tire pressure MERCEDES-BENZ ML350 2006 W163 Owner's Manual

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

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

93 Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
Driving safety systems
In 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)


ESP (E
lectronic S
tability P
rogram)
®


EBP (E
lectronic B
rake P
roportioning)


4-ETS (E
lectronic T
raction S
ystem)
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 to light brake pressure.
The -indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster (
page 25) comes on when you
switch on the ignition. 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 (
page 369)
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 re-
duce 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.

94 Safety and SecurityDriving safety systemsBraking
At the instant one of the wheels is about to
lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in the
brake pedal, indicating that the ABS is in
the regulating mode.
Keep firm and steady pressure on the
brake pedal while experiencing the pul-
sation.
Continuous, steady brake pedal pressure
yields the advantages provided by the ABS,
namely braking power and ability to steer
the vehicle.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions
and functions as a reminder to take extra
care while driving.Emergency brake maneuver

Keep continuous full pressure on the
brake pedal.
Off-road – ABS
With the off-road driving program switched
on (page 248), the ABS designed for
off-road use is automatically activated.
When applying the brakes at speeds below
approximately 18 mph (30 km/h), the
front wheels are locked cyclically to short-
en the braking distance (dig-in effect). This
affects steering the vehicle.For more information, see “Practical hints”
(
page 381).
iWith the ABS malfunctioning, the BAS,
the ESP
®, and the 4-ETS are also
switched off.
The basic driving and braking functions
are still available.
Warning!
G
The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase braking or steering efficiency be-
yond that afforded by the condition of the
vehicle brakes and tires or the traction
afforded. The ABS cannot prevent acci-
dents, including those resulting from exces-
sive speed in turns, following another
vehicle too closely, or hydroplaning. Only a
safe, attentive, and skillful driver can pre-
vent accidents. The capabilities of an ABS
equipped vehicle must never be exploited in
a reckless or dangerous manner which
could jeopardize the user’s safety or the
safety of others.

95 Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
BAS
The Brake Assist System (BAS) operates in
emergency situations. If you apply the
brakes very quickly, the BAS automatically
provides full brake boost, thereby poten-
tially reducing braking distance. Apply con-
tinuous full braking pressure until the
emergency braking situation is over. The
ABS will prevent the wheels from locking.
When you release the brake pedal, the
brakes function again as normal. The BAS
is then deactivated.
ESP
®
The Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
® is
operational as soon as the engine is run-
ning. It monitors the vehicle’s traction
(force of adhesive friction between the
tires and the road surface) and handling.
The ESP
® recognizes when a wheel is
spinning or if the vehicle starts to skid. By
applying brakes to the appropriate wheel
and by limiting engine output, the ESP
®
works to stabilize the vehicle. The ESP® is
especially useful while driving off and on
wet or slippery road surfaces. The ESP®
also helps stabilize the vehicle during
braking maneuvers.
The ESP
® warning lampv in the instru-
ment cluster flashes when the ESP
® is en-
gaged.
The ESP
® warning lampv in the instru-
ment cluster come on when you switch on
the ignition. It goes out when the engine is
running.
Warning!
G
If the BAS is malfunctioning, the brake sys-
tem is still functioning, but without the addi-
tional brake boost available that BAS would
normally provide in an emergency braking
maneuver. Therefore, the braking distance
may increase.
Warning!
G
The BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase braking efficiency beyond that
afforded by the condition of the vehicle
brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
The BAS cannot prevent accidents, includ-
ing those resulting from excessive speed in
turns, following another vehicle too closely,
or hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and
skillful driver can prevent accidents. The
capabilities of a BAS equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or danger-
ous manner which could jeopardize the
user’s safety or the safety of others.

154 Controls in detailControl systemMenus, submenus and functions
Menu1
Menu2
Menu3
Menu4
Menu5
Menu6
Standard display
AUDIO
NAV*
Off-road
Vehicle status
message memory
Settings
(page 156)
(page 157)
(page 158)
(page 159)
(page 159)
(page 161)
Commands/submenusTrip odometer and
Main odometer
Select radio station
Show route guid-
ance instructions,
current direction
traveled
Compass
Call up vehicle mal-
function, warning
and system status
messages stored in
memory
Reset to factory set-
tings
Check tire inflation
pressure
Select satellite radio*
station
Vehicle level*
Instrument cluster
submenu
Check coolant temper-
ature
Operate CD player
Time/Date sub-
menu
Digital speedometer/
outside temperature
Lighting submenu
Call up maintenance
service indicator
Vehicle submenu
Check engine oil level*
Convenience sub-
menu

156 Controls in detailControl systemStandard display menu
In basic mode, the multifunction display
shows the trip odometer and the main
odometer. This is known as the standard
display.
1Trip odometer
2Main odometer
In case you see another display, press
buttonè orÿ repeatedly until the
standard display appears.
Press buttonk orj to select
the functions in the standard display
menu.The following functions are available:
Call up digital speedometer

