
Index ....................................................... 4Introduction ......................................... 20At a glance ........................................... 25Safety and security .............................35Controls in detail ................................. 69Operation ........................................... 209Practical hints ................................... 267Technical data ................................... 345
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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 

Driving 
Abroad  ........................................... 257
Hydroplaning  ................................. 247
Instructions  ........................... 103, 244
In winter  ........................................ 243
Off-road  ......................................... 248
Problems  ....................................... 106
Safety systems  ................................ 61
Systems  ......................................... 141
Through standing water  .................247
With Distronic  ................................ 150
Driving and parking  
Safety notes  .................................. 103
Driving off  .................................. 105, 247
Driving safety systems  ....................... 61
ABS  .................................................. 62
BAS  .................................................. 63
EBP  .................................................. 63
ESP ®
 ................................................ 63
ETS/4-ETS  ....................................... 64
Driving systems  
Air suspension program  .................155
All-wheel drive (4MATIC) ................ 159
Cruise control  ................................ 141
Distronic  ........................................ 144
Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR)  ..152
Hill-start assist system  ..................152
Off-road driving program  ...............155
Parktronic system  ..........................160
Rear view camera  .......................... 163
Driving tips, automatic
transmission  ...................................... 113
DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation)  .... 152
Messages in the multifunction
display  ........................................... 286
E
Easy-entry/exit feature  .............. 87, 136
EBP (Electronic Brake
Proportioning)  ...................................... 63
Electrical system  
Improper work on or
modifications  ................................... 23
Power outlets ................................. 197
Electrical system (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification                          
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®
                                                  
Electronic Traction System
see ETS/4-ETS                                          
Emergency, in case of  
First aid kit ..................................... 268
Flat tire  .......................................... 319
Hazard warning flasher  ....................96
Roadside Assistance ................ 21, 201
Towing the vehicle  .........................338
Emergency calls  
Tele Aid  .......................................... 200
Emergency engine shutdown  ........... 344
Emergency operations  
Limp-home mode  ........................... 117
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid)  .......203
Emergency Tensioning Device
see ETD                                                     
Emission control  ............................... 258
Information label ............................ 347
System warranties  ...........................20
Engine  
Break-in recommendations  ............210
Cleaning ......................................... 262
Compartment  ................................ 212
Malfunction indicator
lamp  ........................................ 29, 303
Messages in the multifunction
display  ........................................... 288
Number .......................................... 347
Starting  .......................................... 103
Turning off  ..................................... 108
Engine (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification                          
Engine compartment  
Radiator  ......................................... 214
Engine coolant
see Coolant                                               
Engine oil  
Adding  ........................................... 215
Additives  ........................................ 359
Checking level  ............................... 214
Consumption  ................................. 214
Messages in the multifunction
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Securing cargo 
Cargo tie-down rings ...................... 188
Selective setting
see Key, SmartKey                                    
Selector lever
see Gear selector lever                             
Self-test  
BabySmart™  .................................... 47
OCS (Occupant Classification
System)  ........................................... 45
Tele Aid  .......................................... 199
Service
see Maintenance                                       
Service, parts  .................................... 346
Service and warranty information  ..... 20
Service intervals see Maintenance System, Service
indicator message                                     
Service life (tires)  .............................. 232
Settings  
Factory setting (KEYLESS-GO)  .........72
Factory setting (SmartKey)  ..............71
Memory function .............................. 92
Menu  ............................................. 129
Selective setting (KEYLESS-GO)  .......73
Selective setting (SmartKey)  ............71
Side impact air bags  ........................... 40
Side marker lamps  
Cleaning lenses  ............................. 263
Messages in the multifunction
display  ........................................... 293
Sidewall (tires)  .................................. 241
SmartKey see Key, SmartKey                                    
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO
see Key, SmartKey                                    
Snow chains  ...................................... 243
Snow tires see Winter tires                                         
Spare wheel  ....................................... 352
Mounting  ....................................... 324
Storage location  ............................ 271
Speedometer  ............................... 28, 146
Speed settings  
Cruise control  ................................ 142
Distronic  ........................................ 148
Resume function  ...................143, 149Sport Utility Vehicle
see SUV                                                    
SRS  
Indicator lamp  ...................29, 36, 301
Messages in the multifunction
display  ........................................... 285
Standing water, driving through  ...... 247
Starter switch positions  
KEYLESS-GO  .................................... 80
SmartKey  ......................................... 79
Starting difficulties (engine)  ............ 105
Starting the engine  ........................... 103
Steering column see Multifunction steering wheel,
Adjustment                                               
Steering wheel
see Multifunction steering wheel              
Steering wheel gearshift control  ..... 115
Stolen Vehicle Recovery Services  ... 204
Storage compartments  ..................... 192
Storing tires  ....................................... 233
Stranded vehicle  ............................... 342
Sunroof see Power tilt/sliding sunroof                  
Sun visors  .......................................... 195
Suspension tuning see Air suspension program                     
SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle)  ................. 22
T
Tachometer  .................................. 29, 119
Overspeed range  ........................... 119
Tailgate  
Closing  ............................................. 75
Messages in the multifunction
display  ........................................... 286
Opening  ........................................... 75
Power tailgate  .................................. 76
Unlocking manually  .......................307
Tail lamps  ........................................... 312
Cleaning lenses  ............................. 263
Messages in the multifunction
display  ........................................... 295
Tar stains  ........................................... 261
Technical data  
Air conditioning refrigerant  ............359
Brake fluid  ..................................... 359
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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 

