Service MERCEDES-BENZ M-Class 2011 W164 Service Manual

Vehicle equipment ............................354
Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts .........354
Warranty ............................................ 354
Vehicle identification plates ............355
Service products and capacities .....356
Vehicle data ...................................... 363353Technical dataBA 164.1 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2mskotVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T17:25:06+02:00 - Seite 353

Vehicle equipment
i This manual describes all the standard
and optional equipment of your vehicle
which was available at the time of
purchase. Country-specific differences are
possible. Bear in mind that your vehicle
may not feature all functions described
here. This also refers to safety-related
systems and functions.
Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts
All Mercedes-Benz Centers maintain a supply
of genuine Mercedes-Benz parts for
necessary service and repair work. In
addition, strategically located parts delivery
centers provide for quick and reliable parts
service.
More than 300,000 different parts are
available for Mercedes-Benz models.
Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts are subjected
to stringent quality inspections. Every part
has been specifically developed,
manufactured or selected for and adapted to
Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Only genuine Mercedes-Benz parts should
therefore be used.
! The use of non-approved parts could
impair the vehicle's safety. For this reason,
Mercedes-Benz recommends genuine
Mercedes-Benz parts and approved
conversion parts and accessories for your
vehicle model.
HEnvironmental note
Daimler AG also supplies reconditioned major
assemblies and parts which are of the same
quality as new parts. They are covered by the
same Limited Warranty entitlements as new
parts.
Always specify the vehicle identification
number and engine number when ordering
genuine Mercedes-Benz parts. You will find
these numbers on your vehicle's
identification plates, for example
( Y page 355).
Warranty
Your vehicle is covered under the terms of the
warranties printed in the Service and
Warranty Information booklet.
Your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will
exchange or repair any defective parts
originally installed in the vehicle in
accordance with the terms of the following
warranties:
R New Vehicle Limited Warranty
R Emission System Warranty
R Emission Performance Warranty
R California, Connecticut, Maine,
Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania,
Rhode Island and Vermont Emission
Control Systems Warranty 68
R State Warranty Enforcement Laws ("Lemon
Laws")
Replacement parts and accessories are
subject to the Mercedes-Benz Replacement
Part and Accessory Warranties. You can
obtain these at any Mercedes-Benz Center.
i Should you lose your Service and
Warranty Information booklet, have an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center arrange
for a replacement. It will be mailed to you.
68 Only vehicles with a gasoline engine.354WarrantyTechnical data
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Engine number:Emissions control information label,
including the certification of both federal
and Californian emissions reference
values;Engine number (stamped into the
crankcase)=VIN (on the lower edge of the windshield)
Service products and capacities
Important safety guidelines
Service products include the following:
R fuels (e.g. gasoline, diesel)
R additives for exhaust gas aftertreatment
(AdBlue ®
)
R lubricants (e.g. engine oil, transmission oil)
R coolant
R brake fluid
R windshield washer fluid
Vehicle components and their respective
lubricants must match. You should therefore
only use products 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://
www.mbusa.com (USA only).
GWarning
Comply with all valid regulations with respect
to handling, storing and disposing of service
fluids. Otherwise, you could endanger
persons or the environment.
Keep service fluids out of the reach of
children.
For health reasons, you should prevent
service fluids from coming into direct contact
with your skin or clothing.
If a service fluid is swallowed, contact a
physician immediately.356Service products and capacitiesTechnical data
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CapacitiesVehicle modelCapacityFuel, coolant,
lubricants etc.Engine oil and
filterML 350 BlueTEC
4MATIC9.0 US qt (8.5 l)Approved engine
oilsML 350 4MATIC
ML 3508.5 US qt (8.0 l)ML 550 4MATIC9.5 US qt (9.0 l)ML 63 AMG 6910.3 US qt (9.7 l)Power steeringML 350Approx. 1.3 US qt (1.2 l)MB Power Steering
Fluid or approved
Dexron III ATFML 350 BlueTEC
4MATIC
ML 350 4MATIC
ML 550 4MATICApprox. 1.06 US qt (1.0 l)MB Power Steering
FluidML 63 AMGApprox. 1.3 US qt (1.2 l)Cooling systemML 350 BlueTEC
4MATIC
ML 350 4MATIC
ML 350Approx. 10.0 US qt (9.5 l)MB 325.0
Anticorrosion/
AntifreezeML 550 4MATICApprox. 12.7 US qt (12.0 l)ML 63 AMGApprox. 12.2 US qt (11.5 l)Tank capacityAll models25.1 US gal (95.0 l)Gasoline engines:
premium-grade
unleaded gasoline
(at least 91 octane,
average value
between 96 RON/
86 MON)
Diesel engines:
ULTRA-LOW
SULFUR DIESEL
FUEL (ULSD,
maximum sulfur
content 15 ppm)ReserveAll models except
AMG vehiclesApprox. 3.4 US gal (13.0 l)ML 63 AMGApprox. 4.0 US gal (15.0 l)69 Includes external oil cooler.Service products and capacities357Technical dataBA 164.1 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2mskotVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T17:25:06+02:00 - Seite 357Z

Vehicle modelCapacityFuel, coolant,
lubricants etc.AdBlue ®
tankML 350 BlueTEC
4MATIC7.0 US gal (26.6 l)AdBlue ®
as per
ISO 22241Air-
conditioning
systemAll models—Refrigerant R134a
and special PAG
lubricant (never
R 12)Windshield/
headlamp
cleaning
systemAll models7.6 US qt (7.2 l)MB washer fluid
concentrate 70
( Y page 363)
Mixing ratio for
screen wash
( Y page 363)Fuel
Important safety notesGWarning!
