ground clearance MERCEDES-BENZ M-Class 2011 W164 Owner's Manual

Change of address or ownership
In the event of a change of address, be sure
to send in the "Change of Address Notice"
found in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet, or simply call the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center
(in the USA) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes
(1-800-367-6372) or Customer Service (in
Canada) at 1-800-387-0100. This will assist
us in contacting you in a timely manner
should the need arise.
If you sell your Mercedes, please leave all
literature with the vehicle to make it available
to the next operator.
If you bought this vehicle used, be sure to
send in the "Notice of Purchase of Used
Truck" found in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet, or call the Mercedes-
Benz Customer Assistance Center (in the
USA) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes
(1-800-367-6372) or Customer Service (in
Canada) at 1-800-387-0100.
Vehicle operation outside the USA
and Canada
If you plan to operate your vehicle in foreign
countries, please be aware that:
R Service facilities or replacement parts may
not be readily available.
R Unleaded gasoline for vehicles with
catalytic converters may not be available.
The use of leaded fuels can damage the
catalytic converter.
R Gasoline may have a considerably lower
octane rating. Improper fuel can cause
engine damage.
Sport Utility Vehicle
GWarning!
This Sport Utility Vehicle is designed for both
on-road and off-road use. It can go places and
perform tasks for which conventional 2-wheel
drive passenger cars are not intended. This
vehicle will handle and maneuver differently
from conventional passenger cars in driving
conditions which may occur on streets,
highways and off-road use.
This vehicle has a higher ground clearance
and a higher center of gravity than many
passenger cars. As with other vehicles of this
type, if you make sharp turns at excessive
speeds or abrupt maneuvers, the vehicle may
roll over or may go out of control and crash.
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher
rollover rate than other types of vehicles.
Failure to operate this vehicle safely may
result in an accident, rollover of the vehicle,
and severe or fatal injury.
Before you start to drive this vehicle, read the
Operator’s Manual. Take time to become
familiar with the driving characteristics of this
vehicle. Be sure you are familiar with all
vehicle controls. Learn how your vehicle
handles on different road surfaces. Do not
attempt sharp turns at excessive speeds or
abrupt maneuvers or other unsafe driving
actions that can cause loss of vehicle control.
When driving off-road or working the vehicle
hard, do not overload it. And, always wear
your seat belts at all times. In a rollover crash,
an unbelted person is significantly more likely
to die than a person wearing a seat belt.
Operating safety
Safety notes
GWarning
Work improperly carried out on electronic
components and associated software could
cause them to cease functioning. Because the
vehicle's electronic components are
interconnected, any modifications made may
produce an undesired effect on other
systems. Electronic malfunctions could
seriously impair the operating safety of your
vehicle.
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Activating the tailgateXTo open the tailgate: pull the handle on
the tailgate.XTo stop the opening procedure at the
desired position: press the close button
( Y page 82) on the tailgate or pull the
handle on the outside of the tailgate again.XTo store the position: press and hold the
closing button on the tailgate until you hear
a short tone.
The opening angle limiter is activated. The
tailgate will now stop in the stored position
when opening.
Deactivating the tailgate
XPress and hold the closing button
( Y page 82) in the tailgate until you hear
two short tones.
Tailgate emergency release
If the tailgate can no longer be opened from
outside the vehicle, use the emergency
release on the inside of the tailgate.
To open the tailgate completely, a minimum
clearance of 7.20 ft (220 cm) above the
ground is necessary.
! The tailgate swings upwards and to the
rear when opened. Therefore, make sure
that there is sufficient clearance above and
behind the tailgate.
XPull cover ; off the tailgate trim.XPush release catch : to the left as far as
the stop and open the tailgate.
Side windows
Important safety guidelines
GWarning
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the ignition lock. Always take
the SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle.
Do not leave children unsupervised in the
vehicle, even if they are secured in a child
restraint system, and do not give them access
to an unlocked vehicle. A child’s unsupervised
access to a vehicle could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury. They could:
R injure themselves on vehicle parts
R be seriously or fatally injured by extreme
heat or cold
R injure themselves or have an accident with
vehicle equipment that may still be in
operation even after the SmartKey has
been removed from the ignition, such as the
seat adjustment, steering wheel
adjustment or memory function.
If children open a door, they could cause
severe or even fatal injury to other persons; if
they get out of the vehicle, they could injure
themselves when doing so or be seriously or
even fatally injured by any passing traffic.
