Contents
Introduction.......................................... 9
Product information ................................ 9
Operator’s Manual ............................... 10
Service and warranty information .. 10
Important notice for California
retail buyers and lessees of
Mercedes-Benz automobiles .......... 11
Maintenance .................................. 12
Roadside Assistance ...................... 12
Change of address or ownership.... 13
Operating your vehicle
outside the USA or Canada ............ 13
Where to find it .................................... 15
Symbols ............................................... 16
Operating safety .................................. 17
Proper use of the vehicle ............... 17
Problems with your vehicle .................. 18
Reporting safety defects...................... 19
Reporting safety defects ................ 19
Vehicle data recording ......................... 20
Information regarding electronic
recording devices ........................... 20
At a glance.......................................... 21
Exterior view ......................................... 22
Cockpit ................................................. 24
Instrument cluster ................................ 26
Instrument cluster ................................ 28
Multifunction steering wheel ................ 30
Center console ..................................... 31
Upper part ...................................... 31
Lower part ...................................... 32
Overhead control panel ........................ 33
Storage compartments ......................... 34
Door control panel................................ 36
Getting started................................... 37
Unlocking ............................................. 38
Unlocking with the SmartKey ......... 38
Unlocking with KEYLESS-GO*......... 39
Starter switch positions .................. 39
Adjusting .............................................. 43
Seats .............................................. 43
Steering wheel ................................ 46
Mirrors ............................................ 49
Driving .................................................. 51
Fastening the seat belts ................. 51
Starting the engine ......................... 54
Parking brake ................................. 57
Driving off ....................................... 58
Switching on headlamps ................. 59
Turn signals .................................... 60
Windshield wipers ........................... 60
Rear window wiper/washer ............ 62
Problems while driving.................... 63
Parking and locking .............................. 65
Parking brake ................................. 65
Switching off headlamps................. 66
Turning off the engine..................... 66
Releasing seat belts........................ 67
Locking ........................................... 68
Contents
Control system .................................. 147
Multifunction display .................... 147
Multifunction steering wheel ........ 148
Menus .......................................... 150
Standard display menu ................ 154
AMG menu ................................... 156
Off-road mode menu .................... 159
Audio menu .................................. 159
Navi* menu .................................. 161
AIRMATIC*/Compass menu ........ 162
DISTRONIC* menu ....................... 162
Vehicle status message
memory menu .............................. 163
Settings menu .............................. 164
Vehicle configuration ................... 178
Trip computer menu..................... 180
Tel menu* .................................... 182
Automatic transmission ..................... 185
Gear selector lever ....................... 185
Shifting procedure ....................... 188
Transmission positions................. 189
Driving tips ................................... 191
Gear ranges ................................. 193
Steering wheel gearshift control .. 194
Shift program (ML 63 AMG only).. 195Emergency operation
(Limp-Home Mode) ....................... 198
Transfer case ...................................... 199
Good visibility ..................................... 200
Headlamp cleaning system* ......... 200
Rear view mirrors .......................... 200
Power folding exterior
rear view mirrors* ......................... 202
Sun visors ..................................... 203
Rear window defroster .................. 205
Climate control ................................... 206
Deactivating the
climate control system ................. 210
Operating the climate control
system in automatic mode............ 210
Setting the temperature................ 211
Adjusting air distribution............... 212
Adjusting air volume ..................... 212
Front defroster.............................. 213
Air recirculation mode .................. 214
Air conditioning............................. 216
Residual heat and ventilation ........ 216
Rear climate control*.................... 2173-zone automatic climate control* ..... 220
Deactivating the
automatic climate
control system .............................. 224
Operating the automatic
climate control system in
automatic mode............................ 225
Setting the temperature ............... 225
Adjusting air distribution .............. 226
Adjusting air volume ..................... 227
Front defroster ............................. 227
Maximum cooling MAX COOL ....... 228
Air recirculation mode .................. 228
Air conditioning ............................ 230
Using driver-side settings
for all temperature zones.............. 231
Residual heat and ventilation........ 232
Rear automatic climate control..... 232
Power windows .................................. 236
Opening and closing ..................... 236
Synchronizing the door windows .. 238
Summer opening feature .............. 239
Convenience closing feature......... 239
Power tilt/sliding sunroof* ................ 241
Opening and closing ..................... 241
Synchronizing ............................... 244
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
14 IntroductionOperator’s ManualWarning!
G
This Sport Utility Vehicle is designed for both on-road and off-road use. It can go places and perform tasks for which conventional 2-wheel drive
passenger cars are not intended. This vehicle will handle and maneuver differently from conventional passenger cars in driving conditions which
may occur on streets, highways and off-road use.
This vehicle has a higher ground clearance and a higher center of gravity than many passenger cars. As with other vehicles of this type, if you
make sharp turns at excessive speeds or abrupt maneuvers, the vehicle may roll over or may go out of control and crash. Utility vehicles have a
significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles. Failure to operate this vehicle safely may result in an accident, rollover of the vehicle,
and severe or fatal injury.
Before you start to drive this vehicle, read the Operator’s Manual. Take time to become familiar with the driving characteristics of this vehicle. Be
sure you are familiar with all vehicle controls. Learn how your vehicle handles on different road surfaces. Do not attempt sharp turns at excessive
speeds or abrupt maneuvers or other unsafe driving actions that can cause loss of vehicle control. When driving off-road or working the vehicle
hard, do not overload it. And, always wear your seat belts at all times. In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die than
a person wearing a seat belt.
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.
21 At a glance
Exterior view
Cockpit
Instrument cluster
Multifunction steering wheel
Center console
Overhead control panel
Storage compartments
Door control panel