suspension MERCEDES-BENZ M-Class 2011 W164 Owner's Manual

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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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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Message in the multifunction display
Diff. Lock System Overheated -
Wait briefly.
The differential lock system has overheated
and briefly disengaged.XContinue driving.
The differential locks cool off and are soon
available once again.
Towing a trailer
Notes on towing a trailer
Important safety instructions
GWarning!
Failure to use proper equipment and driving
technique can result in a loss of vehicle
control when towing a trailer.
Improper towing or failure to follow the
instructions in this manual can result in
vehicle damage and/or serious personal
injury. Follow the guidelines below carefully
to assure safe trailer operation.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
should you require an explanation of
information contained in this manual.
General information
R Only install an approved trailer coupling on
your vehicle.
Further information on availability and on
installation is available from any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
R The bumpers of your vehicle are not
suitable for installing detachable trailer
couplings.
R Do not install hired trailer couplings or
other detachable trailer couplings on the
bumpers of your vehicle.
R To reduce the risk of damage to the ball
coupling, remove it from the ball coupling
recess when not in use.
Coupling up a trailerGWarning!
Vehicles with air suspension program: While
you are coupling or decoupling a trailer, make
sure nobody locks or unlocks the vehicle and/
or opens or closes doors or the tailgate.
The vehicle’s level could change and you
could endanger yourself and/or others as a
result.
Make sure that you do not operate the ADS
switch or the vehicle level control system
when coupling/decoupling the trailer.
Observe the maximum permissible trailer
dimensions (width and length).
Most federal states and all Canadian
provinces require by law:
R safety chains between the towing vehicle
and the trailer. The chains should be cross-
wound under the trailer drawbar. They must
be fastened to the vehicle's trailer
coupling, not to the bumper or the axle.
Allow for enough play in the chains to
facilitate turning tight corners.
R a separate brake system for certain types
of trailer.
R a safety switch for braked trailers. Check
the specific legal requirements applicable
to your federal state.
If the trailer detaches from the towing
vehicle, the safety switch applies the
trailer's brakes.
! Do not connect the trailer's brake system
(if featured) to the hydraulic brake system
of the towing vehicle, as the latter is
equipped with an anti-lock brake system.
Doing so will result in a loss of function of
the brake systems of both the vehicle and
the trailer.
i The vehicle's wiring harness features a
line to the brake indicator lamp.
198Towing a trailerDriving and parking
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ROn long and steep gradients that are
difficult to drive down in shift range 1,
switch to the off-road drive program.
R When driving downhill, shift to a lower gear
to utilize the engine's braking effect.
Avoid continuous brake application as this
may overheat the vehicle brakes and, if
installed, the trailer brakes.
R If the coolant temperature increases
dramatically while the air-conditioning
system is switched on, switch off the air-
conditioning system.
Coolant heat can additionally be dissipated
by opening the windows and by setting the
blower fan and the interior temperature to
maximum.
R When overtaking, pay particular attention
to the extended length of your vehicle/
trailer combination.
Due to the length of your vehicle/trailer
combination, you will have to travel an
additional distance beyond the vehicle you
are overtaking before returning to the
previous lane.
Decoupling a trailer
GWarning!
Vehicles with air suspension program: While
you are coupling or decoupling a trailer, make
sure nobody locks or unlocks the vehicle and/
or opens or closes doors or the tailgate.
The vehicle’s level could change and you
could endanger yourself and/or others as a
result.
Make sure that you do not operate the ADS
switch or the vehicle level control system
when coupling/decoupling the trailer.
XMake sure that the automatic transmission
is set to position P.XApply the vehicle's parking brake.XStart the engine.XClose all doors and the tailgate.XApply the trailer's parking brake.GWarning!
Vehicles with air suspension program: As
soon as you disconnect the electrical
connection between the trailer and the
vehicle, the vehicle will lower. To help avoid
personal injury, make sure no one is near the
wheel housing or underneath the vehicle
before the electrical connection is
disconnected.
When you decouple the trailer, the vehicle is
temporarily raised because the springs are
relieved of load. Be especially careful during
this process, as you could otherwise injure
yourself and/or others. Make sure that any
persons remaining in the vehicle do not press
the switches for vehicle level control or the
ADS.
XDetach the trailer cable and decouple the
trailer.XDetach the trailer cable and decouple the
trailer.XSwitch off the engine.
Permissible trailer load and drawbar
noseweight
Weight specifications
The Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) is the
combined weight of the trailer together with
the cargo and equipment loaded on the
trailer. Permissible gross weight:
R Vehicles with 4MATIC: 7200 lb (3265 kg)
R Vehicles without 4MATIC: 4630 lb
(2100 kg)
The permissible Trailer drawbar Weight
Rating (TWR) is the maximum weight
permitted on the trailer drawbar:
R Vehicles with 4MATIC: 576 lb (261 kg) limit
for Mercedes-Benz-approved trailer
couplings
R Vehicles without 4MATIC: 370 lb (168 kg)
limit for Mercedes-Benz-approved trailer
couplings
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XRemove the valve extractor from the
vehicle tool kit.XUnscrew the valve cap from the valve.XUnscrew the valve insert from the valve and
release the air.
i Fully deflating the tire can take a few
minutes.
