Example: engine oil cap
X Turn cap 0043counter-clockwise and remove
it.
X Add engine oil.
If the oil level is at or below the MIN mark on
the oil dipstick, add 1.1 US qt (1.0 l)of
engine oil.
X Replace cap 0043on the filler neck and turn
clockwise.
Ensure that the cap locks into place
securely.
X Check the oil level again with the oil dip-
stick (Y page 367).
Further information on engine oil
(Y page 452). Additional service products
Checking coolant level G
WARNING
Certain components in the engine compart-
ment, such as the engine, radiator and parts
of the exhaust system, can become very hot.
Working in the engine compartment poses a
risk of injury.
Where possible, let the engine cool down and touch only the components described in the
following. G
WARNING
The engine cooling system is pressurized, par- ticularly when the engine is warm. When
opening the cap, you could be scalded by hotcoolant spraying out. There is a risk of injury. Let the engine cool down before opening the
cap. Wear eye and hand protection when
opening the cap. Open the cap slowly half a
turn to allow pressure to escape.
X
Park the vehicle on a level surface.
Only check the coolant level when the vehi-
cle is on a level surface and the engine has
cooled down.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the igni-
tion lock (Y page 157).
On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, press the
Start/Stop button twice (Y page 158).
X Check the coolant temperature gauge in
the multifunction display.
The coolant temperature must be below
158 ‡ (70 †).
X Turn the SmartKey to position
0(Y page 157) in the ignition lock.
X Slowly turn cap 0043half a turn counter-
clockwise to allow excess pressure to
escape.
X Turn cap 0043further counter-clockwise and
remove it.
If the coolant is at the level of marker bar 0087
in the filler neck when cold, there is enough coolant in coolant expansion tank 0044.
If the coolant level is approximately 0.6 in
(1.5 cm) above marker bar 0087in the filler
neck when warm, there is enough coolant
in expansion tank 0044.
X If necessary, add coolant that has been tes-
ted and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
X Replace cap 0043and turn it clockwise as far
as it will go. Engine compartment
369Maintenance and care Z
For further information on coolant, see
(Y page 453).
Adding washer fluid to the windshield
washer system G
WARNING
Certain components in the engine compart-
ment, such as the engine, radiator and parts
of the exhaust system, can become very hot.
Working in the engine compartment poses a
risk of injury.
Where possible, let the engine cool down and touch only the components described in the
following. G
WARNING
Windshield washer concentrate is highly flam- mable. If it comes into contact with hot engine
components or the exhaust system it could
ignite. There is a risk of fire and injury.
Make sure that no windshield washer con-
centrate is spilled next to the filler neck. Example: washer fluid reservoir
Example: washer fluid reservoir in AMG vehicles X
To open: pull cap0043upwards by the tab.
X Add the premixed washer fluid.
X To close: press cap 0043onto the filler neck
until it engages.
If the washer fluid level drops below the rec-
ommended minimum of 1 liter, a message
appears in the multifunction display prompt-
ing you to add washer fluid (Y page 316).
Further information on windshield washer
fluid/antifreeze (Y page 454). ASSYST PLUS
Service message
The ASSYST PLUS service interval display
informs you of the next service due date.
Information on the type of service and service
intervals (see the separate Maintenance
Booklet).
You can obtain further information from an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or at
http://www.mbusa.co m (USA only).
i The ASSYST PLUS service interval display
does not show any information on the
engine oil level. Observe the notes on the
engine oil level (Y page 367).
The multifunction display shows a service
message for several seconds, e.g.: R Service A in .. Days Service A in .. Days
R Service A Due
Service A Due
R Service A Exceeded by .. Days
Service A Exceeded by .. Days
Depending on the operating conditions of the vehicle, the remaining time or distance until
the next service due date is displayed.
The letter A Aor B
B, possibly in connection with a
number or another letter, shows the type of
service. A Astands for a minor service and B
Bfor
a major service.
You can obtain further information from an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The ASSYST PLUS service interval display
does not take into account any periods of 370
ASSYST PLUSMaintenance and care
time during which the battery is disconnec-
ted.
