fuel MERCEDES-BENZ ML350 2006 W163 Owner's Manual

ContentsDriving systems ................................. 238
Cruise control............................... 238
Downhill Speed Regulation
(DSR) ............................................ 243
Off-road driving program .............. 248
Air suspension package* ............. 249
Adaptive Damping System
(ADS)* .......................................... 249
Vehicle level control* ................... 250
Parktronic* system
(Parking assist) ............................. 254
Loading .............................................. 259
Loading instructions ..................... 259
,Split rear bench seat ................... 261
Partition net* ............................... 263
Cargo compartment cover*.......... 265
Cargo management system*........ 265
Roof rack* .................................... 269Useful features .................................. 270
Storage compartments ................ 270
Cup holders.................................. 274
Armrest in rear seat bench........... 275
Ashtrays* ..................................... 275
Cigarette lighter* ......................... 277
12-V sockets ................................ 277
Floormats* ................................... 279
Telephone* .................................. 279
Tele Aid* ...................................... 280
Garage door opener ..................... 289
Compass ...................................... 295
Infrared reflecting windshield* ..... 296
Operation......................................... 297
The first 1000 miles (1500 km) ......... 298
Driving instructions ........................... 299
Drive sensibly – save fuel............. 299
Drinking and driving ..................... 299
Pedals .......................................... 299
Power assistance ......................... 299
Brakes.......................................... 300
Driving off .................................... 301
Parking......................................... 301
Tires ............................................. 302
Hydroplaning................................ 303
Tire traction ................................. 303
Tire speed rating .......................... 303
Winter driving instructions ........... 304
Standing water............................. 305
Off-road driving ............................ 306
Trailer towing ............................... 314
Passenger compartment .............. 319
Driving abroad ............................. 319
Control and operation of radio
transmitters ................................. 320
Catalytic converter....................... 320
Emission control .......................... 321
Coolant temperature.................... 322

Contents
At the gas station .............................. 323
Refueling ...................................... 323
Check regularly and
before a long trip.......................... 324
Engine compartment ......................... 326
Hood ............................................ 326
Engine oil ..................................... 327
Transmission fluid level ................ 332
Coolant level ................................ 332
Windshield/rear window
washer system and
headlamp cleaning system* ........ 333
Tires and wheels ................................ 335
Important guidelines .................... 335
Tire care and maintenance........... 336
Direction of rotation ..................... 338
Loading the vehicle ...................... 338
Recommended tire
inflation pressure ......................... 345
Checking tire inflation pressure ... 347
Tire labeling.................................. 355
Load identification ....................... 359
DOT, Tire Identification
Number (TIN) ............................... 360Maximum tire load ........................ 361
Maximum tire inflation pressure ... 362
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (U.S. vehicles) .............. 362
Tire ply material ............................ 364
Tire and loading terminology......... 365
Rotating tires ................................ 368
Winter driving ..................................... 369
Winter tires ................................... 369
Block heater (Canada only) ........... 370
Snow chains.................................. 370
Maintenance....................................... 371
Clearing the maintenance
service indicator ........................... 372
Maintenance service
term exceeded .............................. 372
Calling up the service indicator..... 372
Resetting the
maintenance service indicator ...... 373
Vehicle care........................................ 374
Cleaning and care of the vehicle ... 374
Practical hints.................................. 381
What to do if … ................................... 382
Lamps in instrument cluster ......... 382
Lamp in center console ................ 393
Vehicle status messages in the
multifunction display .................... 395
Where will I find ...? ............................ 430
First aid kit.................................... 430
Vehicle tool kit.............................. 430
Spare wheel .................................. 433
Unlocking/locking in an emergency .. 435
Unlocking the vehicle ................... 435
Locking the vehicle ....................... 436
Unlocking and opening
the tailgate ................................... 437
Fuel filler flap ................................ 438
Opening/closing in an emergency ..... 439
Power tilt/sliding sunroof* ........... 439
Replacing SmartKey batteries ............ 440
SmartKey ...................................... 440
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* ....... 441