Do not expose the child restraint system to
direct sunlight. The child restraint system’s
metal parts, for example, could become very
hot, and a child could be burned on these
parts.
GWarning!
Do not carry heavy or hard objects in the
passenger or cargo compartment unless they
are firmly secured in place.
84Side windowsOpening and closing
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GWarning!
Vehicles with air suspension program: Please
be aware that by raising the vehicle level, the
center of gravity also rises. Therefore, always
ensure that the vehicle level is as low as
possible. With higher ride height the ESP ®
may activate earlier in certain situations.
GWarning!
Do not reduce the tire inflation pressure
before driving through sand. However, if you
do so, remember to correct the tire inflation
pressure before continuing your trip. Driving
with reduced tire inflation pressure increases
the risk of losing control of the vehicle and
rolling over.
General information
Read this section before driving your vehicle
off-road. Practice by traveling over more
gentle off-road terrain first.
Familiarize yourself with the characteristics
of your vehicle and the gear change process
before driving through difficult terrain.
The following driving systems are specially
adapted to off-road driving:
R off-road drive program ( Y page 193)
R off-road ABS ( Y page 66)
R off-road 4ETS ( Y page 67)
R off-road ESP ®
(Y page 68)
R hill start assist
R AIRMATIC package ( Y page 183)
R DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation)
( Y page 192)
Observe the following notes:
R stop your vehicle and, if necessary, select
the off-road drive program ( Y page 193)
before driving off-road.
R vehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
select a vehicle level that is suitable for the
terrain. Make sure there is always sufficient
ground clearance to prevent damage to the
vehicle.
R make sure that items of luggage and cargo
are stowed safely and are well secured
( Y page 260).
R always keep the engine running and in gear
when driving on a downhill gradient.
Activate DSR ( Y page 192).
R always keep the doors, tailgate, windows
and the tilt/sliding sunroof closed while the
vehicle is in motion.
R adapt the speed to suit the terrain
conditions. The more uneven, worn or
steeper the terrain is, the slower you should
drive.
R drive slowly and at an even speed through
the water. Ensure that a bow wave does not
form as you drive.
R drive with extreme care on unfamiliar off-
road routes where visibility is poor. For
safety reasons, get out of the vehicle first
and survey the off-road route.
R look out for obstacles, such as rocks, holes,
tree stumps and furrows.
R check the depth of water before fording
rivers and streams.
R do not stop in water and do not switch the
engine off.
R drive quickly on sand to overcome the
rolling resistance. Otherwise, the vehicle
could dig itself into the sand.
R do not jump with the vehicle. This
interrupts the vehicle's traction.
R always keep the engine running and in gear
when driving on slopes.
R do not shift the automatic transmission to
transmission position N.
Check list before driving off-roadXEngine oil level: check the engine oil and
top it up if necessary.
The oil supply can only be guaranteed on
steep slopes if the engine oil level is
sufficient.
! If the engine oil warning lamp lights up
while the vehicle is in motion, stop the
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Observe the following rules when driving on
sand:
R vehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
select a raised vehicle level.
R avoid high engine speeds.
R select a shift range appropriate to the
terrain.
R drive quickly to overcome the rolling
resistance. Otherwise, the vehicle could dig
itself into the sand.
R drive in the tracks of other vehicles if
possible. Make sure that the ruts are not
too deep, that the sand is firm enough and
that your vehicle has sufficient ground
clearance.
Tire ruts and gravel roads
Observe the following rules when driving
along ruts in off-road terrain or on roads with
loose gravel:
! Check that the ruts are not too deep and
that your vehicle has sufficient clearance.
Otherwise, your vehicle could be damaged
or bottom out and get stuck.
R select the off-road drive program
( Y page 193).
R vehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
select a raised vehicle level.
R avoid high engine speeds.
R select shift range 1.
R drive slowly.
R where ruts are too deep, drive with the
wheels on one side on the middle section
of turf if possible.
Crossing obstacles
! Obstacles could damage the floor of the
vehicle or components of the chassis. Ask
passengers for guidance when driving over
large obstacles. The passenger should
always keep a safe distance from the
vehicle when doing so in order to avoid
injury as a result of unexpected vehicle
movements. After driving off-road or over
obstacles, check the vehicle for possible
damage, especially to the underbody and
the components of the chassis.
