490 Practical hints
Battery
!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 495) and the lateral plug (page 495)
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 497).
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 489).
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.
515 Technical data
Rims and tires
Rims 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 = Mercedes-Benz Original 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.
iFurther 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 510). Some vehicles may
have supplemental tire inflation pressure infor-
mation for driving at high speeds (
page 358)
or for vehicle loads less than the maximum
loaded vehicle condition (
page 358). 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.
iThe 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.
525 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants
Engine 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
required for vehicles with Maintenance
System. For a listing of approved engine
oils and oil filters, refer to the Factory
Approved Service Products pamphlet
(USA only), or contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.Engine oil additives
Air conditioning refrigerant
R-134a (HFC) refrigerant and special PAG
lubricating oil are used in the air condition-
ing system.
Brake fluid
Only brake fluid approved by
Mercedes-Benz is recommended. Any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center will provide you with additional
information.
!Using engine oils and oil filters of
specification other than those expressly
required for the Maintenance System, or chang-
ing of oil and oil filter at change intervals longer
than those called for by the Maintenance System
will result in engine or emission control system
damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
Please follow Maintenance System recommen-
dations for scheduled oil changes. Failure to do
so will result in engine or emission control
system damage not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
!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.
!Never use R-12 (CFC) or mineral-based
lubricating oil. Otherwise damage to the system
will occur.
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
operating conditions, this moisture content
can lead to the formation of bubbles in the
system, thus reducing the system’s
efficiency.
Therefore, the brake fluid must be replaced
regularly. Refer to your vehicle’s
Maintenance Booklet for replacement inter-
val.
528 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
-35°F (-37°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 are used to
renew the coolant concentration or bring it
back up to the proper level.
For information on other Mercedes-Benz
approved products of equal specification,
refer to the Factory Approved Service
Products pamphlet (USA only) or contact
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center.To provide important corrosion protection,
the solution must be at least 50% anticor-
rosion/antifreeze (equivalent to freeze
protection to approximately -35°F
[-37°C]). If you use a solution that is more
than 55% anticorrosion/antifreeze (freeze
protection to approximately -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 anticorro-
sion/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 instruc-
tions.
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.
535 Index
Cup holders 284
Cleaning 285
Front center console 285
Front center console,
Removing/Installing 285
Rear armrest 284
Curb weight 380
Current transmission program mode
(AMG vehicles only) 147
D
Date display, Setting 169
Daytime running lamp mode 137
Setting 170
Deep water see Standing water
Defogging windshield 210, 225
Defrosting, Front 210, 225
Defrosting, Rear 203
Delayed shut-off
Exterior lamps 171
Interior lighting 172
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 520
Direction of rotation (tires) 351
Displays
Digital speedometer 147, 155
Maintenance service indicator 386
Messages in the multifunction
display 413
Multifunction display 147
Outside temperature 147, 155
Selecting 168
Symbol messages 427
Text messages 415
Vehicle status message 162, 413
Vehicle system settings,
Control system 151, 153, 163
Distance to empty (range), Trip
Computer 178Door
Entry lamps 144
Locking, In an emergency 456
Locking/unlocking,
KEYLESS-GO* 39, 69
Locking/unlocking, SmartKey 38, 68
Messages in the multifunction
display 435
Opening from inside/outside 112,
118
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) 301
Unlocking, Mechanical key 455
Door control panel 36
Door handle 36
Door windows see Power windows
