snow chains MERCEDES-BENZ ML500 2007 W163 Comand Manual

Contents
Oxidation catalyst
(diesel engine).............................. 349
Emission control .......................... 350
Coolant temperature .................... 350
At the gas station .............................. 352
Refueling ...................................... 352
Check regularly and
before a long trip.......................... 354
Engine compartment ......................... 356
Hood ............................................ 356
Engine oil ..................................... 358
Transmission fluid level ................ 362
Coolant level ................................ 362
Windshield/rear window
washer system and
headlamp cleaning system* ........ 363
Tires and wheels ................................ 365
Important guidelines .................... 365
Tire care and maintenance........... 366
Direction of rotation ..................... 368
Loading the vehicle ...................... 368
Recommended tire
inflation pressure ......................... 374
Checking tire inflation pressure ... 375
Tire labeling.................................. 385
Load identification ....................... 389DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) .............................................. 389
Maximum tire load ........................ 391
Maximum tire inflation pressure ... 391
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (U.S. vehicles) .............. 392
Tire ply material ............................ 394
Tire and loading terminology......... 394
Rotating tires ................................ 397
Winter driving ..................................... 399
Winter tires ................................... 399
Block heater (Canada only) ........... 400
Snow chains.................................. 400
Maintenance....................................... 401
Maintenance service indicator
message ....................................... 401
Calling up the maintenance
service indicator display ............... 403
Resetting the maintenance
service indicator ........................... 403
Vehicle care........................................ 404
Cleaning and care of the vehicle ... 404
Practical hints.................................. 413
What to do if … ................................... 414
Lamps in instrument cluster ......... 414
Lamp in center console ................ 426
Vehicle status messages in the
multifunction display .................... 428
Where will I find ...? ............................ 469
First aid kit.................................... 469
Vehicle tool kit.............................. 469
Minispare wheel
(except ML 63 AMG) ..................... 473
Collapsible tire
(ML 63 AMG only) ......................... 474
Unlocking/locking in an emergency .. 475
Unlocking the vehicle ................... 475
Locking the vehicle ....................... 476
Unlocking and opening
the tailgate ................................... 476
Fuel filler flap ................................ 477
Opening/closing in an emergency ..... 478
Power tilt/sliding sunroof* ........... 478
Resetting activated head restraints.... 479
Replacing SmartKey batteries ............ 480

96 Safety and SecurityDriving safety systemsIn this section you will find information on
the following driving safety systems:

ABS (A
ntilock B
rake S
ystem)


BAS (B
rake A
ssist S
ystem)


ESP
® (E
lectronic S
tability P
rogram)


EBP (E
lectronic B
rake P
roportioning)


4-ETS (E
lectronic T
raction S
ystem)
ABS
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates
the brake pressure so that the wheels do
not lock during braking. This allows you to
maintain the ability to steer your vehicle.
The ABS is functional above a speed of ap-
proximately 5 mph (8 km/h) independent
of road surface conditions.On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will
respond even to light brake pressure.
The -indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster (
page 26) comes on when you
switch on the ignition. It goes out when the
engine is running.
Braking
At the instant one of the wheels is about to
lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in the
brake pedal, indicating that the ABS is in
the regulating mode.

Keep firm and steady pressure on the
brake pedal while experiencing the pul-
sation.
Continuous, steady brake pedal pressure
yields the advantages provided by the ABS,
namely braking power and ability to steer
the vehicle.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions
and functions as a reminder to take extra
care while driving.
Warning!
G
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:

Excessive speed, especially in turns


Wet and slippery road surfaces


Following another vehicle too closely
The ABS, BAS, ESP
® and 4-ETS cannot
reduce this risk.
Always adjust your driving style to the pre-
vailing road and weather conditions.
i
In winter operation, the maximum effective-
ness of the ABS, the BAS, the ESP
®, the EBP, and
the 4-ETS is only achieved with winter tires
(
page 399) or snow chains as required.Warning!
G
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm,
steady brake pedal pressure instead. Pump-
ing the brake pedal defeats the purpose of
the ABS and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.

