
Fuse box ........................................ 344
Hooks ............................................ 189
Tie-down rings ............................... 188
Cargo compartment cover blind ...... 190
Cargo net ........................................... 191
Cargo tie-down rings ......................... 188
Carpets, cleaning .............................. 265
Carriers .............................................. 187
Center console
Lower part ....................................... 32
Upper part ....................................... 31
Central locking
Automatic ................................ 74, 135
KEYLESS-GO .................................... 71
Locking/unlocking from inside ........75
SmartKey ......................................... 70
Central locking/unlocking switch ..... 75
Certification label .............................. 346
Children in the vehicle
Air bags ........................................... 37
BabySmart™ air bag deactivation
system ............................................. 46
Child safety locks (rear doors) .........60
Child seat anchors – LATCH-type ....59
Indicator lamp, front passenger
front air bag off (Canada only) .........46
Indicator lamp, front passenger
front air bag off (USA only) ..............42
Infant and child restraint systems .... 56
OCS (Occupant Classification
System) ........................................... 42
Override switch ................................ 60
Safety notes ..................................... 55
Tether anchorage points ..................58
Top tether ........................................ 58
Child safety
see Children in the vehicle
Child seat anchors – LATCH-type
see Children in the vehicle
Chrome-plated exhaust tip,
cleaning .............................................. 266
Cigarette lighter ................................ 196
Climate control system .................... 165
3-zone automatic climate control ..173
Air conditioning .....................169, 178
Air conditioning refrigerant ............359
Air distribution ....................... 171, 180Air recirculation mode ...........172, 182
Air volume ............................. 171, 181
Automatic mode ....................170, 179
Climate control .............................. 167
Deactivating system ..............169, 178
Front defroster ...................... 171, 181
Residual heat and
ventilation .............................. 172, 183
Temperature .......................... 170, 179
Clock ............................................ 28, 132
Cockpit ................................................. 27
Cold tire inflation pressure .............. 240
Collapsible tire (spare wheel) .......... 356
Collapsible wheel chock ................... 270
COMAND system see separate COMAND system
operating instructions
Combination switch ............................ 95
Comfort submenu
Easy-entry/exit feature .................. 136
Fold-in function for exterior rear
view mirrors ................................... 137
Seat belt adjustment feature .........136
Compass
Calling up ....................................... 207
Control system .................................. 119
Multifunction display .....................121
Multifunction steering wheel .........119
Resetting to factory settings ..........129
Control system menus ...................... 121
AIRMATIC/Compass ...................... 127
AMG ............................................... 123
Audio/DVD .................................... 126
Distronic ........................................ 128
Navigation ..................................... 127
Off-road Mode ............................... 125
Settings ......................................... 129
Standard display ............................ 122
Telephone ...................................... 139
Trip computer ................................ 138
Vehicle configuration .....................137
Vehicle status message memory ...128
Control system submenus
Comfort ......................................... 135
Instrument cluster .........................130
Lighting .......................................... 133
Time/Date ..................................... 132
Vehicle ........................................... 1356Index164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 6

Coolant
Anticorrosion/antifreeze ...............363
Capacities ...................................... 358
Checking level ............................... 216
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 288
Corner-illuminating front fog
lamps .................................................... 96
Cruise control .................................... 141
Activating ....................................... 142
Canceling ....................................... 142
Changing the set speed .................143
Last stored speed ..........................143
Lever .............................................. 142
Messages in the mutlifunction
display ........................................... 278
Resume function ............................ 143
Setting current speed ....................142
Cup holders ........................................ 194
Curb weight ....................................... 240
Customer Assistance Center (CAC) ... 23
Customer Relations Department ....... 24
D
Dashboard see Instrument cluster
Data recording ..................................... 24
Date, Setting ...................................... 132
Daytime running lamp mode .............. 94
Switching on or off ......................... 133
Deep water
see Standing water
Defroster
Rear window .................................. 183
Windshield ............................. 171, 181
Delayed shut-off
Exterior lamps ................................ 134
Interior lighting .............................. 135
Department of Transportation
see DOT
Diesel engine
Preglow indicator lamp ....................29
Diesel fuel
see Fuel
Difficulties
While driving .................................. 106
With starting .................................. 105
Digital clock
see Clock
Digital speedometer ......................... 123
Dimensions (vehicle) see Vehicle specification
Direction of rotation (tires) .............. 231
Displays
Digital speedometer ......................123
Distronic ........................................ 146
Maintenance service indicator .......258
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 272
Multifunction display .....................121
Outside temperature .............123, 131
Symbol messages ..........................283
Text messages ............................... 273
Trip computer ................................ 138
Vehicle status message memory ...128
Vehicle system settings .................129
Distronic ............................................ 144
Cleaning system sensor cover .......263
