2007 MERCEDES-BENZ ML500 maintenance

508 Practical hintsBattery!
The battery is a valve-regulated lead acid
(VRLA) battery, also referred to as “fleece” bat-
tery. Such batteries do not require topping-up of
the electrolyte level. VRLA batteries therefore do
not have cell caps and the battery cover is
non-removable. Do not attempt to open the bat-
tery as otherwise the battery will be damaged.
Even though VRLA batteries do not require top-
ping-up of the electrolyte level and cannot be
opened to check the electrolyte level, the bat-
tery condition must be checked periodically by
performing a battery conductance test. Refer to
Maintenance Booklet for battery condition test-
ing intervals.
As with any other battery, the battery may dis-
charge if the vehicle is not operated for an ex-
tended period of time. You can connect a battery
maintenance charge unit tested and approved
for use on your vehicle model or disconnect the
battery to prevent battery discharge. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center
for more information.
!
The factory-equipped VRLA battery is
leak-proofed. Only use a battery as replacement
that has the same security features and is of
identical size, voltage, and capacity as the
factory-equipped battery.
The battery, the battery ventilation hose
(
page 513) and the lateral plug (
page 513)
must always be securely installed when the
vehicle is in operation.
Warning!
G
Jump starting must only be done using the
jump-start contacts located in the engine
compartment (
page 515).
Warning!
G
Failure to follow these instructions can re-
sult in severe injury or death.
Observe all safety instructions and precau-
tions when handling automotive batteries
(page 507).
Never lean over batteries while connecting,
you might get injured.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not
allow this fluid to come in contact with eyes,
skin or clothing. In case it does, immediately
flush affected area with water and seek
medical help if necessary.
A battery will also produce hydrogen gas,
which is flammable and explosive. Keep
flames or sparks away from battery, avoid
improper connection of jumper cables,
smoking etc.

536 Technical dataRims and tires!
Only use tires which have been tested and
approved by Mercedes-Benz. Tires approved by
Mercedes-Benz are developed to provide best
possible performance in conjunction with the
driving safety systems on your vehicle such as
ABS or ESP
®. Tires specially developed for your
vehicle and tested and approved by
Mercedes-Benz can be identified by finding the
following on the tire’s sidewall:


MO = M
ercedes-Benz O
riginal equipment
tires
AMG vehicles:
Does not apply to all approved tires on AMG
vehicles. For information on tested and
approved tires for AMG vehicles, contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center.
Using tires other than those approved by
Mercedes-Benz may result in damage that is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
!
Using tires other than those approved by
Mercedes-Benz can have detrimental effects,
such as


poor handling characteristics


increased noise


increased fuel consumption
Moreover, tires and rims not approved by
Mercedes-Benz may, under load, exhibit dimen-
sional variations and different tire deformation
characteristics that could cause them to come
into contact with the vehicle body or axle parts.
Damage to the tires or the vehicle may be the
result.
i
Further information on tires and rims is
available at any authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center. A placard with the recommended
tire inflation pressure is located on the driver’s
door B-pillar (
page 530). Some vehicles may
have supplemental tire inflation pressure infor-
mation for driving at high speeds (
page 375)
or for vehicle loads less than the maximum
loaded vehicle condition (
page 375). If such
information is provided, it can be found on the
placard located on the inside of the fuel filler
flap.The tire inflation pressure should be checked
regularly and should only be adjusted on cold
tires. Follow tire manufacturer’s maintenance
recommendation included with vehicle.
i
The following pages also list the approved
wheel rim and tire sizes for equipping your
vehicles with winter tires. Winter tires are not
available as standard or optional factory equip-
ment, but can be purchased from an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
Depending on vehicle model and the standard or
optional factory-equipped wheel rim/tire
configuration on your vehicle (Appearance
Package, Sport Package etc.), equipping your
vehicle with winter tires approved for your
vehicle model may also require the purchase of
two or four wheel rims of the recommended size
for use with these winter tires. See an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center for more
information.