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
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Operating safetyGWarning!
Work improperly carried out on electronic
components and associated software could
cause them to cease functioning. Because the
vehicle’s electronic components are
interconnected, any modifications made may
produce an undesired effect on other
systems. Electronic malfunctions could
seriously impair the operating safety of your
vehicle.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for repairs or modifications to electronic
components.
Other improper work or modifications on the
vehicle could also have a negative impact on
the operating safety of the vehicle.
Some safety systems only function while the
engine is running. You should therefore never
turn off the engine while driving.
GWarning!
Heavy blows against the vehicle underbody or
tires/wheels may cause serious damage and
impair the operating safety of your vehicle.
Such blows can be caused, for example, by
running over an obstacle, road debris or a
pothole. If you feel a sudden significant
vibration or ride disturbance, or you suspect
that damage to your vehicle as occurred:
R turn on your hazard warning flashers
R slow down carefully
R drive with caution to an area which is a safe
distance from the road
Inspect the vehicle underbody and tires/
wheels for possible damage. If the vehicle
appears unsafe, have it towed to the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or other
qualified maintenance or repair facility for
further inspection or repairs.
Proper use of the vehicle
Proper use of the vehicle requires that you are
familiar with the following information and
rules:
R the safety precautions in this manual
R the “Technical data” section in this manual
R traffic rules and regulations
R motor vehicle laws and safety standardsGWarning!
Various warning labels are attached to your
vehicle. These warning labels are intended to
make you and others aware of various risks.
Do not remove any of these warning labels
unless explicitly instructed to do so by
information on the label itself. Removing
warning labels may cause you and others to
be unaware of certain risks which may result
in an accident and/or personal injury.
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.
Problems with your vehicle
If you should experience a problem with your
vehicle, particularly one that you believe may
affect its safe operation, we urge you to
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately to have the problem diagnosed
and corrected if required. If the matter is not
handled to your satisfaction, please discuss
the problem with the Mercedes-Benz Center
management or, if necessary, contact us at
one of the following addresses:
In the USA:
Customer Assistance Center
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
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GWarning!
Never switch off the ESP®
 when you see the
ESP ®
 warning lamp  d flashing in the
instrument cluster. In this case proceed as
follows:
R When driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
R While driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid. The ESP ®
 cannot
prevent accidents resulting from excessive
speed.
!  Vehicles with 4MATIC:
Only conduct operational or performance
tests on a two-axle dynamometer. If such
tests are necessary, contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. You could
otherwise seriously damage the brake
system or the transfer case which is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
!  Vehicles without 4MATIC:
Because the ESP ®
 operates automatically,
the engine and ignition must be shut off
(SmartKey in starter switch position  0 or
1  or KEYLESS-GO start/stop button in
position  0 or  1) when the parking brake is
being tested on a brake test dynamometer
or the vehicle is being towed with one axle
raised.
Active braking action through the ESP ®
may otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
!  Vehicles with 4MATIC:
Because the ESP ®
 operates automatically,
the engine and ignition must be shut off
(SmartKey in starter switch position  0 or
1  or KEYLESS-GO start/stop button in
position  0 or  1) when the parking brake is
being tested on a brake test dynamometer.
Such testing should be no longer than 10
seconds.
Active braking action through the ESP ®
may otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
!  The ESP ®
 will only function properly if you
use wheels of the recommended tire size
as specified in the “Technical data” section
of this Operator’s Manual.
i The cruise control switches off
automatically when the ESP ®
 engages.
Electronic Traction System 
(ETS/4-ETS) GObserve Safety notes, see page 62.
The ETS (Electronic Traction System) and
4-ETS (four-wheel Electronic Traction
System, vehicles with 4MATIC only) are
components of the ESP ®
. The ETS/4-ETS
improves the vehicle’s ability to utilize
available traction, especially under slippery
road conditions by applying the brakes to a
spinning wheel. Vehicles with 4MATIC also
transfer more power to the wheel(s) with
traction.
When you switch off the ESP ®
, the
ETS/4-ETS is still enabled.
XIf conditions require, switch on the off-road
driving program ( Y page 155).
Off-road 4-ETS (vehicles with 4MATIC)
With the off-road driving program switched on
( Y  page  155), the  4-ETS  designed for off-road
use is activated automatically.
Switching off the ESP ®
GWarning!
The ESP
®
 should not be switched off during
normal driving other than in the
64Driving safety systemsSafety and security
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