
1, 2, 3 ...
115V AC Socket ................................. 198
3-zone automatic climate control see Climate control system
4-ETS
see ETS/4-ETS
4MATIC
see All-wheel drive (4MATIC)
A
ABS (Antilock Brake System) ............. 62
Indicator lamp ................................ 298
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 273, 284
Accessory weight .............................. 239
Accidents ........................................... 107
Air bags ........................................... 37
Distance warning function .............151
Emergency calls (Tele Aid) .............200
NECK-PRO active front head
restraints ........................................ 53
Active Bi-Xenon headlamps
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 293
see Headlamps
Adaptive Damping System
see ADS
AdBlue ®
...................................... 331, 361
Capacity, AdBlue ®
tank ................. 358
Refilling ......................................... 332
Additives
Engine oil ....................................... 359
Gasoline ......................................... 361
Address change ................................... 22
ADS (Adaptive Damping System) ..... 156
Advanced Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (Advanced
TPMS) ................................................. 223
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 281, 296
Air bags ................................................ 37
Emergency call upon deployment ..200
Front, driver and passenger .............40
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp (Canada
only) ........................................ 46, 305
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp (USA only) ........42, 305
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 275
OCS (Occupant Classification
System) ........................................... 42
Safety guidelines ............................. 39
Side impact ...................................... 40
Window curtain ................................ 41
Air conditioning refrigerant and
lubricant ............................................. 359
Air distribution .......................... 171, 180
Air filter .............................................. 292
AIRMATIC/Compass menu ............... 127
Air pressure see Tire inflation pressure
Air pressure (tires) ............................ 240
Air pump (electric) ............................ 328
Air recirculation mode .............. 172, 182
Air suspension program
Comfortable driving style ...............156
Introduction ................................... 155
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 285
Sporty driving style ........................156
Suspension tuning .........................156
Vehicle level control ......................156
Air volume ................................. 171, 181
Alarm system see Anti-theft systems
Alignment bolt (vehicle tool
kit) .............................................. 268, 327
All-wheel drive (4MATIC) .................. 159
Alternator
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 280, 290
Alternator (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification
AMG menu ......................................... 123
Anticorrosion/antifreeze .................. 363
Antilock Brake System see ABS
Anti-theft systems ............................... 66
Anti-theft alarm system ...................66
Immobilizer ...................................... 66
Aquaplaning
see Hydroplaning 4Index164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 4

Inflation pressuresee Tires, Inflation pressure
Infrared reflecting windshield ......... 208
Inside door handle .............................. 74
Instrument cluster ............................ 117
Illumination .................................... 118
Lamps ............................................ 297
Multifunction display .....................121
Instrument lighting
see Instrument cluster, Illumination
Instrument panel
see Instrument cluster
Instruments and controls
see Cockpit
Interior lighting
Delayed shut-off ............................ 135
Emergency lighting ..........................98
Front ................................................ 97
Front reading lamps .........................97
Rear ................................................. 98
Rear reading lamps ..........................98
Interior rear view mirror ..................... 89
Auto-dimming rear view mirrors ....... 90
Interior storage spaces
see Storage compartments
Intermittent wiping
Rain sensor ...................................... 99
J
Jack ..................................................... 270
Jump starting ..................................... 336
K
Key, Mechanical
Loss of ............................................. 73
Replacing ......................................... 74
Unlocking/locking manually ..........306
Key, SmartKey
Battery check lamp ..........................73
Checking batteries ...........................73
Factory setting ........................... 71, 72
Global locking (KEYLESS-
GO) .................................................. 73
Global locking (SmartKey) ................ 71
Global unlocking (KEYLESS-
GO) ............................................ 72, 73
Global unlocking
(SmartKey) ....................................... 71
Important notes on KEYLESS-GO .....72
Locking/unlocking ........................... 70
Loss of ............................................. 73
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 286, 287
Opening and closing the power
tilt/sliding sunroof .........................102
Opening and closing the windows . 102
Remote control ................................ 70
Replacing ......................................... 74
Replacing batteries ........................309
Restoring to factory setting .......71, 73
Selective setting ........................71, 73
Starter switch positions ...................79
KEYLESS-GO
Starter switch positions ...................80
Kickdown ........................................... 113
Kickdown (manual shift program) ... 117
Kilopascal (air pressure unit) ........... 240
L
Labels
Certification ................................... 346
Emission control information .........347
Tire and Loading Information
placard ........................................... 227
Tire inflation pressure ....................220
Lamps, exterior
Exterior lamp switch ........................93
Front .............................................. 312
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 293
Rear ............................................... 312
Switching on/off .............................. 93
Lamps, indicator and warning
ABS .......................................... 28, 298
Brakes ..................................... 28, 299
Center console ................................ 31
Distance warning
lamp .............................. 146, 151, 302
Engine malfunction ..................29, 303
ESP ®
........................................ 28, 301
Fog lamps ........................................ 95
Front passenger front air bag off
(Canada only) .......................... 46, 305
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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
Index15164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 15