Maintaining the time-dependent service
schedule:
X Note down the service due date displayed
in the multifunction display before discon-
necting the battery.
or X After reconnecting the battery, subtract
the battery disconnection periods from the service date shown on the display. Hiding a service message
X Press the 0038or0076 button on the steer-
ing wheel. Displaying service messages
X Switch on the ignition.
X Press the 0059or0065 button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Serv. Serv.menu.
X Press the 0063or0064 button to select the
ASSYST PLUS
ASSYST PLUS submenu and confirm by
pressing the 0076button.
The service due date appears in the multi-
function display. Information about Service
Resetting the ASSYST PLUS service
interval display !
If the ASSYST PLUS service interval dis-
play has been inadvertently reset, this set-
ting can be corrected at a qualified special-
ist workshop.
Have service work carried out as described in the Maintenance Booklet. This may oth-
erwise lead to increased wear and damage
to the major assemblies or the vehicle.
A qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center, will reset
the ASSYST PLUS service interval display after the service work has been carried out.
You can also obtain further information on
maintenance work, for example.
Special service requirements The specified maintenance interval takes only
the normal operation of the vehicle into
account. Under arduous operating conditions
or increased load on the vehicle, mainte-
nance work must be carried out more fre-
quently, for example:
R regular city driving with frequent intermedi-
ate stops
R if the vehicle is primarily used to travel
short distances
R use in mountainous terrain or on poor road
surfaces
R if the engine is often left idling for long peri-
ods
Under these or similar conditions, have, for
example, the air filter, engine oil and oil filter
replaced or changed more frequently. Under
arduous operating conditions, the tires must
be checked more often. Further information
can be obtained at a qualified specialist work- shop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen-
ter.
Driving abroad An extensive Mercedes-Benz Service network
is also available in other countries. You can
obtain further information from any author-
ized Mercedes-Benz Center. Care
General notes
H
Environmental note
Dispose of empty packaging and cleaning
cloths in an environmentally responsible man- ner. Care
371Maintenance and care Z
Storing wheels
Store wheels that are not being used in a cool,
dry and preferably dark place. Protect the
tires from oil, grease, gasoline and diesel. Cleaning the wheels
G
WARNING
The water jet from a circular jet nozzle (dirt
blasters) can cause invisible exterior damage to the tires or chassis components. Compo-
nents damaged in this way may fail unexpect-edly. There is a risk of an accident.
Do not use power washers with circular jet
nozzles to clean the vehicle. Have damaged
tires or chassis components replaced imme-
diately. Mounting a wheel
Preparing the vehicle X
Vehicle with emergency spare wheel:
when mounting the emergency spare
wheel in the event of a flat tire, follow the
additional notes on vehicle preparation
under "Flat tire" (Y page 383).
X Stop the vehicle on solid, non-slippery and
level ground.
X Unload heavy luggage.
X Apply the electric parking brake manually.
X Bring the front wheels into the straight-
ahead position.
X Shift the transmission to position P.
X Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
make sure that highway level is selected
(Y page 211).
X Switch off the engine.
X Vehicles without KEYLESS-GO: remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock. X
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: open the
driver's door.
The on-board electronics now have status
0. This is the same as the SmartKey having
been removed.
X Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: remove the
Start/Stop button from the ignition lock
(Y page 158).
X If included in the vehicle equipment,
remove the tire-change tool kit from the
vehicle.
X Secure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling
away.
i Apart from certain country-specific varia-
tions, vehicles are not equipped with a tire-
change tool kit. For information on which
tools are required to perform a wheel
change on your vehicle, consult an author-
ized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Necessary wheel-changing tools can
include, for example:
R Jack
R Wheel chock
R Lug wrench
Securing the vehicle to prevent it from
rolling away If your vehicle is equipped with a wheel chock,
it can be found in the tire-change tool kit
(Y page 382).
The folding wheel chock is an additional
securing measure to prevent the vehicle from rolling away, for example when changing a
wheel. 424
Changing a wheelWheels and tires
VIN
X
Open the front right-hand door.
X Open cover 0043in the direction of the arrow
and remove it.
You will see the VIN.
