rims MERCEDES-BENZ ML350 1997 Complete User Guide

240
Tires, Wheels
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation Driving
Instrument
cluster display Practical hints
Car care Index
Wheels
Replace rims or tires with the same designation,
manufacturer and type as shown on the original part.
See your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center
for further information.
See your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck 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. Tire replacement
Front and rear tires should be replaced in sets.
Furthermore – in the event of tire replacement – the
optional regular size spare wheel should be used on the
rear axle. Rims and tires must be of the correct size and
type. For dimensions, see technical data on page 288.
We recommend that you break in new tires for
approximately 60 miles (100 km) at moderate speed.
It is imperative that the wheel mounting bolts be
fastened to a tightening torq ue of 110 ft.lb. (150 Nm)
whenever wheels are mounted.
For rim and tire specifications, refer to technical data on
page 288.
Wa r n i n g !
Do not mix different tire construction types (i.e.
radial, bias, bias-belted) on your vehicle because
handling may be adversely affected and may result
in loss of control.
Wa r n i n g !
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the tire tread
is badly worn, or if the tires have sustained
damage, replace them.When replacing rims, use only 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.

241
Tires, Wheels
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation Driving
Instrument
cluster display Practical hints
Car care Index
Rotating wheels
The wheels can be rotated according to the degree of
tire wear while retaining the same direction of travel.
Rotating, however, should be carried out as
recommended by the tire manufacturer, before the
characteristic tire wear pattern (shoulder wear on front
wheels and tread center wear on rear wheels) becomes
visible, as otherwise the driving properties deteriorate.
Important!
Unidirectional tires must always be mounted with arrow
on tire sidewall pointing in direction of vehicle forward
movement. Notes:
Thoroughly clean the inner side of the wheels any time
you rotate the wheels or wash the vehicle underside.
The use of retread tires is not recommended. Retread
tires may adversely affect the handling characteristics
and safety of the vehicle.
Dented or bent rims can cause tire pressure loss and
dam age to t he tire bead s. For this reason, ch eck rims for
damage at regular intervals. The rim flanges must be
checked for wear before a tire is mounted. Remove
burrs, if any.
Check and ensure proper tire inflation pressure after
rotating the wheels. For tire inflation pressure see
page 250.

288
Technical data
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation Driving
Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Rims – Tires
1 Must not be used with snow chains.Model ML 320 ML 430 ML 55 AMG
Rims (light alloy)
Wheel offset 8 J x 16 H 2 ET62
2.4 in (62 mm) 8
1/2 J x17 H2 ET52
2.0 in (52 mm) 9 J x 18 H2 ET 52
2.0 in (52 mm)
All season tires:
Radial-ply tires 255 / 65 R 16 109H 275 / 55 R 17 109H 285 / 50 R 18 109W
1
Spare wheel
Rim (standard equipment)
Steel
Wheel offset 4 J x 18 H 2 ET0
0 in (0 mm) 4 J x 18 H 2 ET0
0 in (0 mm) 4 J x 18 H 2 ET0
0 in (0 mm)
Space-saver tire T155 / 90 D18 113M
1
T155 / 90 D18 113M
1
T155 / 90 D18 113M
1

289
Technical data
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation Driving
Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Rims – Winter tires
Rims – Tires (optional)
Model ML 55 AMG
Rims (light alloy)
Wheel offset 8
1/2 J x 17 H2 ET 52
2.0 in (52 mm)
All season tires:
Radial-ply tires 275 / 55 R 17 109H
Model ML 320 ML 430
Rims (light alloy)
Wheel offset 8
1/2 J x17 H2 ET52
2.0 in (52 mm) 8
1/2 J x17 H2 ET47
1.85 in (47 mm)
Rims (light alloy)
Wheel offset 8
1/2 J x17 H2 ET47
1.85 in (47 mm)
All season tires:
Radial-ply tires 275 / 55 R 17 109H 275 / 55 R 17 109H