99 Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
For more information, see the “Practical
hints” section (
page 419) and
(
page 436).Switching off the ESP
®
To improve the vehicle’s traction, switch
off the ESP
® in driving situations where it
would be advantageous to have the drive
wheels spin and thus cut into surfaces for
better grip such as:


when driving with snow chains


in deep snow


in sand or gravel
Warning!
G
The ESP
® cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase the traction afforded. The ESP
®
cannot prevent accidents, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, fol-
lowing another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent accidents. The capabili-
t i e s o f a n E S P
® equipped vehicle must never
be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s
safety or the safety of others.
!
Operational or performance test must only
be conducted on a two-axle dynanometer. If
such tests are necessary, contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center. You could
otherwise seriously damage the brake system or
the transfer case which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
!
Because the ESP
® operates automatically,
the engine and ignition must be shut off
(SmartKey in starter switch position0 or1 or
KEYLESS-GO* start/stop button in
position0or1) when testing the brakes on a
brake test dynamometer and such testing should
be no longer than 10 seconds.
Active braking action through the ESP
® may
otherwise seriously damage the brake system
which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
i
The ESP
® will only function properly if you
use wheels of the recommended tire size
(
page 536).
Warning!
G
The ESP
® should not be switched off during
normal driving other than in the circum-
stances described below. Disabling of the
system will reduce vehicle stability in stan-
dard driving maneuvers.
Do not switch off the ESP
® when a spare
wheel is mounted.

332 OperationDriving instructionsML 63 AMG
Your vehicle is factory equipped with
“Y”-rated tires, which have a speed rating
of 186 mph (300 km/h).
An electronic speed limiter prevents your
vehicle from exceeding a speed of
155 mph (250 km/h).
ML 63 AMG with increased top speed*
Your vehicle is factory equipped with
“Y”-rated tires, which have a speed rating
of 186 mph (300 km/h).
An electronic speed limiter prevents your
vehicle from exceeding a speed of
171 mph (275 km/h).
Winter driving instructions
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
positionN. Try to keep the vehicle under
control by corrective steering action.Road salts and chemicals can adversely af-
fect braking efficiency. Increased pedal
force may become necessary to produce
the normal brake effect.
Depressing the brake pedal periodically
when traveling at length on salt-strewn
roads can bring road-salt-impaired braking
efficiency back to normal.
If the vehicle is parked after being driven
on salt-treated roads, the braking efficien-
cy should be tested as soon as possible af-
ter driving is resumed.
i
For information on speed ratings for winter
tires, see “Winter tires” (
page 399).
For additional general information on tire speed
markings on the tire sidewall, see “Tire speed
rating” (
page 397).
i
For information on driving with snow chains,
see “Snow chains” (
page 400).
Warning!
G
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift
in order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehi-
cle control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not pre-
vent this type of control loss.
Warning!
G
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking
maneuvers.

377 Operation
Tires and wheels
Run Flat Indicator (Canada only)
While the vehicle is being driven, the Run
Flat Indicator monitors the set tire inflation
pressures by evaluating each wheel’s rota-
tional speed. This allows the system to de-
tect a significant loss of pressure in a tire.
If a wheel’s rotational speed changes due
to falling tire inflation pressure, you will
see a corresponding warning message in
the multifunction display.
The Run Flat Indicator may function in a
restricted manner or with a delay

if snow chains are mounted to the
vehicle


in presence of ice and snow


if you are driving on a loose surface
(e.g. sand or gravel)


