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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Modifications and alterations,
Operating safety .............................. 23
Towing ........................................... 338
Unlocking/locking manually ..........306
Vehicle configuration menu ............. 137
Vehicle dimensions see Vehicle specification
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ................................................... 346
Vehicle jack see Jack
Vehicle level control
see Air suspension program
Vehicle lighting .................................... 92
Vehicle loading
Cargo tie-down rings ...................... 188
Cargo volume, expanding ..............189
Carriers .......................................... 187
Instructions .................................... 186
Load limit ....................................... 228
Terminology ................................... 239
Vehicle maximum load on the tire ... 242
Vehicle specification
ML 350 .......................................... 348
ML 350 4MATIC ............................. 349
ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC ...............348
ML 550 4MATIC ............................. 350
ML 63 AMG ................................... 351
Vehicle status message memory .... 128
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 268
Vehicle washing see Vehicle care
Vehicle weights
see Vehicle specification
W
Warning lamps see Lamps, Indicator and warning
Warning sounds
Distance warning function .............151
Distronic ........................................ 146
Driver’s or passenger’s seat belt .....51
Parking brake ................................ 284
Parktronic system ..........................163
Seat belt telltale ............................ 300
Warranty coverage ............................ 346
Washer and headlamp cleaning
system ................................................ 364
Washer fluid
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 288
Mixing ratio .................................... 364
Refilling .......................................... 217
Washing the vehicle .......................... 260
Wear pattern (tires) .......................... 234
Weights (vehicle) see Vehicle specification
Wheel
Changing ....................................... 319
Removing ....................................... 327
Spare ............................................. 319
Tightening torque ........................... 330
Wheels, sizes ..................................... 352
Wheels, Tires and .............................. 218
Window curtain air bags ..................... 41
Windows see Power windows
Windows, cleaning ............................ 264
Windshield
Cleaning wiper blades .................... 264
Infrared reflecting ..........................208
Washer fluid ................................... 364
Wipers ............................................. 98
Windshield wipers
Replacing wiper blades ..................318
Winter cover .............................. 214, 242
Winter driving
Instructions .................................... 243
Radiator cover ............................... 242
Snow chains .................................. 243
Tires ............................................... 242
Winter tires ................................ 242, 352
Wood trims, cleaning ........................ 266Index19164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 19
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
Introduction23164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 23Z
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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achieved with winter tires, or snow chains
as required.
Safety notesGWarning!
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
R Excessive speed, especially in turns
R Wet and slippery road surfaces
R Following another vehicle too closely
The driving safety systems described in this
section cannot reduce these risks or prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle. They cannot increase braking or
steering efficiency beyond that afforded by
the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires
or the traction afforded.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents.
The capabilities of a vehicle equipped with the
driving safety systems described in this
section must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user’s safety or the safety of others.
Always adjust your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather conditions and
keep a safe distance to other road users and
objects on the street.
If a driving system malfunctions, other driving
safety systems may also switch off. Observe
indicator and warning lamps that may come
on as well as messages in the multifunction
display that may appear.
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.
ABSGObserve Safety notes, see page 62.GWarning!
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady
brake pedal pressure instead. Pumping the
brake pedal defeats the purpose of the ABS
and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates
the brake pressure so that the wheels do not
lock during braking. This allows you to
maintain the ability to steer your vehicle.
The ABS is functional above a speed of
approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) independent
of road surface conditions.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will
respond even to light brake pressure.
The ABS indicator lamp ! indicator lamp
in the instrument cluster comes on when you
switch on the ignition. It goes out when the
engine is running.
Braking
At the instant one of the wheels is about to
lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in the
brake pedal. The pulsation indicates that the
ABS is in the regulating mode.
XKeep firm and steady pressure on the brake
pedal while you feel the pulsation.
Continuous, steady brake pedal pressure
yields the advantages provided by the ABS,
namely braking power and the ability to steer
the vehicle.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
Emergency brake maneuver
XKeep continuous full pressure on the brake
pedal.62Driving safety systemsSafety and security
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GWarning!
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving safety
systems such as the BAS or the ESP ®
are also
switched off. Observe indicator and warning
lamps that may come on as well as messages
in the multifunction display that may appear.