Gasoline and diesel fuels are highly flammable
and poisonous. They burn violently and can
cause serious injury.
Never allow sparks, flames or smoking
materials near gasoline or diesel fuel!
Turn off the engine before refueling.
Whenever you are around gasoline or diesel
fuel, avoid inhaling fumes and any skin or
clothing contact. Extinguish all smoking
materials.
Direct skin contact with fuels and the
inhalation of fuel vapors are damaging your
health.
Premium-grade unleaded gasoline
! To ensure the longevity and full
performance of the engine, only premium-
grade unleaded gasoline must be used.
If premium-grade unleaded gasoline is
unavailable and regular gasoline is used,
observe the following precautions:
R only fill the fuel tank to half full with
regular unleaded gasoline and add the
rest as soon as possible with premium-
grade unleaded gasoline.
R do not drive at the maximum speed.
R avoid sudden acceleration.
R when the vehicle is carrying a light cargo,
e.g. two passengers without luggage, do
not allow the engine to rev above
3000 rpm.
R when the vehicle is fully loaded or being
operated in mountainous terrain, do not
depress the accelerator pedal further
than 2
/ 3 of the pedal travel.
Fuel requirements
Gasoline engines
Use only premium-grade unleaded gasoline.
The octane number should be at least 91.
Details can be found on the gas pump. The
octane number is the average value of the
Research Octane Number (RON) and Motor
70 Mixed with water or premixed washer fluid with antifreeze protection.358Service products and capacitiesTechnical data
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Octane Number (MON): (RON + MON) / 2,
also known as knock resistance.
Reformulated Gasoline (RFG) and/or
unleaded gasoline with additives can be used
if the concentration of the additives in the fuel
does not exceed 10%, e.g.:
R Ethanol
R TAME
R ETBE
R IPA
R TBA
For MTBE, the concentration should not
exceed 15%.
The concentration of methanol in gasoline
including other additives must not exceed 3%.
Using mixtures of methanol and ethanol is not
permitted. Gasohol, a mixture of 10% ethanol
and 90% unleaded petrol can be used.
All of these mix fuels must fulfill the fuel
requirements, e.g.:
R knock resistance
R boiling point
R vapor pressure
Diesel engines – important safety
information
! Only use commercially available ULTRA-
LOW SULFUR DIESEL FUEL (ULSD, 15 ppm
MAXIMUM SULFUR) that meets the
ASTM D975 standard. Failure to use
ULTRA-LOW SULFUR DIESEL FUEL (ULSD)
can severely damage the vehicle's exhaust
gas aftertreatment system.
! Do not fill the tank with gasoline. Do not
blend diesel fuel with gasoline or kerosene.
Otherwise, the fuel system and the engine
will be damaged. Damage resulting from
the use of gasoline or kerosene is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
To prevent malfunctions, diesel fuel with
improved flow characteristics is available in
the winter months. Check with your fuel
retailer.Information on the fuel grade can usually be
found on the gas pump. If the information
cannot be found on the gas pump, ask service
station personnel. For further information,
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
or visit http://www.mbusa.com (USA
only).
Diesel engines – Fuels containing bio-
diesel (FAME [fatty acid methyl ester])
Mercedes-Benz USA approves the use of B5
(ULSD with a maximum of up to five percent
by volume biodiesel) for all diesel engines
with common rail direct injection (CDI) and
BlueTEC.
Pure biodiesel and diesel fuels that contain a
higher percentage of biodiesel, e.g. B20, may
cause damage to the fuel system/engine and
are, therefore, not approved.
For further information, please ask the
service station personnel. The label on the
gas pump must indicate clearly that the B5
biodiesel blend meets the ULSD standard. If
the label is not clear, do not refuel the vehicle.
The Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty does
not cover damages caused by the use of fuels
not meeting Mercedes-Benz approved fuel
standards.
