2010 MERCEDES-BENZ ML450 HYBRID Owner's Manual

Multifunction display Power gauge COMAND display
Boost effect – the hybrid transmission supports the combustion engine when driving off
and when accelerating.
The multifunction display indicates discharging of the high-voltage battery by an arrow
pointing downwards. The pointer of the power gauge moves into the boost section. The
COMAND display indicates the flow of energy by white or red arrows (depending on the
acceleration).
Multifunction display Power gauge COMAND display
Electric driving
– the hybrid transmission powers the vehicle, up to a maximum speed of
30 mph (50 km/h).
The multifunction display indicates discharging of the high-voltage battery by an arrow
pointing downwards. The pointer of the power gauge moves within the range of its economy
section. The COMAND display indicates the flow of energy by green arrows. i
Maximum Hybrid battery life is ensured by
the electronic charge control maintaining a
charge level between 25 % and 80 %. This
is the ideal range for the Hybrid battery and
therefore the charge level displayed in the
instrument cluster or COMAND may not
approach 100 %. This is intentional and
does not indicate a malfunction of the
Hybrid battery or the charging
components. Displaying fuel consumption and
generated electric power
The COMAND display indicates the fuel
consumption and the generated electric
power for the last 15 minutes of driving.
X Select System Q Hybrid Q
Consumption. Controls in detail
15164_ZA; 2; 2, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-12T15:08:04+02:00 - Seite 15 Z

1
Fuel consumption
; Average fuel consumption From Start as
shown in the multifunction display of the
instrument cluster in the Trip computer
menu.
= Generated electric power
Each bar in the chart represents the average
value for 1 minute.
Resetting values The values are reset together when resetting
the trip computer in the
From Start
submenu. Refer to the Operator’s Manual. Driving and parking
Safety notes
G
Warning!
When your vehicle is in electric drive mode the
engine produces significantly lower noise
levels. Other motorists or pedestriants,
especially those who are visually or hearing
impaired, may be unable to hear your vehicle
while it is in motion. This is particularly true
when driving at lower speeds and during
parking maneuvers. At all times, it is the
responsibility of the driver to be aware of their
surroundings, especially in these low speed
situtations. Otherwise other road users could
be seriously or fatally injured. G
Warning!
Make sure absolutely no objects are
obstructing the pedals’ range of movement. Keep the driver’s footwell clear of all
obstacles. If there are any floormats or
carpets in the footwell, make sure the pedals
still have sufficient clearance.
During sudden driving or braking maneuvers
the objects could get caught between or
under the pedals. You could then no longer
brake or accelerate. This could lead to
accidents and injury.
Starting the engine
:
READY indicator
X Switch on the ignition.
X Apply the brake pedal fully and release it.
The self-test of the RBS is completed. For
more information on the RBS, see
(Y page 9).
X Observe the notes on “Starting the engine”
in the Operator’s Manual and start the
combustion engine.
Silent-Start mode
The combustion engine may not start each
time you start the vehicle with the SmartKey
or with KEYLESS-GO.
Depending on various conditions such as the
charging level of the high-voltage battery, you
may drive off with electrical energy alone. The
vehicle is then in Silent-Start mode. The
READY indicator : will then indicate that the
HYBRID systems are operational. 16
Controls in detail 164_ZA; 2; 2, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-12T15:08:04+02:00 - Seite 16

G
Warning!
When the READY indicator in the instrument
cluster is on while the combustion engine is
off, the combustion engine has been turned
off automatically. All vehicle systems
continue
to be active as long as the ignition is
switched on. When you open the driver’s door
and unbuckle the seat belt with the READY
indicator on, while the automatic
transmission is in position N or P, the
combustion engine starts automatically.
Therefore, always do the following before
leaving the vehicle:
R Engage the parking brake.
R Shift the automatic transmission into park
position P.
R Switch off the ignition. The READY indicator
goes out.
The combustion engine turns off
automatically when the system determines
that it is not needed. The combustion engine
does not turn off automatically when
R the operation strategy requires that the
combustion engine is running
R the self-diagnosis of the combustion
engine management is still running
R the combustion engine is running below or
above the operating temperature
R the catalytic converter is running below the
operating temperature
R the vehicle is being driven up an extremely
steep incline
R the hybrid components are below or above
their operating temperature
R the accelerator pedal is being depressed to
hard
R the vehicle speed is above 34 mph
(55 km/h)
R the automatic transmission is
malfunctioning R
the hood is open
R the high-voltage battery is not charged
sufficiently Driving off
G
Warning!
When your vehicle is in electric drive mode the
engine produces significantly lower noise
levels. Other motorists or pedestriants,
especially those who are visually or hearing
impaired,