Control system .............................. 128
Distance warning function .............151
Distance warning
lamp ...................................... 146, 302
Driving with .................................... 150
Menu ............................................. 147
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 278
Resume function ............................ 149
Sensor cover .................................. 263
Speed settings ............................... 148
Door control panel .............................. 33
Door handles ........................................ 33
Doors
Child safety locks ............................ 60
Locking/unlocking (KEYLESS-GO) ...71
Locking/unlocking (SmartKey) ........70
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 286
Opening from inside ......................... 74
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) .......203
Unlocking (Mechanical key) ...........306
DOT (Department of
Transportation) .................................. 240
Downhill Speed Regulation see DSR
Drinking and driving ......................... 244Index7164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 7

G
Garage door opener .................... 32, 204
Gasoline see Fuel
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) ... 240
Gear range ......................................... 113
Indicator ........................................ 114
Limiting .......................................... 115
Shifting into optimal ......................115
Gear selector lever ............................ 109
Cleaning ......................................... 265
Gearshift pattern ........................... 109
Shifting procedure .........................111
Transmission position indicator .....112
Transmission positions ..................112
Generator
see Alternator
Global locking/unlocking
see Key, SmartKey
Glove box ........................................... 193
Gross Axle Weight Rating see GAWR
Gross Trailer Weight
see GTW
Gross Vehicle Weight
see GVW
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
see GVWR
GTW (Gross Trailer Weight) .............. 240
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) ............ 240
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) ................................................ 240
H
Halogen headlamps see Headlamps
Hard plastic trim items, cleaning .... 265
Hazard warning flasher ....................... 96
Headlamp cleaning system ................ 96
Headlamps
Active Bi-Xenon headlamps .............92
Adjusting aim ................................. 317
Automatic headlamp mode ..............93
Bi-Xenon .................................. 92, 312
Cleaning lenses ............................. 263
Cleaning system .............................. 96
Daytime running lamp mode ............94
Delayed shut-off ............................ 134
Halogen ......................................... 312
High-beam flasher ............................ 96
High-beam headlamps .....................96
Low-beam headlamps ......................93
Replacing bulbs ............................. 311
Switch .............................................. 93
Headliner, cleaning and care of ....... 265
Head restraints .................................... 81
Adjustment ................................ 81, 83
Folding back .................................... 84
NECK-PRO active front head
restraints ......................................... 53
NECK-PRO active front head
restraints, resetting .......................309
Rear seat head restraints ................. 84
Heated steering wheel ........................ 88
Height adjustment
Seat belt outlet ................................ 51
Seats ............................................... 81
Vehicle level control ......................156
High-beam flasher ............................... 96
High-beam headlamps ................ 96, 312
Indicator lamp .................................. 29
High-performance brake system ..... 246
Hill-start assist system ..................... 152
Hood ................................................... 212
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 286
Hooks ................................................. 189
Horn ...................................................... 27
HVAC see Climate control system
Hydroplaning ..................................... 247
I
Identification labels .......................... 346
Identification number, vehicle
(VIN) ................................................... 347
Ignition ................................... 79, 80, 104
Immobilizer .......................................... 66
Indicator lamps see Lamps, indicator and warning
Infant and child restraint systems
see Children in the vehicle
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Program mode selector switch
Automatic shift program ................114
Manual shift program ..................... 116
Proximity key
see Key, SmartKey
PSI (air pressure unit) ....................... 241
R
RACETIMER ........................................ 124
Radiator ..................................... 214, 242
Radio
Selecting stations ..........................126
Radio transmitters ............................ 257
Rain sensor see Intermittent wiping
Rear axle oil ....................................... 357
Rear center console ashtray see Ashtrays
Rear doors
Child safety locks ............................ 60
Rear door window
Override switch ................................ 60
Rear fog lamp
see Fog lamps
Rear lamps
see Tail lamps
Rear seat head restraints
see Head restraints
Rear view camera .............................. 163
Cleaning the camera lens ..............263
Rear window defroster ..................... 183
Rear window wiper/washer ............. 100
Recommended tire inflation
pressure ..................................... 219, 241
Refilling
AdBlue ®
......................................... 332
Refrigerant, air conditioning ............ 359
Refueling ............................................ 210
Regular checks .................................. 212
Reminder, Seat belt see Seat belts, Telltale
Remote control
see Key, SmartKey
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) ......... 203
Replacing
Key .................................................. 74
Replacing bulbs ................................. 311
Reporting safety defects .................... 24
Research Octane Number see RON
Reserve fuel
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 291
Warning lamp ................................... 29
Reset button ................................ 28, 118
Reset tool (NECK-PRO active front
head restraints) ................................. 309
Restraint systems see Occupant safety
Rims ........................................... 241, 352
