2007 MERCEDES-BENZ ML63AMG light

329 Operation
Driving instructions
Driving off
Apply the brakes to test them briefly after
driving off. Perform this procedure only
when the road is clear of other traffic.
Warm up the engine smoothly. Do not
place full load on the engine until the oper-
ating temperature has been reached.
Parking
Tires
!
When driving off on a slippery surface, do
not allow a drive wheel to spin for an extended
period with the ESP
® switched off. Doing so may
cause serious damage to the drivetrain which is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
!
Simultaneously depressing the accelerator
pedal and applying the brake reduces engine
performance and causes premature brake and
drivetrain wear.
Warning!
G
Do not park this vehicle in areas where com-
bustible materials such as grass, hay or
leaves can come into contact with the hot
exhaust system, as these materials could be
ignited and cause a vehicle fire.
To reduce the risk of personal injury, or
damage to the vehicle drivetrain, as a result
of vehicle movement, before turning off the
engine and leaving the vehicle always:

Keep right foot on brake pedal.


Firmly depress parking brake pedal.


Set the automatic transmission to
positionP.


Slowly release brake pedal.


When parked on an incline, turn front
wheel towards the road curb.


Turn the SmartKey to starter switch
position0 and remove, or press
KEYLESS-GO* start/stop button (vehi-
cles with KEYLESS-GO*).


Take the SmartKey or the SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* with you and lock vehicle
when leaving.
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 road.
Inspect the tires and the vehicle underbody
for possible damage. If the vehicle or tires
appear unsafe, have the vehicle towed to
the nearest Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center or tire dealer for repairs.

333 Operation
Driving instructions
For more information, see “Winter driving”
(page 399).
Standing waterFor more information, see “Driving through
water” (
page 338).
Off-road driving
Warning!
G
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, make
sure that snow is kept clear of the exhaust
pipe and from around the vehicle with the
engine running. Otherwise, deadly carbon
monoxide (CO) gases may enter vehicle in-
terior resulting in unconsciousness and
death.
To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation,
open a window slightly on the side of the ve-
hicle not facing the wind.Warning!
G
The outside temperature indicator is not de-
signed to serve as an ice-warning device and
is therefore unsuitable for that purpose. In-
dicated temperatures just above the freez-
ing point do not guarantee that the road
surface is free of ice.
!
Do not drive through flooded areas or water
of unknown depth. Before driving through water,
determine its depth. Never accelerate before
driving into water. The bow wave could force wa-
ter into the engine and auxiliary equipment, thus
damaging them.
If you must drive through standing water, drive
slowly to prevent water from entering the pas-
senger compartment or the engine compart-
ment.
Water in these areas could cause


damage to electrical components


wiring of the engine or transmission
or could result


in water being ingested by the engine
through the air intake, causing severe inter-
nal engine damage.
Any such damage is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
i
Vehicles with air suspension package*:
Select the raised level (
page 270) before
driving through standing water.
Warning!
G
Do not load items on the basic carrier bars*.
It may cause instability during some maneu-
vers which could result in an accident.
Drive slowly in unknown terrain. This will
make it easier to recognize unexpected ob-
stacles and avoid damage to the vehicle.
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.
Do not drive along the side of a slope. The
vehicle might otherwise rollover. If in doing
so the vehicle begins to show a tendency to
roll, immediately steer into a line of gravity
(straight up or downhill).


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.

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.

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.

348 OperationDriving instructions
Disconnect all electrical plug connec-
tors.

Uncouple the trailer.

Make sure that the trailer coupling is
free of load.

Turn off the engine (
page 66).
Passenger compartment
Driving abroad
Abroad, there is an extensive
Mercedes-Benz service network at your
disposal. If you plan to drive into areas
which are not listed in the index of your
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center
directory, you should request pertinent
information from an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.Control and operation of radio
transmitters
COMAND system, radio and telephone*
Warning!
G
Always fasten items being carried as secure-
ly as possible.
In an accident, during hard braking or sud-
den maneuvers, loose items will be thrown
around inside the vehicle, and cause injury
to vehicle occupants unless the items are
securely fastened in the vehicle.
The rear cargo compartment is the preferred
place to carry objects. Always use tie down
rings, and if so equipped, always use parti-
tion net* when transporting cargo. The par-
tition net* cannot secure hard or heavy
objects. Always fasten items being carried
as securely as possible using the cargo
tie-down rings in the cargo floor area and
fastening materials.
Warning!
G
Do not forget that your primary responsibili-
ty is to drive the vehicle. Only operate the
COMAND system, radio or telephone
1 if
road, weather and traffic conditions permit.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), your vehicle is
covering a distance of 44 feet (approximate-
ly 14 m) every second.
1Observe all legal requirements.