Oil MERCEDES-BENZ ML320 2008 W164 Owner's Guide

434 Practical hints
What to do if …
When the message Check engine oil
level at next refueling.
appears while
the engine is running and at operating tem-
perature, the engine oil level has dropped
to approximately the minimum level.
When this occurs, the warning will first
come on intermittently and then stay on if
the oil level drops further.
Visually check for oil leaks. If no obvious oil
leaks are noted, drive to the nearest
service station where the engine oil should
be topped to the required level with an
approved engine oil.For information on approved engine oils,
refer to the Factory Approved Service
Products pamphlet (USA only) or contact
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center.
Display symbolDisplay messagePossible cause/consequencePossible solution
NCheck engine oil level
at next refueling.The engine oil level is too low.Check the engine oil level (page 343)
and add engine oil as required
(
page 344).
!The engine oil level warning should not be
ignored. Extended driving with the symbol dis-
played could result in serious engine damage
that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.

465 Practical hints
Replacing bulbs
Notes on bulb replacement

Only use 12-volt bulbs of the same type
and with the specified watt rating.

Switch lights off before changing a bulb
to prevent short circuits.

Always use a clean lint-free cloth when
handling bulbs.

Your hands should be dry and free of oil
and grease.

If the newly installed bulb does not
come on, visit an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.Have the LEDs and bulbs for the following
lamps replaced by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center:

the additional turn signal lamps in the
exterior rear view mirrors

the high mounted brake lamp

the Bi-Xenon* low beam lamps

the Bi-Xenon high beam flasher spot-
light*
Warning!G
Bulbs and bulb sockets can be very hot.
Allow the lamp to cool down before chang-
ing a bulb.
Keep bulbs out of reach of children.
Halogen lamps contain pressurized gas.
A bulb can explode if you:

touch or move it when hot

drop the bulb

scratch the bulb
Wear eye and hand protection.
Because of high voltage in Xenon lamps, it is
dangerous to replace the bulb or repair the
lamp and its components. We recommend
that you have such work done by a qualified
technician.
!Do not replace the LEDs yourself. You could
otherwise damage the LEDs or parts of the vehi-
cle. Only have the LEDs replaced by a an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
iReplacing the bulbs for the front lamps is a
technically complex process. For your conve-
nience, we recommend that you have this work
carried out by an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Light Truck Center.
Have the headlamp adjustment checked
regularly.

484 Practical hints
Flat tire
Mounting the new wheel
1Wheel bolt for 18", 19" and 20" light
alloy wheels and collapsible tire (AMG
vehicles)
2Wheel bolt for 17" light alloy wheels or
Minispare wheel (located in vehicle tool
kit (
page 448))
Clean contact surfaces of wheel and
wheel hub.
Guide spare wheel onto the alignment
bolt and push it on the wheel hub.
Insert wheel bolts and tighten them
slightly.
Unscrew the alignment bolt, install last
wheel bolt and tighten slightly.
!Wheel bolts2 must be used when mount-
ing 17" light alloy rims or the Minispare wheel.
The use of any wheel bolts other than wheel
bolts2 for 17" light alloy rims or the Minispare
wheel will damage the vehicle’s brakes.
!To avoid paint damage, place wheel flat
against hub and hold it there while installing first
wheel bolt.
Warning!G
Always replace wheel bolts that are
damaged or rusted.
Never apply oil or grease to wheel bolts.
Damaged wheel hub threads should be
repaired immediately. Do not continue to
drive under these circumstances! Contact
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center or call Roadside Assistance.
Incorrect wheel bolts or improperly tight-
ened wheel bolts can cause the wheel to
come off. This could cause an accident.
Make sure to use the correct wheel bolts.
Warning!G
Only use genuine Mercedes-Benz wheel
bolts. Other wheel bolts may come loose.
Do not tighten the wheel bolts when the
vehicle is raised. Otherwise the vehicle
could fall off the jack.

522 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants
Capacities
Vehicle components and their respective
lubricants must match. Therefore only use
products tested and approved by
Mercerdes-Benz.
Please refer to the Factory Approved
Service Products pamphlet (USA only), or
inquire at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Light Truck Center.
Warning!G
Comply with all valid regulations with re-
spect 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.
ModelCapacityFuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Engine with oil filterML 320 CDI9.0 US qt (8.5 l)Approved engine oils
ML 3508.5 US qt (8.0 l)Approved engine oils
ML 5509.5 US qt (9.0 l)Approved engine oils
ML 63 AMG10.3 US qt (9.7 l)Approved engine oils
Automatic transmissionML 320 CDI
ML 350, ML 5509.5 US qt (9.0 l)MB Automatic Transmission Fluid
ML 63 AMG9.7 US qt (9.2 l)MB Automatic Transmission Fluid