Roadside Assistance ................... 21, 201
RON (Research Octane Number) ..... 360
Rubber parts, cleaning ...................... 264
Run-flat tires see MOExtended tires
S
Safety
Driving safety systems .....................61
Occupant safety ............................... 36
Reporting defects ............................ 24
Safety belts
see Seat belts
Seat belt force limiter ......................... 52
Seat belts ............................................. 48
Adjustment function ........................51
Children in the vehicle .....................55
Cleaning ......................................... 265
Fastening ......................................... 50
Height adjustment ...........................51
Proper use of ................................... 48
Safety guidelines ............................. 39
Safety notes ..................................... 48
Telltale ..................................... 29, 300
Seat heating ......................................... 86
Seating capacity ................................ 228
Seats ..................................................... 81
Adjustment ...................................... 81
Easy-entry/exit feature ....................87
Folding (expanding cargo volume) . 189
Heating ............................................ 86
Memory function .............................. 92
Multicontour seat ............................ 85
Ventilation ....................................... 85
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Capacities fuels, coolants,
lubricants etc. ................................ 356
Coolant .......................................... 362
Engine oil additives ........................359
Engine oils ..................................... 359
Fuel requirements .......................... 360
Gasoline additives .......................... 361
Identification labels .......................346
Premium unleaded gasoline ...........360
Rims and tires ................................ 352
Spare wheel ................................... 356
Vehicle specification ML 350 ......... 348
Vehicle specification
ML 350 4MATIC ............................. 349
Vehicle specification
ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC ...............348
Vehicle specification
ML 550 4MATIC ............................. 350
Vehicle specification ML 63 AMG ..351
Washer and headlamp cleaning
system ................................... 358, 364
Technical data (dimensions)
see Vehicle specification
Technical data (electrical system)
see Vehicle specification
Technical data (engine)
see Vehicle specification
Technical data (weights)
see Vehicle specification
Tele Aid ............................................... 199
Emergency calls ............................. 200
Information button .........................202
Initiating an emergency call
manually ........................................ 201
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 285
Remote door unlock ......................203
Roadside Assistance button ..........201
Search & Send ............................... 203
SOS button .................................... 201
Stolen Vehicle Recovery Services ..204
System self-test ............................. 199
Telephone ............................................. 30
Answering/ending a call ................140
Hands-free microphone ...................33
Menu ............................................. 139
Operation ....................................... 139Phone book .................................... 140
Redialing ........................................ 141
Temperature
Interior temperature ..............170, 179
Outside .................................. 123, 131
Tether anchorage points
see Children in the vehicle
Tie-down rings ................................... 188
Tightening torque
Wheels ........................................... 330
Time setting ....................................... 132
TIN (Tire Identification Number) ...... 241
Tire and Loading Information
placard ............................................... 227
Tire and loading terminology ........... 239
TIREFIT ............................................... 320
Tire Identification Number see TIN
Tire inflation pressure
Checking ........................................ 221
Important notes on ........................220
Label on the inside of fuel filler
flap ................................................ 220
Placard on driver’s door B-pillar .....227
Tire labeling ....................................... 235
Tire load rating .................................. 240
Tire ply composition and material
used .................................................... 241
Tire pressure loss warning system . 222
Tire repair kit see TIREFIT
Tires ........................................... 218, 352
Advanced Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (Advanced
TPMS) ............................................ 223
Air pressure ................................... 219
Care and maintenance ...................232
Cleaning ......................................... 233
Direction of rotation, spinning .......231
Important notes on tire inflation
pressure ........................................ 220
Inflation pressure ........................... 221
Information placard .......................227
Inspection ...................................... 232
Labeling ......................................... 235
Load index ............................. 236, 240
Load rating .................................... 240Index17164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 17

way than as described in this section, as
that could result in serious injuries in case
of an accident.
R Each occupant should wear their seat belt
at all times, because seat belts help reduce
the likelihood of and potential severity of
injuries in accidents, including rollovers.
The integrated restraint system includes
SRS (driver front air bag, front passenger
front air bag, side impact air bags, window
curtain air bags for door windows),
Emergency Tensioning Devices (ETDs),
seat belt force limiters, and front seat knee
bolsters.
The system is designed to enhance the
protection offered to properly belted
occupants in certain frontal (front air bags
and ETDs) and side (side impact air bags,
window curtain air bags, and ETDs) impacts
which exceed preset deployment
thresholds and in certain rollovers (window
curtain air bags and ETDs).
R Never wear the shoulder belt under your
arm, against your neck or off your shoulder.
In a frontal crash, your body would move
too far forward. That would increase the
chance of head and neck injuries. The seat
belt would also apply too much force to the
ribs or abdomen, which could severely
injure internal organs such as your liver or
spleen.
