When driving on sand, observe the following
rules:
R Vehicles with air suspension program:
Set the raised level ( Y page 156).
R Avoid high engine speeds.
R Shift automatic transmission into a gear
range that is appropriate for the terrain.
R In sandy soil, drive at a steady speed as
conditions permit. This helps overcome the
vehicle rolling resistance and reduce the
likelihood of the vehicle sinking into the
ground.
R Drive in tracks of other vehicles if they are
not too deep and you have sufficient
clearance.
Ruts
A number of off-road tracks or other byways
have deep ruts which can cause the
underbody to come in contact with the
ground.
R Make sure the off-road driving program
( Y page 155) is switched on.
R Vehicles with air suspension program:
Set the raised level ( Y page 156).
! Check that the ruts are not too deep and
your vehicle’s clearance is sufficient.
Otherwise:
R your vehicle may be damaged
R the underbody of the vehicle may come
in contact with the ground and you may
get stuck
R Avoid high engine speeds.
R Shift automatic transmission into gear
range 1 (Y page 113).
R Drive next to the ruts rather than through
them if at all possible.
R If the ruts are too deep to drive in, drive with
one side of the vehicle on the grassy center
strip if the route permits.
Returning from off-road driving GWarning!
If you feel a sudden significant vibration or
ride disturbance, or you suspect that possible
damage to your vehicle has occurred, you
should turn on the hazard warning flashers,
carefully slow down, and drive with caution to
an area which is a safe distance from the road.
Inspect the tires and the vehicle underbody
for possible damage. If the vehicle or tires
appear unsafe, have the vehicle towed to the
nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or
tire dealer for repairs.
Off-road driving increases strain on the
vehicle.
We recommend that you inspect the vehicle
for possible damage after each off-road trip.
Recognizing any damage and a subsequent
timely repair reduces the chance of a possible
breakdown or accident later on.
Proceed as follows:
R Switch off the off-road driving program
( Y page 155).
R Switch off the DSR ( Y page 153).
R Vehicles with air suspension program:
Lower the vehicle back to a level suitable
for road conditions, e.g. highway/high-
speed level ( Y page 156).
R Clean all exterior lamps and check for
possible damage.
R Clean the front and rear license plate.
R Remove excessive dirt from tires, wheels,
wheel housings, and underbody.
For instance, after driving in mud, clean the
radiator, chassis, engine, brakes, and
wheels from extreme dirt using a strong jet
of water.
R Check tires for possible damage.
R Inspect vehicle underbody, oil pan, brake
hoses, etc., as well as vehicle underbody
for possible damage.
Driving instructions253Operation164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 253Z
ModelCapacityFuels, coolants,
lubricants, etc.Engine with oil
filterML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC9.0 US qt (8.5 l)Approved engine
oilsML 350 4MATIC
ML 3508.5 US qt (8.0 l)ML 550 4MATIC9.5 US qt (9.0 l)ML 63 AMG 5910.3 US qt (9.7 l)Automatic
transmissionAll models,
except ML 63 AMG9.5 US qt (9.0 l)MB Automatic
Transmission FluidML 63 AMG 609.7 US qt (9.2 l)Front axleML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC
ML 350 4MATIC
ML 550 4MATIC1.2 US qt (1.1 l)Hypoid gear oilML 63 AMGFuchs Titan
EG 5010 DRear axleML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC
ML 350 4MATIC
ML 550 4MATIC1.2 US qt (1.1 l)Hypoid gear oilML 3501.5 US qt (1.4 l)ML 63 AMG1.2 US qt (1.1 l)Fuchs Titan
EG 5010 DTransfer caseML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC
ML 350 4MATIC
ML 550 4MATIC
ML 63 AMG0.53 US qt (0.5 l)MB Automatic
Transmission FluidPower steeringML 350approx.
1.3 US qt (1.2 l)MB Power Steering
Fluid or approved
Dexron III ATFML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC
ML 350 4MATIC
ML 550 4MATICapprox.
1.05 US qt (1.0 l)MB Power Steering
FluidML 63 AMGapprox.
1.3 US qt (1.2 l)59 Engine with oil cooler.
60 Automatic transmission with oil cooler.Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.357Technical data164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 357Z