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

Exterior view
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.
FunctionPage:Tailgate75Power tailgate76;Rear window defroster183=Rear window wiper/washer100Wiper blade, replacing318Wiper blade, cleaning264?Rear lamps311AFuel filler flap210BDoors:Locking and unlocking70,
306
CExterior rear view mirrors89DTowing eyes339EFront lamps311FunctionPageFHood212GWipers98Wiper blades, replacing318Wiper blades, cleaning264HWindshield:Wiping with washer fluid99Cleaning264IPower tilt/sliding sunroof184JCarriers187KTires and wheels218Rims and tires352LHeadlamp cleaning system96MFront fog lamp9526Exterior viewAt a glance
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Center console
Upper part
FunctionPage:COMAND system, see
separate operating
instructions
;Climate control system165Rear window defroster183=Seat heating, front
passenger side86
?Seat ventilation, front
passenger side85
AParktronic system
deactivation switch162
ML 450 HYBRID: Fuel filler
flap switch7BVehicle level control switch156CFront passenger front air
bag off indicator lamp (USA
only)
42,
305
FunctionPageFront passenger front air
bag off indicator lamp
(Canada only)
46,
305
DStorage compartment192EAlarm system indicator
lamp67
FElectronic Stability
Program (ESP®) switch64
GAdaptive Damping System
(ADS) switch156
HSeat ventilation, driver’s
side85
ISeat heating, driver’s side86JSwitch for Downhill Speed
Regulation (DSR)152
ML 450 HYBRID: Parktronic
system deactivation switch160
KHazard warning flasher
switch96
LSwitch for off-road driving
program155
ML 63 AMG: Program mode
selector switch for
automatic transmission115
ML 450 HYBRID: Program
mode selector switch for
automatic transmission7
7See separate HYBRID Supplemental Operating Instructions.Center console31At a glance164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 31Z

