2010 MERCEDES-BENZ ML550 ESP

Symbols
Trademarks ®
:
R AdBlue ®
is a registered trademark of the
German Association of the Automotive
Industry (VDA).
R BabySmart TM
is a trademark of Siemens
Automotive Corp.
R Bluetooth ®
is a registered trademark of
Bluetooth SIG Inc.
R ESP ®
and PRE-SAFE ®
are registered
trademarks of Daimler.
R HomeLink ®
is a registered trademark of
Prince, a Johnson Controls Company.
R SIRIUS and related marks are trademarks
of SIRIUS XM Radio Inc.
The following symbols are found in this
Operator’s Manual:GWarning!
Warning notices draw your attention to
hazards that may endanger your health or life,
or the health or life of others.
! Highlights hazards that may result in
damage to your vehicle.
i Helpful hints or further information you
may find useful.
XThis symbol points to instructions
for you to follow.XA number of these symbols
appearing in succession indicates
a multiple-step procedure.Y pageThis symbol tells you where to look
for further information on a topic.YYThis continuation symbol marks a
warning or procedure which is
continued on the next page.DisplayText in displays, such as the control
system, are printed in the type
shown here.164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 2

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
display ........................................... 2918Index164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 8

Oil dipstick ..................................... 215
Recommended engine oils and oil
filter ............................................... 359
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) .............................................. 63
ETS/4-ETS ....................................... 64
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 273, 284
Off-road ESP ®
.................................. 65
Trailer stabilization ........................... 66
Warning lamp ................................. 301
ETD (Emergency Tensioning
Device) ................................................. 52
Safety guidelines ............................. 39
ETS/4-ETS (Electronic Traction
System) ................................................ 64
Express operation
Power windows .............................. 100
Tilt/sliding sunroof ........................184
Exterior lamp switch ........................... 93
Exterior rear view mirrors .................. 89
Fold-in function ........................ 91, 137
Parking position ............................... 90
Power-folding ................................... 91
Exterior view of vehicle ...................... 26
F
Fastening the seat belts ..................... 50
First aid kit ......................................... 268
Flat tire ............................................... 319
Lowering the vehicle ......................329
Mounting the spare wheel .............324
Preparing the vehicle .....................320
Spare wheel ........................... 319, 356
TIREFIT (tire repair kit) ...................320
Floormats ........................................... 208
Fluids
AdBlue ®
......................................... 358
Automatic transmission fluid .........357
Brake fluid ..................................... 358
Capacities ...................................... 356
Engine coolant ............................... 358
Engine oil ....................................... 357
Power steering fluid .......................357
Washer and headlamp cleaning
system ........................................... 358
Fog lamps ............................................. 95
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 293, 294
Fold-in function for exterior rear
view mirrors ................................ 91, 137
Four-wheel drive see All-wheel drive (4MATIC)
Front air bags
see Air bags
Front axle oil ...................................... 357
Front lamps see Headlamps
Front passenger front air bag ............ 40
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 275
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp (Canada only) ..... 46, 305
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp (USA only) .......... 42, 305
Front seat head restraints see Head restraints
Fuel ..................................................... 210
Additives ........................................ 361
Capacity, fuel tank .........................358
Diesel fuel ............................. 358, 360
Drive sensibly–safe fuel .................244
Fuel consumption statistics ...........138
Fuel filler flap and cap ...................212
Fuel tank reserve warning
lamp ........................................ 29, 303
Premium unleaded gasoline ... 358, 360
Refueling ........................................ 210
Requirements ................................ 360
Fuel filler flap ..................................... 212
Opening manually ..........................308
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.
Capacities ...................................... 356
Fuel system, bleeding (diesel
engine) ............................................... 331
Fuel tank
Capacity ........................................ 358
Fuel filler flap and cap ...................212
Refueling ........................................ 210
Fuses .................................................. 342Index9164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 9

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
Index11164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 11