if you are driving in a very sporty man-
ner (involving rapid acceleration or high
speeds in curves)
Warning!
G
When the multifunction display shows the
message
Tire pressure Check tires
,
one or more of your tires is significantly un-
derinflated. You should stop and check your
tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to
the proper tire inflation pressure as indicat-
ed on the vehicle’s tire information placard.
Driving on a significantly underinflated tire
causes the tire to overheat and can lead to
tire failure. Underinflation also reduces fuel
efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect
the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
Each tire, including the spare, should be
checked monthly when cold and set to the
recommended tire inflation pressure as
specified on the Tire and Loading Informa-
tion placard (
page 369) or on the tire
inflation pressure label (
page 369).
Warning!
G
The Run Flat Indicator does not provide a
warning for wrongly selected tire inflation
pressures. Always adjust tire inflation pres-
sure according to the placard on the driver’s
door B-pillar or fuel filler flap.
The Run Flat Indicator does not replace reg-
ular checks of the tire inflation pressures
since a gradual pressure loss in all four tires
cannot be detected by the Run Flat
Indicator.
The Run Flat Indicator is not able to issue a
warning due to a sudden dramatic loss of
tire inflation pressure (e.g. tire blowout
caused by a foreign object). In this case
bring the vehicle to a halt by carefully apply-
ing the brakes and avoiding abrupt steering
maneuvers.

400 OperationWinter drivingBlock heater (Canada only)
The engine is equipped with a block
heater.
The electrical cable may be installed at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center.
Snow chains
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.Please observe the following guidelines
when using snow chains:


Use of snow chains is not permissible
with all wheel/tire combinations
(page 536).


Snow chains should only be used on
the rear wheels. Follow the manufac-
turer’s mounting instructions.


Only use snow chains that are
approved by Mercedes-Benz. Your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center will be glad to advise you on this
subject.


Use of snow chains may be prohibited
depending on location. Always check
local and state laws before installing
snow chains.


Do not use snow chains on the spare
wheel (
page 538).
Warning!
G
If you use your spare tire when winter tires
are fitted on the other wheels, be aware that
the difference in tire characteristics may
very well impair turning stability and that
overall driving stability may be reduced.
Adapt your driving style accordingly.
Have the spare tire replaced with a winter
tire at the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
!
Even on vehicles with all-wheel-drive use
snow chains on rear tires only.
Some tire sizes do not leave adequate clearance
for snow chains. To help avoid serious damage to
your vehicle or tires, use of snow chains is not
permissible with the spare wheel.
!
Vehicles with air suspension package*:
When driving with snow chains, do not select
SPORT mode (
page 269).
i
When driving with snow chains, you may
wish to deactivate the ESP
® (page 99) before
setting the vehicle in motion. This will improve
the vehicle’s traction.

537 Technical data
Rims and tires
Same size tires
ML 320 CDI
ML 350
ML 320 CDI*
ML 350*
ML 500
ML 320 CDI (Sport Package*)
ML 350 (Sport Package*)
ML 500 (Sport Package*)
Rims (light alloy)
7.5 J x 17 H2
8Jx18H2
8Jx19H2
Wheel offset
2.20 in (56 mm)
2.36 in (60 mm)
2.36 in (60 mm)
All-season tires
1
235/65 R17 104H M+S
255/55 R18 105H M+S
255/50 R19 107H XL (Extra Load) M+S
Winter tires
1,3
235/65 R17 104H M+S.
255/55 R18 105H M+S.
255/50 R19 107H XL (Extra Load) M+S.
ML 63 AMG
ML 63 AMG*
ML 320 CDI (Sport Package*)
ML 350 (Sport Package*)
ML 500 (Sport Package*)
AMG rims (light alloy)
9.5Jx19H2
10 J x 20 H2
8.5Jx19H2
Wheel offset
1.81 in (46 mm)
1.81 in (46 mm)
2.28 in (58 mm)
All-season tires
1
–
–
255/50 R19 107H XL (Extra Load) M+S
Summer tires
1,2
295/45 ZR19 109Y
295/40 ZR20 106Y
–
Winter tires
1,3
285/45 R19 107V M+S.
–
255/50 R19 107H XL (Extra Load) M+S.
1Radial-ply tires2Must not be used with snow chains.3Not available as factory equipment.

