2008 MERCEDES-BENZ ML63AMG fuel type

196 Controls in detail
Automatic transmission
Upshifting
Briefly press right shift button2
(
page 193).
The transmission shifts to the next
higher gear.
If you have selected the AMG menu in the
control system and you are driving in the
manual program modeM, upshift
indicator2 in the multifunction display
advises you to upshift before the engine
reaches the overspeed range. Thus you
can drive at the maximum engine speed for
each gear without overrevving the engine.1Gear indicator
2Upshift indicator
Shift to the next higher gear.
The fuel supply will otherwise be inter-
rupted to prevent the engine from over-
revving.
Downshifting
Briefly press left shift button1
(
page 193).
The transmission shifts to the next
lower gear.
Kickdown
Using the kickdown when driving in the
manual program modeM is not possible.
Deactivating manual shift program
Press the program mode selector
switch (
page 194) repeatedly until
CorS appears in the multifunction
display.
or
Restart the engine.
The transmission will go to the
automatic program mode (C orS).
The manual program modeM is not
stored.
!In the manual program modeM, the trans-
mission will not upshift, even if the engine has
reached its overrewing range. Shift up to the
next gear before the engine has reached its over-
rewing range. Make absolutely certain that the
engine speed does not reach the red marking on
the tachometer (
page 28). Otherwise the en-
gine could be damaged which is not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Warning!G
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift
in order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced
vehicle control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not
prevent this type of loss of control.
iWhen you brake or stop, the transmission
shifts down to a gear from which you can easily
accelerate or drive off.

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.

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.

381 Operation
Tires and wheels
Maximum load rating
The maximum load in kilograms and
pounds that can be carried by the tire.
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
The sum of curb weight, accessory weight,
total load limit and production options
weight.
Maximum tire inflation pressure
This number is the greatest amount of air
pressure that should ever be put in the tire
under normal driving conditions.
Normal occupant weight
The number of occupants the vehicle is
designed to seat, multiplied by
68 kilograms (150 lbs).
Occupant distribution
The distribution of occupants in a vehicle
at their designated seating positions.Production options weight
The combined weight of those installed
regular production options weighing over
5 lbs (2.3 kilograms) in excess of those
standard items which they replace, not
previously considered in curb weight or
accessory weight, including heavy duty
brakes, ride levelers, roof rack, heavy duty
battery, and special trim.
PSI (P
ounds per square inch)
A standard unit of measure for air pressure
-> bar, kilopascal (kPa).
Recommended tire inflation pressure
Recommended tire inflation pressure for
normal driving conditions is listed on the
Tire and Loading Information placard locat-
ed on driver’s door B-pillar. Provides best
handling, tread life and riding comfort. If so
equipped, supplemental information per-
taining to special driving situations can be
found on the tire inflation pressure label on
the inside of the fuel filler flap.Rim
A metal support for a tire or a tire and tube
assembly upon which the tire beads are
seated.
Sidewall
The portion of a tire between the tread and
the bead.
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
Unique identifier which facilitates efforts
by tire manufacturers to notify purchasers
in recall situations or other safety matters
concerning tires and gives purchases the
means to easily identify such tires. The TIN
is comprised of “Manufacturer’s identifica-
tion mark”, “Tire size”, “Tire type code”
and “Date of manufacture”.
Tire load rating
Numerical code associated with the
maximum load a tire can support.

533 Index
Bead 380
Belt reel 276
Beverage holder see Cup holder
Block heater (Canada only) 385
Bolts, Collapsible tire
(ML 63 AMG only) 453
Bolts, Minispare wheel
(except ML 63 AMG) 452
Brake fluid 525
Checking 339
Messages in the multifunction
display 430
Brake lamp
Cleaning lenses 393
Messages in the multifunction
display 438
Replacing bulbs 471
Brake pads 312
Messages in the multifunction
display 428
Brakes 312
Warning lamp 401
Break-in period 310
Bulbs, replacing see Replacing bulbs
Button for Voice control* system 30,
148C
California retail buyers and lessees,
Important notice for 11
Camera see Rear view camera*
Can holder see Cup holder
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants 522
Card holder 32, 35, 284
Cargo compartment cover blind 271
Cargo net* 272
Cargo tie-down rings 268
Carpets, Cleaning 397
Catalytic converter
(gasoline engine) 335
CD changer* 161, 279
CD player 161
Center console
Lower part 32
Upper part 31
Central locking
Automatic 125
Locking/unlocking from the
inside 126
Switch 126Certification label 510
CHECK ENGINE malfunction
indicator lamp 403, 404
Checking tire pressure electronically with
the Advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (Advanced TPMS)*,
(Canada only) 365
Checking tire pressure electronically with
the Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS), (USA only) 362
Checklist
Off-road driving 322
Returning from off-road driving 327
Children in the vehicle 89
Air bags 75, 89
Blocking rear door window
operation 96
Indicator lamp, Front passenger front
air bag 83
Infant and child restraint systems 84,
90
LATCH-type child seat anchors 93
Occupant Classification System
(OCS) 79
Cigarette lighter (Depending on vehicle
configuration) 286