Air filter .......................................... 292
Air suspension program .................285
Alternator .............................. 280, 290
Automatic
transmission .................................. 280
Battery ................................... 280, 290
Brake fluid ..................................... 284
Brake pads ..................................... 283
Coolant .......................................... 288
Corner-illuminating front fog
lamps ............................................. 295
Cruise control ................................ 278
Distronic ........................................ 278
Doors ............................................. 286
Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) ..286
EBP ................................................ 284
Engine oil ....................................... 291
ESP ®
...................................... 273, 284
Fog lamps .............................. 293, 294
Front passenger front air bag ........275
Gas cap .......................................... 292
High-beam lamps ........................... 294
Hood .............................................. 286
License plate lamps .......................294
Light sensor ................................... 294
Low-beam lamps ............................ 294
Parking brake ................................ 284
Parking lamps ................................ 294
PRE-SAFE ®
.................................... 274
Reserve fuel ................................... 291
Reverse lamp ................................. 293
Side marker lamps .........................293
SmartKey ............................... 286, 287
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO ..........286
SRS ................................................ 285
Tailgate .......................................... 286
Tail lamps ...................................... 295
Tele Aid .......................................... 285
Tire inflation pressure ............281, 296
Tire pressure monitor ....................281
Tires ...................................... 281, 296
Trailer brake lamps ........................295
Trailer tail lamps ............................ 295
Trailer turn signal lamps ................295
Turn signals ................................... 296
Washer fluid ................................... 288Multifunction steering wheel
Adjustment ...................................... 86
Buttons .......................................... 119
Cleaning ......................................... 265
Easy-entry/exit feature ...........87, 136
Gearshift control ............................ 115
Heating ............................................ 88
Memory function .............................. 92
Overview .......................................... 30
N
Navigation menu ............................... 127
Navigation system see Separate operating instructions
NECK-PRO active front head
restraints ............................................. 53
Resetting ....................................... 309
Nets, parcel ....................................... 188
Night security illumination .............. 134
Normal occupant weight .................. 241
Number, vehicle identification
(VIN) ................................................... 347
O
Occupant Classification System see OCS (Occupant Classification
System)
Occupant distribution ....................... 241
Occupant safety
Air bags ........................................... 37
BabySmart™ .................................... 46
Children and air bags .......................37
Children in the vehicle .....................55
Child seat anchors – LATCH-type ....59
Fastening the seat belts ................... 50
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp (Canada
only) ........................................ 46, 305
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp (USA only) ........42, 305
Infant and child restraint systems .... 56
Introduction ..................................... 36
OCS (Occupant Classification
System) ........................................... 42
PRE-SAFE ®
....................................... 52
Seat belts .................................. 39, 48
Index13164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 13

Product Information
Please observe the following in your own best
interest:
We recommend using Genuine Mercedes-
Benz Parts as well as conversion parts and
accessories explicitly approved by us for your
vehicle model.
We have tested these parts to determine their
reliability, safety and special suitability for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
We are unable to make an assessment for
other products and therefore cannot be held
responsible for them, even if in individual
cases an official approval or authorization by
governmental or other agencies should exist.
Use of such parts and accessories could
adversely affect the safety, performance or
reliability of your vehicle. Please do not use
them.
Genuine Mercedes-Benz Parts and pre-
approved conversion parts and accessories
are available at any authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center. In addition, you will receive
comprehensive information on permissible
technical modifications and expert
installations.
Operator’s Manual
Notes
This Operator’s Manual contains a great deal
of useful information. We urge you to read it
carefully and familiarize yourself with the
vehicle before driving.
For your own safety and longer service life of
the vehicle, we urge you to follow the
instructions and warnings contained in this
Operator’s Manual. Ignoring them could
result in damage to the vehicle or personal
injury to you or others. Vehicle damage
caused by failure to follow instructions is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
We continuously strive to improve our
product and ask for your understanding that
we reserve the right to make changes in
design and equipment. Therefore,
information, illustrations, and descriptions in
this Operator’s Manual might differ from your
vehicle.
Vehicle equipment
Your vehicle may have some or all of the
equipment described in this manual.
Therefore, you may find explanations for
optional equipment not installed in your
vehicle. If you have any questions about
operating particular equipment, any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will be glad
to demonstrate the proper procedures.
Optional equipment is also described in this
manual, including operating instructions
wherever necessary. Since they are special-
order items, the descriptions and illustrations
herein may vary slightly from the actual
equipment of your vehicle.
If there are any equipment details that are not
shown or described in this Operator’s
Manual, any authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center will be glad to inform you of correct
care and operating procedures. The
Operator’s Manual and Maintenance Booklet
are important documents and should be kept
with the vehicle.
Service and warranty information
The Service and Warranty Information
booklet contains detailed information about
the warranties covering your Mercedes-Benz,
including:
R New Vehicle Limited Warranty
R Emission System Warranty
R Emission Performance Warranty
R California, Connecticut, Maine,
Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania,
20Introduction164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 20

