ESP MERCEDES-BENZ ML350 2005 W163 Manual PDF

315 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Premium unleaded gasoline
Fuel requirements
Only use premium unleaded fuel.

The octane number (posted at the
p um p) m us t be 91 mi n. It i s an a vera ge
of both the Research (R) octane num-
ber and the Motor (M) octane number:
(R+M) / 2). This is also known as the
ANTI-KNOCK INDEX.
Unleaded gasoline containing oxygenates
such as ethanol, IPA, IBA and TBA can be
used provided the ratio of any one of these
oxygenates to gasoline does not
exceed 10%; MTBE must not exceed 15%.
The ratio of methanol to gasoline must not
exceed 3% plus additional cosolvents.
Using mixtures of ethanol and methanol is
not allowed. Gasohol, which contains
10% ethanol and 90% unleaded gasoline,
can be used.
These blends must also meet all other fuel
requirements, such as resistance to spark
knock, boiling range, vapor pressure, etc.
Gasoline additives
A major concern among engine manufac-
turers is carbon build-up caused by gaso-
line. Mercedes-Benz recommends only the
use of quality gasoline containing additives
that prevent the build-up of carbon depos-
its.
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 loss
!To maintain the engine’s durability and
performance, premium unleaded gaso-
line must be used. If premium unleaded
is not available and low octane fuel is
used, follow these precautions:

Have the fuel tank only partially
filled with unleaded regular and fill
up with premium unleaded as soon
as possible.


Avoid full throttle driving and abrupt
acceleration.


Do not exceed an engine speed of
3000 rpm if the vehicle is loaded
with a light load such as two
persons and no luggage.


Do not exceed
2/3 of maximum
accelerator pedal position if the
vehicle is fully loaded or operating
in mountainous terrain.

321 Technical data
Consumer information
Temperature
The temperature grades are A (the high-
est), B, and C, representing the tire’s resis-
tance to the generation of heat and its
ability to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained high tem-
perature can cause the material of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life, and ex-
cessive temperature can lead to sudden
tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a
level of performance which all passenger
car tires must meet under the Federal Mo-
tor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109.
Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel
than the minimum required by law.
Warning!
G
The temperature grade for this tire is estab-
lished for a tire that is properly inflated and
not overloaded. Excessive speed, underin-
flation, or excessive loading, either sepa-
rately or in combination, can cause
excessive heat build-up and possible tire
failure.

324 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 (Canada vehicles)
(F
lexible S
ervice S
ystem)
Maintenance service indicator in the
speedometer display that informs the
driver when the next vehicle mainte-
nance service is due. FSS evaluates en-
gine temperature, oil level, vehicle
speed, engine speed, distance driven
and the time elapsed since your last
service, and calls for the next mainte-
nance service accordingly.
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.
GVWR
(G
ross V
ehicle W
eight R
ating)
This is the maximum permissible vehi-
cle weight. It is indicated on certifica-
tion label located on the driver’s door
pillar.
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.

327 Technical terms
Tele Aid System*
(T
elematic A
larm I
dentification on
D
emand)
The Tele Aid system consists of three
types of response: automatic and man-
ual emergency, roadside assistance
and information. Tele Aid is initially ac-
tivated by completing a subscriber
agreement and placing an acquain-
tance call.
The Tele Aid system is operational pro-
vided that the vehicle’s battery is
charged, properly connected, not dam-
aged and cellular and GPS coverage is
available.
Telematics*
A combination of the terms “telecom-
munications” and “informatics”.
Tightening torque
Force times lever arm (e.g. a lug
wrench) with which threaded fasteners
such as wheel bolts are tightened.Tire speed rating
Part of tire designation; indicates the
speed range for which a tire is ap-
proved.
Traction
Force exerted by the vehicle on the
road via the tires.
Transfer case
Speed of rotation / torque converter
that works together with the ->auto-
matic transmission. In the LOW mode
off-road position, the transfer case de-
creases the output rotational speed of
the ->automatic transmission by ap-
proximately half. This results in a corre-
sponding increase of torque on the
drive axles.
The vehicle then has nearly double the
driving force but drives only approxi-
mately half as fast.TWR
(T
ongue W
eight R
ating)
The TWR is the maximum permissible
weight on the trailer tongue.
Maintenance System (U.S. vehicles)
Maintenance service indicator in the
speedometer display that informs the
driver when the next vehicle mainte-
nance service is due. The Maintenance
System tracks distance driven and the
time elapsed since your last mainte-
nance service, and calls for the next
maintenance service accordingly.
VIN
(V
ehicle I
dentification N
umber)
The number set by the manufacturer
and placed on the body to uniquely
identify each vehicle produced.
Voice control system*
Voice control system for car phones,
portable cell phones and audio sys-
tems (radio, CD, etc.).

