oil viscosity MERCEDES-BENZ ML350 1997 Complete Repair Manual

181 Driving instructions
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Winter driving
Have your vehicle winterized at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center before the onset of
winter.
•Change the engine oil if the engine contains an oil
which is not approved for winter operation. For
viscosity (SAE / CCMC class) and filling quantity,
see page 292.
•Check engine coolant anticorrosion / antifreeze
concentration.
•Additive for the windshield washer and headlamp
cleaning system: Add MB Concentrate “S” to a
premixed windshield washer solvent / antifreeze
which is formulated for below freezing temperatures
see page 237.
•Test battery: Battery capacity drops with decreasing
ambient temperature. A well charged battery helps
to ensure that the engine can be started, even at low
ambient temperatures.
•Tires: We recommend M+S rated radial-ply tires on
all four wheels for the winter season. Observe
permissible maximum speed for M+S rated
radial-ply tires and the legal speed limit.In winter operation, the maximum effectiveness of the
antilock brake system (ABS), the four wheel electronic
traction system (4-ETS+), the electronic stability
program (ESP), and electronic brake proportioning
(EBP) can only be achieved with M+S rated radial-ply
tires and / or snow chains recommended by
Mercedes-Benz. Snow chains maximize performance.
For driving instructions using snow chains see
page 179.
Deep water
Caution!
Do not drive through flooded areas or water of unknown
depth. Before driving through water, determine its
depth. It should not be deeper than approximately
20 inches (50 cm).
If you must drive through deep water, drive slowly to
prevent water from entering the engine compartment or
passenger compartment, being ingested by the air
intake, possibly causing damage to electrical
components or wiring, to engine or transmission that is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

181
Driving instructions
Te ch n ica l
data
Instruments
and controls Operation
Driving Instrument
cluster display Practical hints Car care Index
Winter driving
Have your vehicle winterized at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center before the onset of
winter.
• Change the engine oil if the engine contains an oil
which is not approved for winter operation. For
viscosity (SAE / CCMC class) and filling quantity,
see page 292.
• Check engine coolant anticorrosion / antifreeze
concentration.
• Additive for the windshield washer and headlamp
cleaning system: Add MB Concentrate “S” to a
premixed windshield washer solvent / antifreeze
which is formulated for below freezing temperatures
see page 237.
• Test battery: Battery capacity drops with decreasing
ambient temperature. A well charged battery helps
to ensure that the engine can be started, even at low
ambient temperatures.
• Tires: We recommend M+S rated radial-ply tires on
all four wheels for the winter season. Observe
permissible maximum speed for M+S rated
radial-ply tires and the legal speed limit. In winter operation, the maximum effectiveness of the
antilock brake system (ABS), the four wheel electronic
traction system (4-ETS+), the electronic stability
program (ESP), and electronic brake proportioning
(EBP) can only be achieved with M+S rated radial-ply
tires and / or snow chains recommended by
Mercedes-Benz. Snow chains maximize performance.
For driving instructions using snow chains see
page 179.
Deep water
Caution!
Do not drive through flooded areas or water of unknown
depth. Before driving through water, determine its
depth. It should not be deeper than approximately
20 inches (50 cm).
If you must drive through deep water, drive slowly to
prevent water from entering the engine compartment or
passenger compartment, being ingested by the air
intake, possibly causing damage to electrical
components or wiring, to engine or transmission that is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

312 Technical termsEngine oil viscosity
Measurement for the inner friction (vis-
cosity) of the oil at different tempera-
tures. The higher the temperature an
oil can tolerate without becoming thin,
or the lower the temperature it can tol-
erate without becoming viscous, the
better the viscosity.
ESP
(E
lectronic S
tability Pr
ogram)
Improves vehicle handling and direc-
tional stability.
ETD
(E
mergency T
ensioning D
evice)
Device which deploys in certain frontal
and rear collisions exceeding the sys-
tem's threshold to tighten the seat
belts.
->SRSFSS
(F
lexible S
ervice S
ystem)
Service indicator in the speedometer
display that informs the driver when
the next vehicle maintenance service is
due.
Gear range
Number of gears which are available to
the automatic transmission for shifting.
The automatic gear shifting process
can be adapted to specific operating
conditions using the gear selector
lever.
GPS
(G
lobal P
ositioning S
ystem)
Satellite-based system for relaying
geographic location information to and
from vehicles equipped with special re-
ceivers. Employs CD or DVD digital
maps for navigation.GAWR
(G
ross A
xle W
eight R
ating)
The GAWR is the maximum permissible
axle weight. The gross vehicle weight
on each axle must never exceed the
GAWR for the front and rear axle indi-
cated on the certification label located
on the driver’s door pillar.
GVW
(G
ross V
ehicle W
eight)
The GVW comprises the weight of the
vehicle including fuel, tools, spare
wheel, installed accessories, passen-
gers and cargo. The GVW must never
exceed the GVWR, indicated on the
certification label located on the driv-
er’s door pillar.