DOT 374, 380
Downhill driving
Cruise control 246
Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) 249
Messages in the multifunction
display 428
Drinking and driving 311
543 Index
M
Main dimensions 520
Maintenance 12, 386
Calling up service indicator
display 388
Clearing service indicator
message 387
Maintenance System 386
Resetting service indicator 388
Service indicator message 386
Service term exceeded 387
Maintenance System 386
Manual headlamp mode see Headlamps
Manual shift progam
(ML 63 AMG only) 195
Manual shift program (ML 63 AMG)
Activating 195
Deactivating 196
Maximum cooling, MAXCOOL* see
Automatic climate control
(3-zone)* 226Maximum load rating, Tires 381
Maximum loaded vehicle weight,
Tires 381
MB Tex upholstery, Cleaning and care
of 398
Mechanical key 455
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* 199
Exterior rear view mirror 49
Interior rear view mirror 49, 199
MON 338, 526
Multicontour seat* 129Multifunction display 147
Changing settings see Control system
menus and Control system
submenus
Selecting display 168
Selecting language 167
Multifunction display messages 413
ABS 415
Air suspension program* 447
Brake fluid 430
Brake lamps 438
Brake pads 428
Coolant 433
Corner-illuminating front fog
lamps* 439
Cruise control 416
Doors 435
Downhill Speed Regulation 428
EBP 429
Engine coolant 431, 433
ESP
®405
545 Index
Ornamental moldings, Cleaning 393
Outside temperature see Displays
Overdue maintenance service term 387
Overhead control panel 33
Oxidation catalyst (diesel engine) 335
P
Paintwork code 510
Paintwork, Cleaning 390
Panic alarm 97
Parcel net
Front passenger footwell 283
Front seat backrests 283
Parking 65, 315
On hills 65
Over things that burn, Potential
consequences 65, 335
Parking brake 57, 65
Lamps, Indicator and warning 401
Messages in the multifunction
display 429
Releasing 57
Parking lamps
Messages in the multifunction
display 441
Replacing bulbs 468Parking position*
Exterior rear view mirrors 177, 200
Parktronic* 31, 259
Cleaning system sensors 394
Minimum distance 261
Range 261
Switching on/off 263
System malfunction 263
System sensors 260
System sensors, Cleaning 394
Warning indicators 25, 262
Parts service 508
PASS AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp see
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp
Passenger compartment 334
Fuse box 506
Interior lighting 142
Interior rear view mirror 33
Parcel net in front passenger
footwell 283Passenger safety see Occupant safety
Pedals 311
Phone see Telephone*
Plastic and rubber parts, cleaning 396
Poly-V-belt drive
Layout (ML 320 CDI) 512
Layout (ML 350, ML 550) 512
Layout (ML 63 AMG) 512
Positions (Memory function*) see Seats
Pounds per square inch see PSI
Power assistance 312
Power outlets 287
Power seat see Seats, Power
Power tilt/sliding sunroof 240
Convenience closing feature 238
Opening/closing 240
Stopping 238
Summer opening feature 237
Synchronizing 242
Power washer 390
548 Index
Seat heating* see Seats
Seat ventilation* see Seats
Seating capacity 353
Seats 43, 127
Adjusting 43
Cushion depth, Multicontour
seat* 129
Folding the backrest forward 269
Heating* 130
Lumbar support 129
Memory function* 133
Multicontour seat* 129
Returning seat backrest to original
position 271
Ventilation* 131
Securing cargo 268
Cargo tie-down rings 268
Hooks 269
Selector lever see Gear selector lever
Self-test
Lamps in the instrument cluster 400
OCS 84
Tele Aid 295
Vehicle battery 489
Service and warranty information 10Service intervals see Maintenance, Service
indicator
Service life
Tires 349
Service see Maintenance
Service system see Maintenance System
Service, Parts 508
Settings
Adaptive Damping System
(ADS)* 255
Air suspension* 254
Clock 169
Comfort functions* 176
Control system menus 150, 152
Control system submenus 151, 153,
166
Date 153, 166, 169
Daytime running lamp mode 170
Factory, SmartKey 112
Factory, SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* 116
Individual, Vehicle 163
Instrument cluster 167
Language, multifunction display 167,
168
Lighting 170Memory function* 133
Resetting all, Control system 164
Selective, SmartKey 112
Selective, SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* 117
Time 169
Vehicle configuration 177
Vehicle level control* 255
Shift program (ML 63 AMG only) 194
Shifting
Automatic transmission 54
Shifting, Automatic transmission 183
Side impact air bags 78
Side marker lamps
Cleaning lenses 393
Messages in the multifunction
display 441
Replacing bulbs 464, 469, 472
Side windows see Power windows
Sidewall 381
SmartKey see Key, SmartKey
SmartKey see Key, SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO*
Snow chains 385
Snow tires see Winter tires