XScrew the valve insert back into the valve.XScrew the valve cap back on.XPlace the valve extractor back into the
vehicle tool kit.XStow the collapsible spare wheel in the
emergency spare wheel well under the
cargo compartment and fasten in place.
Flat tire
Preparing the vehicle
Your vehicle may be equipped with:
R a TIREFIT kit 47
R a "Minispare" emergency spare wheel
R a collapsible spare wheel
R the MOExtended run-flat
system( Y page 311)
i Vehicle preparation is not necessary on
vehicles with the MOExtended run-flat
system.
i Vehicles featuring the MOExtended run-
flat system are not equipped with the
TIREFIT kit at the factory. It is therefore
recommended that you additionally equip
your vehicle with the TIREFIT kit if you
mount tires that do not feature run-flat
properties, e.g. winter tires. You can obtain
a TIREFIT kit from an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center, for example.
XMake sure that highway level is
selected 48
(Y page 181).XStop the vehicle as far away as possible
from traffic on solid, non-slippery and level
ground.XSwitch on the hazard warning lamps.XFirmly depress the parking brake.XBring the front wheels into the straight-
ahead position.XMove the DIRECT SELECT lever to P.XSwitch off the engine.XVehicles without KEYLESS-GO: remove
the key from the ignition lock.XVehicles with KEYLESS-GO: open the
driver's door.
The on-board electronics have status 0,
which is the same as the key having been
removed.XVehicles with KEYLESS-GO: remove the
Start/Stop button from the ignition lock
( Y page 139).XAll occupants must get out of the vehicle.
Make sure that they are not endangered as
they get out of the vehicle.XMake sure that no one is near the danger
area whilst a wheel is being changed.
Anyone who is not directly assisting in the
wheel change should, for example, stand
behind the barrier.XGet out of the vehicle. Pay attention to
traffic conditions when doing so.XClose the driver's door.
i Only operate the electric air pump using
the socket in the footwell of the 2nd row of
seats ( Y page 269), even if the ignition is
turned off.
An emergency cut-off ensures that the on-
board voltage does not drop too low. If the
on-board voltage is too low, power to the
sockets is automatically cut-off. This
47 Canada only.
48 Vehicles with air suspension.300Flat tireRoadside assistance
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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.
Important safety guidelines
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
if you require information on tested and
recommended tires and wheels for summer
and winter driving. Advice on purchasing and
caring for tires is also available there.
GWarning
Replace rims or tires with the same
designation, manufacturer and type as shown
on the original part. For further information
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If incorrectly sized rims and tires are
mounted, the wheel brakes or suspension
components can be damaged. Also, the
operating clearance of the wheels and the
tires may no longer be correct.
GWarning
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the tire
tread is worn to minimum tread depth, or if
the tires have sustained damage, replace
them.
When replacing rims, only use 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.
Retreaded tires are not tested or
recommended by Mercedes-Benz, since
previous damage cannot always be
recognized on retreads. The operating safety
of the vehicle cannot be assured when such
tires are used.
GWarning
If you feel a sudden significant vibration or
ride disturbance, or you suspect that possible
damage to your vehicle has occurred, you
should turn on the hazard warning flashers,
carefully slow down, and drive with caution to
an area which is a safe distance from the road.
Inspect the tires and the vehicle underbody
for possible damage. If the vehicle appears
unsafe, have the vehicle towed to the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or tire
dealer for repairs.
GWarning
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects
the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You
might lose control of the vehicle. Continued
driving with a flat tire or driving at high speed
with a flat tire will cause excessive heat build-
up and possibly a fire.
! For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you only use tires,
wheels and accessories which have been
approved by Mercedes-Benz specifically
for your vehicle. These tires have been
specially adapted for use with the control
systems, such as ABS or ESP ®
, and are
marked as follows:
R MO = Mercedes-Benz Original
R MOE = Mercedes-Benz Original Extended
(tires with run-flat characteristics)
R MO1 = Mercedes-Benz Original (AMG)
Only use Mercedes-Benz Original Extended
tires on wheels that have been specifically
approved by Mercedes-Benz.
If you use other tires, wheels and
accessories, Mercedes-Benz cannot
accept any responsibility for damage that
may result from this. Further information
about tires, wheels and approved
combinations can be obtained from any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
i Further information about tires and
wheels can be obtained from any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
324Important safety guidelinesTires and wheels
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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.
73 Vehicles with AIRMATIC package: the values vary depending on the level set for the vehicle suspension.Vehicle data363Technical dataBA 164.1 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2mskotVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T17:25:06+02:00 - Seite 363Z

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