324 IndexEmergency calls
Initiating an emergency call 175
With Tele Aid* 173
Emergency operation (Limp Home
Mode) 124
Emergency operations
Closing sliding/pop-up roof* 265
Locking the vehicle 262
Opening sliding/pop-up roof* 265
Remote door unlock 179
Unlocking the vehicle 261
Emergency tensioning device see
ETD 67, 312
Emission control 212
Emission control label 292
Engine
Starting 46
Technical data 294
Turning off 54
Engine cleaning 236Engine compartment
Fuse box in 287
Hood 217
Engine malfunction indicator lamp 25,
248
Engine number 311
Engine oil 218, 302
Adding 221
Additives 302
Checking level 218
Consumption 218
Messages in display 219
Oil dipstick 221
Viscosity 312
Enlarged cargo area 99
Error
Display messages 256ESP 25, 80, 312
LOW RANGE mode 81
Malfunction indicator lamp 245, 246,
247
Switching off 81
Switching on 82
Synchronizing 246
Warning lamp 245, 246, 247, 251
ETD 312
Safety guidelines 62
ETD (Emergency tensioning device) 67
Exterior mirrors
Folding 128
Exterior rear view mirrors 40
Adjusting 40
Folding electrically 128

331 Index
Oil
Adding 221
Consumption 218
Dipstick 218
Oil dipstick 221
Viscosity 312
One-touch gearshifting 120
Canceling gear range limit 120
Downshifting 120
Upshifting 120
Opening
Doors from the inside 90
Fuel filler flap 214
Fuel filler flap manually 263
Glove box 164
Hood 217
Liftgate 89, 91
Liftgate from inside 91
Liftgate from outside 91
Rear quarter windows 146
Side windows 145Sliding/pop-up roof* 148, 265
Sliding/pop-up roof* in an
emergency 265
Storage compartment in front of
armrest 166
Storage compartment under passenger
seat 165
Windows 145
Opening and closing
Side windows 144
Operating
Garage door opener 185
Integrated remote control 185
Radio transmitters 211
Vehicle outside the USA and
Canada 13
Operating safety 17
Operator’s Manual 10
Ornamental moldings 236
Outside temperature indicator 118
Overdue service 233
Overhead control panel 29P
Paintwork 235
Panic alarm 75
Panic button on remote control 75
Parking and locking 53
Parking brake 47, 53
Engaging 53
Releasing 47
Parking lamps
Replacing bulbs 266, 267, 269
Replacing the bulbs 269
Switching on 107
Parktronic* 153, 313
Cleaning system sensor 237
Monitoring reach 154
Sensor cover 237
Switching off 156
Switching on 156
Warning indicators 155

AP18.00-P-0101AR
Engine - oil and filter change
20.1.99

ENGINE
612

Modification notes

12.9.02

Engine oil level modified
Step 9:

Only Model 203:

Up to engine end number: 134 163 oil level
MAX. 135
mm,
MIN 110
mm.

As of engine end number: 134 164 oil level

MAX. 124,5
mm,
MIN 99,5
mm.


Remove

Danger!

Risk of death
cased by vehicle slipping or

toppling off of the lifting platform.
Align vehicle between the columns of the

hydraulic hoist and position the four support

plates below the hoist support points specified

by the vehicle manufacturer.

AS00.00-Z-0010-01A


Danger!