Adjust the seat belt so that the shoulder
section is located as close as possible to
the middle of the shoulder. It should not
touch the neck. Never pass the shoulder
portion of the seat belt under your arm. For
this purpose, you can adjust the height of
the seat belt outlet.
R Position the lap belt as low as possible on
your hips and not across the abdomen. If
the lap belt is positioned across your
abdomen, it could cause serious injuries in
a crash.
R Never wear seat belts over rigid or
breakable objects in or on your clothing,such as eyeglasses, pens, keys etc., as
these might cause injuries.
R Make sure the seat belt is always fitted
snugly. Take special care of this when
wearing loose clothing.
R Never use a seat belt for more than one
person at a time. Do not fasten a seat belt
around a person and another person or
other objects at the same time.
R Seat belts should not be worn twisted. In a
crash, you would not have the full width of
the seat belt to distribute impact forces.
The twisted seat belt against your body
could cause injuries.
R Pregnant women should also always use a
lap/shoulder belt. The lap belt portion
should be positioned as low as possible on
the hips to avoid any possible pressure on
the abdomen.
R Place the seat backrest in a position that is
as upright as possible.
R Check your seat belt during travel to make
sure it is properly positioned.
R Never place your feet on the instrument
panel, dashboard, or on the seat. Always
keep both feet on the floor in front of the
seat.
R When using a seat belt to secure infant
restraints, toddler restraints, or children in
booster seats, always follow the child seat
manufacturer’s instructions.GWarning!
Do not pass seat belts over sharp edges. They
could tear.
Do not allow the seat belt to get caught in the
door or in the seat adjustment mechanism.
This could damage the seat belt.
Never attempt to make modifications to seat
belts. This could impair the effectiveness of
the seat belts.
Occupant safety49Safety and security164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 49Z

iCanada only:
This device complies with RSS-210 of
Industry Canada. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference,
and
2. this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
Factory setting XGlobal unlocking: Press button %.
Unless you open a door or the tailgate within
approximately 40 seconds after unlocking
the vehicle:
R The vehicle will be locked again.
R The antitheft alarm system will be rearmed.
XGlobal locking: Press button &.
Selective setting
If you frequently travel alone, you may wish
to reprogramm the SmartKey. Pressing
button % will then only unlock the driver’s
door and the fuel filler flap.
XSwitching on/off: Press and hold buttons
% and & simultaneously for
approximately 6 seconds until the battery
check lamp ( Y page 73) flashes twice.
The SmartKey will then function as follows:
XUnlocking driver’s door and fuel filler
flap: Press button % once.XGlobal unlocking: Press button %
twice.XGlobal locking: Press button &.KEYLESS-GO
Vehicles equipped with KEYLESS-GO come
with two SmartKeys with KEYLESS-GO, each
with remote control and a removable
mechanical key.
The KEYLESS-GO function is integrated into
the SmartKey. The validity of the SmartKey is
checked every time you grasp an outside door
handle.
When the SmartKey is valid, your vehicle
unlocks
R the doors
R the fuel filler flap
R the tailgate
i USA only:
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
i Canada only:
This device complies with RSS-210 of
Industry Canada. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference,
and
2. this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.Locking and unlocking71Controls in detail164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 71Z

Locking and unlocking from the insideGObserve Safety notes, see page 55.
You can lock or unlock the vehicle from the
inside using the central locking switches. This
can be useful, for example, if you want to lock
the vehicle before starting to drive.
The central locking switches do not lock or
unlock the fuel filler flap.
The switches are located in each front door.
XLocking: Press central locking switch ;.
When all doors and the tailgate are closed,
the vehicle locks.
XUnlocking: Press central unlocking
switch :.
You can open a locked front door from the
inside at any time. Open door only when
conditions are safe to do so.
If the vehicle was previously locked with the
central locking switch
Rand the SmartKey is set to factory settings,
the complete vehicle is unlocked when a
front door is opened from the inside
Rand the SmartKey is set to selective
settings, only the front door opened from
the inside is unlocked
If the vehicle has been locked centrally with
the SmartKey or with KEYLESS-GO, it will not
unlock using the central unlocking switch.
TailgateGWarning!
Make sure the tailgate is closed when the
engine is running and while driving. Among
other dangers, deadly carbon monoxide (CO)
gases may enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death.
A minimum height clearance of 7.20 ft
(2.20 m) is required to open the tailgate.
Opening the tailgate from the outside
XPull on handle :.
In vehicles without KEYLESS-GO: The
vehicle must be unlocked.
XPull tailgate upwards to open.
Closing the tailgate from the outside
GObserve Safety notes, see page 55.GWarning!
To prevent possible personal injury, always
keep hands and fingers away from the cargo
compartment opening when closing the
tailgate. Be especially careful when small
children are around.
Locking and unlocking75Controls in detail164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 75Z