329 Index
A
ABS 25, 76, 323
ABS control 76
LOW RANGE mode 77
Malfunction indicator lamp 248
Warning lamp 248
Accelerator position,
automatic transmission 124
Accident
In case of 53
Activating
Air circulation mode 141
Air recirculation mode 141
Anti-theft alarm system 83
Automatic climate control 137
ESP 82
Exterior headlamps 50
Hazard warning flasher 113
Headlamps 50
Ignition 33
Immobilizer 55, 83Rear passenger compartment
ventilation and climate control 143
Rear window defroster 135
Rear window wiper 52
Residual heat 142
Seat heater* 98
Tow-away alarm 85
Warning indicators (Parktronic*) 158
Windshield wipers 51
Activating automatic central locking 94
Adding
Coolant 228
Engine oil 226
Additional turn signals 274
Adjustable steering column
Indicator lamp 260
Adjusting 35
Backrest tilt 37, 39
Exterior rear view mirror 41
Head restraint height 37, 39
Head restraint tilt 38, 40Headlamp aim 282
Instrument cluster illumination 117
Interior rear view mirror 41
Manual seat 36
Mirrors 41
Seat cushion tilt 39
Seat fore and aft 36
Seat fore and aft adjustment 38
Seat height 37, 39
Seats 35
Steering wheel 40
Adjusting air distribution
Automatic climate control 139
Adjusting air volume
Automatic climate control 139
Air conditioning
Cooling 141
Air conditioning refrigerant 314
Air pressure see Tire inflation pressure

334 IndexD
Daytime running lamp mode 109
Deactivating
Air conditioning (cooling) 141
Air recirculation mode 141
Alarm 84
Anti-theft alarm system 84
Automatic climate control 137, 139
Cruise control 154
Defrost 140
Engine 55
ESP 81
Hazard warning flasher 113
Headlamps 55
Immobilizer 83
Rear passenger compartment
ventilation and climate control 143
Rear window defroster 135
Rear window wiper 52
Residual heat 142
Seat heater* 99
Tow-away alarm 85
Tow-away alarm
(vehicles with trip computer*) 85
Tow-away alarm (vehicles without trip
computer*) 86Deactivating automatic central
locking 94
Deep water see Standing water
Defogging
Windshield 140
Defrosting 140
Difficulties
While driving see Problems
while driving
With starting 48
Direction of rotation (tires) 232
Discharged battery
Jump starting 291
Disconnecting
Vehicle battery 289
Display in the speedometer 118
Display messages
Error 263
Service indicator (FSS) 263
StArt 263Displays
Messages 224
Service indicator 237
Distance remaining 192
Door unlock
With Tele Aid* 182
Doors
Opening from inside vehicle 90
Opening from outside 89
Downhill driving
Cruise control 154
Downshifting 121
Drink holder see Cup holder
Drinking and driving 197
Drive sensibly-save fuel 197
Driving 43, 48
Abroad 216
In winter 202
Problems 53
Safety systems 76
Through standing water 204

335 Index
Driving abroad 216
Driving instructions
Towing a trailer 214
Driving off 199
Driving safety systems
4-ETS 79
ABS 76
BAS 78
ESP 80
Driving systems 153
Cruise control 153
Driving safety systems 76
EBP 80
Parktronic* 156
Driving through water 208
Driving tips 124
Accelerator position 124
Kickdown 124
E
Easy entry/exit feature* 101
EBP 80
Indicator lamp 251Economy mode
Automatic climate control 137
Electrical connections
Trailer 212
Electrical fuses 297
Electrical outlet 173
Electrical system
Technical data 309
Electrically folding exterior
rear view mirrors 130
Electronic Brake Proportioning see EBP
Electronic Stability Program see ESP
Electronic stability program see ESP
Electronic Traction System see 4-ETS
Emergency call system
Requirements 175
Emergency call system* 175
Emergency calls
Initiating an emergency call 178
With Tele Aid* 176
Emergency operation
(Limp Home Mode) 126Emergency operations
Closing tilt/sliding sunroof* 271
Locking the vehicle 269
Opening tilt/sliding sunroof* 271
Remote door unlock 182
Unlocking the vehicle 268
Emergency tensioning device see ETD
Emission control 217
Emission control label 304
Engine
Starting 47
Technical data 306
Turning off 55
Engine cleaning 242
Engine compartment
Hood 222
Main fuse box 298
Engine malfunction indicator lamp 254
Engine malfunction indicator lamp
(Canada only) 25
Engine malfunction indicator lamp
(USA only) 25
Engine number 323

