ContentsDriving systems ................................. 245
Cruise control............................... 245
Distronic*..................................... 250
Distance warning function*.......... 263
Downhill Speed Regulation
(DSR) ............................................ 264
Off-road driving program .............. 268
Air suspension package* ............. 269
Adaptive Damping System
(ADS)* .......................................... 269
Vehicle level control* ................... 270
Parktronic system* ...................... 274
Rear view camera* ....................... 279
Loading .............................................. 281
Carriers* ...................................... 281
Loading instructions ..................... 281
Cargo tie-down rings .................... 283
Hooks ........................................... 284
Expanding cargo compartment .... 284
Cargo compartment cover blind ... 286
Partition net* ............................... 287
Cargo management system*........ 290Useful features .................................. 294
Storage compartments ................ 294
Parcel nets ................................... 297
Cup holders.................................. 298
Ashtrays* ..................................... 300
Cigarette lighter* ......................... 301
Power outlets ............................... 302
Floormats* ................................... 303
Heated steering wheel* ............... 304
Telephone* .................................. 305
Tele Aid* ...................................... 308
Garage door opener* ................... 316
Compass ...................................... 321
Infrared reflecting windshield* ..... 322
Operation......................................... 323
The first 1000 miles (1500 km) ......... 324
Driving instructions ........................... 325
Drive sensibly – save fuel............. 325
Drinking and driving ..................... 325
Pedals .......................................... 325
Power assistance ......................... 326
Brakes.......................................... 326
Driving off .................................... 329
Parking......................................... 329
Tires ............................................. 329
Hydroplaning................................ 330
Tire traction ................................. 330
Tire speed rating .......................... 331
Winter driving instructions ........... 332
Standing water............................. 333
Off-road driving ............................ 333
Trailer towing ............................... 342
Passenger compartment .............. 348
Driving abroad ............................. 348
Control and operation
of radio transmitters .................... 348
Catalytic converter
(gasoline engine).......................... 349
Contents
Oxidation catalyst
(diesel engine).............................. 349
Emission control .......................... 350
Coolant temperature .................... 350
At the gas station .............................. 352
Refueling ...................................... 352
Check regularly and
before a long trip.......................... 354
Engine compartment ......................... 356
Hood ............................................ 356
Engine oil ..................................... 358
Transmission fluid level ................ 362
Coolant level ................................ 362
Windshield/rear window
washer system and
headlamp cleaning system* ........ 363
Tires and wheels ................................ 365
Important guidelines .................... 365
Tire care and maintenance........... 366
Direction of rotation ..................... 368
Loading the vehicle ...................... 368
Recommended tire
inflation pressure ......................... 374
Checking tire inflation pressure ... 375
Tire labeling.................................. 385
Load identification ....................... 389DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) .............................................. 389
Maximum tire load ........................ 391
Maximum tire inflation pressure ... 391
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (U.S. vehicles) .............. 392
Tire ply material ............................ 394
Tire and loading terminology......... 394
Rotating tires ................................ 397
Winter driving ..................................... 399
Winter tires ................................... 399
Block heater (Canada only) ........... 400
Snow chains.................................. 400
Maintenance....................................... 401
Maintenance service indicator
message ....................................... 401
Calling up the maintenance
service indicator display ............... 403
Resetting the maintenance
service indicator ........................... 403
Vehicle care........................................ 404
Cleaning and care of the vehicle ... 404
Practical hints.................................. 413
What to do if … ................................... 414
Lamps in instrument cluster ......... 414
Lamp in center console ................ 426
Vehicle status messages in the
multifunction display .................... 428
Where will I find ...? ............................ 469
First aid kit.................................... 469
Vehicle tool kit.............................. 469
Minispare wheel
(except ML 63 AMG) ..................... 473
Collapsible tire
(ML 63 AMG only) ......................... 474
Unlocking/locking in an emergency .. 475
Unlocking the vehicle ................... 475
Locking the vehicle ....................... 476
Unlocking and opening
the tailgate ................................... 476
Fuel filler flap ................................ 477
Opening/closing in an emergency ..... 478
Power tilt/sliding sunroof* ........... 478
Resetting activated head restraints.... 479
Replacing SmartKey batteries ............ 480
ContentsReplacing bulbs ................................. 482
Bulbs ............................................ 482
Replacing bulbs for front lamps.... 485
Replacing bulbs for rear lamps ..... 490
Adjusting headlamp aim ............... 492
Replacing wiper blades ...................... 494
Front wiper blades ....................... 494