Rhode Island, and Vermont Emission
Control System Warranty 1
R State Warranty Enforcement Laws (Lemon
Laws)
Important notice for California retail
buyers and lessees of Mercedes-Benz
automobiles
Under California law you may be entitled to a
replacement of your vehicle or a refund of the
purchase price or lease price, if after a
reasonable number of repair attempts
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC and/or its
authorized repair or service facilities fail to fix
one or more substantial defects or
malfunctions in the vehicle that are covered
by its express warranty. During the period of
18 months from original delivery of the
vehicle or the accumulation of 18 000 miles
(approximately 29 000 km) on the odometer
of the vehicle, whichever occurs first, a
reasonable number of repair attempts is
presumed for a retail buyer or lessee if one or
more of the following occurs:
(1)the same substantial defect or
malfunction results in a condition that is
likely to cause death or serious bodily
injury if the vehicle is driven, that defect
or malfunction has been subject to repair
two or more times, and you have directly
notified Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC in
writing of the need for its repair,(2)the same substantial defect or
malfunction of a less serious nature than
category (1) has been subject to repair
four or more times and you have directly
notified us in writing of the need for its
repair, or(3)the vehicle is out of service by reason of
repair of the same or different substantial
defects or malfunctions for a cumulative
total of more than 30 calendar days.Written notification should not be sent to a
dealer, it should be addressed to
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Customer Assistance Center
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
Maintenance
The Maintenance Booklet describes all the
necessary maintenance work which should
be performed at regular intervals.
Always have the Maintenance Booklet with
you when you take the vehicle to an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
service. The service advisor will record each
service in the booklet for you.
Roadside Assistance
The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
Program provides factory-trained technical
help in the event of a breakdown. Calls to the
toll-free Roadside Assistance number
1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the USA)
1-800-387-0100 (in Canada)
will be answered by Mercedes-Benz
Customer Assistance Representatives
24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Roadside Assistance will be provided in
accordance with standard program
guidelines which include providing service to
the vehicle up to a reasonable distance from
a paved roadway. We will make every effort
to assist in a breakdown situation, however,
the accessibility of your vehicle will be
determined by our authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center technician or the tow service provider
on a case-by-case basis and may be a factor
in our ability to respond.
Additional charges may be applicable for a
breakdown location determined not to be a
reasonably accessible roadside location as
1 Applicable to vehicles with gasoline engine only.Introduction21164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 21Z

In Canada:
Customer Relations Department
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
98 Vanderhoof Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M4G 4C9
Reporting safety defects
For the USA only:
The following text is published as required of
manufacturers under Title 49, Code of U.S.
Federal Regulations, Part 575 pursuant to the
“National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act
of 1966”.
Reporting safety defects
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect
which could cause a crash or could cause
injury or death, you should immediately
inform the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) in addition to
notifying Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may
open an investigation, and if it finds that a
safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it
may order a recall and remedy campaign.
However, NHTSA cannot become involved in
individual problems between you, your
dealer, or Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
To contact NHTSA, you may call the Vehicle
Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-4236
(TTY: 1-800-424-9153); go to
www.safercar.gov ; or write to:
Administrator, NHTSA Headquarters,
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, West Building,
Washington, DC 20590.
You can also obtain other information about
motor vehicle safety from
www.safercar.gov .
Vehicle data recording
Information regarding electronic
recording devices
( Including notice pursuant to California Code
§ 9951)
Please note that your vehicle is equipped with
devices that can record vehicle systems data
and, if equipped with the Tele Aid system, may
transmit some data in certain accidents.
This information helps, for example, to
diagnose vehicle systems after a collision and
to continuously improve vehicle safety.
Daimler may access the information and
share it with others
R for safety research or vehicle diagnosis
purposes
R with the consent of the vehicle owner or
lessee
R in response to an official request by law
enforcement or other government agency
R for use in dispute resolution involving
Daimler, its affiliates or sales/service
organization and/or
R as otherwise required or permitted by law
Please check the Tele Aid subscription
service agreement for details regarding the
information that may be recorded or
transmitted via that system.
24Introduction164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 24