brake fluid MERCEDES-BENZ ML320 2008 W164 Owner's Manual

Contents
Replacing bulbs ................................. 463
Bulbs ............................................ 463
Replacing bulbs for front lamps.... 466
Replacing bulbs for rear lamps ..... 471
Adjusting headlamp aim ............... 473
Replacing wiper blades ...................... 475
Front wiper blades ....................... 475
Rear wiper blade .......................... 476
Flat tire .............................................. 478
Preparing the vehicle.................... 478
Mounting the spare wheel ............ 479
Bleeding the fuel system
(diesel engine only) ............................ 488
Battery ............................................... 489
Disconnecting, removing,
reinstalling and
reconnecting the battery .............. 491
Charging the battery .................... 496
Jump starting ..................................... 497
Towing the vehicle ............................. 499
Installing towing eye bolt.............. 501
Stranded vehicle .......................... 503Fuses ................................................. 504
Fuse box in
engine compartment .................... 505
Fuse box in
cargo compartment...................... 505
Fuse box in passenger
compartment ............................... 506
Emergency engine shut-down ...... 506
Technical data................................. 507
Parts service ...................................... 508
Warranty coverage............................. 509
Loss of Service and Warranty
Information Booklet ..................... 509
Identification labels ........................... 510
Layout of poly-V-belt drive ................. 512
ML 320 CDI .................................. 512
ML 350, ML 550 .......................... 512
ML 63 AMG .................................. 512
Engine................................................ 513
Rims and tires.................................... 515
Same size tires ............................. 516
Spare wheel ................................. 518Electrical system ............................... 519
Main Dimensions ............................... 520
Weights ............................................. 521
Fuels, coolants, lubricants ................. 522
Capacities .................................... 522
Engine oils ................................... 525
Engine oil additives ...................... 525
Air conditioning refrigerant .......... 525
Brake fluid.................................... 525
Premium unleaded gasoline
(gasoline engine).......................... 526
Fuel requirements ........................ 526
Gasoline additives
(gasoline engine).......................... 527
Coolants ...................................... 528
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system*......... 530
Index................................................. 531

313 Operation
Driving instructions
Refer to the description of the Brake Assist
System (BAS) (
page 100).
Brake pad wear or a leak in the system may
be the reason for low brake fluid in the
reservoir.
The brake fluid level in the reservoir may
be too low if the brake warning lamp in the
instrument cluster comes on and an
acoustic warning sounds although the
parking brake is released (
page 401).
Observe additional messages in the multi-
function display that may appear
(
page 430).
Have the brake system inspected
immediately. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.All checks and service work on the brake
system should be carried out by qualified
technicians only. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
Only install brake pads and brake fluid
recommended by Mercedes-Benz.
After hard braking, it is advisable to drive
on for some time, rather than immediately
park, so that the air stream will cool down
the brakes faster.
Warning!G
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking
maneuvers.
Warning!G
If other than recommended brake pads are
installed, or other than recommended brake
fluid is used, the braking properties of the
vehicle can be degraded to an extent that
safe braking is substantially impaired. This
could result in an accident.
!When driving down long and steep grades,
relieve the load on the brakes by shifting into a
lower gear to use the engine’s braking power.
This helps prevent overheating of the brakes and
reduces brake pad wear.
When using the engine’s braking power, a drive
wheel may not spin for an extended period of
time, e.g. on slippery road surfaces. This may
cause serious damage to the drivetrain which is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.

339 Operation
At the gas station
Low outside temperatures
(diesel engine)
To prevent malfunctions, diesel fuel with
improved cold flow characteristics is of-
fered in the winter months. Check with
your fuel retailer.Check regularly and before a long trip
Open the hood (page 341).
Example illustration ML 320 CDI (ML 350,
ML 550, ML 63 AMG similar)
1Brake fluid
2Coolant level
3Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system*
Engine oil level
For more information on engine oil, see
“Engine oil” (
page 343).
iDiesel engine:
If you have driven the vehicle until the tank is
empty, the fuel system needs to be bled
(
page 488).
!Diesel engine:
The engine is more susceptible to wear and
damage if you use

marine diesel fuel

heating oil

additives
The exhaust aftertreatment device will be
seriously damaged if you use

LOW SULFUR HIGHWAY DIESEL FUEL
(500 ppm SULFUR MAXIMUM)

any other diesel fuel with a sulfur content of
above 15 ppm
The use of such non-approved fuels and/or
special additives is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
!Do not fill the tank with gasoline. Do not
blend diesel fuel with gasoline or kerosine. The
fuel system and engine will otherwise be dam-
aged, which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

340 Operation
At the gas station
Brake fluid
Coolant
For normal replenishing, use water (pota-
ble water quality).
For more information, see “Coolant level”
(
page 345) and see “Fuels, coolants, lu-
bricants” (
page 522).Windshield/rear window washer
system and headlamp cleaning
system*
For more information on refilling the wash-
er reservoir, see “Windshield/rear window
washer system and headlamp cleaning
system*” (
page 346).
Vehicle lighting
Check function and cleanliness. For infor-
mation on replacing light bulbs, see “Re-
placing bulbs” (
page 463).
For more information, see “Exterior lamp
switch” (
page 135).
Tire inflation pressure
For more information, see “Checking tire
inflation pressure” (
page 359).
!If you find that the brake fluid in the brake
fluid reservoir has fallen to the minimum mark or
below, have the brake system checked for brake
pad thickness and leaks immediately. Notify an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center
immediately. Do not add brake fluid as this will
not solve the problem. For more information, see
“Brake fluid” (
page 525).

