winter tires MERCEDES-BENZ ML350 2005 W163 Owner's Manual

Contents
Automatic climate control ................. 136
Automatic mode........................... 139
Adjusting air volume and
air distribution manually............... 139
Defrosting .................................... 140
Air recirculation mode.................. 140
Air conditioning ............................ 141
Residual heat and ventilation ....... 142
Rear passenger compartment
ventilation and rear
automatic climate control ............ 143
Front and rear air vents................ 144
Power windows.................................. 146
Opening and closing
the side windows ......................... 146
Synchronizing power windows ..... 148
Rear quarter windows* ................ 148
Power tilt / sliding sunroof* ............... 150
Opening and closing the
power tilt / sliding sunroof............ 150
Synchronizing the
power tilt / sliding sunroof............ 152Driving systems .................................. 153
Cruise control ............................... 153
Parktronic* system
(Parking assist) ............................. 156
Loading............................................... 160
Loading instructions ..................... 160
Partition net* ................................ 162
Cargo compartment cover blind* . 164
Cargo floor plates ......................... 165
Roof rack* .................................... 166
Useful features ................................... 167
Storage compartments ................. 167
Cup holders .................................. 169
Armrest in rear seat bench ........... 170
Ashtrays and cigarette lighter ....... 171
Electrical outlet ............................. 173
Telephone* ................................... 173
Tele Aid* ....................................... 174
Garage door opener ...................... 183
Trip computer* ............................. 189
Operation.......................................... 195
The first 1000 miles (1500 km) .......... 196
Driving instructions ............................ 197
Drive sensibly – save fuel ............. 197
Drinking and driving...................... 197
Pedals ........................................... 197
Power assistance .......................... 197
Brakes .......................................... 198
Driving off ..................................... 199
Parking ......................................... 200
Tires.............................................. 200
Hydroplaning ................................ 201
Tire traction .................................. 201
Tire speed rating ........................... 202
Winter driving instructions ............ 202
Standing water ............................. 204
Off-road driving ............................. 204
Trailer towing ................................ 211
Passenger compartment............... 215
Driving abroad .............................. 216
Control and operation
of radio transmitters ..................... 216
Catalytic converter ....................... 217
Emission control ........................... 217
Coolant temperature .................... 218

ContentsAt the gas station............................... 219
Refueling ...................................... 219
Check regularly and
before a long trip .......................... 221
Engine compartment.......................... 222
Hood ............................................ 222
Engine oil...................................... 223
Transmission fluid level ................ 227
Coolant level ................................ 227
Battery ......................................... 228
Windshield / rear
window washer system and
headlamp cleaning system*......... 230
Tires and wheels ................................ 231
Important guidelines .................... 231
Life of tire ..................................... 232
Direction of rotation ..................... 232
Checking tire inflation pressure ... 232
Rotating wheels............................ 233
Winter driving..................................... 235
Winter tires................................... 235
Block heater (Canada only) .......... 236
Snow chains ................................. 236Maintenance ...................................... 237
Clearing the
maintenance service indicator ..... 237
Maintenance service
term exceeded ............................. 238
Calling up the
maintenance service indicator ..... 238
Resetting the
maintenance service indicator ..... 238
Vehicle care ....................................... 240
Cleaning and care of the vehicle .. 240
Practical hints.................................. 247
What to do if … .................................. 248
Lamps in instrument cluster ........ 248
Additional indicators
in the speedometer display .......... 263
Where will I find ...? ........................... 264
First aid kit ................................... 264
Vehicle tool kit ............................. 264
Spare wheel (space-saver tire) ..... 266Unlocking / locking in
an emergency .................................... 268
Unlocking the vehicle................... 268
Locking the vehicle ...................... 269
Fuel filler flap ............................... 269
Manually unlocking the
transmission gear selector lever .. 270
Opening / closing in
an emergency .................................... 271
Power tilt / sliding sunroof* ......... 271
Replacing key batteries ..................... 272
Remote control ............................ 273
Replacing bulbs ................................. 274
Bulbs ............................................ 274
Replacing bulbs for front lamps ... 276
Replacing bulbs for rear lamps .... 279
Adjusting headlamp aim .............. 282
Replacing wiper blades ...................... 283
Removing ..................................... 283
Installing ...................................... 283
Flat tire .............................................. 284
Mounting the spare wheel ........... 284

76 Safety and SecurityDriving safety systemsIn this section you will find information on
the following driving safety systems:

ABS (A
ntilock B
rake S
ystem)


BAS (B
rake A
ssist S
ystem)


4-ETS (E
lectronic T
raction S
ystem)


EBP (E
lectronic B
rake P
roportioning)