Additives in gasoline
One of the major problems in engine design
is the creation of carbon deposits during the
process of burning fuel. Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you use fuel brands that
have the additives which prevent the build up
of carbon deposits.
If you use fuels without these additives for a
longer period of time, there may be a build up
of carbon deposits, especially on the inlet
valves and in the combustion chamber.
This could lead to engine running problems,
e.g.:
R warm-up hesitation
R unstable idle
R knocking/pinging
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Rmisfire
R power loss
In areas where carbon deposits may be
encountered due to lack of availability of
gasoline which contains these additives,
Mercedes-Benz recommends the use of
additives approved for use in Mercedes-Benz
vehicles.
Consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
or visit http://www.mbusa.com (USA only)
to view a list of approved products. Observe
the instructions for use on the product label.
Do not mix other fuel additives with fuel. This
causes unnecessary costs and could damage
the engine.
! Do not refuel with low-grade fuel and do
not use fuel additives that are not tested
and approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Damage or malfunctions can result that are
not covered:
R by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty
R by an existing Limited Warranty
R by an extended Limited Warranty
AdBlue ®
Important safety guidelines
i For BlueTEC vehicles only.
AdBlue ®
is a non-flammable, non-toxic,
colorless, odorless and water-soluble fluid.
! Only use AdBlue ®
that complies with
ISO 22241. Do not add any special
additives to AdBlue ®
and do not thin
AdBlue ®
with water. This could destroy the
BlueTEC exhaust gas aftertreatment.
! Rinse surfaces that have come into
contact with AdBlue ®
immediately with
water or remove AdBlue ®
using a damp
cloth and cold water. If the AdBlue ®
has
already crystallized, use a sponge and cold
water to clean it. AdBlue ®
residues
crystallize after time and contaminate the
affected surfaces.
High outside temperatures
If AdBlue ®
is heated to above 122 ‡ (50 †)
for an extended period of time, e.g. due to
direct sunlight on the AdBlue ®
tank,
AdBlue ®
may start to decompose. Ammonia
vapors develop as a result.
GWarning!
When opening the filler cap of the AdBlue ®
tank ammonia gas vapors may escape. Refill
AdBlue ®
in a well ventilated area only.
Ammonia gas vapors have a pungent odor and
are particularly irritating for your skin,
mucous membranes, and eyes. Inhaling
ammonia gas vapors will cause burning eyes,
nose, and throat, as well as coughing and
watering eyes.
Low outside temperatures
AdBlue ®
freezes at a temperature of
approximately 12 ‡(11 †). The vehicle is
equipped with an AdBlue ®
preheating system
at the factory. Winter operation can thus be
guaranteed even at temperatures below
12 ‡(–11 †).
Additives
! Use only AdBlue ®
complying with ISO
22241. Do not use any additives with
AdBlue ®
and do not thin AdBlue ®
with
water. This may destroy the BlueTEC
exhaust gas aftertreatment system.
Damage resulting from the use of additives
or water is not covered by the Mercedes-
Benz Limited Warranty.
Purity
Assuring the purity of AdBlue ®
is particularly
important with respect to avoiding
malfunctions in the exhaust gas
aftertreatment system.
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If AdBlue®
is pumped out of the AdBlue ®
tank,
e.g. during repair work, it must not be
returned to the tank. The purity of the fluid
can no longer be guaranteed.
! Impurities in AdBlue ®
, e.g. due to other
service products, cleaning agents or dust,
lead to increased emission values, system
malfunctions, catalytic converter damage
or damage to the BlueTEC system.
Engine oil
Points to remember
The engine oils are matched to the
performance of Mercedes-Benz engines and
service intervals. For this reason, only use
engine oils and oil filters that are approved for
vehicles with a service system.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
or visit http://www.mbusa.com (USA only)
for a list of approved engine oils and oil filters.
! Never use engine oil or an oil filter of a
specification other than is necessary to
fulfill the prescribed service intervals. Do
not change the engine oil or oil filter in
order to achieve longer replacement
intervals than those prescribed. Otherwise,
you may cause damage to the engine or
exhaust gas aftertreatment; this is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Follow the instructions in the service
interval display regarding the oil change.
Otherwise, you may damage the engine and
the exhaust gas aftertreatment.
Mercedes-Benz recommends MOBIL OIL.
The table shows which engines oil have been
approved for your vehicle.
ModelEngine
modelMB
ApprovalML 350 BlueTEC
4MATIC642229.51ML 350 4MATIC272229.5ML 350272229.5ML 550 4MATIC273229.5ML 63 AMG156229.5 71
i
MB Approval is stated on the containers.
Lubricant additives
! Do not mix any lubricant additives with
the engine oil. This could damage the
engine. Damage resulting from the use of
such lubricant additives in the engine oil is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
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.