538 Technical dataRims and tiresSpare wheel
Minispare wheel
Spare wheel with collapsible tire
ML 320 CDI
ML 350
ML 500
Rim
4.0B x 18 H2
Wheel offset
1.58 in (40 mm)
Minispare tire
1
1Must not be used with snow chains.
T 155/90-18 113M
Recommended tire inflation pressure
61 psi (4.2 bar)ML 63 AMG
Rim
5.5 B x 19 H2
Wheel offset
0.51 in (13 mm)
Collapsible tire
1
1Must not be used with snow chains.
185/65-19 104P
Recommended tire inflation pressure
51 psi (3.5 bar)

571 Index
Vehicle level control* 270
Shift program (ML 63 AMG only) 195
Shifting
Automatic transmission 54
Shifting, Automatic transmission 185
Side impact air bags 76
Side marker lamps
Cleaning lenses 408
Messages in the
multifunction display 461
Replacing bulbs 483, 488, 491
Side windows see Power windows
Sidewall 396
SmartKey see Key, SmartKey
SmartKey see Key, SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO*
Snow chains 400
Snow tires see Winter tires
Spare fuses 469
Spare wheel 538
Bolts 470
Mounting 498
Wheel bolts 501
Spare wheel (except ML 63 AMG) 473Speed settings
Cruise control 247
Distronic* 256
Speedometer 27, 253
Spinning see Tires, Direction of rotation
SRS 78
Indicator lamp 29, 423
Messages in the
multifunction display 423
Standing lamps 136
Replacing bulbs 482, 483, 487, 490
Standing water, Driving through 338
Starter switch 25, 40
Positions 40
Starting difficulties, Engine 57
Starting, Engine 54
Steep terrain, Driving 336
Steering column 47, 48
Steering wheel 46
Adjustment, Electrically* 48
Adjustment, Manually 47
Buttons 30, 148
Cleaning 411Steering wheel gearshift control
Automatic transmission 194
Stolen Vehicle Recovery services 315
Storage compartments 34, 294
Armrest, Front 296
Cup holder 299
Cup holders 299
Door pockets 34
Front center console 296
Glove box 294
Parcel net, Front passenger
footwell 298
Parcel nets, Front seat backrest 298
Rear seats, In front of 297
Storing tires 367
Stranded vehicle 521
Submenus see Control system submenus
Sun visors 203
Sunroof see Power tilt/sliding sunroof*
Suspension tuning see Air suspension
package*
Symbols used in this Operator’s
Manual 16

574 IndexTires 365, 536
Advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (Advanced TPMS)*,
(Canada only) 381
Air pressure 394
Care and maintenance 366
Chains 400
Cleaning 367
Collapsible tire
(ML 63 AMG only) 474
Collapsible tire, Spare wheel 538
Combination low tire pressure/TPMS
malfunction telltale, USA only 27
Direction of rotation, Spinning 368
Driving instructions 329
Hydroplaning 330
Important guidelines 365
Important notes, Tire inflation
pressure 375
Inflation pressure 355, 374, 375
Information placard 369
Inspection 366
Load rating 385, 386, 396
Loading Information 369Loading terminology 394
Loading the vehicle 368
Low tire pressure telltale 424
Low tire pressure telltale, Canada
only 27
Maximum load 397
Messages in the
multifunction display 424
Minispare wheel (except ML 63
AMG) 473
Ply composition and material
used 397
Problems under-/overinflation 384
Retreads 365
Rims and tires 536
Rotating 368
Run Flat Indicator (Canada only) 377
Service life 366
Sizes 385
Snow chains 400
Spare wheel 498
Spare wheel, Collapsible tire 538
Speed rating 331, 387, 397
Storing 367Temperature 375, 393
Terminology 394
TIN 389, 396
Tire Identification Number see TIN
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS), (USA only) 379
TPMS malfunction telltale 424
Traction 330, 393, 397
Tread 397
Tread depth 367, 399
Treadwear indicators 397
Vehicle maximum load on 397
Wear pattern 398
Winter tires 399
Tongue Weight Rating see TWR
Tools 469
Top tether
Children in the vehicle 92
Towing
Trailer 192, 342, 345
Towing eye bolt 520