
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
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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 

OCS (Occupant Classification
System)  ................................................ 42
Self-test  ........................................... 45
Odometer  ........................................... 121
Off-road driving  ................................. 248
Checklist  ............................... 249, 253
Crossing obstacles  ........................252
Driving instructions ........................ 248
Driving on sand  .............................. 252
Driving through water  ....................251
Returning  ....................................... 253
Ruts  ............................................... 253
Steep terrain  .................................. 250
Off-road driving program  .................. 155
Off-road Mode menu  ......................... 125
Oil, oil level see Engine oil                                            
On-board computer
see Control system                                   
One-touch gearshifting  ..................... 115
Operating safety  .................................. 23
Ornamental moldings, cleaning  ....... 262
Outside temperature see Displays                                              
Overhead control panel  ...................... 32
P
Paintwork, cleaning  .......................... 261
Paintwork code  ................................. 347
Panic alarm  .......................................... 61
Parcel nets  ......................................... 188
Parking  ............................................... 107
Parktronic system  ..........................160
Parking brake  ............................ 107, 247
Messages in the multifunction
display  ........................................... 284
Parking position  
Exterior rear view mirrors  ................90
Transmission position  ....................112
Parktronic system  
Cleaning system sensors  ...............263
Malfunction .................................... 163
Minimum distance  .........................161
Sensor range  ................................. 161
Switching on/off  ........................... 162
System sensors  ............................. 160
Warning indicators  ...................27, 161
Parts service  ...................................... 346
PASS AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp
(Canada only) see Front passenger front air bag
off indicator lamp (Canada only)               
PASS AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp
(USA only) see Front passenger front air bag
off indicator lamp (USA only)                    
Passenger safety
see Occupant safety                                 
Pedals  ................................................. 244
Phone see Telephone                                           
Plastic parts, cleaning  ...................... 264
Power assistance  .............................. 244
Power outlets  .................................... 197
Power seats see Seats                                                  
Power tailgate  
Closing  ............................................. 76
Messages in the multifunction
display  ........................................... 286
Opening  ........................................... 76
Power tilt/sliding sunroof  
Operation ....................................... 184
Synchronizing  ................................ 186
Power washer  .................................... 261
Power windows  ................................. 100
Cleaning ......................................... 264
Operation ....................................... 100
Rear door window, override
switch  .............................................. 60
Synchronizing  ................................ 102
Practical hints  ................................... 268
Preglow indicator lamp  .............. 29, 104
PRE-SAFE ®
 ............................................ 52
Messages in the multifunction
display  ........................................... 274
Problems  
While driving  .................................. 106
With vehicle  ..................................... 23
With wipers  .................................... 100
Product information  ............................ 20
Production options weight  ............... 24114Index164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 14 

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 

Messages in the multifunction
display  ................................... 281, 296
MOExtended  .................................. 352
Ply composition and material
used ............................................... 241
Problems under-/overinflation  ......221
Retreads  ........................................ 218
Rims and tires (technical data)  ......352
Rotation  ......................................... 234
Service life  ..................................... 232
Sizes  .............................................. 352
Snow chains  .................................. 243
Speed rating  .......................... 237, 241
Storing  ........................................... 233
Temperature  .......................... 220, 234
Terminology  ................................... 239
TIREFIT (tire repair kit)  ...................320
Tire Identification Number  .............241
Tire pressure loss warning system . 222
TPMS low tire pressure/
malfunction telltale  ........................304
Traction  ................................. 233, 241
Tread  ............................................. 242
Tread depth  ........................... 232, 242
Treadwear  ...................................... 233
Treadwear indicators  .............232, 242
Vehicle maximum load on  ..............242
Wear pattern  .................................. 234
Winter tires  ............................ 242, 352
Tire speed rating  ....................... 237, 241
Tongue Weight Rating see TWR                                                    
Top tether
see Children in the vehicle                        
Total load limit  ................................... 241
Towing  
Towing eye bolt .............................. 339
Trailer  .................................... 113, 254
Vehicle  ........................................... 338
Towing eye bolt  ................................. 339
Traction  ...................................... 233, 241
Trailer towing  ............................ 113, 254
Coupling a trailer  ........................... 255
Decoupling ..................................... 257
Electrical connections .................... 254
Towing  ........................................... 256
Trailer hitch  ................................... 254
Weights and ratings  .......................254Transfer case ..................................... 117
Transmission see Automatic transmission                     
Transmission fluid level  .................... 216
Transmission gear selector lever see Gear selector lever                             
Transmission positions  .................... 112
Traveling abroad  ............................... 257
Tread (tires)  ....................................... 242
Tread depth (tires)  .................... 232, 242
Treadwear  .......................................... 233
Treadwear indicators (tires)  .... 232, 242
Trip computer menu  ......................... 138
Trip odometer, resetting  ................... 118
Turning off the engine  ...................... 108
Turn signals  ......................................... 95
Cleaning lenses  ............................. 263
Indicator lamps  ................................ 28
Messages in the multifunction
display  ........................................... 296
TWR (Tongue Weight Rating)  ........... 242
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards  .................................. 233, 242
Units  
Selecting digital speedometer
display mode  ................................. 131
Selecting speedometer/
odometer display mode  .................131
Unleaded gasoline, premium  ........... 360
Unlocking the vehicle  
KEYLESS-GO  .................................... 71
Manually  ........................................ 306
SmartKey  ......................................... 70
Upholstery, cleaning  ......................... 265
Useful features  .................................. 194
V
Vehicle  
Battery  ........................................... 334
Care  ............................................... 260
Control system  .............................. 119
Identification Number (VIN)  ...........346
Locking/unlocking ........................... 70
Lowering (wheel change)  ...............329
18Index164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 18 

