Tread
The portion of a tire that comes into contact
with the road.
Treadwear indicators
Narrow bands, sometimes called “wear bars”
that show across the tread of a tire when only
1 / 16 in (1.6 mm) of tread remains.
TWR (Tongue Weight Rating)
Maximum permissible weight on trailer
tongue.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards
A tire information system that provides
consumers with ratings for a tire’s traction,
temperature and treadwear. Ratings are
determined by tire manufacturers using U.S.
government testing procedures. The ratings
are molded into the sidewall of the tire.
Vehicle maximum load on the tire
Load on an individual tire that is determined
by distributing to each axle its share of the
maximum loaded vehicle weight and dividing
it by two.
Winter driving
General information
Have your vehicle winterized at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
i Vehicles with diesel engine:
Do not cover the radiator, for example with
a winter front. Otherwise the readings of
the on-board diagnostic system may be
inaccurate. Some of theses readings are
required by law and must be accurate at all
times.
Winter tiresGWarning!
Winter tires with a tread depth of less than
1 / 6 in (4 mm) must be replaced. They are no
longer suitable for winter operation.
GWarning!
If you use your spare wheel when winter tires
are fitted on the other wheels, be aware that
the difference in tire characteristics may very
well impair turning stability and that overall
driving stability may be reduced. Adapt your
driving style accordingly.
Have the spare wheel replaced by a regular
road wheel with a winter tire at the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Always use winter tires at temperatures
below 45‡ (7†) and whenever wintry road
conditions prevail. Not all M+S rated tires
provide special winter performance. Make
sure the tires you use show the mountain/
snowflake imarking on the tire sidewall.
These tires meet specific snow traction
performance requirements of the Rubber
Manufacturers Association (RMA) and the
Rubber Association of Canada (RAC) and
have been designed specifically for use in
snow conditions. Use of winter tires is the
only way to achieve the maximum
effectiveness of your vehicle’s driving safety
systems such as the ABS and the ESP ®
in
winter operation.
For safe handling, make sure all mounted
winter tires are of the same make and have
the same tread design.
For information on winter tires for your
vehicle model, see the “Technical data”
section ( Y page 352).
Always observe the speed rating of the winter
tires installed on your vehicle.
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After installing winter tires:XCheck the tire inflation pressure and adjust
it if necessary ( Y page 221).XRestart the tire pressure loss warning
system ( Y page 222) or the Advanced Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (Y page 223).
Snow chains
! Vehicles with Adaptive Damping System
(ADS):
When driving with snow chains, do not
select SPORT mode as this may result in
damage to your vehicle.
! Some tire sizes do not leave adequate
clearance for snow chains. To help avoid
serious damage to your vehicle or tires,
make sure the use of snow chains is
permissible as specified in the “Technical
data” section of this Operator’s Manual.
Snow chains should only be driven on snow-
covered roads at speeds not to exceed
30 mph (50 km/h). Remove chains as soon
as possible when driving on roads without
snow.
Observe the following guidelines when using
snow chains:
R Use of snow chains is not permissible with
all wheel/tire combinations ( Y page 352).
R Use snow chains in pairs and on rear
wheels only. Follow the manufacturer’s
mounting instructions.
! If snow chains are mounted to the front
wheels, they may scrape against the body
or axle components. The tires or the vehicle
could be damaged as a result.
R Only use snow chains that are approved by
Mercedes-Benz. Any authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center will be glad to advise you on
this subject.
R Use of snow chains may be prohibited
depending on location. Always check local
and state laws before installing snow
chains.
R Do not use snow chains on the spare wheel.
i When driving with snow chains, you may
wish to switch off the ESP ®
(Y page 63)
before setting the vehicle in motion. This
will improve the vehicle’s traction.
Winter driving instructions
GWarning!
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, make
sure snow is kept clear of the exhaust pipe
and from around the vehicle with the engine
running. Otherwise, deadly carbon monoxide
(CO) gases may enter vehicle interior
resulting in unconsciousness and death.
To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation, open
a window slightly on the side of the vehicle
not facing the wind.
GWarning!
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Indicated temperatures just above the
freezing point do not guarantee that the road
surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areas or on bridges.
GWarning!
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.
The most important rule for slippery or icy
roads is to drive sensibly and to avoid abrupt
acceleration, braking and steering
maneuvers. Do not use the cruise control
system under such conditions.