Risk of accident
caused by vehicle starting

off by itself when engine is running.
Risk of

injury
caused by contusions and burns when

working in engine during starting procedure
Secure vehicle to prevent it from moving.
Wear closed and snug-fitting work clothes.

Do not grasp hot or rotating parts.

AS00.00-Z-0005-01A


Change the engine oil only when the engine

is at operating temperature

1
Remove trim panel of cylinder head cover

AR01.20-P-5014-02B

2
Replace oil filter element, drain oil filter

Model 203: Remove clamp attaching fuel

line in order to insert wrench socket.

AP18.00-P-0101-06EG

*BA18.20-P-1002-01G

Socket wrench bit

*103589020900

3.1
Suction off engine oil

AP18.00-P-0101-02Z
4.1
Remove rear left frame cross brace

Only necessary when draining engine oil

at oil drain plug.

MODEL 163

f

Model 203 except 203.018/218/718, 209
AR94.30-P-5300P

Model 210

AR94.30-P-5300AB

4.2
Detach lower engine compartment paneling

Only necessary when draining engine oil

at oil drain plug.

f

Only Model 203.018/218/718

AR61.20-P-1105P

5.1
Unscrew oil drain plug, drain engine oil


Install

6.1
Screw in oil drain plug

Replace sealing ring, in order to avoid

leakage.


*BA01.45-P-1003-01A

7
Pour in engine oil
Note specified and approved quality

grades and viscosity classes conforming to

SAE at enduring ambient temperatures.

*BE18.00-P-1001-02B


*BF18.00-P-1001-01A

g

Viscosity classes of engine oils (car engines)
Sheet 224.1

BB00.40-P-0224-01A

8
Run engine and inspect for leaks

9
Switch off engine

10.1
Fit on bottom part of noise encapsulation

Only necessary when draining engine oil

at oil drain plug.

f

Model 210

AR94.30-P-5300AB

MODEL 203, 209

AR94.30-P-5300P

MODEL 163

10.2
Install lower engine compartment paneling.

Only necessary when draining engine oil

at oil drain plug.

f

Only Model 203.018/218/718

AR61.20-P-1105P

Copyright DaimlerChrysler AG 20.05.2006 CD-Ausgabe G/10/04 . This WIS print-out will not be recorde
d by Modification services.
Page 1

CAPACITIES & SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFIED ENGINE OILS (SERVICE) - OVERVIEW - BB00.40-P-0223-02A
For Mercedes-Benz and Smart
AZ88.30-P-
0008GH
Retrofit styling
spoilerModels 163.113 /154 #A as of 289565,
163.113 #X as of 754620,
163.128 /157 /175 except styling package,
code U49AZ88.30-P-
0008GH
AZ82.70-P-
0006GH
Retrofit portable
CTELModel 163 as of 1.9.00 up to 30.9.01
portable cellular telephone Nokia 51 xx
and 61xxAZ82.70-P-
0006GH
AZ83.70-P-0009HRetrofitting Telestart
receiverModel 163.###1# up to 31.12.99
Telestart T60 with retrofitted stationary
heaterAZ83.70-P-0009H
AZ83.70-P-
0009HARetrofitting Telestart
receiverModel 163.### 1 # Telestart T70 with
windshield antenna, with retrofitted
stationary heaterAZ83.70-P-
0009HA
AZ83.70-P-
0009HBRetrofitting Telestart
receiverModels
163.113 /128 /136 /154 /157 /172 /174 /175
1# as of 1.9.01 with model year 2002, code
802 Telestart T70 with windshield antenna,
with retrofitted stationary heaterAZ83.70-P-
0009HB
AZ88.30-P-
0004GH
Retrofit step
platformModels 163.136 /154 /172 #A as of
145273,
163.136 /154 /172 #X as of 708319,
163.113/128/157/174/175
with illuminationAZ88.30-P-
0004GH
AZ88.30-P-
0004GI
Retrofit step
platformModels
163.113 /128 /136 /154 /157 /172 /174 /175
without illuminationAZ88.30-P-
0004GI
AZ54.65-P-0001I Retrofit ultrasonic
back-up aidModel 163.1 up to 31.08.01 except spare
wheel holder/spare wheel, code 849,
except trailer hitch, code 550AZ54.65-P-0001I
AZ82.10-P-
0001GHRetrofitting
additional headlampModel 163.113/154 #A as of 289565,
163.113 #X as of 754620,
163.128 /157 /175 except styling package,
code U49, except USA version, code 494a.
with styling spoiler onlyAZ82.10-P-
0001GH
BB00.40-P-0223-02A
Specified engine oils
(service) - overviewFor Mercedes-Benz and
Smart
Sheet 223.2
viscosity classesSheet 224.1 (passenger-car
engines)BB00.40-P-0224-01A