FunctionPageDMultifunction display with:Trip odometer118Main odometer121ETachometer with: 7 Seat belt telltale  51,
300
% Preglow indicator
lamp, diesel engine only  104
oré Recuperative Brake
System (RBS) warning
lamp, ML 450 HYBRID only4
+ Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS)
indicator lamp  
36,
301
L Low-beam headlamp
indicator lamp  93
; Engine malfunction
indicator lamp, Canada only303
! Engine malfunction
indicator lamp, USA only  303
K High-beam headlamp
indicator lamp  96
FunctionPageFuel gauge with: Fuel tank
reserve warning lamp   303
8 Fuel filler flap
indicator: The fuel filler flap
is located on the rear right-
hand side.
GMultifunction display with:Outside temperature
indicator or digital
speedometer (depending
on selected setting in the
control system)
123,
131
Transmission position
indicator112
Gear range indicator114Automatic transmission
program mode indicator114
Rear window wiper
indicator100
Downhill Speed Regulator
(DSR) indicator153
Off-road driving program
indicator1554See separate HYBRID Supplemental Operating Instructions.Instrument cluster29At a glance164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 29Z   

iThe last set steering wheel position is
stored when the ignition is switched off or
the position is stored in memory
(Y page 92).
With the easy-entry/exit feature activated,
the steering wheel tilts upwards when you
remove the SmartKey from the starter switch.
The steering wheel also tilts upwards when
you open the driver’s door with the SmartKey
in starter switch position 0 or 1 or the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button in position 1.
iWhen the current position for the steering
wheel is in the uppermost tilt position, the
steering wheel will no longer be able to
move upward when the easy-entry/exit
feature is activated.
The adjustment procedure is briefly
interrupted when the engine is started.
GWarning!
Let the system complete the adjustment
procedure before setting the vehicle in
motion. All steering wheel adjustment must
be completed before setting the vehicle in
motion. Driving off with the steering wheel
still adjusting could cause the driver to lose
control of the vehicle.
Crash-responsive exit aid
When you open the driver’s door after an
accident has occurred, the steering column
moves up. The position of the SmartKey in the
starter switch is insignificant. This function
facilitates exiting as well as rescue of vehicle
occupants.
The crash-responsive exit aid can only be
triggered when the easy-entry/exit feature is
activated via the control system.
Heated steering wheel
The steering wheel heating warms up the
leather area of the steering wheel.
XSwitch on the ignition.XSwitching on: Turn switch at the tip of the
stalk in direction of arrow :.
Indicator lamp = comes on.
iThe steering wheel heating may be
suspended temporarily. However, indicator
lamp = remains on. The steering wheel
heating is suspended when the
temperature of the vehicle interior is above
86‡ (30†). It is also suspended when the
temperature of the steering wheel is above
95‡ (35†).
When these conditions do not apply
anymore, steering wheel heating
continues.
XSwitching off: Turn switch at the tip of
stalk in direction of arrow ;.
Indicator lamp = goes out.
iIndicator lamp = flashes or goes out in
case of power surge or undervoltage or if
the steering wheel heating malfunctions.
iThe steering wheel heating switches off
automatically when you remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch or, on
vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, when you
switch off the ignition and open the driver’s
door.
For more information on the steering wheel,
see “Multifunction steering wheel”
(Y page 119).
88Multifunction steering wheelControls in detail
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iAt low ambient temperatures, the exterior
rear view mirrors will be heated
automatically.
Auto-dimming rear view mirrors
The exterior rear view mirror on the driver’s
side and the interior rear view mirror will
respond automatically to glare when the
ignition is switched on and incoming light
from headlamps falls on the sensor in the
interior rear view mirror.
The rear view mirrors will not react if the
automatic transmission is set to reverse gear
R or the interior lighting is switched on.
GWarning!
The auto-dimming function does not react if
incoming light is not aimed directly at sensors
in the interior rear view mirror.
The interior rear view mirror and the exterior
rear view mirror on the driver’s side do not
react, for example, when transporting cargo
which covers the rear window.
Light hitting the mirror(s) at certain angles
(incident light) could blind you. As a result,
you may not be able to observe traffic
conditions and could cause an accident.
Exterior rear view mirror parking 
position
For more convenient parking, you can set the
passenger-side exterior rear view mirror so
that you can see the rear wheel and the road
curb.
Setting and storing the parking position
XSwitch on the ignition.XPress button =, to select the passenger-
side exterior rear view mirror.
XShift the automatic transmission into
reverse gear R.
The passenger-side exterior rear view
mirror moves to the preset parking
position.
XAdjust the passenger-side exterior rear
view mirror with adjustment button ; so
that you see the rear wheel and the road
curb.
The exterior rear view mirror parking
position is stored.
Calling up the parking position
XSwitch on the ignition.XPress button =, to select the passenger-
side exterior rear view mirror.
XShift the automatic transmission into
reverse gear R.
The passenger-side exterior rear view
mirror moves to the stored parking
position.
90MirrorsControls in detail
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