2010 MERCEDES-BENZ ML63AMG sport mode

1, 2, 3 ...
115V AC Socket ................................. 198
3-zone automatic climate control see Climate control system
4-ETS
see ETS/4-ETS
4MATIC
see All-wheel drive (4MATIC)
A
ABS (Antilock Brake System) ............. 62
Indicator lamp ................................ 298
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 273, 284
Accessory weight .............................. 239
Accidents ........................................... 107
Air bags ........................................... 37
Distance warning function .............151
Emergency calls (Tele Aid) .............200
NECK-PRO active front head
restraints ........................................ 53
Active Bi-Xenon headlamps
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 293
see Headlamps
Adaptive Damping System
see ADS
AdBlue ®
...................................... 331, 361
Capacity, AdBlue ®
tank ................. 358
Refilling ......................................... 332
Additives
Engine oil ....................................... 359
Gasoline ......................................... 361
Address change ................................... 22
ADS (Adaptive Damping System) ..... 156
Advanced Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (Advanced
TPMS) ................................................. 223
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 281, 296
Air bags ................................................ 37
Emergency call upon deployment ..200
Front, driver and passenger .............40
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp (Canada
only) ........................................ 46, 305
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp (USA only) ........42, 305
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 275
OCS (Occupant Classification
System) ........................................... 42
Safety guidelines ............................. 39
Side impact ...................................... 40
Window curtain ................................ 41
Air conditioning refrigerant and
lubricant ............................................. 359
Air distribution .......................... 171, 180
Air filter .............................................. 292
AIRMATIC/Compass menu ............... 127
Air pressure see Tire inflation pressure
Air pressure (tires) ............................ 240
Air pump (electric) ............................ 328
Air recirculation mode .............. 172, 182
Air suspension program
Comfortable driving style ...............156
Introduction ................................... 155
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 285
Sporty driving style ........................156
Suspension tuning .........................156
Vehicle level control ......................156
Air volume ................................. 171, 181
Alarm system see Anti-theft systems
Alignment bolt (vehicle tool
kit) .............................................. 268, 327
All-wheel drive (4MATIC) .................. 159
Alternator
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 280, 290
Alternator (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification
AMG menu ......................................... 123
Anticorrosion/antifreeze .................. 363
Antilock Brake System see ABS
Anti-theft systems ............................... 66
Anti-theft alarm system ...................66
Immobilizer ...................................... 66
Aquaplaning
see Hydroplaning 4Index164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 4

Coolant
Anticorrosion/antifreeze ...............363
Capacities ...................................... 358
Checking level ............................... 216
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 288
Corner-illuminating front fog
lamps .................................................... 96
Cruise control .................................... 141
Activating ....................................... 142
Canceling ....................................... 142
Changing the set speed .................143
Last stored speed ..........................143
Lever .............................................. 142
Messages in the mutlifunction
display ........................................... 278
Resume function ............................ 143
Setting current speed ....................142
Cup holders ........................................ 194
Curb weight ....................................... 240
Customer Assistance Center (CAC) ... 23
Customer Relations Department ....... 24
D
Dashboard see Instrument cluster
Data recording ..................................... 24
Date, Setting ...................................... 132
Daytime running lamp mode .............. 94
Switching on or off ......................... 133
Deep water
see Standing water
Defroster
Rear window .................................. 183
Windshield ............................. 171, 181
Delayed shut-off
Exterior lamps ................................ 134
Interior lighting .............................. 135
Department of Transportation
see DOT
Diesel engine
Preglow indicator lamp ....................29
Diesel fuel
see Fuel
Difficulties
While driving .................................. 106
With starting .................................. 105
Digital clock
see Clock
Digital speedometer ......................... 123
Dimensions (vehicle) see Vehicle specification
Direction of rotation (tires) .............. 231
Displays
Digital speedometer ......................123
Distronic ........................................ 146
Maintenance service indicator .......258
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 272
Multifunction display .....................121
Outside temperature .............123, 131
Symbol messages ..........................283
Text messages ............................... 273
Trip computer ................................ 138
Vehicle status message memory ...128
Vehicle system settings .................129
Distronic ............................................ 144
Cleaning system sensor cover .......263
Control system .............................. 128
Distance warning function .............151
Distance warning
lamp ...................................... 146, 302
Driving with .................................... 150
Menu ............................................. 147
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 278
Resume function ............................ 149
Sensor cover .................................. 263
Speed settings ............................... 148
Door control panel .............................. 33
Door handles ........................................ 33
Doors
Child safety locks ............................ 60
Locking/unlocking (KEYLESS-GO) ...71
Locking/unlocking (SmartKey) ........70
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 286
Opening from inside ......................... 74
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) .......203
Unlocking (Mechanical key) ...........306
DOT (Department of
Transportation) .................................. 240
Downhill Speed Regulation see DSR
Drinking and driving ......................... 244Index7164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 7

