2010 MERCEDES-BENZ ML550 ESP

One-touch gearshifting
With the automatic transmission in drive
position D, you can limit or extend the gear
range using the steering wheel gearshift
control.
ML 63 AMG: You only can limit or extend the
gear range when driving in automatic
program mode C or S. For information on
using the steering wheel gearshift control in
manual program mode M, see “Manual shift
program” (Y page 115).
Steering wheel gearshift control (exampleillustration)
iYou cannot shift with the steering wheel
gearshift control when the automatic
transmission is in park position P, neutral
position N, or reverse gear R.
Limiting gear range
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.
XBriefly pull left gearshift control :.
The automatic transmission will shift into
the next lower gear as permitted by the
shift program. This action simultaneously
limits the gear range of the automatic
transmission.
iTo avoid overrevving the engine when
downshifting, the automatic transmission
will not shift into a lower gear if the engine’s
maximum speed would be exceeded.
Extending gear range
XBriefly pull right gearshift control ;.
The automatic transmission will shift into
the next higher gear as permitted by the
shift program. This action simultaneously
extends the gear range of the automatic
transmission.
iIf you press on the accelerator pedal
when the engine has reached the
revolution limit of the current gear range,
the automatic transmission will upshift
beyond any gear range limit selected.
Canceling gear range limit
XPull and hold right gearshift control ; until
the gear range indicator disappears from
the multifunction display.
The automatic transmission will shift from
the current gear range directly into drive
position D.
Shifting into optimal gear range
XPull and hold left gearshift control :.
The automatic transmission will select the
gear range suited for optimal acceleration
and deceleration automatically. This will
involve shifting down one or more gears.
Manual shift program
The manual shift program is available on
ML 63 AMG only.
Manual program mode M differs with regard
to spontaneity, response time, and shifting
smoothness from automatic program mode
S.
In manual program mode M, system-
controlled automatic gearshifting is switched
off. You need to change the gears by manually
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XBriefly pull left gearshift control :
( Y page 115).
The automatic transmission shifts into the
next lower gear.
i For maximum acceleration, pull and hold
the left gearshift control. Depending on the
engine speed the automatic transmission
selects the optimal gear for maximum
acceleration.
i When you brake or stop, the automatic
transmission shifts down into a gear from
which you can easily accelerate or take off.
Kickdown
Using the kickdown while driving in manual
program mode M is not possible.
Deactivating manual shift program
XPress the program mode selector switch
repeatedly until C or S appears in the
multifunction display.
or
XRestart the engine.
The automatic transmission will go to
automatic program mode ( C or S).
Manual program mode M is not stored.
Emergency operation (limp-home
mode)
If vehicle acceleration becomes less
responsive or sluggish or the automatic
transmission no longer shifts, the automatic
transmission is most likely operating in limp-
home (emergency operation) mode. In this
mode only second gear and reverse gear R
can be selected.
XStop the vehicle in a safe location.XShift the automatic transmission into park
position P.XTurn off the engine.XWait at least 10 seconds before restarting.XRestart the engine.XShift the automatic transmission into drive
position D (for second gear) or reverse gear
R .XHave the automatic transmission checked
at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as
soon as possible.
Transfer case
This section applies to vehicles equipped with
all-wheel drive (4MATIC) only. Both the front
and rear axles are powered at all times when
the vehicle is being operated.
! 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.
! 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.
Instrument cluster
Introduction
For a full view illustration of the instrument
cluster, see “Instrument cluster”
( Y page 28).
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The engine should not be operated with a
coolant temperature above 248‡
(120†). Doing so may cause serious
engine damage which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Calling up digital speedometer or
outside temperature
You can select whether the digital
speedometer or the outside temperature
appears in the multifunction display
(Y page 131).
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.
XPress button & or * repeatedly until
the digital speedometer or the outside
temperature appears in the multifunction
display.
Digital speedometer
Outside temperature
AMG menu
This function is only available in AMG
vehicles.
XPress button V or U repeatedly until
the AMG menu appears in the
multifunction display.
The main screen of the AMG menu shows you
the gear currently engaged : as well as the
engine oil temperature ;.
The engine oil temperature flashes if the
engine oil temperature has not yet reached
80†. During this time, avoid driving at full
engine speed.
If the engine reaches the overspeed range in
the manual shift program, the menu will be
shown in red. In addition, you will see UP next
to gear indicator : as a reminder to upshift.
