
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not
allow this fluid to come in contact with eyes,
skin or clothing. In case it does, immediately
flush affected area with water and seek
medical help if necessary.
A battery will also produce hydrogen gas,
which is flammable and explosive. Keep
flames or sparks away from battery, avoid
improper connection of jumper cables,
smoking etc.GWarning!
Do not place metal objects on the battery as
this could result in a short circuit.
Use leak-proof batteries only to avoid the risk
of acid burns in the event of an accident.
Take care that you do not become statically
charged, e.g. by wearing synthetic clothing or
rubbing against textiles. For this reason, you
also should not pull or push the battery over
carpets or other synthetic materials.
Never touch the battery first. First touch the
outside body of the vehicle in order to release
any possible electrostatic charges.
Do not rub the battery with rags or cloths. The
battery could explode if touched due to
electrostatic charge or due to spark
formation.
! The battery is a
Valve-Regulated Lead
Acid (VRLA) battery, also referred to as
“fleece” battery.
Such batteries do not require topping-up of
the electrolyte level. VRLA batteries
therefore do not have cell caps and the
battery cover is non-removable. Do not
attempt to open the battery as otherwise
the battery will be damaged.
VRLA batteries do not require topping-up of
the electrolyte level. They cannot be
opened to check the electrolyte level.
However, the battery condition must be
checked periodically by performing a
battery conductance test. Refer to
Maintenance Booklet for battery condition
testing intervals.
The factory-equipped battery may only be
replaced with a battery that
R has the same security features
R is of identical size
R is of identical voltage
R is of identical capacity
! As any other battery, the battery may
discharge if you do not operate the vehicle
for an extended period of time. Have the
battery disconnected at a qualified
workshop or an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center in such a case. You may also
connect an accessory battery charge unit
expressly approved by Mercedes-Benz for
your vehicle model to maintain the battery
charge. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center for further information.
The battery, the battery ventilation hose
and the lateral plug must always be
securely installed when the vehicle is in
operation.
! Never loosen or detach battery terminal
clamps while the engine is running or the
SmartKey is in the starter switch or
KEYLESS-GO button is in position 1.
Otherwise the alternator and other
electronic components could be severely
damaged.
Have the battery checked regularly at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Refer to Maintenance Booklet for
maintenance intervals or contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
further information.
i After battery power was interrupted, do
the following:
R Set the clock ( Y page 132).
Vehicles with COMAND system with
navigation module: Time and date are set
automatically.
R Synchronize the door windows
( Y page 102).Battery335Practical hints164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 335Z

RSynchronize the power tilt/sliding
sunroof ( Y page 186).
R Synchronize the exterior rear view
mirrors ( Y page 91).
Charging the battery
GWarning!
Never charge a battery while still installed in
the vehicle unless the accessory battery
charge unit approved by Mercedes-Benz is
being used. Gases may escape during
charging and could cause an explosion that
may result in personal injury, paint damage or
corrosion.
An accessory battery charge unit specially
adapted for Mercedes-Benz vehicles and
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz is
available. It permits the charging of the
battery in its installed position. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
information and availability.
Charge battery in accordance with the
separate instructions for the accessory
battery charger.
Have the battery charged at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. If you charge the
battery yourself, follow the operating
instructions for your charging device.
Only use a battery charge unit with a
maximum charging voltage of 14.8 V.
XCharge battery in accordance with the
instructions of the battery charger
manufacturer.
Jump starting
GWarning!
Failure to follow these directions will cause
damage to the electronic components, and
can lead to a battery explosion and severe
injury or death.
Never lean over batteries while connecting or
jump starting. You might get injured.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not
allow this fluid to come in contact with eyes,
skin or clothing. In case it does, immediately
flush affected area with water, and seek
medical help if necessary.
A battery will also produce hydrogen gas,
which is flammable and explosive. Keep
flames or sparks away from battery, avoid
improper connection of jumper cables,
smoking, etc.
Attempting to jump start a frozen battery can
result in it exploding, causing personal injury.
Read all instructions before proceeding.GWarning!
HYBRID vehicles: It is imperative that you read
the HYBRID Supplemental Operating
Instructions included in your vehicle literature
portfolio. You may otherwise not recognize
potential danger.
! Do not tow-start the vehicle. You could
otherwise seriously damage the automatic
transmission which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
! Jump starting should only be performed
using the jump-start terminals located in
the engine compartment.
Avoid repeated and lengthy starting
attempts.
Do not attempt to start the engine using a
battery quick-charge unit.