Contents
Replacing bulbs ................................. 443
Bulbs ............................................ 443
Replacing bulbs for front lamps ... 445
Replacing bulbs for rear lamps..... 450
Adjusting headlamp aim............... 451
Replacing wiper blades ...................... 453
Removing front wiper blades........ 453
Installing front wiper blades ......... 453
Removing rear wiper blade........... 454
Installing rear wiper blade ............ 455
Flat tire .............................................. 456
Preparing the vehicle ................... 456
Mounting the spare wheel............ 457
Battery ............................................... 462
Disconnecting, removing,
reinstalling and
reconnecting the battery.............. 464
Charging the battery .................... 469
Jump starting ..................................... 470
Towing the vehicle ............................. 472
Installing towing eye bolt ............. 474
Stranded vehicle .......................... 476Fuses .................................................. 477
Aids for changing fuses................. 478
Main fuse box ............................... 478
Fuse box in
cargo compartment ...................... 479
Fuse box in
passenger compartment ............... 479
Technical data.................................. 481
Parts service....................................... 482
Warranty coverage ............................. 483
Loss of Service and Warranty
Information Booklet ...................... 483
Identification labels ............................ 484
Layout of poly-V-belt drive .................. 485
ML 350 ......................................... 485
ML 500 ......................................... 485
Engine ................................................ 486
Rims and tires .................................... 487
Rims and tires ............................... 488
Minispare wheel............................ 489Electrical system ................................ 490
Main Dimensions................................ 491
Weights .............................................. 492
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc. .......... 493
Capacities ..................................... 493
Engine oils .................................... 495
Engine oil additives ....................... 495
Air conditioning refrigerant ........... 495
Brake fluid .................................... 495
Premium unleaded gasoline.......... 496
Fuel requirements......................... 496
Gasoline additives......................... 497
Coolants ....................................... 497
Windshield washer and
headlamp cleaning* system ......... 500
Windshield and headlamp
washer fluid mixing ratio............... 500
Technical terms............................... 501Index................................................. 507

13 Introduction
Operator’s Manual
Change of address or ownership
If you change your address, be sure to
send in the “Change of Address Notice”
found in the Service and Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet, or simply call the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center (in the USA) at
1-800-FOR-MERCedes, or Customer Ser-
vice (in Canada) at 1-800-387-0100. It is in
your own interest that we can contact you
should the need arise.
If you sell your Mercedes, please leave all
literature with the vehicle to make it avail-
able to the next operator.
If you bought this vehicle used, be sure to
send in the “Notice of Purchase of Used
Truck” found in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet, or call the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Cen-
ter (in the USA) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes,
or Customer Service (in Canada) at
1-800-387-0100.Operating your vehicle outside the USA
or Canada
If you plan to operate your vehicle in for-
eign countries, please be aware that:

service facilities or replacement parts
may not be readily available,


unleaded gasoline for vehicles with cat-
alytic converters may not be available;
the use of leaded fuels will damage the
catalysts,


gasoline may have a considerably low-
er octane rating, and improper fuel can
cause engine damage.Certain Mercedes-Benz models are avail-
able for delivery in Europe under our Euro-
pean Delivery Program. For details, consult
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center or write to:
In the USA:
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
European Delivery Department
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada:
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
European Delivery Department
98 Vanderhoof Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M4G 4C9

25 At a glance
Instrument cluster
Item
Page
1
LLeft turn signal
indicator lamp
2
To dim instrument cluster
illumination
148
3
Reset button for:Adjusting instrument cluster
illumination
148
4
Multifunction display with:Trip odometer
150
Main odometer
150
5
To brighten instrument clus-
ter illumination
148
6
KRight turn signal
indicator lamp
7
Tachometer with: 388
Item
Page
1Supplemental
Restraint System
(SRS) indicator lamp
390
?Engine malfunction
indicator lamp,
USA only
385
±Engine malfunction
indicator lamp,
Canada only
385
AHigh beam headlamp
indicator
54
8
Fuel gauge with:Fuel tank reserve warning
lamp
388
9
Multifunction display
with:Outside temperature display
150
Gear position indicator
185
Item
Page
a
Clock
b
Speedometer with:-Antilock Brake Sys-
tem (ABS) indicator
lamp
382
;Brake warning lamp,
USA only
383
3Brake warning lamp,
Canada only
383
vESP
® warning lamp
387
lDistance warning
lamp
Warning lamp without
function. It illuminates when
the ignition is on. It should
go out when the engine is
running.HCombination low tire
pressure/TPMS mal-
function telltale*
391

51 Getting started
Driving

Press KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button1 once.
The engine starts if the SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO is in the vehicle.
For information on turning off the engine
with KEYLESS-GO, see “Turning off with
KEYLESS-GO*” (
page 63).Starting difficulties
If the engine does not start as described,
carry out the following steps:

If you are starting the engine with the
SmartKey, turn SmartKey in starter
switch to position0 and repeat starting
procedure.

If you are starting the engine with
KEYLESS-GO*: Close any doors that
may be open to allow for better
detection of the SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO*.
Or:

Remove KEYLESS-GO* start/stop but-
ton from starter switch.

Start the engine with the SmartKey as
radio signals from another source may
be interfering with the SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO*.

Repeat the starting procedure
(page 49). Remember that extended
starting attempts can drain the battery.

