2008 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350 fuel

328 Operation
Driving 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, contact 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.

329 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, contact an autho-
rized 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 550, ML 320 CDI:
6235 lb (2830 kg)
ML 63 AMG:
6400 lb (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:
7200 lb (3265 kg)
Trailer Tongue Weight Rating (TWR) is the
maximum permissible weight on the trailer
tongue:
576 lb (261 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.
iA four-pole conversion plug is available from
your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center as a spare part.
ML 320 CDI
ML 350
ML 550
Front3085 lb (1400 kg)
Rear3525 lb (1600 kg)
ML 63 AMG
Front3180 lb (1440 kg)
Rear3525 lb (1600 kg)
iWe recommend loading the trailer in such a
manner that it has a Tongue Weight (TW)
between 8% and 15% of the Gross Trailer Weight
(GTW).
iMaximum trailer weight ratings are calculat-
ed assuming the vehicle, plus driver. The weight
of other accessories, passengers and cargo will
reduce the maximum trailer weight and Tongue
Weight (TW) your vehicle can tow.

335 Operation
Driving instructions
Refer to the radio transmitter operation
instructions regarding use of an external
antenna.
Catalytic converter (gasoline engine)
Your Mercedes-Benz is equipped with
monolithic-type catalytic converters, an
important element in conjunction with the
oxygen sensors to achieve substantial con-
trol of the pollutants in the exhaust emis-
sions. Keep your vehicle in proper
operating condition by following our rec-
ommended maintenance instructions as
outlined in your Maintenance Booklet.
Oxidation catalyst (diesel engine)
Your vehicle is equipped with an oxidation
catalyst, an important element in conjunc-
tion with the oxygen sensors to achieve
substantial control of the pollutants in the
exhaust emissions. Keep your vehicle in
proper operating condition by following
our recommended maintenance instruc-
tions as outlined in your Maintenance
Booklet.Emission control
Certain engine systems serve to keep the
toxic components of the exhaust gases
within permissible limits required by law.
These systems, of course, will function
properly only when maintained strictly ac-
cording to factory specifications. Any ad-
justments on the engine should, therefore,
be carried out only by qualified
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center autho-
rized technicians.
!To prevent damage to the catalytic convert-
ers, use only premium unleaded gasoline in this
vehicle.
Any noticeable irregularities in engine operation
should be repaired promptly. Otherwise, exces-
sive unburned fuel may reach the catalytic con-
verter, causing it to overheat and potentially
start a fire.
Warning!G
As with any vehicle, do not idle, park or op-
erate this vehicle in areas where combusti-
ble 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.
Warning!G
As with any vehicle, do not idle, park or op-
erate this vehicle in areas where combusti-
ble 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.

337 Operation
At the gas station
At the gas station
Refueling
The fuel filler flap is located on the
right-hand side of the vehicle towards the
rear. Locking/unlocking the vehicle with
the SmartKey or the SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* automatically
locks/unlocks the fuel filler flap.1Fuel filler flap
2Fuel filler cap
Turn off the engine.
Vehicles with SmartKey: Remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch.
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO*: Open the
driver’s door (this puts the starter
switch in position0, same as with the
SmartKey removed from the starter
switch). The driver’s door then can be
closed again.
Warning!G
Gasoline and diesel fuels are highly flamma-
ble and poisonous. They burn violently and
can cause serious personal injury.
Never allow sparks, flame or smoking mate-
rials near gasoline or diesel fuel!
Turn off the engine before refueling.
Whenever you are around gasoline or diesel
fuel, avoid inhaling fumes and skin or cloth-
ing contact, extinguish all smoking materi-
als.
Direct skin contact with gasoline or diesel
fuels and the inhalation of gasoline or diesel
fuel vapors are damaging to your health.
Warning!G
Do not fill diesel tanks with gasoline. Do not
mix diesel fuel with gasoline. Otherwise the
fuel system and engine could be damaged.
In addition, the vehicle could catch fire.
!Damage resulting from mixing gasoline with
diesel is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
!Diesel engine: When filling the diesel fuel
tank using fuel containers, place a filling filter, a
suede cloth or a clean flannel cloth as a filter.
Otherwise, particles from the fuel container
could clog the fuel lines and/or the diesel injec-
tion system.
iIn case the central locking system does not
release the fuel filler flap, see “Fuel filler flap”
(
page 457).