If the engine does not run after several
unsuccessful starting attempts, have it
checked at the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Excessive unburned fuel generated by
repeated failed starting attempts may
336Jump startingPractical hints
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Spare wheel
! Compare the recommended tire inflation pressure for your vehicle with the tire inflation
pressure on the yellow label located on the spare wheel rim.
If the tire inflation pressure on the yellow label on the spare wheel rim differs from the values
given in this Operator’s Manual, inflate the tire to the recommended tire inflation pressure
given on the yellow label on the spare wheel rim.
i Please note that the tire inflation pressure of the spare wheel differs from the tire inflation
pressure of the road tires.
i The ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC does not have a spare wheel.ModelML 350 (all models)
ML 550 (all models)ML 63 AMGRim4.0 B x 18 H25.5 B x 19 H2Wheel offset1.58 in (40 mm)0.51 in (13 mm)Minispare tire 58T 155/90 D18 113M
or
T 155/90 R18 113M—Collapsible tire 58—185/85-19 104PRecommended tire
inflation pressure61 psi (4.2 bar)51 psi (3.5 bar)Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Capacities
Vehicle components and their respective
lubricants must match. Therefore only use
products tested and approved by Mercedes-
Benz.
For information on tested and approved
products, contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center or visit www.mbusa.com (USA
only).
GWarning!
Comply with all valid regulations with respect
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.58 Must not be used with snow chains.356Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.Technical data
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ModelCapacityFuels, coolants,
lubricants, etc.Engine with oil
filterML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC9.0 US qt (8.5 l)Approved engine
oilsML 350 4MATIC
ML 3508.5 US qt (8.0 l)ML 550 4MATIC9.5 US qt (9.0 l)ML 63 AMG 5910.3 US qt (9.7 l)Automatic
transmissionAll models,
except ML 63 AMG9.5 US qt (9.0 l)MB Automatic
Transmission FluidML 63 AMG 609.7 US qt (9.2 l)Front axleML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC
ML 350 4MATIC
ML 550 4MATIC1.2 US qt (1.1 l)Hypoid gear oilML 63 AMGFuchs Titan
EG 5010 DRear axleML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC
ML 350 4MATIC
ML 550 4MATIC1.2 US qt (1.1 l)Hypoid gear oilML 3501.5 US qt (1.4 l)ML 63 AMG1.2 US qt (1.1 l)Fuchs Titan
EG 5010 DTransfer caseML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC
ML 350 4MATIC
ML 550 4MATIC
ML 63 AMG0.53 US qt (0.5 l)MB Automatic
Transmission FluidPower steeringML 350approx.
1.3 US qt (1.2 l)MB Power Steering
Fluid or approved
Dexron III ATFML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC
ML 350 4MATIC
ML 550 4MATICapprox.
1.05 US qt (1.0 l)MB Power Steering
FluidML 63 AMGapprox.
1.3 US qt (1.2 l)59 Engine with oil cooler.
60 Automatic transmission with oil cooler.Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.357Technical data164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 357Z

ModelCapacityFuels, coolants,
lubricants, etc.Brake systemAll models0.63 US qt (0.6 l)MB Brake Fluid
(DOT 4+)Cooling systemML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC
ML 350 4MATIC
ML 350approx.
10.0 US qt (9.5 l)MB 325.0
Anticorrosion/
AntifreezeML 550 4MATICapprox.
12.7 US qt (12.0 l)ML 63 AMGapprox.
12.2 US qt (11.5 l)Fuel tankAll models25.1 US gal (95.0 l)Gasoline engine:
Premium unleaded
gasoline (Minimum
Posted Octane 91
[Avg. of
96 RON/86 MON])
Diesel engine:
ULTRA-LOW
SULFUR HIGHWAY
DIESEL FUEL
(ULSD, 15 ppm
SULFUR MAXIMUM)Fuel tank
reserveAll models,
except ML 63 AMGapprox.
3.4 US gal (13.0 l)ML 63 AMGapprox.
4.0 US gal (15.0 l)AdBlue ®
tankML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC7.0 US gal (26.6 l)AdBlue ®
complying
with ISO 22241Air
conditioning
systemAll models—R134a refrigerant
and special
PAG lubricant oil
(never R 12)Washer system
and headlamp
cleaning
systemAll models7.6 US qt (7.2 l)MB Windshield
Washer
Concentrate 61
( Y page 364)
Washer fluid mixing
ratio ( Y page 364)61
Mixed with water or commercially available premixed washer solvent/antifreeze.358Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.Technical data
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Approved 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 the Maintenance System.
For a listing of approved engine oils and oil
filters, contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or visit www.mbusa.com (USA only).
