Program mode selector switch
Automatic shift program ................114
Manual shift program ..................... 116
Proximity key
see Key, SmartKey
PSI (air pressure unit) ....................... 241
R
RACETIMER ........................................ 124
Radiator ..................................... 214, 242
Radio
Selecting stations ..........................126
Radio transmitters ............................ 257
Rain sensor see Intermittent wiping
Rear axle oil ....................................... 357
Rear center console ashtray see Ashtrays
Rear doors
Child safety locks ............................ 60
Rear door window
Override switch ................................ 60
Rear fog lamp
see Fog lamps
Rear lamps
see Tail lamps
Rear seat head restraints
see Head restraints
Rear view camera .............................. 163
Cleaning the camera lens ..............263
Rear window defroster ..................... 183
Rear window wiper/washer ............. 100
Recommended tire inflation
pressure ..................................... 219, 241
Refilling
AdBlue ®
......................................... 332
Refrigerant, air conditioning ............ 359
Refueling ............................................ 210
Regular checks .................................. 212
Reminder, Seat belt see Seat belts, Telltale
Remote control
see Key, SmartKey
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) ......... 203
Replacing
Key .................................................. 74
Replacing bulbs ................................. 311
Reporting safety defects .................... 24
Research Octane Number see RON
Reserve fuel
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 291
Warning lamp ................................... 29
Reset button ................................ 28, 118
Reset tool (NECK-PRO active front
head restraints) ................................. 309
Restraint systems see Occupant safety
Rims ........................................... 241, 352
Roadside Assistance ................... 21, 201
RON (Research Octane Number) ..... 360
Rubber parts, cleaning ...................... 264
Run-flat tires see MOExtended tires
S
Safety
Driving safety systems .....................61
Occupant safety ............................... 36
Reporting defects ............................ 24
Safety belts
see Seat belts
Seat belt force limiter ......................... 52
Seat belts ............................................. 48
Adjustment function ........................51
Children in the vehicle .....................55
Cleaning ......................................... 265
Fastening ......................................... 50
Height adjustment ...........................51
Proper use of ................................... 48
Safety guidelines ............................. 39
Safety notes ..................................... 48
Telltale ..................................... 29, 300
Seat heating ......................................... 86
Seating capacity ................................ 228
Seats ..................................................... 81
Adjustment ...................................... 81
Easy-entry/exit feature ....................87
Folding (expanding cargo volume) . 189
Heating ............................................ 86
Memory function .............................. 92
Multicontour seat ............................ 85
Ventilation ....................................... 85
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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
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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bags repaired. This will help to make sure the
air bags will continue to provide supplemental
crash protection for occupants.
Safety guidelines for the seat belt,
Emergency Tensioning Device (ETD)
and air bag GWarning!
R Damaged seat belts or seat belts that have
been subjected to stress in an accident
must be replaced. Their anchoring points
must also be checked. Only use seat belts
installed or supplied by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
R Air bags and pyrotechnic Emergency
Tensioning Devices (ETDs) contain
perchlorate material, which may require
special handling and regard for the
environment. Check with your local
government’s disposal guidelines.
California residents, see
www.dtsc.ca.gov/HazardousWaste/
Perchlorate/index.cfm .
R Air bags and ETDs are designed to function
on a one-time-only basis. An air bag or ETD
that has deployed must be replaced. PRE-
SAFE ®
has electrically operated reversible
pre-tensioners in addition to the
pyrotechnic ETDs.
R Do not pass seat belts over sharp edges.
They could tear.
R Do not make any modification that could
change the effectiveness of the seat belts.
R Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may
severely weaken them. In a crash they may
not be able to provide adequate protection.
R No modifications of any kind may be made
to any components or wiring of the SRS.
R Do no change or remove any component or
part of the SRS.
R Do not install additional trim material, seat
covers, badges, etc. over the steering
wheel hub, front passenger front air bag
cover, outboard sides of the seat
backrests, door trim panels, or door frame
trims.
R Do not install additional electrical/
electronic equipment on or near SRS
components and wiring.
R Keep area between air bags and occupants
free of objects (e.g. packages, purses,
umbrellas, etc.).
R Do not hang items such as coat hangers
from the coat hooks or handles over the
door. These items may be thrown around in
the vehicle and cause head and other
injuries when the window curtain air bag is
deployed.
R Air bag system components will be hot after
an air bag has inflated. Do not touch them.
R Never place your feet on the instrument
panel, dashboard, or on the seat. Always
keep both feet on the floor in front of the
seat.