Get a jump start (
page 470).
If the engine does not start after several
starting attempts, there could be a mal-
function in the engine electronics or in the
fuel supply system.

Notify an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Light Truck Center.
iIf you wish to start the engine using the
SmartKey instead of the KEYLESS-GO
feature, remove the KEYLESS-GO*
start/stop button from starter switch
(page 35).

59 Getting started
Driving
The coolant temperature is above
248°F (120°C)
The coolant is too hot and is no longer
cooling the engine.
Stop the vehicle as soon as possible
and turn off the engine. Allow engine
and coolant to cool.

Check the coolant level and add cool-
ant if necessary (
page 332).In case of accident
If the vehicle is leaking fuel:

Do not start the engine under any
circumstances.

Notify local fire and/or police authori-
ties.
If the extent of the damage cannot be de-
termined:

Notify an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Light Truck Center.
If no damage can be determined on the


major assemblies


fuel system


engine mount:

Start the engine in the usual manner.

106 Controls in detailIn the “Controls in detail” section you will
find detailed information on how to oper-
ate the equipment installed in your vehicle.
If you are already familiar with the basic
functions of your vehicle, this section will
be of particular interest to you.
To quickly familiarize yourself with the ba-
sic functions of the vehicle, refer to the
“Getting started” section of this manual.
The corresponding page numbers are
given at the beginning of each segment.Locking and unlocking
For more information on locking and un-
locking, see “Getting started” (
page 31)
and (
page 62).
SmartKey
Your vehicle comes supplied with two
SmartKeys, each with remote control and
a removable mechanical key.
The locking tabs for the mechanical key
portion of the two SmartKeys are a differ-
ent color to help distinguish each
SmartKey unit.
The SmartKey provides an extended oper-
ating range. To prevent theft, however, it is
advisable to only unlock the vehicle when
you are in close proximity to it.
The SmartKey centrally locks and unlocks:

the doors


the tailgate


the fuel filler flap
SmartKey with remote control1‹Lock button
2ŠUnlock button* for tailgate
3Locking tab for mechanical key
4ŒUnlock button
5Battery check lamp
6ÂPanic button (
page 91)

108 Controls in detailLocking and unlockingFactory setting
Global unlocking
Press buttonŒ.
All turn signal lamps flash once. The
locking knobs in the doors move up.
The anti-theft alarm system is dis-
armed.
The vehicle will lock again automatically
and reactivate the anti-theft alarm system
within approximately 40 seconds of un-
locking if:


neither door nor tailgate is opened


the SmartKey is not inserted in the
starter switch


the central locking switch is not acti-
vatedGlobal locking

Press button‹.
All turn signal lamps flash three times.
The locking knobs in the doors move
down. The anti-theft alarm system is
armed.
Selective setting
If you frequently travel alone, you may wish
to reprogram the SmartKey so that
pressingŒ only unlocks the driver’s
door and the fuel filler flap.

Press and hold buttonsŒ and‹
simultaneously for about five seconds
until battery check lamp5 flashes
twice.
The SmartKey will then function as fol-
lows:Unlocking driver’s door and fuel filler
flap

Press buttonΠonce.
All turn signal lamps flash once. The
locking knob in the driver’s door moves
up. The anti-theft alarm system is
disarmed.
Global unlocking

Press buttonΠtwice.
All turn signal lamps flash once. The
locking knobs in the doors move up.
The anti-theft alarm system is
disarmed.
Global locking

Press button‹.
All turn signal lamps flash three times.
The locking knobs in the doors move
down. The anti-theft alarm system is
armed.

110 Controls in detailLocking and unlockingLoss of SmartKey or mechanical key
If you lose a SmartKey or mechanical key,
you should do the following:
Have the SmartKey deactivated by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center.

Report the loss of the SmartKey or the
mechanical key immediately to your
car insurance company.

If necessary, have the mechanical lock
replaced.
Your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center will be glad to supply you
with a replacement.
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
Vehicles equipped with KEYLESS-GO come
with two SmartKeys with KEYLESS-GO,
each with remote control and a removable
mechanical key.
The locking tabs for the mechanical key
portion of the two SmartKeys with
KEYLESS-GO are a different color to help
distinguish each SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO unit.
The KEYLESS-GO function is integrated
into the SmartKey. On these vehicles, the
validity of the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO
is checked when you grasp a door handle
for locking or unlocking.
If the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO is valid,
your vehicle unlocks:

the doors


the tailgate


the fuel filler flap
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*1‹ Lock button
2Š Unlock button* for tailgate
3Mechanical key
4ΠUnlock button
5Battery check lamp
6Â Panic button (
page 91)