may be unable to hear your vehicle
while it is in motion. This is particularly true
when driving at lower speeds and during
parking maneuvers. At all times, it is the
responsibility of the driver to be aware of their
surroundings, especially in these low speed
situtations. Otherwise other road users could
be seriously or fatally injured.
Depress the brake pedal and shift the
automatic transmission into drive position D
or reverse gear R. If the message Depress
brake to shift out of P. appears in the
multifunction display:
X Depress the brake pedal with somewhat
greater force and select the desired
transmission position.
i Read and observe messages that may
appear in the multifunction display
(Y page 24).
For

more information on driving off, refer to
the Operator’s Manual. Driving
Driving tips R
Think ahead and keep sufficient distance.
R Avoid frequent and rapid acceleration as
well as abrupt braking. Controls in detail
17164_ZA; 2; 2, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-12T15:08:04+02:00 - Seite 17 Z

R
The hybrid transmission supports the
combustion engine when driving off and
when accelerating.
R The hybrid transmission functions as a
generator when coasting the vehicle with
the automatic transmission in drive
position D and during braking.
i For additional general driving
instructions, refer to the Operator’s
Manual. Parking
G
Warning!
When your vehicle is in electric drive mode the
engine produces significantly lower noise
levels. Other motorists or pedestriants,
especially those who are visually or hearing
impaired, may be unable to hear your vehicle
while it is in motion. This is particularly true
when driving at lower speeds and during
parking maneuvers. At all times, it is the
responsibility of the driver to be aware of their
surroundings, especially in these low speed
situtations. Otherwise other road users could
be seriously or fatally injured. G
Warning!
When the READY indicator in the instrument
cluster is on while the combustion engine is
off, the combustion engine has been turned
off automatically. All vehicle systems
continue to be active as long as the ignition is
switched on. When you open the driver’s door
and unbuckle the seat belt with the READY
indicator on, while the automatic
transmission is in position N or P, the
combustion engine starts automatically.
Therefore, always do the following before
leaving the vehicle: R
Engage the parking brake.
R Shift the automatic transmission into park
position P.
R Switch off the ignition. The READY indicator
goes out.
X Engage the parking brake.
The parking brake indicator lamp $
(USA only) or ! (Canada only) in the
instrument cluster comes on.
X Shift the automatic transmission into park
position P.
X Switch off the ignition.
The READY indicator goes out.
i For more information on parking and on
turning off the combustion engine, refer to
the Operator’s Manual. Automatic transmission
Automatic shift program
Program mode selector switch
E Economy For fuel-efficient
operation
S Sport For sporty driving18
Controls in detail 164_ZA; 2; 2, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-12T15:08:04+02:00 - Seite 18

The current program mode appears in the
multifunction display.
:
Program mode indicator
i The automatic program mode E, for fuel-
efficient driving, is active each time you
start the vehicle with the SmartKey or with
KEYLESS-GO.
X Press the program mode selector switch
repeatedly until the letter of the desired
program mode appears in the multifunction
display.
Selecting program mode E means:
R enabling electric driving with the hybrid
transmission whenever possible
R consumption-optimized driving
characteristics considering the individual
driving style
R maximum driving comfort by smooth gear
changes
R continuous power transmission
Selecting program mode S means:
R enabling more electric driving as it is
possible with selected program mode E
R sporty engine and transmission setting
R gear changes according to the driving style
and road conditions
R driving characteristics of a conventional
eight-speed transmission
i For more information on the automatic
transmission, refer to the Operator’s
Manual. Controls in detail
19164_ZA; 2; 2, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-12T15:08:04+02:00 - Seite 19 Z