Rear wiper blade .......................... 495
Flat tire .............................................. 497
Preparing the vehicle.................... 497
Mounting the spare wheel ............ 498
Bleeding the fuel system
(diesel engine only) ............................ 506
Battery ............................................... 507
Disconnecting, removing,
reinstalling and
reconnecting the battery .............. 509
Charging the battery .................... 514
Jump starting ..................................... 515
Towing the vehicle ............................. 518
Installing towing eye bolt.............. 520
Stranded vehicle .......................... 521Fuses ................................................. 522
Fuse box in
engine compartment .................... 523
Fuse box in cargo compartment... 523
Fuse box in passenger
compartment ............................... 524
Emergency engine shut-down ...... 525
Technical data................................. 527
Parts service ...................................... 528
Warranty coverage............................. 529
Loss of Service and Warranty
Information Booklet ..................... 529
Identification labels ........................... 530
Layout of poly-V-belt drive ................. 532
ML 350 ........................................ 532
ML 320 CDI .................................. 532
ML 500 ........................................ 532
ML 63 AMG .................................. 533
Engine................................................ 534
Rims and tires.................................... 536
Same size tires ............................. 537
Spare wheel ................................. 538Electrical system ............................... 540
Main Dimensions ............................... 541
Weights ............................................. 542
Fuels, coolants, lubricants ................. 543
Capacities .................................... 543
Engine oils ................................... 546
Engine oil additives ...................... 546
Air conditioning refrigerant .......... 546
Brake fluid.................................... 546
Premium unleaded gasoline
(gasoline engine).......................... 547
Gasoline additives
(gasoline engine).......................... 547
Fuel requirements ........................ 548
Coolants ...................................... 549
Windshield washer and
headlamp cleaning* system......... 551
Index................................................. 553
17 Introduction
Operating safety
Operating safety
Proper use of the vehicle
Proper use of the vehicle requires that you
are familiar with the following information
and rules:
the safety precautions in this manual
the “Technical data” section in this
manual
traffic rules and regulations
motor vehicle laws and safety stan-
dards
Warning!
G
Work improperly carried out on electronic
components and associated software could
cause them to cease functioning. Because
the vehicle’s electronic components are in-
terconnected, any modifications made may
produce an undesired effect on other sys-
tems. Electronic malfunctions could
seriously impair the operating safety of your
vehicle.
See an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center for repairs or modifications to
electronic components.
Other improper work or modifications on the
vehicle could also have a negative impact on
the operating safety of the vehicle.
Some safety systems only function while the
engine is running. You should therefore nev-
er turn off the engine while driving.
Warning!
G
Heavy blows against the vehicle underbody
or tires/wheels, for example when running
over an obstacle, road debris or a pothole,
may cause serious damage and impair the
operating safety of your vehicle. If you feel a
sudden significant vibration or ride distur-
bance, or you suspect that damage to your
vehicle has occurred, you should turn on
your hazard warning flashers, carefully slow
down, and drive with caution to an area
which is a safe distance from the road.
Inspect the vehicle underbody and
tires/wheels for possible damage. If the ve-
hicle appears unsafe, have it towed to the
nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center or other qualified maintenance
or repair facility for further inspection or re-
pairs.
Warning!
G
Various warning labels are attached to your
vehicle. These warning labels are intended
to make you and others aware of various
risks. You should not remove any of these
warning labels unless explicitly instructed to
do so by information on the label itself. Re-
moval of any of these labels may cause you
and others to be unaware of certain risks
which may result in an accident and/or per-
sonal injury.
23 At a glance
Exterior view
Item
Page
1
TailgateOpening
119
Closing
121
Power tailgate*
119,
124
Cargo compartmentVehicle tool kit
469
Spare wheel
473
2
Rear window defroster
208
3
Rear lamps
483
4
Fuel filler flap
352
Refueling
352
Fuel
353,
547
5
Exterior rear view mirrorsAdjusting
49
Auto-dimming rear view
mirrors*
201
Power folding*
202
Item
Page
6
Towing eye boltInstalling
520
Vehicle tool kit
469
7
Tires and wheels
365,
536
Checking tire inflation
pressure
375
Run Flat Indicator
(Canada vehicles)
377
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (U.S. vehicles)
379
Advanced Tire Pressure
Monitoring System*
(Canada vehicles)
381
Flat tire
497
Spare wheel
473
8
Hood
356
Engine oil
358
Coolant
362
Item
Page
9
Windshield wipers
60
Wiper blades, replacing
494
Wiper blades, cleaning
410
a
WindshieldCleaning with wiper fluid
62
Cleaning
410
b
Roof rails
281
Carriers*
281
c
Power tilt/sliding sunroof*
241
d
DoorsLocking and unlocking
108
Opening and closing
119
Locking/unlocking in an
emergency
478
e
Front lamps
483
f
Headlamp cleaning system*
200
96 Safety and SecurityDriving safety systemsIn this section you will find information on
the following driving safety systems:
ABS (A
ntilock B
rake S
ystem)
BAS (B
rake A
ssist S
ystem)
ESP
® (E
lectronic S
tability P
rogram)
EBP (E
lectronic B
rake P
roportioning)
4-ETS (E
lectronic T
raction S
ystem)
ABS
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates
the brake pressure so that the wheels do
not lock during braking. This allows you to
maintain the ability to steer your vehicle.