338 Operation
At the gas station
Briefly push on fuel filler flap1 at the
position indicated by the arrow.
Fuel filler flap1 opens slightly.
Open fuel filler flap1 completely.
Turn fuel filler cap2 counterclock-
wise and hold on to it until possible
pressure is released.
Take off fuel filler cap2.
Set fuel filler cap2 on fuel filler
flap1 as shown.
To prevent fuel vapors from escaping
into open air, fully insert filler nozzle
unit.
Only fill your tank until the filler nozzle
unit cuts out – do not top off or over-
fill.
Replace fuel filler cap2 by turning it
clockwise until it audibly engages.
Close fuel filler flap1.
You should hear the latch close shut.
!The fuel filler cap is tethered to the fuel filler
neck. Do not drop the cap. It could damage the
vehicle paint finish.
Warning!G
Overfilling of the fuel tank may create pres-
sure in the system which could cause a gas
discharge. This could cause the gas to spray
back out when removing the fuel pump noz-
zle, which could cause personal injury.
iMake sure to close the fuel filler flap before
locking your vehicle as the flap locking pin
prevents closing after you have locked the
vehicle.
iLeaving the engine running and the fuel cap
open can cause the yellow fuel tank reserve
warning lamp to flash and the ?malfunction
indicator lamp (USA only) or the± malfunc-
tion indicator lamp (Canada only) comes on.
For more information, see “Practical hints”
(
page 403).
iGasoline engine:
Only use premium unleaded gasoline with a min-
imum Posted Octane Rating of 91 (average of
96 RON/86 MON). Information on gasoline
quality can normally be found on the fuel pump.
Please contact gas station personnel in case
labels on the pump cannot be found.
For more information on gasoline, see “Premium
unleaded gasoline (gasoline engine)”
(
page 526), see “Fuel requirements”
(
page 526), and the Factory Approved Service
Products pamphlet (USA only) or contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
iDiesel engine:
Only use commercially available vehicular
ULTRA-LOW SULFUR HIGHWAY DIESEL FUEL
(15 ppm SULFUR MAXIMUM). Information on
diesel quality can normally be found on the fuel
pump. Please contact gas station personnel in
case labels on the pump cannot be found.
For more information on diesel fuels, refer to the
Factory Approved Service Products pamphlet
(USA only) or contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.


339 Operation
At the gas station
Low outside temperatures
(diesel engine)
To prevent malfunctions, diesel fuel with
improved cold flow characteristics is of-
fered in the winter months. Check with
your fuel retailer.Check regularly and before a long trip
Open the hood (page 341).
Example illustration ML 320 CDI (ML 350,
ML 550, ML 63 AMG similar)
1Brake fluid
2Coolant level
3Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system*
Engine oil level
For more information on engine oil, see
“Engine oil” (
page 343).
iDiesel engine:
If you have driven the vehicle until the tank is
empty, the fuel system needs to be bled
(
page 488).
!Diesel engine:
The engine is more susceptible to wear and
damage if you use

marine diesel fuel

heating oil

additives
The exhaust aftertreatment device will be
seriously damaged if you use

LOW SULFUR HIGHWAY DIESEL FUEL
(500 ppm SULFUR MAXIMUM)

any other diesel fuel with a sulfur content of
above 15 ppm
The use of such non-approved fuels and/or
special additives is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
!Do not fill the tank with gasoline. Do not
blend diesel fuel with gasoline or kerosine. The
fuel system and engine will otherwise be dam-
aged, which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

340 Operation
At the gas station
Brake fluid
Coolant
For normal replenishing, use water (pota-
ble water quality).
For more information, see “Coolant level”
(
page 345) and see “Fuels, coolants, lu-
bricants” (
page 522).Windshield/rear window washer
system and headlamp cleaning
system*
For more information on refilling the wash-
er reservoir, see “Windshield/rear window
washer system and headlamp cleaning
system*” (
page 346).
Vehicle lighting
Check function and cleanliness. For infor-
mation on replacing light bulbs, see “Re-
placing bulbs” (
page 463).
For more information, see “Exterior lamp
switch” (
page 135).
Tire inflation pressure
For more information, see “Checking tire
inflation pressure” (
page 359).
!If you find that the brake fluid in the brake
fluid reservoir has fallen to the minimum mark or
below, have the brake system checked for brake
pad thickness and leaks immediately. Notify an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center
immediately. Do not add brake fluid as this will
not solve the problem. For more information, see
“Brake fluid” (
page 525).

351 Operation
Tires and wheels
Direction of rotation
Unidirectional tires offer added advantag-
es, such as better hydroplaning perfor-
mance. To benefit, however, you must
make sure the tires rotate in the direction
specified.
An arrow on the sidewall indicates the
intended direction of rotation (spinning) of
the tire.Loading the vehicle
Two labels on your vehicle show how much
weight it may properly carry.
1) The Tire and Loading Information
placard can be found on the driver’s
door B-pillar. This placard tells you im-
portant information about the number
of people that can be in the vehicle and
the total weight that can be carried in
the vehicle. It also contains information
on the proper size and recommended
tire inflation pressures for the original
equipment tires on your vehicle.2) The certification label, also found on
the driver’s door B-pillar tells you about
the gross weight capacity of your vehi-
cle, called the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR). The GVWR includes the
weight of the vehicle, all occupants,
fuel and cargo. The certification label
also tells you about the front and rear
axle weight capacity, called the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). The GAWR
is the total allowable weight that can be
carried by a single axle (front or rear).
Never exceed the GVWR or GAWR for
either the front axle or rear axle.
iSpare wheels may be mounted against the
direction of rotation (spinning) even with a unidi-
rectional tire for temporary use only until the reg-
ular drive wheel has been repaired or replaced.
Always observe and follow applicable temporary
use restrictions and speed limitations indicated
on the spare wheel.