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
determined by our authorized technician and
tow service provider.
For additional information refer to the
Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
Program brochure (in the USA) or the
Roadside Assistance section of the Service
and Warranty Information Booklet (in
Canada) in your vehicle literature portfolio.
Change of address or ownership
If you change your address, be sure to send
in the “Change of Address Notice” found in
the Service and Warranty Information
Booklet, or simply call the Mercedes-Benz
Customer Assistance Center (in the USA) at
1-800-FOR-MERCedes (1-800-367-6372), or
Customer Service (in Canada) at
1-800-387-0100. This will assist us in
contacting you in a timely manner should the
need arise.
If you sell your Mercedes, please leave all
literature with the vehicle to make it available
to the next operator.
If you bought this vehicle used, be sure to
send in the “Notice of Purchase of Used
Truck” found in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet, or call the Mercedes-
Benz Customer Assistance Center (in the
USA) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes
(1-800-367-6372), or Customer Service (in
Canada) at 1-800-387-0100.
Operating your vehicle outside the
USA or Canada
If you plan to operate your vehicle in foreign
countries, please be aware that:
R Service facilities or replacement parts may
not be readily available.
R Unleaded gasoline for vehicles with
catalytic converters may not be available;
the use of leaded fuels will damage the
catalysts.
R Gasoline may have a considerably lower
octane rating, and improper fuel can cause
engine damage.
Sport Utility Vehicle
GWarning!
This Sport Utility Vehicle is designed for both
on-road and off-road use. It can go places and
perform tasks for which conventional 2-wheel
drive passenger cars are not intended. This
vehicle will handle and maneuver differently
from conventional passenger cars in driving
conditions which may occur on streets,
highways and off-road use.
This vehicle has a higher ground clearance
and a higher center of gravity than many
passenger cars. As with other vehicles of this
type, if you make sharp turns at excessive
speeds or abrupt maneuvers, the vehicle may
roll over or may go out of control and crash.
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher
rollover rate than other types of vehicles.
Failure to operate this vehicle safely may
result in an accident, rollover of the vehicle,
and severe or fatal injury.
Before you start to drive this vehicle, read the
Operator’s Manual. Take time to become
familiar with the driving characteristics of this
vehicle. Be sure you are familiar with all
vehicle controls. Learn how your vehicle
handles on different road surfaces. Do not
attempt sharp turns at excessive speeds or
abrupt maneuvers or other unsafe driving
actions that can cause loss of vehicle control.
When driving off-road or working the vehicle
hard, do not overload it. And, always wear
your seat belts at all times. In a rollover crash,
an unbelted person is significantly more likely
to die than a person wearing a seat belt.
22Introduction164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 22
XMake sure the KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button is inserted in the starter switch
( Y page 80).
i
To start the engine with the SmartKey
instead of the KEYLESS-GO function,
remove the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
from the starter switch. Proceed as
described in “With SmartKey”
( Y page 104).
XDepress the brake pedal during the starting
procedure.XDo not depress the accelerator pedal.XGasoline engine: Press the KEYLESS-GO
start/stop button once.
The engine starts automatically.XDiesel engine: Press the KEYLESS-GO
start/stop button once.
The engine preglows and starts
automatically.
i If the engine is at operating temperature,
the time the engine needs to preglow is
reduced.
Starting difficulties
! Remember that extended starting
attempts can drain the battery.
The engine does not start. You can hear
the starter.
There could be a malfunction in the engine
electronics or in the fuel supply system.
Carry out the following steps:
XIf you are starting the engine with the
SmartKey: Turn the SmartKey in the starter
switch to position 0 and repeat the starting
procedure.XIf you are starting the engine with KEYLESS-
GO: Close any doors that may be open to
allow for better detection of the SmartKey.
or
XRemove the KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button from the starter switch.XStart the engine with the SmartKey as radio
signals from another source may be
interfering with the KEYLESS-GO function.XRepeat the starting procedure.
If the engine does not start after several
starting attempts:
XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call Roadside Assistance.
The engine does not start. You cannot
hear the starter.
The battery may not be charged sufficiently.
XGet a jump start ( Y page 336).
If the engine will not start despite a jump
start:
XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call Roadside Assistance.
The starter has been exposed to excessive
temperatures.
XLet the starter cool for about 2 minutes.XRepeat the starting procedure.
If the engine does not start after several
starting attempts:
XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call Roadside Assistance.
Driving off
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.
! Do not run a cold engine at high engine
speeds. Running a cold engine at high
engine speeds may shorten the service life
of the engine. This is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
ML 63 AMG: At engine temperatures below
68‡ (20†), the engine’s maximum speed
Driving and parking105Controls in detail164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 105Z
Vehicle equipment
i This 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.
The first 1000 miles (1500 km)
The more cautiously you treat your vehicle
during the break-in period, the more satisfied
you will be with its performance later on.
R Drive your vehicle during the first
1 000 miles (1 500 km) at varying but
moderate vehicle and engine speeds.
R During this period, avoid heavy loads (full
throttle driving) and excessive engine
speeds (no more than 2
/ 3 of maximum rpm
in each gear).
R Avoid accelerating by kickdown.
