2007 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350 Hitch

275 Controls in detail
Driving systems
The Parktronic system is an electronic
parking aid and designed to assist the
driver during parking maneuvers. It visually
and audibly indicates the relative distance
between the vehicle and an obstacle.
The Parktronic system is automatically
activated when you

switch on the ignition or start the
engine
and


release the parking brake
and


set the automatic transmission to
positionD,R, orN
The Parktronic system deactivates at
vehicle speeds exceeding approximately
11 mph (18 km/h). At lower vehicle
speeds the Parktronic system turns on
again.The Parktronic system also deactivates
when you set the automatic transmission
to positionP or depress the parking brake
pedal.
The Parktronic system monitors the sur-
roundings of your vehicle with six sensors
in the front bumper and four sensors in the
rear bumper.
1Sensors in the front bumperRange of the sensors
To function properly, the sensors must be
free of dirt, ice, snow and slush. Clean the
sensors regularly, being careful not to
scratch or damaging the sensors, see
“Cleaning the Parktronic* system sensors”
(
page 408).
!
During parking maneuvers, pay special
attention to objects located above or below the
height of the sensors (e.g. planters or trailer
hitches). The Parktronic system will not detect
such objects at close range and damage to your
vehicle or the object may result.
Ultrasonic signals from outside sources (e.g.
working jackhammers, car wash or the air brakes
of trucks) may impair the operation of the
Parktronic system.

278 Controls in detailDriving systemsSwitching off
Press Parktronic switch1.
Indicator lamp2 comes on.
Switching on

Press Parktronic switch1 once more.
Indicator lamp2 goes out.Parktronic system* malfunction
If only the red distance segments illumi-
nate and an acoustic warning sounds,
there is a malfunction in the Parktronic
system. The Parktronic system will auto-
matically switch off after 20 seconds and
the indicator lamp in the Parktronic switch
comes on.

Have the Parktronic system checked
by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center as soon as possible.
If only the red distance segments illumi-
nate and no acoustic warning sounds, the
Parktronic system sensors are dirty (e.g.
slush, snow or ice) or there is an interfer-
ence from other radio or ultrasonic signals
(e.g. working jackhammers, car wash or
the air brakes of trucks). The Parktronic
system will automatically switch off after
20 seconds and the indicator lamp in the
Parktronic switch comes on.

Switch off the ignition (
page 40).

Clean the Parktronic system sensors
(page 408).

Switch on the ignition (
page 40).
or

Check the Parktronic system operation
at another location to rule out interfer-
ence from outside radio or ultrasonic
signals.
i
The Parktronic system switches on
automatically when you switch on the ignition
(
page 40).
Vehicles with original equipment Mercedes-Benz
Trailer Hitch Kit:
The rear Parktronic sensor will automatically
disengage when towing a trailer.

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.

344 OperationDriving instructionsChecking weights of vehicle and trailer

To assure that the tow vehicle and trail-
er are in compliance with the maximum
permissible weight limits have the load-
ed rig (tow vehicle including driver, pas-
sengers and cargo, trailer fully loaded)
weighed on a commercial scale.


Check the vehicle’s front and rear
Gross Axle Weight (GAW), the Gross
Trailer Weight (GTW) and Tongue
Weight (TW).
The values as measures must not
exceed the weight limits listed under
“Vehicle and trailer weight and ratings”
(page 343).Attaching a trailerObserve maximum permitted trailer
dimensions (width and length).
Most states and all Canadian provinces
require


safety chains between your tow vehicle
and the trailer.
The chains should be criss-crossed
under the trailer tongue. They must be
attached to the hitch receiver, and not
to the vehicle’s bumper or axle.
Make sure to leave enough slack in the
chains to permit turning corners.


a separate brake system at various
trailer weights.


a break-away switch on trailers with a
separate brake system. Check with
your local state laws for specific
requirements.
The switch activates the trailer brakes
in the possible event that the trailer
might separate from the tow vehicle.
Warning!
G
While you are coupling or decoupling a trail-
er, make sure that you do not

lock or unlock


open or close
a vehicle door or the tailgate.
The vehicle’s level could change and you
could endanger yourself and/or others as a
result.
Make sure that you do not operate the ADS
button* (
page 269) or the vehicle level
control system* (
page 270) when cou-
pling/decoupling the trailer.