Refueling
G
Warning!
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. G
Warning!
Overfilling of the fuel tank may create
pressure in the system which could cause a
gas discharge. This could cause the gas to
spray back out when removing the fuel pump
nozzle, which could cause personal injury.
! Never refuel vehicles with gasoline engine
with diesel fuel. Even small amounts of
diesel fuel will damage the fuel system and
engine. Damage resulting from the use of
non-approved fuels or fuel additives or
resulting from mixing gasoline with diesel
fuel is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
! If you have accidentally filled the tank
with incorrect or non-approved fuel, do not
switch on the ignition. Otherwise the
incorrect or non-approved fuel will get into
the fuel lines. The fuel system must be
drained completely. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center to have the fuel
system drained completely.
! To prevent damage to the catalytic
converters, only use premium unleaded
gasoline in this vehicle.
Any noticeable irregularities in engine
operation should be repaired promptly. Otherwise, excessive unburned fuel may
reach the catalytic converter, causing it to
overheat and potentially start a fire.
i Only use premium unleaded gasoline with
a minimum Posted Octane Rating of 91
(average of 96 RON/86 MON).
Information on gasoline quality can
normally be found on the fuel pump. Please
contact gas station personnel in case
labels on the pump cannot be found.
For more information on gasoline, see
Operator's Manual, contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center, or visit
www.mbusa.com (USA only).
X Bring the vehicle to a standstill.
X Engage the parking brake.
X Shift the automatic transmission into park
position P.
X Switch off the ignition.
The READY indicator (Y page 16) in the
instrument cluster goes out.
X Remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch or remove the SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO from the vehicle.
i Before refueling your vehicle its fuel tank
system needs to be depressurized. X
Press fuel filler flap switch :.
Indicator lamp ; comes on as the fuel filler
flap is unlocked. 20
Operation 164_ZA; 2; 2, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-12T15:08:04+02:00 - Seite 20

In case of a blinking indicator lamp
;,
pressure on the fuel tank system needs to be
released first.
A malfunction in the system has been
detected if
R the indicator lamp ; fails to stop blinking
after approximately 10 seconds after the
fuel filler flap switch : has been pressed
R the indicator lamp ; does not come on at
all
R the malfunction indicator lamp ! (USA
only) or ; (Canada only) comes on
The fuel filler flap is located on the right-hand
side of the vehicle towards the rear.
i In case the fuel filler flap switch does not
release the fuel filler flap, see “Opening the
fuel filler flap manually” ( Y page 31).G
Warning!
Remove fuel filler cap slowly. Fuel spray may
cause injury.
Complete refueling within 20 minutes after
opening the fuel filler flap. Otherwise fuel may
spray out and cause injury. If the refueling
process cannot be completed within
20 minutes, press the fuel filler flap switch
again.
i Leaving the combustion engine running
and the fuel filler cap open can cause the
yellow fuel tank reserve warning lamp to
flash and the malfunction indicator
lamp ! (USA only) or ; (Canada
only) to illuminate.
For more information on refueling, see
Operator's Manual. X
Opening: Pull fuel filler flap = out in
direction of arrow.
X Turn fuel filler cap ? counterclockwise.
X Take off fuel filler cap ?.
! The fuel filler cap is tethered to the fuel
filler neck. Do not drop the cap. It could
damage the vehicle paint finish.
X Set fuel filler cap ? on fuel filler flap =.
X Fully insert filler nozzle unit and refuel.
X Only fill your tank until the filler nozzle unit
cuts out – do not top off or overfill .
X Closing: Turn fuel filler cap ? until it
audibly engages.
X Close fuel filler flap =.
The fuel filler flap is locked.
The indicator lamp on the fuel filler flap
switch goes out ( Y page 20). Engine oil
The amount of oil your combustion engine
consumes will depend on a number of factors,
including driving style. Increased oil
consumption can occur when the vehicle is
new or the vehicle is driven frequently at
higher engine speeds.
Engine oil consumption checks should only
be made after the vehicle break-in period.
! Do not use any special lubricant additives,
as these may damage the drive assemblies. Operation
21164_ZA; 2; 2, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-12T15:08:04+02:00 - Seite 21 Z

Using special additives not approved by
Mercedes-Benz may cause damage not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
For further information contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Notes on checking engine oil level
When checking the oil level the vehicle must
be parked on level ground and the vehicle
must have been stationary for at least
5 minutes with the combustion engine turned
off. Checking engine oil level
Before opening the hood do the following:
X Engage the parking brake.
X Shift the automatic transmission into park
position P.
X Switch off the ignition.
The READY indicator (Y page 16) in the
instrument cluster goes out.
X Remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch or remove the SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO from the vehicle.
X Observe the safety notes on the danger of
electric shock in this manual.
X Open the hood, see Operator's Manual. X
Remove cover : by pulling it in direction
of arrow. X
Pull out oil dipstick ;.
X Wipe oil dipstick ; clean.
X Fully insert oil dipstick ; into the dipstick
guide tube.
X Pull out oil dipstick ; again after
approximately 3 seconds to obtain
accurate reading.
The oil level is correct when it is between
lower (min) mark ? and upper (max) mark
= of oil dipstick ;.
i The filling quantity between the upper and
lower marks on the oil dipstick is
approximately 2.1 US qt. (2.0 l).
X If necessary, add engine oil ( Y page 22).
X Install cover :.
For more information on engine oil, see
Operator's Manual. Adding engine oil 22
Operation 164_ZA; 2; 2, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-12T15:08:04+02:00 - Seite 22