The current gear range appears in the
multifunction display.:Gear range indicator Effect=With this selection you can use the
braking effect of the engine.
5Allows the use of the engine’s
braking effect when driving
Ron steep downgrades
Rin mountainous regions
Runder extreme operating
conditions
4For maximum use of the engine’s
braking effect on very steep or
lengthy downgrades.
Automatic shift program
The automatic shift program is available on
ML 63 AMG only.
Program mode selector switch
C ComfortFor standard driving
(Y page 114)
S SportFor sporty driving
(Y page 114)
M ManualFor manual gearshifting
(Y page 115)
The current program mode appears in the
multifunction display.
:Program mode indicator
You should only change the program mode
when the automatic transmission is in park
position P.
The last selected automatic program mode
(C or S) is active when the engine is restarted.
XPress the program mode selector switch
repeatedly until the letter of the desired
program mode appears in the multifunction
display.
Selecting program mode C means:
RThe vehicle starts out more gentle, both
forward and reverse, except when driving
off with full throttle.
RTraction and driving stability are improved
on icy roads.
RUpshifts occur earlier even when you give
more gas. The engine then operates at
lower revolutions and the wheels are less
likely to spin.
Selecting program mode S means that
upshifts occur later.
114Automatic transmissionControls in detail
164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 114

upshifting or downshifting using the steering
wheel gearshift control.
Program mode selector switch
C ComfortFor standard drivingS SportFor sporty drivingM ManualFor manual gearshifting
The current program mode appears in the
multifunction display (Y page 114).
For information on automatic program mode
(C or S), see “Automatic shift program”
(Y page 114) and “One-touch gearshifting”
(Y page 115).
Activating manual shift program
XPress the program mode selector switch
repeatedly until M appears in the
multifunction display.
The automatic transmission switches to
manual program mode M. Automatic
shifting is switched off. The gear range is
not limited.
You can change the gears manually with drive
position D selected. You can upshift or
downshift through the gears in succession.
iManual program mode M will not be
stored. When the engine is turned off with
manual program mode M selected, the
automatic transmission will go to
automatic program mode (C or S) when the
engine is restarted.
Upshifting
! In manual program mode M, the
automatic transmission will not upshift,
even if the engine has reached its
overrevving range. Shift up into the next
gear before the engine has reached its
overrevving range. Make absolutely certain
that the engine speed does not reach the
red marking on the tachometer. Otherwise
the engine could be damaged which is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
XBriefly pull right gearshift control ;
(Y page 115).
The automatic transmission shifts into the
next higher gear.
Upshift indicator
In manual program mode M, upshift
indicator ; in the multifunction display
advises you to upshift before the engine
reaches the overspeed range. Thus you can
drive at the maximum engine speed for each
gear without overrevving the engine.
XShift the automatic transmission from
current gear : into the next higher gear.
The fuel supply will otherwise be
interrupted to prevent the engine from
overrevving.
Downshifting
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.
116Automatic transmissionControls in detail
164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 116

storing objects in the vehicle. Put luggage or
cargo in the cargo compartment if possible.
Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the
seat backrests.
If so equipped, always use the cargo net when
transporting cargo. The cargo net cannot
secure hard or heavy objects.
Parcel nets cannot secure hard or heavy
objects.
Keep compartment lids closed. This will help
to prevent stored objects from being thrown
about and injuring vehicle occupants during
Rbraking
Rvehicle maneuvers
Ran accident
Glove box
Depending on vehicle equipment, an AUX
socket or a media interface is located in the
glove box. For information on Audio AUX
mode or on media interface, see separate
COMAND system operating instructions.
XOpening: Pull glove box lid release :.XClosing: Push glove box lid ; upwards
until it engages.
You can lock the glove box, e.g. when the
vehicle is in the shop for service.
The glove box can only be locked or unlocked
with the mechanical key.
1Glove box unlocked2Glove box locked
Storage compartment in front center
console
XPress the front of the cover briefly.
The cover opens automatically.
Front armrest storage compartment
iThe Roadside Assistance button º
(Y page 201) and the Information button
Loading and storing193Controls in detail164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 193Z