2004 Mercedes-Benz ML350
1998-2005 GENINFO Overall vehicle - 163 Chassis
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The temperature ranges in the viscosity classes must be observed for the use of the engine oils (see Sheets 224.1
and 224.2)!
Passenger vehicle engines,
Commercial vehicle engines from the passenger car division,
Single-grade oils are listed on sheets: 228.0, 228.2 - only to be used in summer.
Multigrade oils are listed on sheets 226.9, 228.1/.3/.5/.51, 229.1/.3/.31/.5/.51 - use possible all year round.
Industrial engines from the car sector (series 100, series 600)
Sheet 224.2 (commercial-
vehicle engines)BB00.40-P-0224-02A
Single-grade oilsSheet 228.0BB00.40-P-0228-00A
Sheet 228.2BB00.40-P-0228-02A
Multigrade oilsSheet 226.9BB00.40-P-0226-09A
Sheet 228.1BB00.40-P-0228-01A
Sheet 228.3BB00.40-P-0228-03A
Sheet 228.5BB00.40-P-0228-05A
Sheet 228.51BB00.40-P-0228-51A
Sheet 229.1BB00.40-P-0229-01A
Sheet 229.3BB00.40-P-0229-03A
Sheet 229.31BB00.40-P-0229-31A
Sheet 229.5BB00.40-P-0229-05A
Sheet 229.51BB00.40-P-0229-51A
MB
Specifications
for
Operating
Fluids Sheet
1226.9
Multi-
grade228.0/.1
Single/
multi-
grade226.9229.3
Single/
multi-
grade229.5
Multi-
grade229.5
Multi-
grade229.5
Multi-
grade229.3
Multi-
grade229.3229
Multi-
grade229.5
Multi-
grade229.5
Multi-
grade
Gasoline
engines
M 155 (SLR)------ -•-
AMG engines
except M 155
(SLR)--------•4 .)-
M 111, 137,
272, 273-----••-•-
M 112, 113,
134, 135-----•••••
M 122, 275------•-•-

2004 Mercedes-Benz ML350
1998-2005 GENINFO Overall vehicle - 163 Chassis
me
Saturday, October 02, 2010 3:47:52 PMPage 414 © 2006 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

1. Hypoid gear oils
Hypoid gear oils contain a high level of EP/AW additives (Extreme Pressure/Antiwear) and a highly
viscous base oil to prevent seizure when the hypoid gears mesh (mixed and boundary friction conditions)
and to ensure a high degree of protection against wear. The compatibility with radial shaft seals is
regarded as critical with such high concentrations of additives because the P/S additive systems become
thermally unstable at temperatures from 130°C to 140°C and this may lead to sludging of the hypoid oil.
The resultant deposits on the radial shaft seals then generally lead to thermal overload and this in turn
leads to leakage in this component.
The tooth engagement conditions of the hypoid gears result in a high proportion of sliding and a low
hydrodynamic proportion of tooth engagement between the pinion and ring gear. Due to the high
tribological load compared to adhesive wear (seizure) and pitting, the performance of hypoid gear oils
must be particularly high with respect to these types of wear. The formula of the oils is therefore
determined by a high concentration of EP/AW additives and a highly viscous base oil. Alternative oils,
e.g. engine oils, cannot be used for these drive types. Proof of performance that an oil fulfills the
requirements of DaimlerChrysler AG is provided by internal tests. However, the hypoid gear oils must at
least correspond to the US military specification MIL-L-2105 B/C/D and must be classed GL-5 in the
quality grade according to API (American Institute of Petroleum).
1.7 Viscosity requirements
The cold flow behavior is only specified for SAE, ... oils. Here, the limits apply according to SAE J 306
c, according to which the dynamic viscosity may be max. 150,000 mPas at -40°C for oils and at -12°C for
oils. As a result of the tendency to form deposits in the transmission, the polymer content is limited to
max.
1 percent by weight for pour point reducers. Polymers as VI improvers for thickening low-viscosity base
oils are not permitted. The kinematic viscosity at 100°C must be at least 16.5 mm
2 /s.
2. Transmission oils, sheet 235.1
The additive and viscosity properties of the transmission oils are adjusted so that they meet all the
requirements placed on manual transmissions with steel/molybdenum synchronization, spur gear axles,
MB and ZF transfer cases and reversing gears. Among other things, this results in the fact that the oils
ensure a defined friction coefficient of the synchronizer elements, even after a high number of shift
operations, without crunching noises.
With gear drives and roller bearings, the adhesive wear (seizure) and pitting in particular should be
minimized as far as possible.
2.1 Viscosity requirements
The cold flow behavior is only specified for SAE, 80W, ...oils. Here, the limits according to SAE J 306 c
apply, according to which the dynamic viscosity may be max. 150,000 mPas at -40°C for oils, at -26°C
for oils and at -12°C for oils. Due to the formation of deposits in the transmission, the polymer content is
limited to max. 1 percent b
y weight for pour point reducers. Polymers as VI improvers for thickening