309
Index
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation Driving
Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care
Index
Special settings (Climate control) ............................... 101
Split rear seat bench ..................................................... 120 Easy entry/exit feature ............................................ 123
Rear seat head restraints ......................................... 124
SRS indicator lamp ........................................................ 219
SRS malfunction .............................................................. 57
Start lock-out .................................................................... 25
Starting and turning off the engine ............................ 164
Steering lock ................................................................... 162
Steering wheel
Adjustable .................................................................... 70
Indicator lamp ...........................................................222
Stop lamp, high mounted .............................................267
Storage compartments Center console ............................................................115
Compartment under front passenger seat .............116
Glove box .....................................................................115
Stowing things in the vehicle ......................................230
Stranded vehicle ............................................................259
Sun visors ........................................................................113
Supplemental restraint system (SRS) ........................... 54
Synchronizing remote control ..................................... 271
TTachometer ........................................................................82
Technical data ................................................................ 287 Electrical system ...................................................... 290
Main dimensions ...................................................... 291
Rims and tires ..................................................288, 289
Weights ...................................................................... 290
Tele Aid ............................................................................ 148 Emergency calls ........................................................149
Information ................................................................ 154
Initiating an emergency call manually .................. 151
Roadside Assistance ................................................. 152
Telephone, general ......................................................... 139
Telephones and two-way radios ................................... 146
Telescoping steering column
Adjusting ......................................................................70
Indicator lamp .......................................................... 222
The first 1 000 miles (1 500 km) ................................147
Third row seats ...............................................................126
Tie-down rings, cargo .................................................... 132
Tire inflation pressure ................................................. 250
Tire traction ....................................................................178

310
Index
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation Driving
Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care
Index
Tires Driving instructions ................................................. 177
Rims and tires ...........................................................288
Rotating wheels ......................................................... 241
Tire inflation pressure .............................................250
Tire replacement .......................................................240
Winter driving instructions .................................... 180
Tow-away alarm ................................................................ 36 Switching off ................................................................ 36
Towing the vehicle .........................................................255
Stranded vehicle .......................................................259
Transmission selector lever, manually unlocking 259
Trailer operation ............................................................ 198
Trailer towing ................................................................. 190
Transmission .................................................................. 165
Transmission control - LOW RANGE mode ...............209
Transmission fluid level ...............................................234
Transmission selector lever, manually unlocking ....259
Traveling abroad ............................................................ 182
Trip computer ................................................................... 83
Trip odometer ................................................................... 80
Trunk ................................................................................. 34
Opening ........................................................................ 28
Trunk lamp ...................................................................... 111 Turn signal failure ........................................................... 91
Turn signal lamp, side .................................................. 266
Turn signals ......................................................................90
UUnlocking the vehicle ...................................................... 27VVanity mirrors ................................................................ 113
Vehicle jack .................................................................... 237
Vehicle keys ......................................................................24
Ve h i c l e t o o l s
Screwdriver ............................................................... 237WWarranty coverage ........................................................ 284
Washing the vehicle ..................................................... 280
What you should know at the gas station .................. 212
Wheel bolt wrench ........................................................ 237
Wheels ............................................................................ 240 Changing wheels ...................................................... 245

311
Index
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation Driving
Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care
Index
Light alloy wheels ..................................................... 281
Rims and tires ...........................................................288
Where to find it ................................................................ 14
Window wiper/washer, rear .......................................... 96
Windshield washer/headlamp cleaning system Refilling ......................................................................236
Windshield wiper/washer switch ................................. 95
Winter driving ................................................................ 181
Winter driving instructions ......................................... 180
Wiper blade
Replacing ....................................................................275