336 IndexEngine oil 223, 314
Adding 226
Additives 314
Checking level 223
Consumption 223
Messages in display 224
Oil dipstick 226
Viscosity 324
Enlarged cargo compartment 100
Error
Display messages 263
ESP 25, 80, 324
Indicator lamp 251
LOW RANGE mode 81
Malfunction indicator lamp 251, 252,
253
Switching off 81
Switching on 82
Synchronizing 252
Warning lamp 258
ETD 324
Safety guidelines 62
ETD (Emergency tensioning device) 67Exterior mirrors
Folding 130
Exterior rear view mirrors
Adjusting 41
Folding electrically 130
F
Fastening the seat belts 43
Fine adjustment
Cruise control 155
First aid kit 264
Flat tire 284
Lowering the vehicle 287
Preparing the vehicle 284
Spare wheel 266
Flexible Service System (FSS) 237, 324
Fluid level
Automatic transmission 227
Fog lamps 111
Replacing bulbs 274
Fog lamps, front
Replacing bulbs 276
Switching on 112
Folding
Exterior mirrors 130Folding electrically
Exterior rear view mirrors 130
4-ETS 25, 79
Indicator lamp 259
LOW RANGE mode 80
Malfunction indicator lamp 259
Warning lamp 258
Front airbags 63
Front fog lamps
Indicator lamp 260
Front lamps
Replacing bulbs 274, 276
Front towing eye 295
Front turn signal bulbs
Replacing 278
FSS (Flexible Service System) 237, 324
Fuel 220
Additives 315
Fuel reserve warning lamp 259
Gasoline additives 315
Premium unleaded gasoline 220,
315
Requirements 315
Reserve warning 25

339 Index
Intermittent wiping 132
J
Jack 265
Jump starting 291
K
Key
Global locking 89
Global unlocking 89
Loss of 90
Positions in steering lock 33
Remote control with folding key 88
Unlocking liftgate 89
Unlocking the driver’s door,
fuel filler flap 89
Key, Mechanical 268
Key, Remote control
Unlocking with 32
Kickdown 124, 325
L
Labels, identification 304
Lamp bulbs, exterior 274
Lamps, exterior
Front 274
Rear 275Lamps, indicator and warning
4-ETS 258, 259
ABS 248
Adjustable steering column 260
AIRBAG OFF 63, 249
BAS 78, 251, 252
Battery indicator lamp 261
Brake pad wear 261
Brakes 250
CHECK ENGINE 254, 255
CHECK Engine malfunction indicator
lamp 255
Coolant 256
EBP 251
Engine diagnostics 254, 255
ESP 251, 252, 258
Front fog lamps 260
Fuel reserve 259
Low engine oil level 260
LOW RANGE 259
Low washer system fluid level 260
Seat belts 260
Service indicator 237
SRS 262
Turn signals 25LATCH child seat anchors 73
LATCH child seat mounts 73
Layout of poly-V-belt drive 305
Leather upholstery
Cleaning 245
Lever
For cruise control 153
License plate lamps
Replacing bulbs 275, 281
Liftgate
Closing 92
Opening 89, 91
Opening from inside 91
Opening from outside 91
Light alloy wheels
Cleaning 244
Lighter see cigarette lighter

340 IndexLighting 107
Automatic headlamp mode 108
Cargo compartment 116
Daytime running lamp mode 109
Fog lamps 111
Front fog lamps 112
High beam 111
High beam flasher 111
Instrument cluster illumination 117
Interior 114
Locator lighting 111
Night security illumination 109
Limiting the gear range 122
Limp Home Mode 126
Line of fall 325
Loading 160
Cargo compartment cover
blind* 164
Cargo floor plates 165
Cargo tie-down rings 161
Hooks 162
Instructions 160
Partition net* 162
Roof rack 166
Split rear bench seat 100
Trailer 212Locator lighting 111
Lock button 325
Locking 88
Automatic while driving 93
Centrally from inside 94
Fuel filler flap 219
Global 89
Vehicle in an emergency 269
Locking knobs 32
Loss of keys 90
Loss of Service and Warranty Information
Booklet 303
Low beam bulbs
Replacing bulbs 276
Low beam headlamps
Replacing bulbs 274
Switching on 50
Low engine oil level
Indicator lamp 260
LOW RANGE - 4-ETS 80
LOW RANGE - ABS 77
LOW RANGE - ESP 81
LOW RANGE mode 127
Low washer system fluid level
Indicator lamp 260Lowering
Vehicle 287
M
Main dimensions 310
Main fuse box 298
Maintenance 12
Display messages 263
Maintenance System (U.S. vehicles) 327
Manual operations
Fuel filler flap 269
Interior lighting control 115
Locking the vehicle 269
Power tilt/sliding sunroof* 271
Unlocking the driver’s door 268
Unlocking transmission selector
lever 270
Manual seat
Adjusting 36
Adjusting backrest tilt 37
Adjusting head restraint height 37
Adjusting head restraint tilt 38, 40
Seat fore and aft adjustment 36
Seat height 37
MB Tex upholstery
Cleaning 245