height MERCEDES-BENZ ML350 1997 Complete Owner's Guide

105 Controls in detail
Memory function*
Memory function*
With the memory button you can store up
to three different settings for the driver-
and passenger seat.
Together with the driver’s seat you can
store the exterior rear view mirrors.
For the front passenger seat you can store
the seat position.
Storing exterior rear view mirror parking position
For easier parking, you can adjust the pas-
senger-side exterior rear view mirror so
that you can see the right rear wheel as
soon as you engage reverse gearR.For information on activating the parking
position feature, see “Activating exterior
rear view mirror parking position”
(
page 127).
1Position buttons
2Memory button
!Prior to operating the vehicle the driver
should check and adjust the seat
height, seat position fore and aft, and
seat backrest angle if necessary, to en-
sure adequate control, reach and com-
fort. The head restraint should also be
adjusted for proper height. See also the
section on airbags (
page 59) for
proper seat positioning.
In addition, adjust the steering wheel to
ensure adequate control, reach, opera-
tion and comfort. Both the inside and
outside rear view mirrors should be ad-
justed for adequate rear vision.
Fasten seat belts. Infants and small
children should be seated in a properly
secured restraint system that complies
with U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard 213 and 225 and Canadian
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 and
210.2.
Warning!
G
Do not activate the memory function while
driving. Activating the memory function
while driving could cause the driver to lose
control of the vehicle.

154 Controls in detailDriving systemsMonitoring reach of sensors
The sensors must be free of dirt, ice and
snow or they will be unable to function
properly. Clean the sensors regularly with-
out scratching or damaging them.Front sensors
Rear sensorsMinimum distance
When an obstacle is located in this area, all
warning displays will light up and a warning
tone will sound. If the vehicle moves closer
than the minimum distance to an object,
the distance may no longer be displayed.
Center
approx. 39 in (100 cm)
Corners
approx. 24 in (60 cm)
Center
approx. 47 in (120 cm)
Corners
approx. 32 in (80 cm)
iDuring parking maneuvers, pay special
attention to objects located above or
below the height of the sensors (e.g.
planters or trailer hitches). The Parktro-
nic system will not detect such objects
at close range and damage to your ve-
hicle or the object may result.
Ultrasonic signals from outside sourc-
es (e.g. truck air brakes or jackham-
mers) may impair the operation of the
Parktronic system.
Center
approx. 8 in (20 cm)
Corners
approx. 6 in (15 cm)

166 Controls in detailUseful featuresOpening the storage compartment in
front of armrest
Slide the cover3 rearward.
The storage compartment below con-
tains a cup holder (
page 167).
Cup holders Cup holder in instrument panel
A cup holder is located on both the right
and left side of the instrument panel.
Opening the cup holder

Briefly touch top of cover.
The cup holder opens automatically.
Closing the cup holder

Fold the cup holder upwards and press
on it until it engages.
Warning!
G
When not in use, keep the cup holder
closed. Place only containers that fit into the
cup holder to prevent spills. Use lids on
open containers and do not fill containers to
a height where the contents, especially hot
liquids, could spill during vehicle maneu-
vers.

217 Operation
Engine compartment
Engine compartment
Hood
Opening
1Release lever

Pull release lever1 downwards.
The hood is unlocked. Handle2 pro-
trudes slightly from the radiator-grille.
If not, lift the hood slightly.
2Handle for opening the hood

Pull handle2 to its stop out of the
radiator-grille.

Pull up on the hood and then release it.
The hood will be automatically held
open at shoulder height by gas-filled
struts.
Warning!
G
Do not pull the release lever while the vehi-
cle is in motion. Otherwise the hood could
be forced open by passing air flow.
!To avoid damage to the windshield wip-
ers or hood, never open the hood if the
wiper arms are folded forward away
from the windshield.
Warning!
G
To help prevent personal injury, stay clear of
moving parts when the hood is open and the
engine is running. Make sure the hood is
properly closed before driving. When closing
the hood, use extreme caution not to catch
hands or fingers.
The radiator fan may continue to run for ap-
proximately 30 seconds or even restart af-
ter the engine has been turned off. Stay
clear of fan blades.


218 OperationEngine compartment
Closing
Let the hood drop from a height of ap-
proximately 1 ft (30 cm).
The hood will lock audibly.

Check to make sure the hood is fully
closed.
If you can raise the hood at a point
above the headlamps, then it is not
properly closed. Open it again and let it
drop with somewhat greater force.
Engine oil
The amount of oil your engine needs will
depend on a number of factors, including
driving style. Higher oil consumption can
occur when

the vehicle is new


the vehicle is driven frequently at
higher engine speeds
Engine oil consumption checks should only
be made after the vehicle break-in period.
Warning!
G
If you see flames or smoke coming from the
engine compartment, or if the coolant tem-
perature gauge indicates that the engine is
overheated, do not open the hood. Move
away from vehicle and do not open the hood
until the engine has cooled. If necessary,
call the fire department.Warning!
G
The engine is equipped with a transistorized
ignition system. Because of the high voltage
it is dangerous to touch any components (ig-
nition coils, spark plug sockets, diagnostic
socket) of the ignition system

with the engine running


while starting the engine


if ignition is “on” and the engine is
turned manually
Warning!
G
Be careful that you do not close the hood on
anyone.!Do not push the hood closed manually,
as this could damage it.
iDo not use any special lubricant addi-
tives, as these may damage the drive
assemblies. Using special additives not
approved by Mercedes-Benz will
restrict your warranty entitlement.
More information on this subject is
available at any Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center.