If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing steering
capability and extending the braking distance.
Off-road ABS (vehicles with 4MATIC)
Vehicles with 4MATIC have a special ABS off-
road feature. With the off-road driving
program switched on ( Y page 155), the ABS
designed for off-road driving is activated
automatically.
When applying the brakes at speeds below
18 mph (30 km/h), the front wheels are
locked cyclically to shorten the braking
distance (dig-in effect). This will restrict
steering the vehicle.
BAS
GObserve Safety notes, see page 62.
The Brake Assist System (BAS) operates in
emergency situations. If you apply the brakes
very quickly, the BAS provides full brake
boost automatically, thereby potentially
reducing the braking distance.
XApply continuous full braking pressure until
the emergency braking situation is over.
The ABS will prevent the wheels from
locking.
When you release the brake pedal, the brakes
function again as normal. The BAS is then
deactivated.
GWarning!
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system still
functions, but without the additional brake
boost available that the BAS would normally
provide in an emergency braking maneuver.
Therefore, the braking distance may increase.
EBPGObserve Safety notes, see page 62.
The Electronic Brake Proportioning (EBP)
enhances braking effectiveness by allowing
the rear brakes to supply a greater proportion
of the braking effort in straight-line braking
without a loss of vehicle stability.
GWarning!
If the EBP malfunctions, the brake system will
still function with full brake boost. However,
the rear wheels could lock up during
emergency braking situations, for example.
You could lose control of the vehicle and
cause an accident.
Adapt your driving style to the changed
driving characteristics.
ESP ®
GObserve Safety notes, see page 62.
The Electronic Stability Program (ESP
®
) is
operational as soon as the engine is running.
It monitors the vehicle’s traction (force of
adhesive friction between the tires and the
road surface) and handling.
The ESP ®
recognizes that the vehicle deviates
from the direction of travel as intended by the
driver. By applying brakes to individual
wheels and by limiting the engine output, the
ESP ®
works to stabilize the vehicle. The
ESP ®
is especially useful while driving off and
on wet or slippery road surfaces. The ESP ®
also stabilizes the vehicle during braking and
steering maneuvers.
The ESP ®
warning lamp d in the
instrument cluster comes on when you switch
on the ignition. It goes out when the engine
is running.
The ESP ®
warning lamp d in the
instrument cluster flashes when the ESP ®
is
engaged.
Driving safety systems63Safety and security164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 63Z
GWarning!
If a drive wheel is spinning due to insufficient
traction:
RWhile driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
RWhile driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
RAdapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid.
The 4MATIC cannot prevent accidents
resulting from excessive speed.
! Do not tow with one axle raised. Doing so
could damage the transfer case, which is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty. All wheels must be on or off the
ground. Observe instructions for towing the
vehicle with all wheels on the ground.
! 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 and/or the transfer case which is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
iIn winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of the 4MATIC is only
achieved with winter tires (Y page 242) or
snow chains as required.
Parktronic system
The Parktronic system is an electronic
parking aid with ultrasonic sensors designed
to assist the driver during parking maneuvers.
The Parktronic system indicates the relative
distance between the vehicle and an obstacle
visually and audibly.
The Parktronic system is activated
automatically when
Ryou switch on the ignition
and
Ryou release the parking brake
and
Rthe automatic transmission is in drive
position D, reverse gear R, or neutral
position N
The Parktronic system deactivates at speeds
above approximately 11 mph (18 km/h). At
lower speeds, the Parktronic system
activates again.
The Parktronic system also deactivates when
you shift the automatic transmission into
park position P or engage the parking brake.
The Parktronic system monitors the
surroundings of your vehicle with six sensors
in the front bumper and four sensors in the
rear bumper.
To function properly, sensors : must be free
of dirt, ice, snow and slush. Clean
sensors : regularly. Be careful not to
scratch or damage sensors :, see “Cleaning
the driving systems sensors” (Y page 263).
GWarning!
The Parktronic is a supplemental system. It is
not intended to, nor does it replace, the need
for extreme care. The responsibility during
parking and other critical maneuvers always
remains with the driver.
160Driving systemsControls in detail
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