The ABS is functional above a speed of ap-
proximately 5 mph (8 km/h) independent
of road surface conditions.On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will
respond even to light brake pressure.
The -indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster (
page 26) comes on when you
switch on the ignition. It goes out when the
engine is running.
Braking
At the instant one of the wheels is about to
lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in the
brake pedal, indicating that the ABS is in
the regulating mode.
Keep firm and steady pressure on the
brake pedal while experiencing the pul-
sation.
Continuous, steady brake pedal pressure
yields the advantages provided by the ABS,
namely braking power and ability to steer
the vehicle.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions
and functions as a reminder to take extra
care while driving.
Warning!
G
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
Excessive speed, especially in turns
Wet and slippery road surfaces
Following another vehicle too closely
The ABS, BAS, ESP
® and 4-ETS cannot
reduce this risk.
Always adjust your driving style to the pre-
vailing road and weather conditions.
i
In winter operation, the maximum effective-
ness of the ABS, the BAS, the ESP
®, the EBP, and
the 4-ETS is only achieved with winter tires
(
page 399) or snow chains as required.Warning!
G
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm,
steady brake pedal pressure instead. Pump-
ing the brake pedal defeats the purpose of
the ABS and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.
97 Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
Emergency brake maneuver
Keep continuous full pressure on the
brake pedal.
Off-road – ABS
With the off-road driving program switched
on (
page 268), the ABS designed for
off-road use is automatically activated.
When applying the brakes at speeds below
approximately 18 mph (30 km/h), the
front wheels are locked cyclically to short-
en the braking distance (dig-in effect). This
affects steering the vehicle.
For more information, see “Practical hints”
(
page 413).
BAS
The Brake Assist System (BAS) operates in
emergency situations. If you apply the
brakes very quickly, the BAS automatically
provides full brake boost, thereby poten-
tially reducing braking distance.
Apply continuous full braking pressure
until the emergency braking situation is
over.
The ABS will prevent the wheels from
locking.
When you release the brake pedal, the
brakes function again as normal. The BAS
is then deactivated.
Warning!
G
When the ABS is malfunctioning, the BAS,
the ESP
®, and the 4-ETS are also switched
off. The basic driving and braking functions
are still available.
When the ABS is malfunctioning, the wheels
may lock during hard braking, reducing
steering capability and extending the brak-
ing distance.
Warning!
G
The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase braking or steering efficiency be-
yond that afforded by the condition of the
vehicle brakes and tires or the traction
afforded. The ABS cannot prevent acci-
dents, including those resulting from
excessive speed in turns, following another
vehicle too closely, or hydroplaning. Only a
safe, attentive, and skillful driver can pre-
vent accidents. The capabilities of an ABS
equipped vehicle must never be exploited in
a reckless or dangerous manner which
could jeopardize the user’s safety or the
safety of others.
Warning!
G
If the BAS is malfunctioning, the brake sys-
tem is still functioning, but without the addi-
tional brake boost available that BAS would
normally provide in an emergency braking
maneuver. Therefore, the braking distance
may increase.
98 Safety and SecurityDriving safety systems
ESP
®
The Electronic Stability Program (ESP
®) is
operational as soon as the engine is run-
ning. It monitors the vehicle’s traction
(force of adhesive friction between the
tires and the road surface) and handling.
The ESP
® recognizes when a wheel is
spinning or if the vehicle starts to skid. By
applying brakes to the appropriate wheel
and by limiting engine output, the ESP
®
works to stabilize the vehicle. The ESP® is
especially useful while driving off and on
wet or slippery road surfaces. The ESP®
also helps stabilize the vehicle during
braking maneuvers.
The ESP
® warning lampv in the instru-
ment cluster (
page 26) flashes when the
ESP
® is engaged.
The ESP
® warning lampv in the instru-
ment cluster come on when you switch on
the ignition. It goes out when the engine is
running.
Warning!
G
The BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase braking efficiency beyond that
afforded by the condition of the vehicle
brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
The BAS cannot prevent accidents, includ-
ing those resulting from excessive speed in
turns, following another vehicle too closely,
or hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and
skillful driver can prevent accidents. The
capabilities of a BAS equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or danger-
ous manner which could jeopardize the
user’s safety or the safety of others.
Warning!
G
Never switch off the ESP
® when you see the
ESP
® warning lampv flashing in the in-
strument cluster. In this case, proceed as
follows:
While driving off, apply as little throttle
as possible.
While driving, ease up on the accelera-
tor.
Adapt your speed and driving style to
the prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid.
The ESP
® cannot prevent accidents result-
ing from excessive speed.