The VIN can also be found in the following
locations:
R on the lower edge of the windshield
(Y page 447)
R on the vehicle identification plate
(Y page 446) Engine number
0043
Emission control information plate,
including the certification of both federal
and Californian emissions standards
0044 Engine number (stamped into the crank-
case)
0087 VIN (on the lower edge of the windshield) Service products and filling capaci-
ties
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Service products may be poisonous and haz-
ardous to health. There is a risk of injury.
Comply with instructions on the use, storage
and disposal of service products on the labels of the respective original containers. Always
store service products sealed in their original containers. Always keep service products out
of the reach of children. H
Environmental note
Dispose of service products in an environ-
mentally responsible manner.
Service products include the following:
R Fuels
R Exhaust gas aftertreatment additives, e.g.
DEF
R Lubricants (e.g. engine oil, transmission oil)
R Coolant
R Brake fluid
R Windshield washer fluid
R Climate control system refrigerant
Comply with all valid regulations with respect to handling, storing, and disposing of service
fluids.
Components and service products must be
matched. You should therefore only use prod- ucts that have been tested and approved by
Mercedes-Benz.
Information on tested and approved products
can be obtained at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center or on the Internet at
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com.
You can recognize service products approved by Mercedes-Benz by the following inscrip-
tion on the containers:
R MB-Freigabe (e.g. MB-Freigabe 229.51)
R MB Approval (e.g. MB Approval 229.51) Service products and filling capacities
447Technical data Z
!
Do not use the following:
R marine diesel
R heating oil
R bio-diesel
R vegetable oil
R gasoline
R paraffin
R kerosene
Do not mix such fuels with diesel fuel and
do not use any special additives. This can
otherwise lead to engine damage.
! Vehicles with diesel particle filters:
in
countries outside the EU, only use low sul- fur Euro diesel with a sulfur content of
under 50 ppm. Otherwise, the emission
control system could be damaged.
! Vehicles without a diesel particle fil-
ter: in countries where only diesel fuel with
a high sulfur content is available, you will
need to carry out your vehicle's oil change
at shorter intervals. Further information on
oil change intervals can be obtained at a
qualified specialist workshop.
You will usually find information about the fuel
grade on the pump. If you cannot find the
label on the pump, ask the staff for assis-
tance.
Information on refueling (Y page 178).
Bio-diesel – FAME (fatty acid methyl ester) Mercedes-Benz USA approves the use of bio-diesel B5 for all BlueTEC diesel engines. The
concentration of bio-diesel in the ULSD may
not exceed 5% by volume.
Pure bio-diesel and diesel fuel with a higher
percentage of bio-diesel, such as B20, can
damage the engine and the fuel system. For
this reason, they are not approved.
For more information, consult the gas station
staff. The bio-diesel B5 label on the gasoline
pump must clearly state that the standard for ULSD has been fulfilled. If the label is not
clear, do not refuel the vehicle. Do not refuel your vehicle with fuels unless
they have been approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Information on refueling (Y page 178).
Low outside temperatures
i Diesel fuel with improved cold flow prop-
erties is available during the winter months.
Further information about fuel properties
can be obtained from oil companies, e.g. at gas stations.
Flexible Fuel vehicles Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Fuel is highly flammable. If you handle fuel
incorrectly, there is a risk of fire and explo-
sion.
You must avoid fire, open flames, creating
sparks and smoking. Switch off the engine
and, if applicable, the auxiliary heating before refueling. G
WARNING
Fuel is poisonous and hazardous to health.
There is a risk of injury.
You must make sure that fuel does not come into contact with your skin, eyes or clothing
and that it is not swallowed. Do not inhale fuel
vapors. Keep fuel away from children.
If you or others come into contact with fuel,
observe the following:
R Wash away fuel from skin immediately
using soap and water.
R If fuel comes into contact with your eyes,
immediately rinse them thoroughly with
clean water. Seek medical assistance with-
out delay.
R If fuel is swallowed, seek medical assis-
tance without delay. Do not induce vomit-
ing.
R Immediately change out of clothing which
has come into contact with fuel. 450
Service products and filling capacitiesTechnical data
Filling capacities
Model Total capacity
ML 250 BlueTEC
4MATIC
ML 350 Blue-
TEC 4MATIC
7.3 US gal
(27.5 l) Engine oil
General notes !