ESP (E
lectronic S
tability P
rogram)
ABS
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates
the brake pressure so that the wheels do
not lock during braking. This allows you to
maintain the ability to steer your vehicle.
The ABS is functional above a speed of ap-
proximately 5 mph (8 km / h) independent
of road surface conditions.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will re-
spond even with light brake pressure.
The -indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster (
page 25) comes on when you
turn the key in the steering lock to
position2. It goes out when the engine is
running.
iIn winter operation, the maximum ef-
fectiveness of the ABS, the BAS, the
ESP, the EBP, and the 4-ETS is only
achieved with winter tires (M + S tires)
or snow chains as required.
Warning!
G
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:

Excessive speed, especially in turns


Wet and slippery road surfaces


Following another vehicle too closely
The ABS, BAS, ESP and 4-ETS cannot reduce
this risk.
Always adjust your driving style to the pre-
vailing road and weather conditions.
Warning!
G
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm,
steady brake pedal pressure instead. Pump-
ing the brake pedal defeats the purpose of
the ABS and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.

195 Operation
The first 1000 miles (1500 km)
Driving instructions
At the gas station
Engine compartment
Tires and wheels
Winter driving
Maintenance
Vehicle care

201 Operation
Driving instructions
The treadwear indicator appears as a solid
band across the tread.
Specified tire pressures must be main-
tained. This applies particularly if the tires
are subjected to high loads (e.g. high
speeds, heavy loads, high ambient temper-
atures).
Hydroplaning
Depending on the depth of the water on
the road, hydroplaning may occur even at
low speeds and with new tires. Reduce ve-
hicle speed, avoid track grooves in the
road and apply brakes cautiously in the
rain.Tire traction
The safe speed on a wet, snow covered or
icy road is always lower than on a dry road.You should pay particular attention to the
condition of the road whenever the outside
temperatures are close to the freezing
point.
Mercedes-Benz recommends M+S rated
radial-ply tires with a minimum tread depth
of approximately
1/6in (4 mm) on all four
wheels for the winter season to make sure
normal balanced handling characteristics.
On packed snow, they can reduce your
stopping distance as compared with sum-
mer tires.
Stopping distance, however, is still consid-
erably greater than when the road is not
covered with snow or ice. Exercise appro-
priate caution.
Warning!
G
Although the applicable federal motor vehi-
cle safety laws consider a tire to be worn
when the treadwear indicators (TWI) be-
come visible at approximately
1/16in
(1 .6 mm ), w e re c om men d th a t y o u do n o t a l-
low your tires to wear down to that level. As
tread depth approaches
1/8in (3 mm), the
adhesion properties on a wet road are
sharply reduced.
Depending upon the weather and / or road
surface (conditions), the tire traction varies
widely.
Warning!
G
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects
the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You
may lose control of the vehicle. Continued
driving with a flat tire or driving at high
speed with a flat tire will cause excessive
heat build-up and possibly a fire.
Warning!
G
If ice has formed on the road, tire traction
will be substantially reduced. Under such
weather conditions, drive, steer and brake
with extreme caution.

202 OperationDriving instructionsTire speed rating
Regardless of the tire speed rating, local
speed limits should be obeyed. Use pru-
dent driving speeds appropriate to prevail-
ing conditions.ML 350
Your vehicle is factory equipped with
“H”-rated tires, which have a speed rating
of 130 mph (210 km / h).
An electronic speed limiter prevents your
vehicle from exceeding a speed of
130 mph (210 km / h).
ML 500
Your vehicle is factory equipped with
“V”-rated tires, which have a speed rating
of 149 mph (240 km / h).
An electronic speed limiter prevents your
vehicle from exceeding a speed of
130 mph (210 km / h).
Winter driving instructions
The most important rule for slippery or icy
roads is to drive sensibly and to avoid
abrupt acceleration, braking and steering
maneuvers. Do not use the cruise control
system under such conditions.
When the vehicle is in danger of skidding,
move gear selector lever to positionN. Try
to keep the vehicle under control by cor-
rective steering action.
!Avoid spinning of one drive wheel. This
may cause serious damage to the
drivetrain which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.Warning!
G
Even when permitted by law, never operate
a vehicle at speeds greater than the maxi-
mum speed rating of the tires.
Exceeding the maximum speed for which
tires are rated can lead to sudden tire fail-
ure, causing loss of vehicle control and pos-
sibly resulting in an accident and / or serious
injury and possible death, for you and for
others.
iFor information on speed ratings for
winter tires, see “Winter tires”
(page 235).
iFor information on driving with snow
chains, see “Snow chains”
(page 236).

