water slowly and at a
constant speed.


Do not stop vehicle while immersed in
water, and do not shut off the engine.


There is a very high level of driving re-
sistance in water. The surface is slip-
pery and may not be firm, making
pulling away in water difficult and dan-
gerous.


Make sure that only small bow waves
are formed when driving the vehicle
through water.


Clean mud off the tire tread after driv-
ing through water.


To dry the brakes, apply pressure to the
brake pedal several times while driving
after leaving the water.Crossing obstacles
!
The water depth must not exceed the
respective value listed in the table. The ground
under the water might not be firm which could
result the water being deeper than expected
when driving the vehicle through it. Please note
that the water level is correspondingly lower for
flowing water.
!
Never accelerate before driving into the
water. The bow wave could force water into the
engine and auxiliary equipment, thus damaging
them.
!
Do not open any of the vehicle’s doors while
driving through water. Water could otherwise en-
ter the vehicle interior and damage the vehicle’s
electronics, as well as the interior equipment.
!
Obstacles can damage the vehicle
underbody or suspension components. If possi-
ble use the assistance of a second person out-
side the vehicle to scout the path you intend to
take and check for adequate ground clearance
when you cross obstacles with your vehicle. The
person assisting you outside the vehicle should
always be a safe distance away from the vehicle
and positioned so that he or she cannot get hurt
in case of any unexpected vehicle movement.
After off-road driving or crossing obstacles, in-
spect vehicle for any damage, especially vehicle
underbody and suspension components. Failure
to do so can adversely affect the vehicle’s future
performance, including increased chance of an
accident.

340 OperationDriving instructionsWhen driving over tree stumps, big rocks
and other obstacles, observe the following
rules:

Make sure the off-road driving program
(page 268) is switched on.


Avoid high engine speeds.


Shift automatic transmission to
position1 (
page 193).


Check the vehicle clearance before
crossing obstacles.


Cross obstacles (e.g. tree stumps or
big rocks) very slowly by aiming one of
the front wheels at the center of the ob-
stacle, and repeat same with the rear
wheel.Driving on sand
When driving on sand, observe the follow-
ing rules:


Vehicles with air suspension package*:
Set the raised level (
page 270).


Avoid high engine speeds.


Shift automatic transmission into a
gear range that is appropriate for the
terrain.


In sandy soil, drive at a steady speed as
allowed by conditions. This helps over-
come the vehicle rolling resistance and
reduce the likelihood of the vehicle
sinking into the ground.


Drive in tracks of other vehicles if they
are not too deep and if you have suffi-
cient clearance.
Ruts
A number of off-road tracks or other by-
ways have deep ruts which can cause the
underbody to come in contact with the
ground.


Make sure the off-road driving program
(page 268) is switched on.


Vehicles with air suspension package*:
Set the raised level (
page 270).
!
Special attention is needed when you cross
obstacles on a steep incline.
The vehicle could slide sideways as a result of its
possible slanted position which in turn may
result in the vehicle tipping or rolling over.
Warning!
G
Do not reduce the tire inflation pressure
before driving through sand. However, if you
do so, remember to correct the tire inflation
pressure (
page 375) before continuing
your trip. Driving with reduced tire inflation
pressure increases the risk of losing control
of the vehicle and rolling over.

341 Operation
Driving instructions


Avoid high engine speeds.


Shift automatic transmission to
position1 (
page 193).


Drive next to the ruts rather than
through them if at all possible.


If the ruts are too deep to drive in, drive
with one side of the vehicle on the
grassy center strip if the route permits.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 off-road driving program
(page 268).


Switch off the DSR (
page 265).


Vehicles with air suspension package*:
Lower the vehicle back to a level
suitable for road conditions, e.g. High-
way/High-speed level (
page 270).


Clean all exterior lamps and check for
possible damage.


Clean the front and rear license plate.
!
Check that the ruts are not too deep and
your vehicle’s clearance is sufficient. Otherwise:


your vehicle may be damaged


the underbody of the vehicle may come in
contact with the ground and you may get
stuck
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.
Damage to the vehicle may influence driving
comfort and pose the risk of accident to you
and other drivers.

342 OperationDriving instructions

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.


Check tires for possible damage.


Inspect vehicle underbody, oil pan,
brake hoses, etc., as well as vehicle un-
derbody for possible damage.


Check for brush or branches caught in
the underbody.


After continued operation in mud,
sand, water or other dirty conditions
clean the brake discs, wheels, brake
pads and check and clean axle joints.


Conduct a brake test.
Trailer towing Trailer hitch*


Only install a trailer hitch receiver ap-
proved for your vehicle.
For information on availability and in-
stallation, see an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.


The bumpers on your vehicle are not
designed for use with clamp-type hitch-
es.
Do not attach rental hitches or other
bumper-type hitches to them.


To reduce the possibility of damage, re-
move the hitch ball adaptor from the
receiver when not in use.
!
Brush or branches could increase the possi-
bility of a fire, as well as cut fuel and/or brake
lines, puncture rubber bellows of the axles or
drive shafts.
Warning!
G
Failure to use proper equipment and driving
technique can result in a loss of vehicle con-
trol when towing a trailer.
Improper towing or failure to follow the in-
structions in this manual can result in vehi-
cle damage and/or serious personal injury.
Follow the guidelines below carefully to as-
sure safe trailer operation.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center should you require an explana-
tion of information contained in this manual.

343 Operation
Driving instructions
Electrical connections
The vehicle is prewired to accept the
seven-wire harness included in the
Mercedes-Benz approved trailer hitch
receiver kit.
For further information, see an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
Vehicle and trailer weights and ratings
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the
maximum permissible vehicle weight:
ML 350, ML 500, ML 320 CDI:
6239 lbs (2830 kg)
ML 63 AMG:
6393 lbs (2900 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW):
Comprises weight of vehicle including fuel,
tools, spare wheel, installed accessories,
passengers, cargo and trailer tongue. It
must never exceed the GVWR.Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) is the
maximum permissible axle weight:
The Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) is the
weight of the trailer plus the weight of all
cargo, equipment, luggage etc. loaded on
the trailer. The maximum permissible
gross trailer weight to be towed:
4982 lbs (2260 kg)
Trailer Tongue Weight Rating (TWR) is the
maximum permissible weight on the trailer
tongue:
496 lbs (225 kg) limit for Mercedes-Benz
approved hitch receiver.Loading a trailer


When loading a trailer, you should ob-
serve that neither the permissible GTW,
nor the GVWR are exceeded.
Maximum permissible values are listed
on the safety compliance certification
labels for the vehicle and for the trailer
to be towed.
The lowest value listed must be select-
ed when determining how the vehicle
and trailer are loaded.


The tongue weight at the hitch ball
must be added to the GVW to prevent
exceeding your Mercedes-Benz tow
vehicle’s rear GAWR.
i
A four-pole conversion plug is available from
your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center as a spare part.
ML 350,
ML 320
CDI
ML 500
ML 63
AMG
Front
2943 lbs
(1335 kg)
2987 lbs
(1355 kg)
3175 lbs
(1440 kg)
Rear
3296 lbs
(1495 kg)
3252 lbs
(1475 kg)
3527 lbs
(1600 kg)
i
We recommend loading the trailer in such a
manner that it has a Tongue Weight (TW)
between 10% and 15% of the Gross Trailer
Weight (GTW).
i
Maximum trailer ratings are calculated as-
suming a base vehicle, plus any options neces-
sary to achieve the rating, plus driver. The weight
of other equipment, passengers and cargo will
reduce the maximum trailer weight your vehicle
can tow.