R Improper repair work on the SRS creates a
risk of rendering the SRS inoperative or
causing unintended air bag deployment.
Work on the SRS must therefore only be
performed by qualified technicians.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
R For your protection and the protection of
others, when scrapping the air bag unit or
ETD, our safety instructions must be
followed. These instructions are available
from any authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
R Given the considerable deployment speed,
required inflation volume, and the material
of the air bags, there is the possibility of
abrasions or other, potentially more serious
injuries resulting from air bag deployment.
If you sell your vehicle, we strongly
recommend that you inform the subsequent
owner that the vehicle is equipped with SRS.
Also refer them to the applicable section in
the Operator’s Manual.Occupant safety39Safety and security164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 39Z
The brake fluid level is correct when it is
between lower mark (MIN) ; and upper
mark (MAX) : of the brake fluid reservoir.
Tires and wheels
Safety notes
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for information on tested and recommended
rims and tires for summer and winter
operation. They can also offer advice
concerning tire service and purchase.
GWarning!
Replace rims or tires with the same
designation, manufacturer and type as shown
on the original part. For further information
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If incorrectly sized rims and tires are
mounted, the wheel brakes or suspension
components can be damaged. Also, the
operating clearance of the wheels and the
tires may no longer be correct.
GWarning!
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the tire
tread is worn to minimum tread depth, or if
the tires have sustained damage, replace
them.
When replacing rims, only use genuine
Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts specified for the
particular rim type. Failure to do so can result
in the bolts loosening and possibly an
accident.
Retreaded tires are not tested or
recommended by Mercedes-Benz, since
previous damage cannot always be
recognized on retreads. The operating safety
of the vehicle cannot be assured when such
tires are used.
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.
GWarning!
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects
the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You
could lose control of the vehicle. Continued
driving with a flat tire or driving at high speed
with a flat tire will cause excessive heat build-
up and possibly a fire.
Important guidelines
ROnly use sets of tires and rims of the same
type and make.
RTires must be of the correct size for the rim.
RBreak in new tires for approximately
60 miles (100 km) at moderate speeds.
RRegularly check the tires and rims for
damage. Dented or bent rims can cause tire
inflation pressure loss and damage to the
tire beads.
RIf the vehicle is heavily loaded, check tire
inflation pressure and correct as required.
RDo not allow your tires to wear down too
far. Adhesion properties on wet roads are
218Tires and wheelsOperation
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tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.
The traction grades, from highest to lowest,
are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent
the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as
measured under controlled conditions on
specified government test surfaces of asphalt
and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance.GWarning!
If ice has formed on the road, tire traction will
be substantially reduced. Under such weather
conditions, drive, steer and brake with
extreme caution.
The safe speed on a wet, snow covered or icy
road is always lower than on a dry road.
You should pay particular attention to the
condition of the road whenever the outside
temperature is close to the freezing point.
Mercedes-Benz recommends winter tires
( Y page 242) with a minimum tread depth of
approximately 1
/ 6 in (4 mm) on all four wheels
for the winter season to ensure normal
balanced handling characteristics. On
packed snow, they can reduce your stopping
distance compared to summer tires.
Stopping distance, however, is still
considerably greater than when the road is
not covered with snow or ice. Exercise
appropriate caution.
! Avoid spinning of a drive wheel. This may
cause serious damage to the drivetrain
which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
Temperature
GWarning!
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly inflated
and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause
excessive heat build-up and possible tire
failure.
The temperature grades are A (the highest),
B, and C, representing the tire’s resistance to
the generation of heat and its ability to
dissipate heat when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can
cause the material of the tire to degenerate
and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden tire failure.
The grade C corresponds to a level of
performance which all passenger car tires
must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law.
Rotating tires
GWarning!
Rotate front and rear wheels only if the tires
are of the same dimension.
If your vehicle is equipped with mixed-size
tires (different tire dimensions front vs. rear),
tire rotation is not possible.
GWarning!
Have the tightening torque checked after
changing a wheel. The wheels could come
loose if they are not tightened to a torque of
110 lb-ft (150 Nm).
Only use genuine Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts
specified for your vehicle’s rims.
Tire rotation can be performed on vehicles
with tires of the same dimension all around.
If your vehicle is equipped with tires of the
same dimension all around, tires can be
rotated, observing a front-to-rear rotation
pattern that will maintain the intended
rotation (spinning) direction of the tire
( Y page 231).
In some cases, such as when your vehicle is
equipped with mixed-size tires (different tire
234Tires and wheelsOperation
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