Use buttons & or * to select the
following functions in the AMG menu:
RVehicle supply voltage (Y page 123)
RRACETIMER (Y page 124)
ROverall analysis (Y page 125)
RLap analysis (Y page 125)
Vehicle supply voltage
XPress button V or U repeatedly until
the AMG menu appears in the
multifunction display.
XPress button & repeatedly until the
vehicle supply voltage appears in the
multifunction display.
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:Vehicle supply voltage indicator
RACETIMER
GWarning!
The RACETIMER feature is only for use on
roads and in conditions where high speed
driving is permitted. Racing on public roads is
prohibited under all circumstances. The driver
is and must always remain responsible for
following posted speed limits.
The RACETIMER allows you to time and save
driving stretches.
XPress button V or U repeatedly until
the AMG menu appears in the
multifunction display.
XPress button & repeatedly until the
RACETIMER appears in the multifunction
display.
:RACETIMER;Lap number
You can start the RACETIMER when the
engine is running or the starter switch is in
position 2 (Y page 79).
While the RACETIMER is being displayed, you
cannot adjust the audio volume using buttons
W or X.
XStarting: Press button W.XDisplaying intermediate time: Press
button X while the timer is running.
The intermediate time is shown for
5 seconds.
XStopping: Press button W.
When you stop the vehicle and turn the
SmartKey to position 1 (Y page 79) or, in
vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, turn off the
engine and do not open the driver’s door, the
RACETIMER stops timing. Timing is resumed
when you press button W after switching
the ignition back on or restarting the engine.
Saving lap time and starting a new lap
You can save up to nine laps.
XPress button X while the timer is
running.
The intermediate time will be shown for
5 seconds.
XPress button X within 5 seconds.
The intermediate time shown will be saved
as a lap time.
The RACETIMER begins timing the new lap.
The new lap begins to be timed as soon as
the intermediate time is called up.
:RACETIMER;Best lap time=Lap number
Resetting current lap
XPress button W while the timer is
running.
The timer stops.
XPress button X.
The lap time is reset to “0”.
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XPress button V or U repeatedly until
the Off-road Mode menu appears in the
multifunction display.
XPress button W or X to switch the
off-road driving program On or Off.
The symbol Ç appears in the lower
multifunction display.
The setting is stored when you turn off the
engine.
Audio/DVD menu
The functions in the Audio/DVD menu
operate the audio or video equipment which
you have currently switched on.
The following functions are available:
RSelecting radio station (Y page 126)
ROperating audio devices/audio media
(Y page 127)
ROperating video DVD (Y page 127)
If no audio equipment is currently switched
on, the message AUDIO Off appears in the
multifunction display.
Selecting radio station
The HD Radio with SIRIUS Satellite Radio is
treated as a radio application.
For more information on HD Radio with
SIRIUS Satellite Radio, refer to separate
COMAND system operating instructions.
Additional optional satellite radio equipment
and a subscription to a satellite radio service
provider are required for satellite radio
operation. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center for details and availability for
your vehicle.
XSwitch on the COMAND system and select
radio. Refer to separate COMAND system
operating instructions.
XPress button V or U repeatedly until
the currently tuned station appears in the
multifunction display.
Example illustration
:Wave band setting and stored memory
position
;Station frequencyXSelecting next or previous stored
station: Press button * or & briefly
to select a stored station.
XSelecting next or previous station in the
station list: Press and hold button * or
& to select a station.
XSelecting next or previous station in
wave band (Only if no station list is
available): Press and hold button * or
& to select a station.
You can only store new stations using the
corresponding feature on the radio. Refer to
separate COMAND system operating
instructions.
You can also operate the radio in the usual
manner.
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Vehicles with steel suspension:
Vehicles with air suspension or ML 63 AMG:
For information on air suspension, see “Air
suspension program” (Y page 155).
For information on the compass, see
“Compass” (Y page 207).
Distronic menu
Use the Distronic menu to display the
current settings for your Distronic system.
The information shown in the multifunction
display depends on whether the Distronic
system is activated or deactivated.
Please refer to the “Driving systems” section
of this manual (Y page 144) for instructions
on how to activate Distronic.
Vehicle status message memory
menu
Use the Vehicle status message memory
menu to scan malfunction and warning
messages that may be stored in the memory.
Such messages appear in the multifunction
display and are based on conditions or
system status the vehicle’s system has
recorded.
The Vehicle status message memory menu
only appears if messages have been stored.
GWarning!