bags repaired. This will help to make sure the
air bags will continue to provide supplemental
crash protection for occupants.
Safety guidelines for the seat belt,
Emergency Tensioning Device (ETD)
and air bag GWarning!
R Damaged seat belts or seat belts that have
been subjected to stress in an accident
must be replaced. Their anchoring points
must also be checked. Only use seat belts
installed or supplied by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
R Air bags and pyrotechnic Emergency
Tensioning Devices (ETDs) contain
perchlorate material, which may require
special handling and regard for the
environment. Check with your local
government’s disposal guidelines.
California residents, see
www.dtsc.ca.gov/HazardousWaste/
Perchlorate/index.cfm .
R Air bags and ETDs are designed to function
on a one-time-only basis. An air bag or ETD
that has deployed must be replaced. PRE-
SAFE ®
has electrically operated reversible
pre-tensioners in addition to the
pyrotechnic ETDs.
R Do not pass seat belts over sharp edges.
They could tear.
R Do not make any modification that could
change the effectiveness of the seat belts.
R Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may
severely weaken them. In a crash they may
not be able to provide adequate protection.
R No modifications of any kind may be made
to any components or wiring of the SRS.
R Do no change or remove any component or
part of the SRS.
R Do not install additional trim material, seat
covers, badges, etc. over the steering
wheel hub, front passenger front air bag
cover, outboard sides of the seat
backrests, door trim panels, or door frame
trims.
R Do not install additional electrical/
electronic equipment on or near SRS
components and wiring.
R Keep area between air bags and occupants
free of objects (e.g. packages, purses,
umbrellas, etc.).
R Do not hang items such as coat hangers
from the coat hooks or handles over the
door. These items may be thrown around in
the vehicle and cause head and other
injuries when the window curtain air bag is
deployed.
R Air bag system components will be hot after
an air bag has inflated. Do not touch them.
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 Improper repair work on the SRS creates a
risk of rendering the SRS inoperative or
causing unintended air bag deployment.
Work on the SRS must therefore only be
performed by qualified technicians.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
R For your protection and the protection of
others, when scrapping the air bag unit or
ETD, our safety instructions must be
followed. These instructions are available
from any authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
R Given the considerable deployment speed,
required inflation volume, and the material
of the air bags, there is the possibility of
abrasions or other, potentially more serious
injuries resulting from air bag deployment.
If you sell your vehicle, we strongly
recommend that you inform the subsequent
owner that the vehicle is equipped with SRS.
Also refer them to the applicable section in
the Operator’s Manual.Occupant safety39Safety and security164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 39Z

Seat belt outlet height adjustmentXRaising: Slide the seat belt outlet height
adjuster upward.
The seat belt outlet height adjuster
engages in different positions.
XLowering: Press and hold release
button :.
XSlide the seat belt outlet height adjuster
downward.
XRelease button : and make sure the seat
belt outlet height adjuster engages into
place.
Seat belt adjustment function
The seat belt adjustment function adjusts the
seat belts on both front seats to the upper
body of the respective vehicle occupant. The
seat belt will be pulled slightly tighter for that
purpose when
Ryou engage the latch plate into the buckle
and then turn the SmartKey in the starter
switch to position 2
Rthe SmartKey in the starter switch is in
position 2 and you then engage the latch
plate in the buckle
The seat belt adjustment function takes place
with a certain amount of retracting force
when the system senses slack between the
vehicle occupant and the seat belt. Do not
retain the seat belt during this procedure. You
can activate or deactivate the seat belt
adjustment function via the control system
(Y page 136).
Releasing the seat beltsXPress seat belt release button ?
(Y page 50).
Allow the retractor to completely rewind
the seat belt by guiding latch plate ;
(Y page 50).
! Make sure the seat belt retracts
completely. Otherwise the seat belt and/or
latch plate could get caught or pinched in
the door or in the seat mechanism. This can
damage the seat belt and impair its
effectiveness, and/or cause damage to the
door and/or door trim panel. Such damage
is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
Damaged seat belts must be replaced.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Enhanced seat belt reminder system
When the engine is started, the seat belt
telltale 7 will always illuminate for
6 seconds to remind you and your passengers
to fasten your seat belts.
If the driver’s seat belt is not fastened when
the engine is started, an additional warning
chime will sound. The warning chime goes out
after approximately 6 seconds or once the
driver’s seat belt is fastened.
If after these 6 seconds the driver’s or the
front passenger’s seat belt (with the front
passenger seat occupied) is not fastened with
front doors closed,
Rthe seat belt telltale 7 remains
illuminated for as long as either the driver’s
or front passenger’s seat belt is not
fastened.
Rand if the vehicle speed once exceeds
15 mph (25 km/h), the seat belt telltale
7 starts flashing and a warning chime
sounds with increasing intensity for a
maximum of 60 seconds or until the
driver’s and front passenger’s seat belt are
fastened.
Occupant safety51Safety and security164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 51Z