R Do not attempt to slow the vehicle down by
shifting to a lower gear using the gear
selector lever.
R Select gear ranges 3, 2 or 1 (Y page 113)
only when driving at moderate speeds (for
hill driving).
After 1 000 miles (1 500 km) you may
gradually increase vehicle and engine speeds
to the permissible maximum.
! Additional instructions for ML 63 AMG:
R During the first 1 000 miles (1 500 km),
do not exceed a speed of 85 mph
(140 km/h).
R During this period, avoid engine speeds
above 4 500 rpm in each gear.
R Shift gears in a timely manner.
R Select C as the preferred shift program
for the first 1 000 miles (1 500 km).
All of the above instructions, as may apply to
your vehicle type, also apply when driving the
first 1 000 miles (1 500 km) after the engine,
the transfer case, the front differential or the
rear differential have been replaced.
i Always obey applicable speed limits.
At the gas station
Refueling
GWarning!
Gasoline and diesel fuels are highly flammable
and poisonous. They burn violently and can
cause serious injury.
Never allow sparks, flames or smoking
materials near gasoline or diesel fuel!
Turn off the engine before refueling.
Whenever you are around gasoline or diesel
fuel, 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.
GWarning!
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.
GWarning!
Do not fill diesel tanks with gasoline. Do not
mix diesel fuel with gasoline. Otherwise the
fuel system and engine could be damaged. In
addition, the vehicle could catch fire.
GWarning!
HYBRID vehicles: It is imperative that you read
the HYBRID Supplemental Operating
Instructions included in your vehicle literature
portfolio. You may otherwise not receive all
necessary safety information and warning for
the operation of your vehicle.
210At the gas stationOperation
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After installing winter tires:XCheck the tire inflation pressure and adjust
it if necessary ( Y page 221).XRestart the tire pressure loss warning
system ( Y page 222) or the Advanced Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (Y page 223).
Snow chains
! Vehicles with Adaptive Damping System
(ADS):
When driving with snow chains, do not
select SPORT mode as this may result in
damage to your vehicle.
! Some tire sizes do not leave adequate
clearance for snow chains. To help avoid
serious damage to your vehicle or tires,
make sure the use of snow chains is
permissible as specified in the “Technical
data” section of this Operator’s Manual.
Snow chains should only be driven on snow-
covered roads at speeds not to exceed
30 mph (50 km/h). Remove chains as soon
as possible when driving on roads without
snow.
Observe the following guidelines when using
snow chains:
R Use of snow chains is not permissible with
all wheel/tire combinations ( Y page 352).
R Use snow chains in pairs and on rear
wheels only. Follow the manufacturer’s
mounting instructions.
! If snow chains are mounted to the front
wheels, they may scrape against the body
or axle components. The tires or the vehicle
could be damaged as a result.
R Only use snow chains that are approved by
Mercedes-Benz. Any authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center will be glad to advise you on
this subject.
R Use of snow chains may be prohibited
depending on location. Always check local
and state laws before installing snow
chains.
R Do not use snow chains on the spare wheel.
i When driving with snow chains, you may
wish to switch off the ESP ®
(Y page 63)
before setting the vehicle in motion. This
will improve the vehicle’s traction.
Winter driving instructions
GWarning!
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, make
sure snow is kept clear of the exhaust pipe
and from around the vehicle with the engine
running. Otherwise, deadly carbon monoxide
(CO) gases may enter vehicle interior
resulting in unconsciousness and death.
To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation, open
a window slightly on the side of the vehicle
not facing the wind.
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.
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.
The most important rule for slippery or icy
roads is to drive sensibly and to avoid abrupt
acceleration, braking and steering
maneuvers. Do not use the cruise control
system under such conditions.
When the vehicle is in danger of skidding, shift
the automatic transmission to neutral
Winter driving243Operation164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 243Z
Vehicle specification ML 350 BlueTEC
4MATIC (164.125)
The quoted data apply only to the standard
vehicle. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center for the corresponding data of all
special bodies and special equipment.Engine ΜL 350 BlueTEC 4MATICEngine, type642Mode of operationDiesel 4-stroke engineNo. of cylinders6Bore3.27 in (83.00 mm)Stroke3.62 in (92.00 mm)Total piston
displacement182.3 cu in
(2 987 cm 3
)Compression
ratio16.5:1Output acc. to
SAE J 1349210 hp/3 400 rpm
(157 kW/3 400 rpm)Maximum torque
acc. to SAE J 1349400 lb-ft/
1 600 - 2 400 rpm
(543 Nm/
1 600 - 2 400 rpm)Maximum engine
speed4 500 rpmFiring order1-4-2-5-3-6Poly-V-belt2 035 mmElectrical system
ΜL 350 BlueTEC 4MATICAlternator14 V/220 AStarter motor12 V/2.0 kWBattery12 V/95 AhMain dimensions
ΜL 350 BlueTEC 4MATICOverall vehicle
length188.5 in (4 788 mm)Overall vehicle
width 3483.6 in (2
124 mm)Overall vehicle
height71.5 in (1 815 mm) 3569.8 - 73.0 in
(1 774 - 1 854 mm) 36Wheelbase114.8 in (2
915 mm)Track, front63.7 in (1 619 mm)Track, rear63.8 in (1 621 mm)Ground clearance8.3 in (210 mm) 357.3 - 10.3 in
(186 - 261 mm) 36Turning circle39.0 ft (11.6 m)Weights ΜL 350 BlueTEC 4MATICRoof loadmax. 220 lb (100 kg)
Vehicle specification ML 350
(164.156)
The quoted data apply only to the standard
vehicle. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center for the corresponding data of all
special bodies and special equipment.