389 Operation
Vehicle care
Vehicle care
Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Regular and proper care will help to
maintain the value of your vehicle. The
best way to protect your vehicle from
harmful environmental influences is to
wash it and use protective treatments
regularly.While in operation, even while parked, your
vehicle is subjected to varying external in-
fluences which, if gone unchecked, can at-
tack the paintwork as well as the
underbody and cause lasting damage.
Such damage is caused not only by
extreme and varying climatic conditions,
but also by:

Air pollution

Road salt

Tar

Gravel and stone chipping
To avoid paint damage, you should
immediately remove:

Grease and oil

Fuel

Coolant

Brake fluid

Bird droppings

Insects

Tree resins, etc.Frequent washing reduces and/or
eliminates the aggressiveness and
potency of the above adverse influences.
More frequent washings are necessary to
deal with unfavorable conditions:

near the ocean

in industrial areas (smoke, exhaust
emissions)

during winter operation
You should check your vehicle from time to
time for stone chipping or other damage.
Any damage should be repaired as soon as
possible to prevent corrosion.
In doing so, do not neglect the underbody
of the vehicle. A prerequisite for a thor-
ough check is a washing of the underbody
followed by a thorough inspection. Dam-
aged areas need to be re-undercoated.Warning!G
Many cleaning products can be hazardous.
Some are poisonous, others are flammable.
Always follow the instructions on the partic-
ular container. Always open your vehicle’s
doors or windows when cleaning the inside.
Never use fluids or solvents that are not de-
signed for cleaning your vehicle.
Always lock away cleaning products and
keep them out of reach of children.

401 Practical hints
What to do if …
ProblemPossible cause/conse-
quenceSuggested solution
-The yellow ABS indicator lamp comes on while
the engine is running.The self-diagnosis has not yet
been completed yet.The display will clear after driving a short
distance at a vehicle speed of above
12 mph (20 km/h).
;(USA only)
3(Canada only)
The red brake warning lamp
comes on while driving and an
acoustic warning sounds.You are driving with the
parking brake set.Release the parking brake
(
page 57).
There is insufficient brake fluid
in the reservoir.Risk of accident! Carefully stop the
vehicle in a safe location or as soon as
it is safe to do so.
Apply the parking brake (page 65).
Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
Do not add brake fluid! This will not
solve the problem.
Warning!G
Driving with the brake warning lamp illumi-
nated can result in an accident. Have your
brake system checked immediately if the
brake warning lamp stays on.
Do not add brake fluid before checking the
brake system. Overfilling the brake fluid res-
ervoir can result in spilling brake fluid on hot
engine parts and the brake fluid catching
fire. You can be seriously burned.!If you find that the brake fluid in the brake
fluid reservoir has fallen to the minimum mark or
below, have the brake system checked for brake
pad thickness and leaks.

430 Practical hints
What to do if …
Display symbolDisplay messagePossible cause/consequencePossible solution
;(USA only)
3(Canada only)
Check
Brake Fluid LevelThere is insufficient brake fluid
in the reservoir.Risk of accident! Stop the vehicle in a
safe location or as soon at is safe to do
so.
Apply the parking brake (page 65).
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Light Truck Center. Do not add brake
fluid! This will not solve the problem.
Warning!G
Driving with the message Check Brake
Fluid Level
displayed can result in an
accident. Have your brake system checked
immediately. Do not add brake fluid before
checking the brake system. Overfilling the
brake fluid reservoir can result in spilling
brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire. You could be
seriously burned.
!If you find that the brake fluid in the brake
fluid reservoir has fallen to the minimum mark or
below, have the brake system checked for brake
pad thickness and leaks.

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

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.

533 Index
Bead 380
Belt reel 276
Beverage holder see Cup holder
Block heater (Canada only) 385
Bolts, Collapsible tire
(ML 63 AMG only) 453
Bolts, Minispare wheel
(except ML 63 AMG) 452
Brake fluid 525
Checking 339
Messages in the multifunction
display 430
Brake lamp
Cleaning lenses 393
Messages in the multifunction
display 438
Replacing bulbs 471
Brake pads 312
Messages in the multifunction
display 428
Brakes 312
Warning lamp 401
Break-in period 310
Bulbs, replacing see Replacing bulbs
Button for Voice control* system 30,
148C
California retail buyers and lessees,
Important notice for 11
Camera see Rear view camera*
Can holder see Cup holder
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants 522
Card holder 32, 35, 284
Cargo compartment cover blind 271
Cargo net* 272
Cargo tie-down rings 268
Carpets, Cleaning 397
Catalytic converter
(gasoline engine) 335
CD changer* 161, 279
CD player 161
Center console
Lower part 32
Upper part 31
Central locking
Automatic 125
Locking/unlocking from the
inside 126
Switch 126Certification label 510
CHECK ENGINE malfunction
indicator lamp 403, 404
Checking tire pressure electronically with
the Advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (Advanced TPMS)*,
(Canada only) 365
Checking tire pressure electronically with
the Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS), (USA only) 362
Checklist
Off-road driving 322
Returning from off-road driving 327
Children in the vehicle 89
Air bags 75, 89
Blocking rear door window
operation 96
Indicator lamp, Front passenger front
air bag 83
Infant and child restraint systems 84,
90
LATCH-type child seat anchors 93
Occupant Classification System
(OCS) 79
Cigarette lighter (Depending on vehicle
configuration) 286