When the vehicle is in danger of skidding, shift
the automatic transmission to neutral
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Vehicle equipment
iThis Operator’s Manual describes all
features, standard or optional, potentially
available for your vehicle at the time of
purchase. Please be aware that your
vehicle might not be equipped with all
features described in this manual.
Where will I find ...?
First aid kit
iCheck expiration dates and contents for
completeness at least once a year and
replace missing/expired items.
The first aid kit is located on the driver’s side
in the cargo compartment behind the cover.
XTurn lock : by 90° in direction of the
arrow.
XFold down cover ;.
The first aid kit can be removed.
Vehicle tool kit
The vehicle tool kit is located in the space
underneath the cargo compartment floor.
The vehicle tool kit includes:
RAlignment bolt 23
RCollapsible wheel chock 23
RElectric air pump24
RFuse chart
RJack23
RReversible ratchet for jack23
RTIREFIT kit25
RTowing eye bolt
RWheel wrench23
RSpare wheel bolts26
XRemoving: Open the tailgate (Y page 75).XPush in floor handle ; as indicated by
arrow.
XLift cargo compartment floor : using floor
handle ;.23Vehicles with spare wheel only.24ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC (Canada vehicles) factory equipped with 20" wheels and vehicles with spare wheelwith collapsible tire only.25ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC (Canada vehicles) factory equipped with 20" wheels only.26Vehicles with Minispare wheel only.
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XRelease securing hook = (located below
the floor handle) from holder.
XEngage securing hook = on upper cargo
compartment lip ?.
! With the cargo compartment cover blind
installed behind the rear seats, disengage
cargo compartment cover blind and flip it
forward. Otherwise the strap of the
securing hook could damage the cargo
compartment cover blind.
! To prevent damage, always disengage the
securing hook from upper cargo
compartment lip and lower the cargo
compartment floor before closing the
tailgate.
Vehicles without spare wheel
iVehicles without spare wheel are not
factory-equipped with the tools required for
a wheel change such as a jack or a wheel
wrench. Some tools required for a wheel
change are specific to your vehicle.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center to obtain the tools approved for
your vehicle. The illustration shows the
vehicle retrofitted with the necessary tools
for a wheel change.
:Towing eye bolt;Alignment bolt=Jack?Fuse chartAElectric air pump27BTIREFIT kit27CWheel wrenchDCollapsible wheel chockEReversible ratchet for jack27ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC (Canada vehicles) factory equipped with 20" wheels only.Where will I find ...?269Practical hints164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 269Z
Vehicles with spare wheel
Example illustration
:Electric air pump28;Storage well casing=Alignment bolt?Towing eye boltAWheel wrenchXTo access remaining tools: Remove
storage well casing ; (if so equipped).
XRemove the spare wheel (Y page 271).
Example illustration
BJackCCollapsible wheel chockDFuse chartESpare wheel bolts29FReversible ratchet for jackCollapsible wheel chock
The collapsible wheel chock serves to secure
the vehicle, e.g. while changing a wheel.
XTake the collapsible wheel chock from the
vehicle tool kit (Y page 268).
XSetting up: Tilt both plates upward :.XFold the lower plate outward ;.XGuide the tabs of the lower plate all the way
into the openings of base plate =.
For information on where to place wheel
chocks when changing a wheel, see “Lifting
the vehicle” (Y page 324).
Jack
GWarning!
Only use the jack supplied with your vehicle
to lift the vehicle briefly for wheel changes. If
you use the jack for any other purpose, you or
others could be injured, as the jack is
designed only for the purpose of changing a
wheel.
When using the jack, observe the safety notes
in the “Mounting the spare wheel” section and
the notes on the jack.
XTake the jack from the vehicle tool kit
(Y page 268).28Vehicles with spare wheel with collapsible tire only.29Vehicles with Minispare wheel only.
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Storage position
XTake the reversible ratchet from the vehicle
tool kit (Y page 268).
Operational position
XAttach reversible ratchet ; to jack : in
such a way that the word UP can be seen.
Before placing the jack and the reversible
ratchet back into the vehicle tool kit:
XFully collapse the jack (storage position).XRemove the reversible ratchet.
Spare wheel
GObserve Safety notes, see page 319.
iUSA only:
The ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC does not have
a spare wheel.
iCanada only:
The ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC does not have
a spare wheel. ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC
vehicles that are factory equipped with 20''
wheels come with TIREFIT.