231 Operation
Tires and wheels
Tires and wheels
See an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center for information on tested and
recommended rims and tires for summer
and winter operation. They can also offer
advice concerning tire service and pur-
chase.
Retreaded tires are not tested or recom-
mended by Mercedes-Benz, since previous
damage cannot always be recognized on
retreads. Mercedes-Benz can therefore
not assure the operating safety of the vehi-
cle when such tires are used.
See an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center for information on tested and
recommended rims and tires for summer
and winter operation.
Important guidelines

Only use sets of tires and rims of the
same type and make.


Tires must be of the correct size for the
rim.


Break in new tires for approximately
60 miles (100 km) at moderate
speeds.


Regularly check the tires and rims for
damage. Dented or bent rims can
cause tire pressure loss or damage to
the tire beads.


If vehicle is heavily loaded, check tire
pressure and correct as required.


Do not allow your tires to wear down
too far. Adhesion properties on wet
roads are sharply reduced at tread
depths under
1/8in (3 mm).


When replacing individual tires, you
should mount new tires on the front
wheels first.
Warning!
G
Replace rims or tires with the same designa-
tion, manufacturer and type as shown on the
original part. See an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center for fur-
ther information. If incorrectly sized rims
and tires are mounted:

The wheel brakes or suspension compo-
nents can be damaged.


The correct operating clearance of the
wheels and the tires are no longer guar-
anteed.
Warning!
G
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the
tire tread is badly worn, or if the tires have
sustained damage, replace them.
When replacing rims, use only genuine
Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts specified for the
particular rim type. Failure to do so can re-
sult in the bolts loosening and possibly an
accident.

235 Operation
Winter driving
Winter driving
Before the onset of winter, have your vehi-
cle winterized at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center. This
service includes:

Check of anticorrosion and antifreeze
concentration.


Addition of cleaning concentrate to the
water of the windshield and headlamp
cleaning system. Add MB Concentrate
“S” to a premixed windshield washer
solvent / antifreeze which is formulated
for temperatures below freezing point
(page 319).


Battery test. Battery capacity drops
with decreasing ambient temperature.
A well charged battery helps to make
sure that the engine can be started
even at low ambient temperatures.


Tire change. Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends M+S rated radial-ply tires with a
minimum tread depth of approximately 1/6in (4 mm) on all four wheels for the
winter season.
Winter tires
Always use winter tires at temperatures
below 45°F (7°C) and whenever wintry
road conditions prevail. Use of winter tires
is the only way to achieve the maximum ef-
fectiveness of the ABS, ESP, 4-ETS, and
EBP in winter operation.
For safe handling, make sure all winter
tires mounted are of the same make and
have the same tread design.Always observe the speed rating of the
winter tires installed on your vehicle. If the
maximum speed for which your tires are
rated is below the speed rating of your ve-
hicle, you must place a notice to this effect
where it will be seen by the driver. Such no-
tices are available at your tire dealer or any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center.Warning!
G
Winter tires with a tread depth under
1/6in
(4 mm) must be replaced. They are no long-
er suitable for winter operation.
Warning!
G
If you use your spare tire when winter tires
are fitted on the other wheels, be aware that
the difference in tire characteristics may
very well impair turning stability and that
overall driving stability may be reduced.
Adapt your driving style accordingly.
Have the spare tire replaced with a winter
tire at the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

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

348 IndexTightening torque 327
Tightening torque (Wheel bolts) 287
Tilt
Head restraint 38, 40
Tilt/sliding sunroof*
Closing 150
Opening 150
Synchronizing 152
Time
Setting hours 119
Setting minutes 119
Tire inflation pressure
Checking 221, 232
Tire speed rating 202, 327
Tire traction 201
Tires 307
Direction of rotation 232
Driving instructions 200
Retreads 231
Rims and tires 307
Service life 232
Temperature 233
Temperature grades 321
Tread depth 235
Wear pattern 233
Winter 235Tools 264
Vehicle jack 265
Vehicles with CD-changer* 265
Wheel bolt wrench 265
Tow-away alarm 29, 84
Arming 84
Disarming 84
Disarming for transport 84
Towing
Trailer 211
Towing a trailer 214
Automatic transmission 125
Towing eye
Front 295
Rear 295
Towing the vehicle 293
Stranded vehicle 296
Tracking services
For stolen vehicle 183
Traction 320, 327
Trailer
Attaching 213
Loading 212
Towing 214Trailer hitches 211
Trailer towing 211
Attaching a trailer 213
Checking weights 213
Electrical connections 212
Hitches 211
Loading 212
Weights and ratings 212
Trailer weights and ratings 212
Transfer case 327
Transmission control – LOW RANGE
mode 127
Switching off 127
Switching on 127
Transmission selector lever 270
Unlocking manually 270
Tread depth (tires) 235
Treadwear 320