523 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants
ModelCapacityFuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Transfer case
single speedAll models0.53 US qt (0.5 l)MB Automatic Transmission Fluid
Front axleAll models1.2 US qt (1.1 l)Hypoid gear oil
Rear axleAll models1.2 US qt (1.1 l)Hypoid gear oil
Power steeringML 350approx. 1.3 US qt (1.2 l)MB Power Steering Fluid or approved
Dexron III ATF
ML 320 CDI
ML 5501
1Data preliminary.
approx. 2.3 US qt (2.2 l)MB Power Steering Fluid
Front wheel hubsAll modelsapprox. 1.5 oz (43 g) eachHigh temperature roller bearing grease
Brake systemAll models-MB Brake Fluid (DOT 4+)
Cooling systemML 320 CDI,
ML 350approx. 10.0 US qt (9.5 l)MB Anticorrosion/Antifreeze
ML 5501approx. 12.7 US qt (12.0 l)MB Anticorrosion/Antifreeze
ML 63 AMGapprox. 12.2 US qt (11.5 l)MB Anticorrosion/Antifreeze

524 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants
ModelCapacityFuels, coolants, lubricants etc.
Fuel tankAll models25.1 US gal (95.0 l)Gasoline engine:
Premium unleaded gasoline
Minimum Posted Octane 91
(Avg. of 96 RON/86 MON)
Diesel engine:
ULTRA-LOW SULFUR HIGHWAY DIESEL FUEL
(15 ppm SULFUR MAXIMUM)
including a reserve ofAll except
ML 63 AMGapprox. 3.5 US gal (13.0 l)
including a reserve ofML 63 AMGapprox. 4.0 US gal (15.0 l)
Air conditioning systemAll modelsR-134a refrigerant and special PAG lubricant
oil (never R-12)
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system*All models8.1 US qt (7.7 l)MB Windshield Washer Concentrate1
1Use MB Windshield Washer Concentrate “MB SummerFit” and water for temperatures above freezing or MB Windshield Washer Concentrate “MB SummerFit” and
commercially available premixed windshield washer solvent/antifreeze for temperatures below freezing point. Follow suggested mixing ratios (page 530).

525 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants
Engine oils
Engine oils are specifically tested for their
suitability in our engines and durability for
our service intervals. Therefore, only use
approved engine oils and oil filters
required for vehicles with Maintenance
System. For a listing of approved engine
oils and oil filters, refer to the Factory
Approved Service Products pamphlet
(USA only), or contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.Engine oil additives
Air conditioning refrigerant
R-134a (HFC) refrigerant and special PAG
lubricating oil are used in the air condition-
ing system.
Brake fluid
Only brake fluid approved by
Mercedes-Benz is recommended. Any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center will provide you with additional
information.
!Using engine oils and oil filters of
specification other than those expressly
required for the Maintenance System, or chang-
ing of oil and oil filter at change intervals longer
than those called for by the Maintenance System
will result in engine or emission control system
damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
Please follow Maintenance System recommen-
dations for scheduled oil changes. Failure to do
so will result in engine or emission control
system damage not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
!Do not blend oil additives with engine oil.
They may damage the engine.
Damage or malfunctions resulting from blending
oil additives are not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
!Never use R-12 (CFC) or mineral-based
lubricating oil. Otherwise damage to the system
will occur.
Warning!G
During vehicle operation, the boiling point of
the brake fluid is continuously reduced
through the absorption of moisture from the
atmosphere. Under extremely strenuous
operating conditions, this moisture content
can lead to the formation of bubbles in the
system, thus reducing the system’s
efficiency.
Therefore, the brake fluid must be replaced
regularly. Refer to your vehicle’s
Maintenance Booklet for replacement inter-
val.

527 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants
These blends must also meet all other fuel
requirements, such as resistance to spark
knock, boiling range, vapor pressure, etc.
Diesel engine
Only use commercially available vehicular
ULTRA-LOW SULFUR HIGHWAY DIESEL
FUEL (15 ppm SULFUR MAXIMUM).
To prevent malfunctions, diesel fuel with
improved cold flow characteristics is of-
fered in the winter months. Check with
your fuel retailer.Gasoline additives (gasoline engine)
A major concern among engine
manufacturers is carbon build-up caused
by gasoline. Mercedes-Benz recommends
only the use of quality gasoline containing
additives that prevent the build-up of
carbon deposits.
After an extended period of using fuels
without such additives carbon deposits
can build up, especially on the intake
valves and in the combustion area, leading
to engine performance problems such as:

Warm-up hesitation

Unstable idle

Knocking/pinging

Misfire

Power lossIn areas where carbon deposits may be
encountered due to lack of availability of
gasolines which contain these additives,
Mercedes-Benz recommends the use of
additives approved by us for use on
Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Refer to the
Factory Approved Service Products
pamphlet (USA only) or contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center for a listing of approved product(s).
Follow directions on product label.
Do not blend other fuel additives with fuel.
This only results in unnecessary costs and
may be harmful to the engine operation.
!Do not fill the tank with gasoline. Do not
blend diesel fuel with gasoline or kerosine. The
fuel system and engine will otherwise be
damaged, which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
!Damage or malfunction resulting from poor
fuel quality or from blending additional fuel
additives other than those tested and approved
by us for use on Mercedes-Benz vehicles are not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.

528 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants
Coolants
The engine coolant is a mixture of water
and anticorrosion/antifreeze, which
provides:

Corrosion protection

Freeze protection

Boiling protection (by increasing the
boiling point)
The cooling system was filled at the factory
with a coolant providing freeze protection
to approximately -35°F (-37°C) and corro-
sion protection.If the antifreeze mixture is effective to
-35°F (-37°C), the boiling point of the cool-
ant in the pressurized cooling system is
reached at approximately 266°F (130°C).
The coolant solution must be used year
round to provide the necessary corrosion
protection and increase boil-over protec-
tion. Refer to Maintenance Booklet for
replacement interval.
Coolant system design and coolant used
determine the replacement interval. The
replacement interval published in the
Maintenance booklet is only applicable if
MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/Antifreeze solu-
tion or other Mercedes-Benz approved
products of equal specification are used to
renew the coolant concentration or bring it
back up to the proper level.
For information on other Mercedes-Benz
approved products of equal specification,
refer to the Factory Approved Service
Products pamphlet (USA only) or contact
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center.To provide important corrosion protection,
the solution must be at least 50% anticor-
rosion/antifreeze (equivalent to freeze
protection to approximately -35°F
[-37°C]). If you use a solution that is more
than 55% anticorrosion/antifreeze (freeze
protection to approximately -49°F
[-45°C]), the engine temperature will
increase due to the lower heat transfer
capability of the solution. Therefore, do not
use more than this amount of anticorro-
sion/antifreeze.
If the coolant level is low, water and
MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/Antifreeze
should be used to bring it up to the proper
level (have cooling system checked for
signs of leakage). Please make sure the
mixture is in accordance with label instruc-
tions.
The water in the cooling system must meet
minimum requirements, which are usually
satisfied by normal drinking water. If you
are not sure about the water quality, con-
sult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center.
!Add premixed coolant solution only. Adding
water and MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/Antifreeze
separately from each other, could cause engine
damage not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

537 Index
Engine
Belt layout (ML 320 CDI) 512
Belt layout (ML 350, ML 550) 512
Belt layout (ML 63 AMG) 512
Block heater (Canada only) 385
Break-in recommendations 343
Cleaning 391
Compartment 341
Emergency engine shut-down 506
Malfunction indicator lamp 29
Maximum engine speed 146, 513,
514
Number 511
Starting 54
Starting with KEYLESS-GO* 55
Starting with the SmartKey 55
Tachometer 29, 146
Technical data 513
Turning off with KEYLESS-GO* 67
Turning off with the SmartKey 67Engine coolant see Coolant
Engine oil 343, 525
Adding 344, 525
Additives 525
Changing 344, 525
Checking level 343
Checking with the oil dipstick 343
Consumption 343
Filler neck (ML 350, ML 320 CDI) 344
Filler neck (ML 550, ML 63 AMG) 344
Recommended engine oils and oil
filters 525
ESP
®27, 100
Four wheel electronic traction system
with ESP
®100
Messages in the multifunction
display 418, 419
Off-road-ESP
®103
Warning lamp 27, 405
ETD 87, 410
Safety guidelines 76
Expanding cargo compartment 269Exterior rear view mirrors 49, 199
Folding 201
Power folding* 200
Synchronizing 200
F
Fastening the seat belts 51
Filler neck, Engine oil
(ML 350, ML 320 CDI) 344
Filler neck, Engine oil
(ML 550, ML 63 AMG) 344
First aid kit 448
Flat tire 478
Collapsible tire
(ML 63 AMG only) 453, 518
Lifting the vehicle 479
Lowering the vehicle 487
Minispare wheel
(except ML 63 AMG) 452
Mounting the spare wheel 479
Preparing the vehicle 479
Spare wheel 518
Floormats 289