The spare wheel is located in the space
underneath the cargo compartment floor.
XRemoving: Open the tailgate (Y page 75).XLift the cargo compartment floor and
secure it on the upper cargo compartment
lip (Y page 268).
! To prevent damage, always disengage the
securing hook from upper cargo
compartment lip and lower the cargo
compartment floor before closing the
tailgate.
XRemove the storage well casing (if so
equipped) (Y page 270).
Example illustration
XRemove retaining screw : by turning it
counterclockwise.
XRemove spare wheel ;.
For information on mounting the spare wheel,
see “Flat tire” (Y page 319).
Storing the spare wheel after use
XPlace spare wheel ; into the spare wheel
well (Y page 271).
XSecure spare wheel ; by turning retaining
screw : clockwise (Y page 271).
XPlace the storage well casing (if so
equipped) into the spare wheel
(Y page 270).
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsTire
Pressure
MonitorWheel
Sensor
MissingAt least one sensor is defect (e.g. battery is empty).
The respective tire is indicated by – – instead of the tire
inflation pressure in the multifunction display.XHave the Advanced TPMS checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.XHave the wheel sensors installed at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.At least one wheel without appropriate wheel sensors is
mounted (e.g. spare tire).
The respective tire is indicated by – – instead of the tire
inflation pressure in the multifunction display.XHave the Advanced TPMS checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.XHave the wheel sensors installed at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.Tire
Pressure
MonitorCurrently
Unavailabl
eThe Advanced TPMS cannot monitor the tire inflation pressure
due to a nearby radio interference source or insufficient
power supply.
As soon as the causes of the malfunction have been rectified,
the Advanced TPMS becomes active again automatically after
a few minutes of driving.Tire
Pressure(s
) Please
CorrectThe tire inflation pressure is too low in at least one tire.
or
The tire inflation pressures of the individual tires differ from
each other significantly.
The tire inflation pressure values are shown in the
multifunction display.XCheck and correct tire inflation pressure as required
( Y page 221).XRestart the Advanced TMPS ( Y page 226).Caution:
Tire
DefectAt least one tire is deflating.
The respective tire is indicated in the multifunction display.XCarefully bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding abrupt
steering and braking maneuvers.XIf necessary, change the wheel ( Y page 319).282Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
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TiresProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionshUSA only:
Combination
low tire pressure
telltale/TPMS
malfunction
telltale for the
Advanced TPMS
illuminates
continuously.The Advanced TPMS detects a loss of pressure in at least one tire.XCarefully bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding abrupt steering and
braking maneuvers. Observe the traffic situation around you.XRead and observe messages in the multifunction display
( Y page 272).
If the tire inflation pressure in the respective tire(s) has (have) been
corrected, the combination low tire pressure/TPMS malfunction
telltale goes out after a few minutes of driving.
hUSA only:
Combination
low tire pressure
telltale/TPMS
malfunction
telltale for the
Advanced TPMS
flashes 60
seconds and
then stays
illuminated.There is a malfunction in the Advanced TPMS.XRead and observe messages in the multifunction display
( Y page 272).XHave the Advanced TPMS checked at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
After the malfunction has been remedied, the combination low tire
pressure/TPMS malfunction telltale goes out after a few minutes
of driving.
GWarning!
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked at least once a month
when cold and inflated to the inflation
pressure recommended by the vehicle
manufacturer on the Tire and Loading
Information placard on the driver’s door B-
pillar or the tire inflation pressure label on the
inside of the fuel filler flap. If your vehicle has
tires of a different size than the size indicated
on the Tire and Loading Information placard
or the tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure
for those tires.
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has
been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire
pressure telltale when one or more of your
tires are significantly underinflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure
telltale illuminates, you should stop and check
your tires as soon as possible, and inflate
them to the proper pressure. Driving on a
significantly underinflated tire causes the tire
to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency
and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s
handling and stopping ability. Please note that
the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver’s
responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if underinflation has not
reached the level to trigger illumination of the
TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a
TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when
the system is not operating properly. The
TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with
the low tire pressure telltale. When the
system detects a malfunction, the telltale will
flash for approximately 1 minute and then
remain continuously illuminated. This304What to do if …Practical hints
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