298 Technical dataMain Dimensions
Main DimensionsModel
ML 350, ML 500
Overall vehicle length
182.6 in (4638 mm)
Overall vehicle width
83.7 in (2126 mm)
Overall vehicle height
71.7 in (1820 mm)
Wheelbase
111.0 in (2820 mm)
Track, front
61.2 in (1555 mm)
Track, rear
61.2 in (1555 mm)
Ground clearance
8.03 in (204 mm)
Turning radius
468.5 in (11.9 m)

317 Index
A
ABS 25, 76, 311
ABS control 76
LOW RANGE mode 77
Malfunction indicator lamp 242
Warning lamp 242
Accelerator position, automatic
transmission 123
Accident
In case of 52
Activating
Air circulation mode 139
Air recirculation mode 139
Anti-theft alarm system 83
Automatic climate control 135
ESP 82
Exterior headlamps 48
Hazard warning flasher 112
Headlamps 48
High beams 110
Ignition 33Immobilizer 54, 83
Rear passenger compartment ventila-
tion and climate control 141
Rear window defroster 133
Rear window wiper 51
Residual heat 140
Seat heater* 98
Tow-away alarm 85
Warning indicators (Parktronic*) 155
Windshield wipers 50
Activating automatic central locking 93
Adding
Coolant 223
Engine oil 221
Additional turn signals 266
Adjustable steering column
Indicator lamp 253
Adjusting 34
Backrest tilt 36, 38
Exterior rear view mirror 40
Head restraint height 36, 38Head restraint tilt 37, 39
Headlamp aim 272
Instrument cluster illumination 116
Manual seat 35
Mirrors 40
Power seats* 37
Seat cushion tilt 38
Seat fore and aft 35
Seat fore and aft adjustment 37
Seat height 36, 38
Seats 34
Steering wheel 39
Adjusting air distribution
Automatic climate control 137
Adjusting air volume
Automatic climate control 137
Air conditioner (cooling)
Turning on 139
Air conditioning
Cooling 139

326 IndexGear range 312
Automatic transmission 121
Limiting 121
Shifting into optimal 120
Gear range limit
Canceling 120
Gear selector lever
Cleaning 238
Position 122
Glass breakage sensor 84
Global Positioning System (GPS) 312
Glossary 311
Glove box 23, 164
Closing 164
Opening 164
Good visibility 126
GPS 312H
Hard plastic trim items
Cleaning 238
Hazard warning flasher 112
Switching off 112
Switching on 112
Head restraints
Manual seats 36
Power seats* 38
Headlamp aim
Adjusting 272
Headlamp cleaning system* 224
Headlamps
Automatic control 108
Bi-Xenon* 311
Cleaning 236
Cleaning system* 131, 224
Refilling washer fluid 224
Switching off 54
Switching on 48
Washer fluid 307
Washer system 307Headliner
Cleaning 238
Heated seats* 98
Height adjustment
Head restraints 36, 38
Seat belts 45
Steering wheel 39
High beam flasher 49, 110
High beam headlamps
Replacing bulbs 266, 269
Switching on 110
High mounted brake lamp 267
Replacing bulbs 271
Hood 217
Closing 218
Opening 217
Hooks
Loading 159
Hydroplaning 197

330 IndexManual seat
Adjusting 35
Adjusting backrest tilt 36
Adjusting head restraint height 36
Adjusting head restraint tilt 37, 39
Seat fore and aft adjustment 35
Seat height 36
MB Tex upholstery
Cleaning 239
MCS
Modular Control System 313
Mechanical key 261
Memory function 105, 313
Memory function* 106
Recalling positions from
memory 106
Mirror
Inside rear view mirror 40Mirrors
Activating exterior mirror parking
position 127
Adjusting 40
Automatic antiglare for rear view
mirror 126
Exterior rear view mirror 40
Storing exterior rear view mirror park-
ing position 106
MON 215
MON (Motor Octane Number) 313
Monitoring reach
Parktronic* 154
Multifunction display 313
N
Night security illumination 109
Deactivation temporarily 109
Setting time 109O
Occupant safety 58
Children and airbags 60
Children in the vehicle 67
Fastening the seat belt 42
Infant and child restraint systems 68
LATCH child seat mounts 72
Seat belts 42, 62
Odometer display 117
Odometer, main 25
Off-road driving
Checklist 201, 206
Crossing obstacles 204
Driving instructions off-road
driving 200
Driving through water 203
Returning 205
Rules 201
Special driving features 201
Steep terrain 202

332 IndexPartition net* 159
Engaging 159
Removing 161
Tightening 160
Parts see Spare parts service
Passenger compartment 211
Interior lighting 112
Passenger footwell
Fuse box in 288
Passenger safety see Occupant
safety 58
Pedals 193
Plastic and rubber parts
Cleaning 239
Poly-V-belt drive 314
Layout 293
Positions (Memory function*)
Recalling from memory 106
Storing into memory 106
Power assistance 193Power seat*
Adjusting backrest tilt 38
Adjusting head restraint height 38
Adjusting seat cushion tilt 38
Adjusting seat height 38
Seat fore and aft adjustment 37
Power seats* 37
Power train 314
Power washer 235
Power windows
Blocking of rear door window
operation 73
Side windows 144
Synchronizing 146
Practical hints
First aid kit 257
Fuses 287
Lamps in instrument cluster 242
Spare wheel 259
Towing the vehicle 283
Vehicle jack 258
Vehicle tool kit 257Premium unleaded gasoline 303
Problems
While driving 51
With vehicle 18
Product information 9
Programming or reprogramming the inte-
grated remote control 182
R
Radio transmitters, control and
operation 211
Rain sensor* 130, 131
Rapid seat heating
Switching off 99
Rapid seat heating*
Switching on 98
Reading lamp 29