Observe the following rules when driving over
tree stumps, large stones and other
obstacles:
R select the off-road drive program
( Y page 193).
R avoid high engine speeds.
R select shift range 1.
R drive very slowly.
R drive straight over the center of obstacles:
front wheel first, then rear wheel.
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accident if you drive too fast. ESP®
cannot
override the laws of physics.
! When driving on extremely rough terrain,
select a high vehicle level in good time.
Make sure that there is always sufficient
ground clearance to prevent damage to the
vehicle.
! Remove the key from the ignition before
raising one or more wheels with the
appropriate equipment.
Information on "Off-road driving"; see
( Y page 166).
Level setting
Basic settings, excluding AMG vehicles
The extent to which the vehicle is raised or
lowered depends on the basic setting
selected. Select raised level for off-road
driving or highway/high-speed level for
normal roads.
The individual vehicle levels differ from
highway level as follows:
R +2.3 in (+ 60 mm) in raised level
R +/–0 in (+/–0 mm) in highway level
R –0.6 in (–15 mm) in high-speed level
i The high-speed level is not available when
you are towing a trailer. Observe the notes
on driving with a trailer ( Y page 198).
Basic settings for AMG vehicles
The extent to which the vehicle is raised or
lowered depends on the ADS setting
selected. Select raised level for off-road
driving or highway/high-speed level for
normal roads.
In raised level, the vehicle is 2.9 in (73 mm)
higher than in Highway level with ADS
AUTO .
Raised level
Only select raised level if this is appropriate
for the road conditions. Otherwise, fuel
consumption may increase and handling may
be affected.XStart the engine.XPress button :.
Indicator lamp ; flashes. The vehicle rises
to raised level.
While the adjustment is taking place, a
message appears in the multifunction
display, e.g.:
If you press the V, U , & or *
button on the multifunction steering wheel,
the message will disappear.
Once the vehicle has reached raised level,
indicator lamp ; remains lit. You will see a
message in the multifunction display, for
example:
If you want to select raised level at a speed
above 40 mph (64 km/h), the Level
Selection Not Permitted message
appears in the multifunction display.
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Highway/high-speed level
! Make sure that there is enough ground
clearance when the vehicle is being
lowered. It could otherwise hit the ground,
damaging the underbody.XStart the engine.
If indicator lamp ; is lit:
XPress button :.
Indicator lamp ; flashes. The vehicle is
adjusting to highway/high-speed level.
While the adjustment is taking place, a
message appears in the multifunction
display, e.g.:
If you press the V, U , & or *
button on the multifunction steering wheel,
the message will disappear.
Once highway level has been reached,
indicator lamp ; goes out. You will see a
message in the multifunction display, for
example:
The vehicle is automatically lowered to high-
speed level if you are driving at speeds above
55 mph (88 km/h) or for approximately 20
seconds between 40 mph (64 km/h) and
55 mph (88 km/h).
AIRMATIC package
General notes
AIRMATIC enables a suspension tuning
setting to be selected and regulates the
damping behavior and level of your vehicle.
The system comprises two components: ADS
(Adaptive Damping System) ( Y page 184)
and level control ( Y page 181) .
Observe the notes on driving with a trailer
( Y page 198).
AMG vehicles
The AIRMATIC package is part of the standard
equipment. Due to the sportier suspension
tuning when compared to standard vehicles,
the level positions in the ADS settings and the
speed thresholds for raising and lowering the
vehicle are different.
The vehicle is lowered from highway/high-
speed level to ADS Sport level around 20
seconds after locking. The vehicle is not
lowered from raised level after locking. When
the engine is started, the previous setting,
e.g. ADS COMF , is restored.
! Always keep in mind the differences in
ground clearance and vehicle height when
compared to standard vehicles. You could
otherwise damage the vehicle.
You will find different values for ground
clearance and vehicle height with regard to:
R off-road fording ( Y page 164)
R the general vehicle dimensions in the
"Technical data" section
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Driving systemsDisplay messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions°
Level Selection
Not PermittedYou cannot change the vehicle level, because:
R you are exceeding the permissible speed for the selected
vehicle level.
R you are towing a trailer.
R the trailer-coupling socket is being used, e.g. for a bicycle rack.XDrive more slowly and then select the desired vehicle level again
( Y page 184).XObserve the notes on towing a trailer ( Y page 198).°
Compressor Cooling
DownYou have selected a higher vehicle level. The compressor first
needs to cool down because of frequent level changes.XDrive in a manner appropriate for the current vehicle level.XMake sure that there is sufficient ground clearance.XAllow the compressor to cool down.
