2008 MERCEDES-BENZ ML550 fluids

154 Controls in detail
Control system
Standard display menu
In the standard display, the main odometer
and the trip odometer appear in the multi-
function display.
1Trip odometer
2Main odometer
If you see another display, press
buttonè orÿ repeatedly until
the standard display appears.
Press buttonk orj to select
the functions in the standard display
menu.The following functions are available:Checking coolant temperature
FunctionPage
Checking tire inflation pressure359
Checking coolant temperature154
Calling up digital speedometer
or outside temperature155
Calling up maintenance service
indicator388
Warning!G

Driving when your engine is overheated
can cause some fluids which may have
leaked into the engine compartment to
catch fire. You could be seriously
burned.

Steam from an overheated engine can
cause serious burns which can occur
just by opening the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear steam
coming from it.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location away from
other traffic. Turn off the engine, get out of
the vehicle and do not stand near the vehicle
until the engine has cooled down.

336 Operation
Driving instructions
Engine adjustments should not be altered
in any way. Moreover, the specified service
jobs must be carried out regularly accord-
ing to Mercedes-Benz servicing require-
ments. For details refer to the
Maintenance Booklet.Coolant temperature
During severe operating conditions,
e.g. stop-and-go traffic, the coolant tem-
perature may rise close to approximately
248°F (120°C).
The engine should not be operated with
the coolant temperature above 248°F
(120°C). Doing so may cause serious en-
gine damage which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Warning!G
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to
your health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can cause un-
consciousness and possible death.
Do not run the engine in confined areas
(such as a garage) which are not properly
ventilated. If you think that exhaust gas
fumes are entering the vehicle while driving,
have the cause determined and corrected
immediately. If you must drive under these
conditions, drive only with at least one win-
dow fully open at all times.
Warning!G

Driving when your engine is overheated
can cause some fluids, which may have
leaked into the engine compartment to
catch fire. You could be seriously
burned.

Steam from an overheated engine can
cause serious burns which can occur
just by opening the engine hood. Stay
away from the engine if you see or hear
steam coming from it.
Turn off the engine, get out of the vehicle
and do not stand near the vehicle until the
engine has cooled down.

389 Operation
Vehicle care
Vehicle care
Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Regular and proper care will help to
maintain the value of your vehicle. The
best way to protect your vehicle from
harmful environmental influences is to
wash it and use protective treatments
regularly.While in operation, even while parked, your
vehicle is subjected to varying external in-
fluences which, if gone unchecked, can at-
tack the paintwork as well as the
underbody and cause lasting damage.
Such damage is caused not only by
extreme and varying climatic conditions,
but also by:

Air pollution

Road salt

Tar

Gravel and stone chipping
To avoid paint damage, you should
immediately remove:

Grease and oil

Fuel

Coolant

Brake fluid

Bird droppings

Insects

Tree resins, etc.Frequent washing reduces and/or
eliminates the aggressiveness and
potency of the above adverse influences.
More frequent washings are necessary to
deal with unfavorable conditions:

near the ocean

in industrial areas (smoke, exhaust
emissions)

during winter operation
You should check your vehicle from time to
time for stone chipping or other damage.
Any damage should be repaired as soon as
possible to prevent corrosion.
In doing so, do not neglect the underbody
of the vehicle. A prerequisite for a thor-
ough check is a washing of the underbody
followed by a thorough inspection. Dam-
aged areas need to be re-undercoated.Warning!G
Many cleaning products can be hazardous.
Some are poisonous, others are flammable.
Always follow the instructions on the partic-
ular container. Always open your vehicle’s
doors or windows when cleaning the inside.
Never use fluids or solvents that are not de-
signed for cleaning your vehicle.
Always lock away cleaning products and
keep them out of reach of children.

432 Practical hints
What to do if …
During severe operation conditions and
stop-and-go city traffic, the coolant tem-
perature may rise close to 248°F (120°C).
Display symbolDisplay messagePossible cause/consequencePossible solution
Observe the coolant temperature in the
multifunction display (
page 154).
If the temperature raises again:
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Light Truck Center immediately.
Warning!G

Driving when your engine is overheated
can cause some fluids which may have
leaked into the engine compartment to
catch fire. You could be seriously
burned.

Steam from an overheated engine can
cause serious burns which can occur
just by opening the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear steam
coming from it.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location away from
other traffic. Turn off the engine, get out of
the vehicle and do not stand near the vehicle
until the engine has cooled down.
!The engine should not be operated with the
coolant temperature above 248°F (120°C).
Doing so may cause serious damage which is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.

522 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants
Capacities
Vehicle components and their respective
lubricants must match. Therefore only use
products tested and approved by
Mercerdes-Benz.
Please refer to the Factory Approved
Service Products pamphlet (USA only), or
inquire at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Light Truck Center.
Warning!G
Comply with all valid regulations with re-
spect to handling, storing and disposing of
service fluids. Otherwise you could
endanger persons or the environment.
Keep service fluids out of the reach of
children.
For health reasons, you should prevent
service fluids from coming into direct
contact with your skin or clothing.
If a service fluid is swallowed, contact a
physician immediately.
ModelCapacityFuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Engine with oil filterML 320 CDI9.0 US qt (8.5 l)Approved engine oils
ML 3508.5 US qt (8.0 l)Approved engine oils
ML 5509.5 US qt (9.0 l)Approved engine oils
ML 63 AMG10.3 US qt (9.7 l)Approved engine oils
Automatic transmissionML 320 CDI
ML 350, ML 5509.5 US qt (9.0 l)MB Automatic Transmission Fluid
ML 63 AMG9.7 US qt (9.2 l)MB Automatic Transmission Fluid

538 Index
Fluids
Automatic transmission fluid 345
Brake fluid 340, 523, 525
Capacities 522
Engine coolant 340, 345, 528
Engine oil 343, 525
Power steering fluid 523
Windshield washer and headlamp
cleaning system* 340, 524, 530
Fog lamps 138, 139
Corner-illuminating front fog
lamps* 140
Messages in the multifunction
display 439
Rear fog lamp 139
Replacing bulbs 469
4-ETS 104
Off-road - 4-ETS 105
Front air bags 77
Front defroster 210, 225
Front lamps see HeadlampsFront passenger front air bag 72, 77
Messages in the multifunction
display 421, 422, 423, 424
Front passenger front air bag off indicator
lamp 31, 83
Front seat head restraints see
Head restraints
Front towing eye 501
Fuel 338
Additives 527
Capacities, Fuel tank 524
Consumption statistics 179
Diesel fuel 524
Filling the tank 337
Fuel filler flap and cap 337, 457
Fuel gauge 29
Fuel tank reserve warning lamp 29,
410
Premium unleaded gasoline 338,
526
Requirements, Octane rating 526Fuel cap
Messages in the multifunction
display 435
Fuel consumption statistics
Since last reset 179
Since start 179
Fuel filler flap 337
Locking/unlocking 337
Opening 337
Opening in an emergency 457
Fuel tank
Capacity 524
Filler flap 337
Fuel, Premium unleaded gasoline 524
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. 522
Fuses 504
Fuse box in cargo compartment 505
Fuse box in engine compartment 505
Fuse box in passenger
compartment 506
Fuse chart 448
Replacing 504