! Using engine oils and oil filters of a
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.
Please follow Maintenance System
recommendations 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.
Mercedes-Benz recommends MOBIL OIL.
Use the table below to determine the
MB sheet number.
ModelEngine,
type
MB sheet
number
ML 350 BlueTEC
4MATIC
642229.51ML 350 4MATIC272229.5ML 350272229.3/
229.5
ML 550 4MATIC273229.5ML 63 AMG156229.562
iMB sheet numbers are printed on the
outside of oil containers.
Viscosity grades for engine oils
Using the chart below, select oil viscosity
according to the lowest air temperature
expected before the next oil change.
Engine oil additives
! 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.
Air conditioning refrigerant
R134a (HFC) refrigerant and special PAG
lubricating oil are used in the air conditioning
system.
! Never use R 12 (CFC) or mineral-based
lubricating oil. Otherwise damage to the
system will occur.
Brake fluid
GWarning!
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
62Restriction: Only SAE 0W-40/SAE 5W-40 engine oils may be used.Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.359Technical data164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 359Z

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 interval.
Only brake fluid approved by Mercedes-Benz
is recommended. Any authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center will provide you with additional
information.
Premium unleaded gasoline (gasoline
engine)
GWarning!
Gasoline is highly flammable and poisonous.
It burns violently and can cause serious
personal injury.
Never allow sparks, flames or smoking
materials near gasoline!
Turn off the engine before refueling.
Whenever you are around gasoline, avoid
inhaling fumes and any skin or clothing
contact. Extinguish all smoking materials.
Direct skin contact with fuels and the
inhalation of fuel vapors are damaging your
health.
! To maintain the engine’s durability and
performance, premium unleaded gasoline
must be used.
If premium unleaded gasoline is not
available and low octane gasoline is used,
follow these precautions:
R Have the fuel tank only partially filled
with unleaded regular gasoline and fill up
with premium unleaded gasoline as soon
as possible.
R Avoid full throttle driving and abrupt
acceleration.
R Do not exceed an engine speed of
3 000 rpm if the vehicle is loaded with a
light load such as two persons and no
luggage.
R Do not exceed 2
/ 3 of maximum
accelerator pedal position if the vehicle
is fully loaded or operating in
mountainous terrain.
Fuel requirements
Gasoline engine
Only use premium unleaded gasoline. The
octane number (posted at the pump) must be
91 min. It is an average of both the Research
Octane Number (RON) and the Motor Octane
Number (MON): (RON+MON)/2. This is also
known as the ANTI-KNOCK INDEX.
Reformulated gasolines (RFG) and/or
unleaded gasoline containing oxygenates
such as ethanol, TAME, ETBE, IPA, IBA, and
TBA can be used provided the ratio of any one
of these oxygenates to gasoline does not
exceed 10%; MTBE must not exceed 15%.
The ratio of methanol to gasoline must not
exceed 3% plus additional cosolvents.
Using mixtures of ethanol and methanol is not
allowed. Gasohol, which contains 10%
ethanol and 90% unleaded gasoline, can be
used.
These blends must also meet all other fuel
requirements, such as resistance to spark
knock, boiling range, vapor pressure, etc.
Diesel engine
Only use commercially available vehicular
ULTRA-LOW SULFUR HIGHWAY DIESEL FUEL
(ULSD, 15 ppm SULFUR MAXIMUM) that
meets the ASTM D975 standard. Failure to
use ULTRA-LOW SULFUR HIGHWAY DIESEL
FUEL (ULSD) can severely damage the
vehicle’s exhaust after-treatment device.
To prevent malfunctions, diesel fuel with
improved cold flow characteristics is offered
in the winter months. Check with your fuel
retailer.
360Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.Technical data
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Washer system and headlamp
cleaning systemGWarning!
Washer solvent/antifreeze is highly
flammable. Do not spill washer solvent/
antifreeze on hot engine parts, because it may
ignite and burn. You could be seriously
burned.
XUse MB Windshield Washer Concentrate
“MB SummerFit”.XMix with water for temperatures above
freezing point.XMix with commercially available premixed
washer solvent/antifreeze for
temperatures below freezing point.
Washer fluid mixing ratio
For temperatures above the freezing point:
1 part “MB SummerFit” to 100 parts water
(1.34 fl oz [40 ml] “MB SummerFit” to 1 gal
[4.0 l] water)
For temperatures below freezing point:
1 part “MB SummerFit” to 100 parts solvent
(1.34 fl oz [40 ml] “MB SummerFit” to 1 gal
[4.0 l] solvent)
364Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.Technical data
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