2007 MERCEDES-BENZ ML500 Page 16

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.

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.

346 OperationDriving instructions

Adjust the mirrors (
page 49) to
permit unobstructed view beyond rear
of trailer.


If the trailer has electric brakes, start
your vehicle and trailer moving slowly,
and then apply only the trailer brake
controller by hand to make sure the
brakes are working properly.


Always secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shifts while driving.


When towing a trailer, check occasion-
ally to make sure the load is secure,
and that lighting and trailer brakes (if
so equipped) are functioning properly.


Take into consideration that when tow-
ing a trailer, the handling characteris-
tics are different and less stable from
those when operating the vehicle with-
out a trailer.
It is important to avoid sudden maneu-
vers.


The vehicle and trailer combination is
heavier, and therefore is limited in ac-
celeration and climbing ability, and re-
quires longer stopping distances.
It is more prone to reacting to cross
wind gusts, and requires more sensi-
tive steering input.


If possible, do not brake abruptly, but
rather engage the brake slightly at first
to permit the trailer to activate its
brake. Then increase the braking force.


If the transmission repeatedly shifts
between gears on inclines, manually
shift to a lower gear (select 4, 3, 2 or 1)
(page 193).
A lower gear and reduction of speed re-
duces the chance of engine overload-
ing and/or overheating.


On very steep inclines, not manageable
with automatic transmission in1,
switch on off-road driving program
(page 268).


When going down a long hill, shift into
a lower gear and use the engine’s brak-
ing effect.
Avoid riding the brakes, thus overheat-
ing the vehicle and trailer brakes.


If the engine coolant rises to an ex-
tremely high temperature (coolant tem-
perature needle approaching the red
zone) when the air conditioning is on,
turn off the air conditioning system.
Engine coolant heat can be additionally
vented by opening the windows,
switching the climate control fan speed
to high and setting the temperature
control to the maximum hot position.
!
If the trailer should begin to sway, reduce
the vehicle’s speed immediately.
In no case attempt to straighten out the tow
vehicle and trailer by increasing the speed.