Page 345 of 561

344 Operation
Engine compartment
Open the hood (page 341).
Pull out oil dipstick1.
Wipe oil dipstick1 clean.
Fully insert oil dipstick1 into the 
dipstick guide tube.
Pull out oil dipstick1 again after 
approximately 3 seconds to obtain 
accurate reading.
The oil level is correct when it is be-
tween lower mark3 (min.) and upper 
mark2 (max.) of the oil dipstick.
If necessary, add engine oil 
(
page 344).For more information on engine oil, see 
“Technical data” section (
page 522) and 
(
page 525).
Adding engine oil
Example illustration ML 320 CDI (ML 350, 
ML 550 similar)
1Filler cap
ML 63 AMG
1Filler cap
iAll models (except ML 63 AMG):
The filling quantity between the upper and lower 
marks on the oil dipstick is approximately 
2.1 US qt. (2.0 l).
ML 63 AMG:
The filling quantity between the upper and lower 
marks on the oil dipstick is approximately 
1.6 US qt. (1.5 l).
!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) in your vehicle 
literature portfolio, or contact an authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
Using engine oils and oil filters of specification 
other than those expressly required for the 
Maintenance System, or changing 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.
 
     
        
        Page 523 of 561

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 
     
        
        Page 526 of 561

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. 
     
        
        Page 538 of 561

537 Index
Engine
Belt layout (ML 320 CDI) 512
Belt layout (ML 350, ML 550) 512
Belt layout (ML 63 AMG) 512
Block heater (Canada only) 385
Break-in recommendations 343
Cleaning 391
Compartment 341
Emergency engine shut-down 506
Malfunction indicator lamp 29
Maximum engine speed 146, 513, 
514
Number 511
Starting 54
Starting with KEYLESS-GO* 55
Starting with the SmartKey 55
Tachometer 29, 146
Technical data 513
Turning off with KEYLESS-GO* 67
Turning off with the SmartKey 67Engine coolant see Coolant
Engine oil 343, 525
Adding 344, 525
Additives 525
Changing 344, 525
Checking level 343
Checking with the oil dipstick 343
Consumption 343
Filler neck (ML 350, ML 320 CDI) 344
Filler neck (ML 550, ML 63 AMG) 344
Recommended engine oils and oil 
filters 525
ESP
®27, 100
Four wheel electronic traction system 
with ESP
®100
Messages in the multifunction 
display 418, 419
Off-road-ESP
®103
Warning lamp 27, 405
ETD 87, 410
Safety guidelines 76
Expanding cargo compartment 269Exterior rear view mirrors 49, 199
Folding 201
Power folding* 200
Synchronizing 200
F
Fastening the seat belts 51
Filler neck, Engine oil
(ML 350, ML 320 CDI) 344
Filler neck, Engine oil
(ML 550, ML 63 AMG) 344
First aid kit 448
Flat tire 478
Collapsible tire
(ML 63 AMG only) 453, 518
Lifting the vehicle 479
Lowering the vehicle 487
Minispare wheel
(except ML 63 AMG) 452
Mounting the spare wheel 479
Preparing the vehicle 479
Spare wheel 518
Floormats 289