2004 Mercedes-Benz ML350
1998-2005 GENINFO Overall vehicle - 163 Chassis
me
Saturday, October 02, 2010 3:47:56 PMPage 501 © 2006 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

low-viscosity base oils are not permitted. The kinematic viscosity at 100°C 2 must be at least 9.5 mm /s.
In hot zones, gear oils of SAE grade 90 are also permitted.
2.2 Alternative transmission lubricants for commercial vehicle synchromesh transmissions which are
operated with transmission oils as per sheets 235.1, 235.5.
If there are no gear oils according to Sheet 235.1 and 235.5 available, the following engine oils can also
be used as alternatives:
In a moderate climate, engine oils of SAE-grade 30 as per sheet 235.12
In tropical climate, engine oils of SAE-grade 40 as per sheet 235.12
2.3 Fully synthetic transmission oil, sheet 235.4
Completely synthetic gear oils are imperative for the Unimog manual transmission UG 3/40, UG 3/65 and
the PTO transmission -as of the vehicle end No. ...179909 -. Older vehicles can have their oils changed
from gear oils according to Sheet 235.1 to gear oils according to Sheet 235.4 when an oil change is due.
The gear oils correspond to the ZF lubricant specifications TE-ML01 and TE-ML02 and are consequently
alternatives to the gear oils according to Sheet 235.1 in all synchronized ZF manual transmissions
installed in MB vehicles, with and without intarders. Furthermore, the approval extends to the MB
transfer case VG 2400 without oil cooler. Due to the favorable viscosity/temperature characteristics, a
good cold-shifting response and, due to the composition of the transmission oil, a good thermal/oxidative
stability of the oil at high transmission oil temperatures can be expected.
2.4 Transmission oils, sheet 235.5
The gear oils are approved for MB and ZF manual transmissions with steel/molybdenum synchronization,
MB and ZF transfer cases and corner gears.
The transmission oils have a low chlorine content as well as a potential for lower oil temperatures under
certain operating conditions.
2.5 Transmission oils, sheet 235.10
The partly synthetic gear oils are approved for the commercial vehicle manual transmission Model
G16/G28, for the passenger vehicle front-wheel-drive manual transmission SG 150/180 (A class) as well
as for all passenger vehicle in-line transmissions of the model series 717.4 as of transmission serial
number 7 340 241.
Due to the favorable viscosity/temperature characteristics, a very good cold-shifting response and, due to
the composition of the transmission oil, a good thermal/oxidative stability of the oil at high transmission
oil temperatures can be expected.
With regard to the use in passenger vehicle front-wheel drive manual transmissions/in-line transmissions,
which are also installed in cross-countr
y vehicles, the approved gear oil is usually only used in the event

2004 Mercedes-Benz ML350
1998-2005 GENINFO Overall vehicle - 163 Chassis
me
Saturday, October 02, 2010 3:47:56 PMPage 502 © 2006 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.