Engine ΜL 350Engine, type272Mode of operation4-stroke engine,
gasoline injectionNo. of cylinders634 Exterior rear view mirrors folded out.
35 Vehicles with steel suspension.
36 Depending on the set vehicle level (vehicles with air suspension program).348Vehicle specification ML 350 (164.156)Technical data
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Engine ΜL 350Bore3.66 in (92.90 mm)Stroke3.39 in (86.00 mm)Total piston
displacement213.5 cu in
(3 498 cm 3
)Compression
ratio10.7:1Output acc. to
SAE J 1349 37268 hp/6
000 rpm
(200 kW/6 000 rpm)Maximum torque
acc. to SAE J 1349258 lb-ft/
2 400 - 5 000 rpm
(350 Nm/
2 400 - 5 000 rpm)Maximum engine
speed6 500 rpmFiring order1-4-3-6-2-5Poly-V-belt2 398 mmElectrical system ML 350Alternator14 V/180 AStarter motor12 V/1.4 kWBattery12 V/70 AhSpark plugs, typeBosch Y 7 MPP33Spark plugs,
electrode gap0.031 in (0.8 mm)Spark plugs,
tightening torque15 - 18 lb-ft
(20 - 25 Nm)Main dimensions ΜL 350Overall vehicle
length188.5 in (4 788 mm)Overall vehicle
width 3883.6 in (2
124 mm)Overall vehicle
height71.5 in (1 815 mm)Wheelbase114.8 in (2 915 mm)Track, front64.0 in (1 627 mm)Track, rear64.1 in (1 629 mm)Ground clearance8.3 in (210 mm)Turning circle39.0 ft (11.6 m)Weights ΜL 350Roof loadmax. 220 lb (100 kg)
Vehicle specification ML 350 4MATIC
(164.186)
The quoted data apply only to the standard
vehicle. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center for the corresponding data of all
special bodies and special equipment.
Engine ΜL 350 4MATICEngine, type272Mode of operation4-stroke engine,
gasoline injectionNo. of cylinders6Bore3.66 in (92.90 mm)Stroke3.39 in (86.00 mm)Total piston
displacement213.5 cu in
(3 498 cm 3
)37 Premium fuel required. Performance may vary with fuel octane rating.
38 Exterior rear view mirrors folded out.Vehicle specification ML 350 4MATIC (164.186)349Technical data164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 349Z
Engine ΜL 350 4MATICCompression
ratio10.7:1Output acc. to
SAE J 1349 39268 hp/6
000 rpm
(200 kW/6 000 rpm)Maximum torque
acc. to SAE J 1349258 lb-ft/
2 400 - 5 000 rpm
(350 Nm/
2 400 - 5 000 rpm)Maximum engine
speed6 500 rpmFiring order1-4-3-6-2-5Poly-V-belt2 398 mmElectrical system ML 350 4MATICAlternator14 V/180 AStarter motor12 V/1.4 kWBattery12 V/70 AhSpark plugs, typeBosch Y 7 MPP33Spark plugs,
electrode gap0.031 in (0.8 mm)Spark plugs,
tightening torque15 - 18 lb-ft
(20 - 25 Nm)Main dimensions ΜL 350 4MATICOverall vehicle
length188.5 in (4 788 mm)Overall vehicle
width 4083.6 in (2
124 mm)Overall vehicle
height71.5 in (1 815 mm) 4169.8 - 73.0 in
(1 774 - 1 854 mm) 42Main dimensions ΜL 350 4MATICWheelbase114.8 in (2
915 mm)Track, front64.0 in (1 627 mm)Track, rear64.1 in (1 629 mm)Ground clearance8.3 in (210 mm) 417.3 - 10.3 in
(186 - 261 mm) 42Turning circle39.0 ft (11.6 m)Weights ΜL 350 4MATICRoof loadmax. 220 lb (100 kg)
Vehicle specification ML 550 4MATIC
(164.172)
The quoted data apply only to the standard
vehicle. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center for the corresponding data of all
special bodies and special equipment.
Engine ML 550 4MATICEngine, type273Mode of operation4-stroke engine,
gasoline injectionNo. of cylinders8Bore3.86 in (98.00 mm)Stroke3.56 in (90.50 mm)Total piston
displacement333.2 cu in
(5 461 cm 3
)Compression
ratio10.7:139 Premium fuel required. Performance may vary with fuel octane rating.
40 Exterior rear view mirrors folded out.
41 Vehicles with steel suspension.
42 Depending on the set vehicle level (vehicles with air suspension program).350Vehicle specification ML 550 4MATIC (164.172)Technical data
164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 350