Using the table below, make sure that the SAE
classification (viscosity) is sufficient for the
temperatures at which the vehicle is
operated. The low temperature
characteristics of engine oils can deteriorate
significantly, e.g by aging, soot and fuel
deposits. It is therefore recommended that
you carry out oil changes regularly using an
approved engine oil with the appropriate SAE
classification.
71 Restriction: only SAE 0W-40 or SAE 5W-40 engine oils may be used.Service products and capacities361Technical dataBA 164.1 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2mskotVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T17:25:06+02:00 - Seite 361Z

Refrigerant of the air-conditioning
system
The air-conditioning system is filled with
R134a refrigerant and a special PAG
lubricant.
! Never use refrigerant R 12 (CFC) or
mineral lubricants. Otherwise, you could
damage the air-conditioning system.
Brake fluid
GWarning!
The brake fluid constantly absorbs moisture
from the air; this lowers its boiling point.
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 (e.g. when
driving downhill). This would impair braking
efficiency.
You should have the brake fluid renewed at
regular intervals. The brake fluid change
intervals can be found in the Service Booklet.
Only use brake fluid approved by Mercedes-
Benz. Information about approved brake
fluids can be obtained from any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Coolant
Important safety notes
The coolant is a mixture of water and
antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor. It performs
the following tasks:
R anti-corrosion protection
R antifreeze protection
R raising the boiling point
The cooling system is filled with coolant at the
factory which contains antifreeze/corrosion
inhibitor that ensures protection down to
approximately -35 ‡ (-37 †).
! Only add coolant that has been premixed
with the desired antifreeze protection. You
could otherwise damage the engine.
Further information on coolants and on
filling can be found in the Mercedes-Benz
Specifications for Service Products, MB
Approval 310.1, e.g. on the Internet at
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com . You
can also consult an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
! Always use a suitable coolant mixture,
even in countries where high temperatures
prevail.
Otherwise, the cooling system will not be
sufficiently protected from corrosion, and
the boiling point will be too low.
If the coolant has antifreeze protection down
to -35 ‡ (-37 †), the boiling point of the
coolant in the pressurized system is
approximately 266 ‡ (130 †).
Your vehicle has a range of aluminum
components. Use of aluminum components
in the engine make it necessary to specifically
match the antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor in
these systems in order to protect the
aluminum parts. Using other antifreeze/
corrosion inhibitors without these
characteristics affects the service life.
The coolant must be used throughout the year
in order to maintain the necessary corrosion
protection and provide protection from
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overheating. In the Service Booklet, you can
find information on the intervals for renewal.
The renewal interval is determined by the
coolant type and the cooling system design.
The renewal interval in the Service Booklet is
only valid if the coolant is added or renewed
with Mercedes-Benz approved products.
Therefore, only use MB 326.0 antifreeze/
corrosion inhibitor or another Mercedes-Benz
approved product of the same specification.
Information on other Mercedes-Benz
approved products of the same specification
can be obtained at any authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center or on the Internet at
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com .
The coolant is checked at every service date
at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor
concentration in the cooling system should:
R be at least 50%. This will protect the cooling
system against freezing down to around
-35 ‡ (-37 †).
R not exceed 55% (antifreeze protection
down to -49 ‡ (-45 †); otherwise, heat will
not be dissipated as effectively.
If the coolant level is too low, MB 326.0
antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor should be
added. Have the cooling system checked for
leaks.
Windshield and headlamp cleaning
system
GWarning
Washer solvent/antifreeze is highly
flammable. Do not spill washer solvent/
antifreeze on hot engine parts, because it may
ignite and burn. You could be seriously
burned.
XUse MB Windshield Washer Concentrate
MB SummerFit.XAt temperatures above freezing: add 1
part MB SummerFit to 100 parts water, e.g.
1.34 fl oz (40 ml) MB SummerFit to 1 gal
(4.0 l) of water.XAt temperatures below freezing: add 1
part MB SummerFit to 100 parts washer
fluid, e.g. 1.34 fl oz (40 ml) MB SummerFit
to 1 gal (4.0 l) of water.
Vehicle data
Vehicle data, ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC
(164.125)
The data quoted here refers specifically to a
vehicle with standard equipment. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for the
data for all vehicle variants and trim levels.
Vehicle dimensions, ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATICVehicle length188.5 in (4788 mm)Vehicle width
including exterior
mirrors85.5 in (2170 mm)Vehicle height71.5 in (1815 mm) 7269.8 - 73.0 in (1774 -
1854 mm) 73Wheelbase114.8 in (2915 mm)Front track63.7 in (1619 mm)Rear track63.8 in (1621 mm)Ground clearance8.3 in (210 mm) 727.3 - 10.3 in (186 -
261 mm) 73Turning circle38.1 ft (11.6 m)72
Vehicles with steel-spring suspension.
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