546 Technical dataFuels, coolants, lubricantsEngine oils
Engine oils are specifically tested for their
suitability in our engines and durability for
our service intervals. Therefore, only use
approved engine oils and oil filters re-
quired for vehicles with Maintenance
System (U.S. vehicles) or FSS PLUS (Cana-
da vehicles). For a listing of approved en-
gine oils and oil filters, refer to the Factory
Approved Service Products pamphlet, or
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Light Truck Center.
Engine oil additives
Do not blend oil additives with engine oil.
They may damage the engine.
Damage or malfunctions resulting from
blending oil additives are not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.Air conditioning refrigerant
R-134a (HFC) refrigerant and special PAG
lubricating oil are used in the air condition-
ing system.
Never use R-12 (CFC) or mineral-based lu-
bricating oil. Otherwise damage to the
system will occur.
Brake fluid
Only brake fluid approved by
Mercedes-Benz is recommended. Your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center will provide you with additional in-
formation.
!
Using engine oils and oil filters of
specification other than those expressly
required for the Maintenance System
(U.S. vehicles) or FSS PLUS (Canada vehicles),
or changing of oil and oil filter at change intervals
longer than those called for by the Maintenance
System (U.S. vehicles) or FSS PLUS (Canada ve-
hicles) will result in engine or emission control
system damage not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.Please follow Maintenance System
(U.S. vehicles) or FSS PLUS (Canada vehicles)
recommendations for scheduled oil changes.
Failure to do so could result in engine or
emission control system damage not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Warning!
G
During vehicle operation, the boiling point of
the brake fluid is continuously reduced
through the absorption of moisture from the
atmosphere. Under extremely strenuous op-
erating conditions, this moisture content
can lead to the formation of bubbles in the
system, thus reducing the system’s efficien-
cy.
Therefore, the brake fluid must be replaced
regularly. Refer to your vehicle’s
Maintenance Booklet for replacement inter-
val.

549 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants
Coolants
The engine coolant is a mixture of water
and anticorrosion/antifreeze, which
provides:

Corrosion protection


Freeze protection


Boiling protection (by increasing the
boiling point)
The cooling system was filled at the factory
with a coolant providing freeze protection
to approximately -35°F (-37°C) and corro-
sion protection.If the antifreeze mixture is effective to
-22°F (-30°C), the boiling point of the cool-
ant in the pressurized cooling system is
reached at approximately 266°F (130°C).
The coolant solution must be used year
round to provide the necessary corrosion
protection and increase boil-over protec-
tion. Refer to Maintenance Booklet for
replacement interval.
Coolant system design and coolant used
determine the replacement interval. The
replacement interval published in the
Maintenance booklet is only applicable if
MB 325.0 anticorrosion/antifreeze solu-
tion or other Mercedes-Benz approved
products of equal specification (see
Factory Approved Service Products
pamphlet) are used to renew the coolant
concentration or bring it back up to the
proper level.To provide important corrosion protection,
the solution must be at least 45% anticor-
rosion/antifreeze (equivalent to freeze
protection to approx. - 22°F [-30°C]). If
you use a solution that is more than 55%
anticorrosion/antifreeze (freeze protec-
tion to approx. - 49°F [-45°C]), the engine
temperature will increase due to the lower
heat transfer capability of the solution.
Therefore, do not use more than this
amount of anticorrosion/antifreeze.
If the coolant level is low, water and
MB 325.0 anticorrosion/antifreeze should
be used to bring it up to the proper level
(have cooling system checked for signs of
leakage). Please make sure the mixture is
in accordance with label instructions.
The water in the cooling system must meet
minimum requirements, which are usually
satisfied by normal drinking water. If you
are not sure about the water quality, con-
sult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center.
!
Add premixed coolant solution only. Adding
water and MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/Antifreeze
separately from each other, could cause engine
damage not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

557 Index
Cup holders 298
Cleaning 299
Front center console 299
Front center console,
Removing/Installing 299
Rear armrest 299
Curb weight 395
Current transmission program
mode (AMG vehicles only) 147
D
Date display, Setting 169, 170
Daytime running lamp mode 138
Setting 171
Deep water see Standing water
Defogging windshield 213, 227
Defrosting, Front 213, 227
Defrosting, Rear 205
Delayed shut-off
Exterior lamps 172
Interior lighting 173
Department of Transportation see DOT
Diesel engine
Preglow indicator lamp 29Difficulties
While driving 63
While starting 57
Digital clock see Clock
Digital speedometer 147, 155
Dimensions, Vehicle 541
Direction of rotation (tires) 368
Displays
Digital speedometer 147, 155
Distronic* 253
Maintenance service indicator 401
Messages in the
multifunction display 428
Multifunction display 147
Outside temperature 147, 155
Selecting 168
Symbol messages 446
Text messages 430
Vehicle status message 163, 428
Vehicle system settings,
Control system 151, 153, 164
Distance to empty (range), Trip
Computer 180Distronic* 250
Activating 256
Cleaning system sensor 408
Control system 255
Deactivating 259
Distance warning function* 179, 263
Driving hints 261
Messages in the
multifunction display 432
Sensor cover 408
Warning and indicator lamps 253
Door
Entry lamps 144
Locking, In an emergency 476
Locking/unlocking,
KEYLESS-GO* 39, 68
Locking/unlocking, SmartKey 38, 68
Messages in the
multifunction display 455
Opening from inside/outside 109,
118
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid*) 315
Unlocking, Mechanical key 475