345 Operation
Driving instructions

Make sure the automatic transmission
is set toP (
page 187).

Set the parking brake for the vehicle
(page 65).

Start the engine (
page 54).

Vehicles with air suspension package*:
Set the vehicle level to Highway
(page 270).

Vehicles with air suspension package*:
Set the ADS* to AUTO or COMFORT
(page 269).

Turn off the engine (
page 66).

Close all doors and the tailgate.

Attach the trailer.

Plug in all electrical connectors.Towing a trailer
There are many different laws, including
speed limit restrictions, having to do with
trailer towing. Make sure your rig will be le-
gal, not only for where you reside, but also
for where you will be driving. A good
source for this information can be the po-
lice or local authorities.
Note the following points, when driving
with the trailer:


In order to gain skill and an under-
standing of the vehicle’s behavior, you
should practice turning, stopping and
backing up in an area which is free from
traffic.


Before you start driving check the

trailer hitch


break-away switch


safety chains


electrical connections


lighting and tires
!
Do not connect a trailer brake system (if
trailer is so equipped) directly to the vehicle’s
hydraulic brake system, as your vehicle is
equipped with antilock brakes. If you do, neither
the vehicle’s brakes nor the trailer’s brakes will
function properly.
i
The provided vehicle electrical wiring
harness for trailer towing has a brake signal wire
for hook-up to a brake controller.
You should consider using a trailer sway control
system. For further information, see an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
i
Vehicles with air suspension package*:
When you are towing a trailer, the vehicle level
always remains in the Highway setting.
The following applies additionally when towing a
trailer:


The vehicle is lowered to the highway level
when it reaches a speed of 5 mph (8 km/h)
if not set to highway level.


The high-speed level is not available.
The restrictions that apply to towing also apply
when using accessories that are connected to
the trailer power socket, such as a bicycle rack.

521 Practical hints
Towing the vehicle
Installing towing eye bolt
Take the towing eye bolt and wheel bolt
wrench from the vehicle tool kit
(page 469).

Screw towing eye bolt in clockwise to
its stop and tighten with wheel wrench.
Removing towing eye bolt

Loosen towing eye bolt counterclock-
wise with wheel wrench.

Unscrew towing eye bolt.

Store the towing eye bolt and wheel
bolt wrench back into the vehicle tool
kit (
page 469).
Installing cover

Engage cover1 at top and press at
bottom.
Stranded vehicle
Freeing a stranded vehicle, on which the
wheels are dug into sand or mud, should
be done with the greatest of care, especial-
ly if the vehicle is heavily loaded.
Avoid pulling the vehicle abruptly or diago-
nally, since it could result in damage to the
chassis alignment.
Never try to free a vehicle that is still cou-
pled to a trailer.
If possible, a vehicle equipped with trailer
hitch receiver should be pulled backward
in its own previously made tracks.

575 Index
Towing the vehicle 520, 521
Tow-starting 515, 518
Traction 393, 397
4-ETS, Driving safety systems 96,
102
Trailer
Attaching 344
Checking weights 344
Electrical connections 343
Hitch* 342
Loading 343
Towing 342, 345
Weights and ratings 343
Transfer case 199
Transmission position indicator 147
Transmission see Automatic transmission
Traveling abroad 348
Tread 397
Tread depth 367, 399
Treadwear indicators 397
Trip computer 180Trip odometer, resetting 146
Turn signal lamps
Cleaning lenses 408
Messages in the
multifunction display 463
Replacing bulbs 483
Turn signals 60
Additional in mirrors 483
Bulbs 483, 491
Cleaning lenses 408
Indicator lamps 27
Turning off the engine 67
TWR (Tongue Weight Rating) 397
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards 397
Units, Settings
Speedometer 168
Temperature 168
Unlocking the vehicle see Key
Uphill driving
Cruise control 247
Upholstery
Cleaning and care of 412
Useful features 294V
Vacuum line routing diagram label 531
Vehicle
Battery 507
Break-in period 324
Care 404
Control system, Settings menu 164
Dimensions 541
Locking/unlocking 38, 65, 108
Locking/unlocking in an
emergency 475
Modifications and alterations,
Operating safety 17
Proper use of 17
Towing 518
Washing 404
Weights 542
Vehicle and trailer weights and
ratings 343
Vehicle care 404