Press buttonk orj until the
digital speedometer or the outside
temperature appears in the multifunc-
tion display.
To select whether the digital speedometer
or the outside temperature is shown in the
multifunction display, see “Selecting dis-
play (speed display or outside tempera-
ture) for status display” (
page 165).Call up coolant temperature display

Press buttonk orj repeatedly
until the coolant temperature appears
in the multifunction display.
Function
Page
Check engine oil level (ML 500)
328
Call up maintenance service
indicator
371
Call up digital speedometer
156
Call up coolant temperature
display
156
Check tire inflation pressure
347
iDuring severe operating conditions,
e.g. stop-and-go traffic, the coolant
temperature may rise close to 248°F
(120°C).!The engine should not be operated with
the coolant temperature above 248°F
(120°C). Doing so may cause serious
engine damage which is not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

299 Operation
Driving instructions
Driving instructions
Drive sensibly – save fuel
Fuel consumption, to a great extent, de-
pends on driving habits and operating con-
ditions.
To save fuel you should:

Keep tires at the recommended infla-
tion pressures.


Remove unnecessary loads.


Remove roof rack when not in use.


Allow engine to warm up under low
load use.


Avoid frequent acceleration and decel-
eration.


Have all maintenance work performed
at the intervals specified in the
Maintenance Booklet and as required
by the Maintenance System (U.S. vehi-
cles) or FSS (Canada vehicles). Contact
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center.Fuel consumption is also increased by
driving in cold weather, in stop-and-go traf-
fic, on short trips and in hilly areas.
Drinking and driving
PedalsPower assistance
Warning!
G
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs
and driving are a very dangerous combina-
tion. Even a small amount of alcohol or
drugs can affect your reflexes, perceptions
and judgment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal
accident are greatly increased when you
drink or take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or
taking drugs.
Warning!
G
Keep driver’s foot area clear at all times. Ob-
jects stored in this area may impair pedal
movement.Warning!
G
With the engine is not running, there is no
power assistance for the brake and steering
systems. In this case, it is important to keep
in mind that a considerably higher degree of
effort is necessary to brake and steer the ve-
hicle.

302 OperationDriving instructionsTiresTreadwear indicators (TWI) are required by
law. These indicators are located in six
places on the tread circumference and
become visible at a tread depth of
approximately
1/16
in (1.6 mm), at which
point the tire is considered worn and
should be replaced.
The treadwear indicator appears as a solid
band across the tread.Specified tire inflation pressures must be
maintained. This applies particularly if the
tires are subjected to high loads (e.g. high
speeds, heavy loads, high ambient temper-
atures).
For more information, see “Tires and
wheels” (
page 335).


Turn the SmartKey to starter switch
position0 and remove, or press
KEYLESS-GO* start/stop button (vehi-
cles with KEYLESS-GO*).


Take the SmartKey or the SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* with you and lock vehicle
when leaving.
Warning!
G
If you feel a sudden significant vibration or
ride disturbance, or you suspect that possi-
ble damage to your vehicle has occurred,
you should turn on the hazard warning flash-
ers, carefully slow down, and drive with cau-
tion to an area which is a safe distance from
the road.
Inspect the tires and the vehicle underbody
for possible damage. If the vehicle or tires
appear unsafe, have it towed to the nearest
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center or tire
dealer for repairs.
Warning!
G
Although the applicable federal motor
vehicle safety laws consider a tire to be
worn when the treadwear indicators (TWI)
become visible at approximately
1/16in
(1.6 mm), we recommend that you do not
allow 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.


308 OperationDriving instructionsTires

Check the tread depth and maintain
specified tire inflation pressure
(a placard with the recommended tire
inflation pressures is located on the
driver’s door B-pillar).


Check tires for possible damage and
remove foreign objects.


Replace missing valve caps.
Rims


Dented or bent rims can cause tire in-
flation pressure loss and damage the
tire beads. For this reason, check and,
if necessary, change rims before driv-
ing off-road.
Vehicle tool kit


Check if the vehicle jack is functional.


In all cases take the vehicle tool kit, a
strong tow rope, a shovel and a small
plank (to put under the vehicle jack on
sandy soil) with you.Driving in steep terrain
Slope angle1 Overhange angle, front
2Overhange angle, rear


Switch to Off-road driving program
(page 248) before starting to drive
up or down steep inclines.


Driving on embankments, slopes and
other steep inclines should only be
done straight up or downhill, i.e. in the
line of gravity. Maximum vehicle climb-
ing ability is a 100% grade which is
equivalent to a slope angle of
45 degrees. Keep in mind that the
climbing ability of the vehicle depends
on terrain conditions.


Do not drive along the side of a slope
(danger of vehicle rollover). If in doing
so the vehicle begins to show a tenden-
cy to roll, immediately steer into a line
of gravity (straight up or downhill).
Vehicle with steel
suspension
1
2
31°
29°
Vehicle with Air
suspension
package*
1
2
Raised level
34°
31°
Highway
29°
26°