542 Index
Lamps, indicator and warning
ABS 27, 400
Adaptive Damping System
(ADS)* 255
Alarm system 107
Battery (SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO*) 117
Battery (SmartKey) 112
Brakes 27, 401, 402
Center console 31, 411
CHECK ENGINE 29, 403, 404
Downhill Speed Regulation 250
Engine diagnostics 29, 403, 404
ESP
®27, 405
Fog lamps, Front/rear 135
Front passenger front air bag off 31,
78
Fuel reserve 29, 410
High beam headlamps 29
Instrument cluster 26, 28, 400, 401,
402, 403, 404, 405, 406, 407, 408,
410
Off-road driving program 253
Parktronic* 262Preglow indicator, Diesel engine 29
Seat belt telltale 29, 87, 406
Seat belts 407
Seat heating* 130
Seat ventilation* 131
SRS 29, 72, 87, 410
Turn signals 27
Vehicle level control* 257
Language, Setting 167
LATCH-type child seat anchors see
Children in the vehicle
Layout of poly-V-belt drive
(ML 320 CDI) 512
Layout of poly-V-belt drive
(ML 350, ML 550) 512
Layout of poly-V-belt drive
(ML 63 AMG) 512
Leather upholstery*, Cleaning and care
of 398
Lever for cruise control 244
License plate lamps 473
Messages in the multifunction
display 440
Replacing bulbs 464, 473
Light alloy wheels, Cleaning 396Light sensor
Messages in the multifunction
display 438
Lighter see Cigarette lighter (Depending
on vehicle configuration)
Lighting, Exterior and interior 135
Limp-Home Mode 197, 403, 404
Loading see Vehicle loading
Locator lighting 138, 171
Lock buttons, KEYLESS-GO*
Outside door handle 69
Locking the vehicle see Key
Loss of keys, Mechanical key 118
Loss of keys, SmartKey 118
Loss of keys, SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* 118
Loss of Service and Warranty Information
Booklet 509
Low beam headlamps
Messages in the multifunction
display 440
Replacing bulbs 464
Switching on 59, 135
Lubricants 522
Lumbar support 129

544 Index
Fog lamps, Front 439
Fog lamps, Rear 441
Front passenger front air bag 421,
422, 423, 424
Fuel cap 435
Headlamps 438, 439, 441, 443
Hood 435
Key, SmartKey 437
Key, SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* 436, 437
Lamps 438, 439, 440, 441, 443
Low tire pressure 425, 445, 446
Parking brake 429
Parking lamps 441
Tele Aid 444
Telephone* 444
Turn signals 443
Vehicle battery 427
Windshield washer fluid 444
Multifunction steering wheel 30, 148
Button operation 148N
Navigation system* 161
See separate COMAND system
operating instructions
Net, Cargo* 272
Net, Parcel 283
Neutral gear position, Automatic
transmission 183, 187
New vehicle, Break-in period 310
Night security illumination 138, 171
Normal occupant weight 381
Number, Vehicle Identification (VIN) 510
O
Occupant distribution 381
Occupant safety 72
Active head restraint 88
Air bags 74
Children and air bags 75, 89, 91
Children in the vehicle 89
Fastening the seat belt 51
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp 79, 83, 84
Infant and child restraint systems 90
LATCH-type child seat anchors 93
OCS 79OCS, Messages in the multifunction
display 421, 422, 423, 424
Seat belts 51, 76
OCS 79
Self-test 84
Odometer 146, 147, 154
Off-road - 4-ETS 105
Off-road - ABS 99
Off-road - ESP
®103
Off-road driving
Checklist 322, 327
Crossing obstacles 325
Driving instructions for off-road
driving 319
Driving through water 324
Returning 327
Rules 321
Special driving features 320
Steep terrain 322
Off-road driving program 253
Oil level see Engine oil, Checking level
One-touch gearshifting 193
Operating safety 17
Operator’s Manual 10