565 Index
Light sensor
Messages in the
multifunction display 460
Lighter see Cigarette lighter*
Lighting, Exterior and interior 136
Limp-Home Mode 198, 417, 418
Loading see Vehicle loading
Locator lighting 139, 172
Lock buttons, KEYLESS-GO*
Outside door handle 68
Locking the vehicle see Key
Loss of keys, Mechanical key 111
Loss of keys, SmartKey 111
Loss of keys, SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* 117
Loss of Service and Warranty Information
Booklet 529
Low beam headlamps
Messages in the
multifunction display 460
Replacing bulbs 483
Switching on 59, 136
Lubricants 543
Lumbar support 130M
Main dimensions 541
Maintenance 12, 401
Calling up service indicator
display 403
Clearing service indicator
message 402
FSS PLUS (Canada vehicles) 402
Maintenance System
(U.S. vehicles) 401
Resetting service indicator 403
Service indicator message 401
Service term exceeded 402
Vehicle Maintenance System
(U.S. vehicles) 401
Manual headlamp mode see Headlamps
Manual shift progam
(ML 63 AMG only) 196
Manual shift program (ML 63 AMG)
Activating 196
Deactivating 198
Maximum cooling, MAX COOL* see
Automatic climate control
(3-zone)* 228Maximum load rating, Tires 396
Maximum loaded vehicle weight,
Tires 396
MB Tex upholstery, Cleaning and
care of 412
Mechanical key 475
Memory function* see Seats
Menus see Control system menus
Messages in display see
Multifunction display messages
Microphone, Hands-free 33
Minispare wheel see Spare wheel
Mirrors
Adjusting 49
Auto-dimming rear view
mirrors* 201
Exterior rear view mirror 49
Interior rear view mirror 49, 200

567 Index
LATCH-type child seat anchors 91
OCS 85
OCS, Messages in the multifunction
display 440, 441, 442, 443
Seat belts 51, 73
OCS 85
Self-test 90
Odometer 146, 147, 154
Off-road - 4-ETS 102
Off-road - ABS 97
Off-road - ESP
®
101
Off-road driving
Checklist 336, 341
Crossing obstacles 339
Driving instructions for
off-road driving 333
Driving through water 338
Returning 341
Rules 335
Special driving features 334
Steep terrain 336
Off-road driving program 268
Oil level see Engine oil, Checking level
One-touch gearshifting 194
Operating safety 17
Operator’s Manual 10Ornamental moldings, Cleaning 407
Outside temperature see Displays
Overdue maintenance service term 402
Overhead control panel 33
Oxidation catalyst (diesel engine) 349
P
Paintwork code 530
Paintwork, Cleaning 405
Panic alarm 95
Parcel net
Front passenger footwell 298
Front seat backrests 298
Parking 65, 329
On hills 65
Over things that burn, Potential
consequences 65, 349
Parking brake 57, 65
Lamps, Indicator and warning 415
Messages in the
multifunction display 448
Releasing 57
Parking lamps
Messages in the
multifunction display 459
Replacing bulbs 487Parking position*
Exterior rear view mirrors 178, 202
Parktronic* 31, 274
Cleaning system sensors 408
Minimum distance 276
Range 275
Switching on/off 277
System malfunction 278
System sensors 275
System sensors, Cleaning 408
Warning indicators 25, 276
Partition net* 287
Parts service 528
PASS AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp see
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp
Passenger compartment 348
Fuse box 524
Interior lighting 142
Interior rear view mirror 33
Parcel net in front passenger
footwell 298
Passenger safety see Occupant safety
Pedals 325
Phone see Telephone*
Plastic and rubber parts, cleaning 411

570 IndexSeat belts 77
Children in the vehicle 82
Cleaning 412
Fastening 51
Height adjustment 53
Messages in the
multifunction display 421, 422
Proper use of 53, 78
Safety guidelines 73
Telltale 29, 77, 421
Warning lamp 422
Seat cushion depth see Seats
Seat heating* see Seats
Seat ventilation* see Seats
Seating capacity 370
Seats 43, 128
Adjusting 43
Cushion depth, Multicontour
seat* 130
Folding the backrest forward 284
Heating* 131
Lumbar support 130
Memory function* 134
Multicontour seat* 130
Returning seat backrest to original
position 286Ventilation* 132
Securing cargo 283
Cargo tie-down rings 283
Hooks 284
Selector lever see Gear selector lever
Self-test
Lamps in the instrument cluster 414
OCS 90
Tele Aid* 309
Vehicle battery 507
Service and warranty information 10
Service intervals see Maintenance, Service
indicator
Service life
Tires 366
Service see Maintenance
Service system see FSS PLUS
(Canada vehicles) or
Maintenance System (US vehicles)
Service, Parts 528Settings
Adaptive Damping System
(ADS)* 269
Air suspension* 269
Clock 169
Comfort functions* 177
Control system menus 150, 152
Control system submenus 151, 153,
166
Date 153, 166, 169
Daytime running lamp mode 171
Factory, SmartKey 109
Factory, SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* 115
Individual, Vehicle 164
Instrument cluster 167
Language, multifunction display 167,
168
Lighting 171
Memory function* 135
Resetting all, Control system 165
Selective, SmartKey 110
Selective, SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* 115
Time 169
Vehicle configuration 178