When the compressor has cooled down, the display message
disappears. The vehicle then continues rising to the selected
level.°
MalfunctionLevel control is faulty.XDo not drive faster than 50 mph(80 km/h).XMake sure that there is sufficient ground clearance.XHave the vehicle checked at a qualified specialist workshop.°
Rising
Max.12 MPHThe vehicle is being adjusted to off-road level 3. The display
message informs you of the maximum speed permissible for off-
road level 3.XDo not drive faster than 12 mph(20 km/h).°
Max.12 MPHYou are driving in off-road level 3. The display message informs
you of the maximum speed permissible for off-road level 3.XDo not drive faster than 12 mph(20 km/h).Æ
Being lowered
Max.12 MPHThe vehicle is being lowered from off-road level 3 to off-road level
2. The display message informs you of the maximum speed
permissible for off-road level 3.XDo not driver faster than 12 mph(20 km/h) until off-road level
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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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Vehicle weight, ML 350 BlueTEC4MATICMaximum roof
loadMaximum 220 lb
(100 kg)
Vehicle data, ML 350 (164.156)
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.
i This vehicle is only available in the USA.
Vehicle dimensions, ML 350Vehicle length188.5 in (4788 mm)Vehicle width
including exterior
mirrors85.5 in (2170 mm)Vehicle height71.5 in (1815 mm)Wheelbase114.8 in (2915 mm)Front track64.0 in (1627 mm)Rear track64.1 in (1629 mm)Ground clearance8.3 in (210 mm)Turning circle38.1 ft (11.6 m)Vehicle weight, ML 350Maximum roof
loadMaximum 220 lb
(100 kg)
Vehicle data, ML 350 4MATIC
(164.186)
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 4MATICVehicle length188.5 in (4788 mm)Vehicle width
including exterior
mirrors85.5 in (2170 mm)Vehicle height71.5 in (1815 mm) 7469.8 - 73.0 in (1774 -
1854 mm) 75Wheelbase114.8 in (2915 mm)Front track64.0 in (1627 mm)Rear track64.1 in (1629 mm)Ground clearance8.3 in (210 mm) 747.3 - 10.3 in (186 -
261 mm) 75Turning circle38.1 ft (11.6 m)Vehicle weight, ML 350 4MATICMaximum roof
loadMaximum 220 lb
(100 kg)
Vehicle data, ML 550 4MATIC
(164.172)
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 550 4MATICVehicle length188.5 in (4788 mm)Vehicle width
including exterior
mirrors85.5 in (2170 mm)Vehicle height71.5 in (1815 mm) 7674
Vehicles with steel-spring suspension.
75 Vehicles with AIRMATIC package: the values vary depending on the level set for the vehicle suspension.
76 Steel-sprung vehicles.364Vehicle dataTechnical data
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Vehicle dimensions, ML 550 4MATIC69.8 - 73.0 in (1774 -
1854 mm) 77Wheel base114.8 in (2915 mm)Front track63.7 in (1619 mm)Rear track63.8 in (1621 mm)Ground clearance8.3 in (210 mm) 767.3 - 10.3 in (186 -
261 mm) 77Turning circle38.1 ft (11.6 m)Vehicle weight, ML 550 4MATICMaximum roof
loadMaximum 220 lb
(100 kg)
Vehicle data, ML 63 AMG (164.177)
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 63 AMGVehicle length189.7 in (4818 mm)Vehicle width
including exterior
mirrors85.5 in (2170 mm)Vehicle height69.5 - 72.6 in (1765 -
1845 mm) 78Wheelbase114.8 in (2915 mm)Front track65.5 in (1664 mm)Rear track65.6 in (1667 mm)Vehicle dimensions, ML 63 AMGGround clearance7.0 - 10.1 in (177 -
257 mm) 78Turning circle38.1 ft (11.6 m)Vehicle weight, ML 63 AMGMaximum roof
loadMaximum 220 lb
(100 kg)77 On vehicles with the AIRMATIC package, the values vary depending on the level of the vehicle.
76 Steel-sprung vehicles.
78 The values vary depending on the level set for the vehicle suspension.Vehicle data365Technical dataBA 164.1 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2mskotVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T17:25:06+02:00 - Seite 365Z