Never use engine oil or an oil filter of a
specification other than is necessary to ful- fill the prescribed service intervals. Do not
change the engine oil or oil filter in order to
achieve longer replacement intervals than
those prescribed. You could otherwise
cause engine damage or damage to the
exhaust gas aftertreatment.
Follow the instructions in the service inter-
val display regarding the oil change. Other-
wise, you may damage the engine and the
exhaust gas aftertreatment.
When handling engine oil, observe the impor- tant safety notes on service products
(Y page 447).
The engine oils are matched to the perform-
ance of Mercedes-Benz engines and service
intervals. You should therefore only use
engine oils and oil filters that are approved for vehicles with maintenance systems.
For a list of approved engine oils and oil filters, consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen-
ter. Or visit the website
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.co m.
The table shows which engine oils have been
approved for your vehicle. Missing values were not available at time of
going to print. Model Engine
model MB
Approval ML 350
276 229.5
ML 350 4MATIC
276 229.5
ML 400
276 229.5
ML 400 4MATIC
276 229.5
ML 550 4MATIC
278 229.5
ML 250 BlueTEC
4MATIC 651 228.51,
229.31,
229.51,
229.52 ML 350 Blue-
TEC 4MATIC
642 228.51,
229.31,
229.51,
229.52 AMG vehicles
157 229.5
i
MB approval is indicated on the oil con-
tainers.
Filling capacities The following values refer to an oil change
including the oil filter. Model Capacity
ML 350
ML 350 4MATIC
ML 400
ML 400 4MATIC
7.4 US qt (7.0
l) ML 550 4MATIC
9.0 US qt (8.5
l) ML 250 BlueTEC
4MATIC
6.9 US qt (6.5
l)452
Service products and filling capacitiesTechnical data
Model Capacity
ML 350 Blue-
TEC 4MATIC
8.5 US qt (8.0
l) AM
G vehicles Without external oil
cooler: 9.0 US qt (8.5l) Ad
ditives !
Do not use any additives in the engine oil.
This could damage the engine.
Engine oil viscosity Viscosity describes the flow characteristics
of a fluid. If an engine oil has a high viscosity, this means that it is thick; a low viscosity
means that it is thin.
Select an engine oil with an SAE classification (viscosity) suitable for the prevailing outside
temperatures. The table shows you which
SAE classifications are to be used. The low-
temperature characteristics of engine oils
can deteriorate significantly, e.g. as a result
of aging, soot and fuel deposits. It is therefore
strongly recommended that you carry out reg- ular oil changes using an approved engine oil
with the appropriate SAE classification. Brake fluid
G
WARNING
The brake fluid constantly absorbs moisture
from the air. This lowers the boiling point of
the brake fluid. If the boiling point of the brake fluid is too low, vapor pockets may form in the
brake system when the brakes are applied
hard. This would impair braking efficiency.
There is a risk of an accident.
You should have the brake fluid renewed at
the specified intervals.
Comply with the important safety notes for
service products when handling brake fluid
(Y page 447).
The brake fluid change intervals can be found
in the Maintenance Booklet.
Only use brake fluid approved by Mercedes-
Benz according to MB Approval 331.0.
Information about approved brake fluid can
be obtained at any qualified specialist work-
shop or on the Internet at
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com.
i Have the brake fluid regularly replaced at
a qualified specialist workshop and the
replacement confirmed in the Maintenance Booklet. Coolant
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If antifreeze comes into contact with hot com- ponents in the engine compartment, it may
ignite. There is a risk of fire and injury.
Let the engine cool down before you add anti-
freeze. Make sure that antifreeze is not spilled
next to the filler neck. Thoroughly clean the
antifreeze from components before starting
the engine.
! Only add coolant that has been premixed
with the desired antifreeze protection. You
could otherwise damage the engine.
Further information on coolants can be
found in the Mercedes-Benz Specifications for Service Products, MB BeVo 310.1, e.g.
on the Internet at
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com. Or con-
tact a qualified specialist workshop. Service products and filling capacities
453Technical data Z