Malfunction and warning messages are only
indicated for certain systems and are
intentionally not very detailed. The
malfunction and warning messages are
simply a reminder with respect to the
operation of certain systems. They do not
replace the owner’s and/or driver’s
responsibility to maintain the vehicle’s
operating safety. Have all required
maintenance and safety checks performed on
the vehicle. Bring the vehicle to an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center to address the
malfunction and warning messages.
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.
XPress button V or U repeatedly until
the Vehicle status message memory
menu appears in the multifunction display.
If conditions have occurred causing status
messages to be recorded, the number of
messages appears in the multifunction
display.
XPress button & or *.
The stored messages will now be displayed
in the order in which they have occurred.
For malfunction and warning messages,
see “Vehicle status messages in the
multifunction display” (Y page 272).
iAfter you have scrolled through all
recorded status messages, the first
recorded message appears again.
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Submenus in the Settings menuXPress button V or U repeatedly until
the Settings menu appears in the
multifunction display.
XPress button &.
The collection of the submenus appears in
the multifunction display. There are more
submenus than can be displayed
simultaneously.
XPress button X.
The selection marker moves to the next
submenu.
XScroll down with button X, scroll up
with button W.
XWith the selection marker on the desired
submenu, use button & to access the
individual functions within that submenu.
XOnce within the submenu, use button
& to move to the next function or button
* to move to the previous function
within that submenu.
XUse button W or X to change the
settings of the respective function.
The following lists show what settings can be
changed within the various menus. Detailed
instructions on making individual settings can
be found on the following pages.
Instrument cluster submenu
RSelecting speedometer/odometer display
mode (Y page 131) (Canada only)
RSelecting digital speedometer display
mode (Y page 131)
RSelecting language (Y page 131)
RSelecting display (digital speedometer or
outside temperature) for status indicator
(Y page 131)
Time/Date submenu
RSetting the time (Y page 132)
RSetting the date (Y page 132)
Lighting submenu
RSwitching daytime running lamp mode on
or off (USA only) (Y page 133)
RSwitching locator lighting on or off
(Y page 133)
RSwitching night security illumination
(Headlamps delayed shut-off feature) on or
off (Y page 134)
RSwitching interior lighting delayed shut-off
on or off (Y page 135)
Vehicle submenu
RSwitching automatic central locking on or
off (Y page 135)
Comfort submenu
RActivating easy-entry/exit feature
(Y page 136)
RActivating/deactivating seat belt
adjustment feature (Y page 136)
RSwitching fold-in function for exterior rear
view mirrors on or off (Y page 137)
Instrument cluster submenu
Access the Instrument Cluster submenu
via the Settings menu. Use the
Instrument Cluster submenu to change
the instrument cluster display settings.
The following functions are available:
RSelecting speedometer/odometer display
mode (Y page 131) (Canada only)
RSelecting digital speedometer display
mode (Y page 131)
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:Distance driven since last reset;Time elapsed since last reset=Average speed since last reset?Average fuel consumption since last reset
Resetting fuel consumption statistics
XPress button U or V repeatedly until
the message From Start appears in the
multifunction display.
XPress button & or * repeatedly until
the reading that you want to reset appears
in the multifunction display.
XPress and hold the reset button in the
instrument cluster until the respective
values are reset to 0.
The fuel consumption statistics reset
automatically to 0 after 99 999 miles or
9 999 hours, whichever occurs first.
Distance to empty
XPress button U or V repeatedly until
the message From Start appears in the
multifunction display.
XPress button & or * repeatedly until
the message Range: appears in the
multifunction display.
The calculated remaining driving range
based on the current fuel tank level
appears in the multifunction display.
If only very little fuel is left in the tank, a
vehicle at the fuel pump C appears
instead of the remaining driving range.Current fuel consumption
XPress button U or V repeatedly until
the message From Start appears in the
multifunction display.
XPress button & or * repeatedly until
the message Consumption appears in the
multifunction display.
The current fuel consumption appears in
the multifunction display.
Telephone menu
GWarning!
A driver’s attention to the road must always
be his/her primary focus when driving. For
your safety and the safety of others, we
recommend that you pull over to a safe
location and stop before placing or taking a
telephone call. If you choose to use the
telephone while driving, please use the hands-
free device and only use the telephone when
weather, road and traffic conditions permit.
Some jurisdictions prohibit the driver from
using a mobile phone while driving a vehicle.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), your vehicle is
covering a distance of 44 feet (approximately
14 m) every second.
You can connect your telephone to the
COMAND system via Bluetooth®, see
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