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

Driving in steep terrain
Slope angle
:Overhang angle, front;Overhang angle, rearVehicles with
steel
suspension
::21;27°22°26°Vehicles with
air suspension
program
::21;Raised level31°25°29°Highway25°18°24°ML 63 AMG:;Raised level26°28°Highway21°24°
RComply with the warnings (Y page 248) and
rules for off-road driving (Y page 248).
RDriving on embankments, slopes and other
steep inclines should only be done straight
up or downhill, i.e. in the line of gravity.
Maximum vehicle climbing ability is a
100% grade which is equivalent to a slope
angle of 45°. Keep in mind that the
climbing ability of the vehicle depends on
terrain conditions.
RShift automatic transmission into gear
range 1 (Y page 113).
RDrive slowly.
RAvoid excessive engine speeds – drive with
moderate engine speeds (max. 3 000 rpm).
RUtilize the engine’s braking power when
descending a slope, observe the engine
speed (do not overrev the engine). Apply
the service brake as needed.
iFor maximum engine speed, see
“Tachometer” (Y page 119) and see vehicle
specification for your vehicle
(Y page 348).
RCheck the brakes after a lengthy
downgrade drive.
GWarning!
Never turn the vehicle around on steep
inclines. The vehicle might roll over. If the
vehicle cannot complete the attempted climb,
back it down in reverse gear.
iThe hill-start assist system supports you
when driving uphill.
For more information, see “Hill-start assist
system” (Y page 152).
Traction in steep terrain
The maximum vehicle climbing ability is a
100% grade which is equivalent to a slope
angle of 45°. Keep in mind that the climbing
ability of the vehicle depends on terrain
conditions.
Be easy on the accelerator and watch for
continuous wheel traction when driving in
steep terrain.
iThe 4-ETS helps greatly when starting out
on a steep incline when the front wheels
have then the tendency to slip due to the
weight shifting towards the rear axle.
21Vehicles with AMG Sport-Package250Driving instructionsOperation
164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 250

Inflate the collapsible tire using the electric
air pump before lowering the vehicle.
XAttach ratchet to vehicle jack so that the
word DOWN can be seen.
Lower the vehicle until the vehicle is resting
fully on its own weight:
XTurn ratchet in direction DOWN.XRemove the jack.XTighten the five wheel bolts evenly,
following the diagonal sequence illustrated
(: to A), until all bolts are tight. Observe
a tightening torque of 110 lb-ft (150 Nm).
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).
XFully collapse the jack to storage position,
see (Y page 270).
XStore the jack and the other vehicle tools
in the designated storage space.
For information on storing the spare wheel
after it has been replaced by a regular road
wheel, see (Y page 271).
iThe damaged road wheel cannot be
stored in the spare wheel well under the
cargo compartment floor. It should be
transported in the cargo compartment
wrapped in a protective wrap.
iUSA only:
Do not restart the tire inflation pressure
monitor until a full size wheel/tire with
functioning sensor has been placed back
into service on the vehicle.
MOExtended system
The MOExtended system allows you to
continue driving your vehicle even if there is
a total loss of pressure in one or more tires.
You may only use the MOExtended system in
conjunction with the tire pressure loss
warning system (Y page 222) or the
Advanced TPMS (Y page 223).
The maximum distance in emergency mode
depends on the vehicle’s load. It is 50 miles
(80 km) if the vehicle is partially loaded and
18 miles (30 km) if the vehicle is fully loaded.
The point at which the maximum driving
distance in emergency mode begins is when
the warning message appears in the
multifunction display indicating that there is
a loss of tire inflation pressure.
XDo not exceed the maximum speed of
50 mph (80 km/h).
GWarning!
In emergency mode, your vehicle’s driving
characteristics are diminished in such
situations as:
Rdriving around curves
Rwhile braking
Rwhile accelerating rapidly
Therefore, your driving style must be adapted
accordingly. Avoid abrupt steering and driving
maneuvers, as well as driving over obstacles
(road curbs, potholes, or off-road areas). This
is especially important if the vehicle is heavily
loaded.
The emergency driving distance that can be
achieved greatly depends on the demands
placed on the vehicle. Depending on speed,
load, driving maneuvers, road conditions,
outside temperature, etc., the distance can be
330Flat tirePractical hints
164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 330