Contents
Opening / closing in an emergency .... 265
Sliding / pop-up roof* ................... 265
Replacing bulbs ................................. 266
Bulbs ............................................ 266
Replacing bulbs for front lamps ... 268
Replacing bulbs for rear lamps..... 270
Adjusting headlamp aim............... 272
Replacing wiper blades ...................... 273
Removing ..................................... 273
Installing ...................................... 273
Flat tire .............................................. 274
Mounting the spare wheel............ 274
Battery ............................................... 278
Disconnecting the battery ............ 279
Removing the batteries ................ 279
Charging and reinstalling
batteries....................................... 279
Reconnecting the batteries .......... 279
Jump starting ..................................... 281
Towing the vehicle ............................. 283
Front towing eye .......................... 285
Rear towing eye ........................... 285
Stranded vehicle .......................... 286Fuses .................................................. 287
Fuse box in engine
compartment ................................ 287
Auxiliary fuse box in front
passenger footwell........................ 288
Technical data.................................. 289
Spare parts service............................. 290
Warranty coverage ............................. 291
Loss of Service and Warranty
Information Booklet ...................... 291
Identification labels ............................ 292
Layout of poly-V-belt drive .................. 293
Engine ................................................ 294
Rims and tires .................................... 295
Rims and tires ............................... 295
Spare wheel .................................. 296
Electrical system ................................ 297
Main Dimensions ................................ 298
Weights .............................................. 299Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc............ 300
Capacities ..................................... 300
Engine oils .................................... 302
Engine oil additives ....................... 302
Air conditioning refrigerant ........... 302
Brake fluid .................................... 302
Premium unleaded gasoline.......... 303
Fuel requirements......................... 303
Gasoline additives......................... 303
Coolants ....................................... 304
Anticorrosion / antifreeze.............. 305
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system* ......... 307
Windshield and headlamp
washer fluid mixing ratio............... 307
Consumer information........................ 308
Uniform tire quality grading .......... 308
Temperature ................................. 309
Technical terms............................... 311Index................................................. 317

202 OperationDriving instructionsRims

Dented or bent rims can cause tire
pressure loss and damage the tire
beads. For this reason, check and, if
necessary, change rims before driving
off-road.
Vehicle tool kit


Check if the vehicle jack is functional.


In all cases take the vehicle tool kit, a
strong tow rope, a shovel and a small
plank (to put under the vehicle jack on
sandy soil) with you.
Driving in steep terrain
Slope angle1 25°
226°

Switch to LOW RANGE mode before
starting to drive up or down steep in-
clines (
page 125).


Driving on embankments, slopes and
other steep inclines should only be
done straight up or downhill, i.e. in the
line of gravity. Maximum vehicle climb-
ing ability is a 60% grade.


Do not drive along the side of a slope
(danger of vehicle rollover). If in doing
so, the vehicle begins to show a ten-
dency to roll, immediately steer into a
line of gravity (straight up or downhill).


To help avoid the vehicle rolling over,
never turn it around on steep inclines.
If the vehicle cannot complete the at-
tempted climb, back it down in reverse
gear.


Utilize the engine’s braking power
when descending a slope, observe the
engine speed (do not overview the en-
gine). Apply the service brake as need-
ed.


Check the brakes after a lengthy down-
grade drive.
Traction in steep terrain


Be easy on the accelerator and watch
for continuous wheel traction when
driving in steep terrain.
The 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 away the
front axle.iAvoid excessive engine speeds – drive
with moderate engine speeds
(max. 3000 RPM).
Select gear range2 or1 on the auto-
matic transmission (
page 121).

226 OperationTires and wheels
Tires and wheelsSee your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center for information on tested and
recommended rims and tires for summer
and winter operation. They can also offer
advice concerning tire service and pur-
chase.
Retreaded tires are not tested or recom-
mended by Mercedes-Benz, since previous
damage cannot always be recognized on
retreads. Mercedes-Benz can therefore
not assure the operating safety of the vehi-
cle when such tires are used.
See your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center for information on tested and
recommended rims and tires for summer
and winter operation.
Important guidelines

Use only sets of tires and rims of the
same type and make.


Tires must be of the correct size for the
rim.


Break in new tires for approximately
60 miles (100 km) at moderate
speeds.


Regularly check the tires and rims for
damage. Dented or bent rims can
cause tire pressure loss or damage to
the tire beads.


If vehicle is heavily loaded, check tire
pressure and correct as required.


Do not allow your tires to wear down
too far. Adhesion properties on wet
roads are sharply reduced at tread
depths under
1/8in (3 mm).


When replacing individual tires, you
should mount new tires on the front
wheels first.
Warning!
G
Replace rims or tires with the same designa-
tion, manufacturer and type as shown on the
original part. See your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center for fur-
ther information. If incorrectly sized rims
and tires are mounted:

The wheel brakes or suspension compo-
nents can be damaged.


The correct operating clearance of the
wheels and the tires are no longer guar-
anteed.
Warning!
G
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the
tire tread is badly worn, or if the tires have
sustained damage, replace them.
When replacing rims, use only genuine
Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts specified for the
particular rim type. Failure to do so can re-
sult in the bolts loosening and possibly an
accident.