transmission MERCEDES-BENZ ML350 2008 W164 Owner's Manual

Contents
Control system .................................. 147
Multifunction display .................... 147
Multifunction steering wheel ........ 148
Menus .......................................... 150
Standard display menu ................ 154
AMG menu ................................... 156
Off-road Mode menu .................... 159
AUDIO menu ................................ 160
NAV* menu .................................. 161
AIRMATIC*/Compass menu ........ 162
Vehicle status message
memory menu .............................. 162
Settings menu .............................. 163
Vehicle configuration ................... 177
Trip computer menu..................... 178
TEL* menu ................................... 180
Automatic transmission ..................... 183
Gear selector lever ....................... 183
Shifting procedure ....................... 186
Transmission positions................. 187
Driving tips ................................... 190
Gear ranges ................................. 192
Steering wheel gearshift control .. 193
Shift program (ML 63 AMG only).. 194
Emergency operation
(Limp-Home Mode) ...................... 197Transfer case ...................................... 198
Good visibility ..................................... 199
Headlamp cleaning system* ......... 199
Rear view mirrors .......................... 199
Power folding exterior
rear view mirrors* ......................... 200
Sun visors ..................................... 201
Rear window defroster .................. 203
Climate control ................................... 204
Deactivating the
climate control system ................. 208
Operating the climate control
system in automatic mode............ 208
Setting the temperature................ 209
Adjusting air distribution............... 209
Adjusting air volume ..................... 210
Front defroster.............................. 210
Air recirculation mode .................. 212
Air conditioning............................. 214
Residual heat and ventilation ........ 215
Rear climate control*.................... 2163-zone automatic climate control* ..... 218
Deactivating the
automatic climate
control system .............................. 222
Operating the automatic
climate control system
in automatic mode ........................ 223
Setting the temperature ............... 223
Adjusting air distribution .............. 224
Adjusting air volume ..................... 225
Front defroster ............................. 225
Maximum cooling MAXCOOL ........ 226
Air recirculation mode .................. 227
Air conditioning ............................ 229
Using driver-side settings
for all temperature zones.............. 229
Residual heat and ventilation........ 230
Rear automatic climate control..... 231
Power windows .................................. 235
Door windows ............................... 236
Synchronizing the door windows .. 237
Summer opening feature .............. 237
Convenience closing feature......... 238
Power tilt/sliding sunroof .................. 240
Opening and closing ..................... 240
Synchronizing ............................... 242

Contents
Oxidation catalyst
(diesel engine).............................. 335
Emission control .......................... 335
Coolant temperature .................... 336
At the gas station .............................. 337
Refueling ...................................... 337
Check regularly and
before a long trip.......................... 339
Engine compartment ......................... 341
Hood ............................................ 341
Engine oil ..................................... 343
Transmission fluid level ................ 345
Coolant level ................................ 345
Windshield/rear window
washer system and
headlamp cleaning system* ........ 346
Tires and wheels ................................ 348
Important guidelines .................... 348
Tire care and maintenance........... 349
Direction of rotation ..................... 351
Loading the vehicle ...................... 351
Recommended tire
inflation pressure ......................... 357
Checking tire inflation pressure ... 359
Tire labeling.................................. 370
Load identification ....................... 374DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) .............................................. 374
Maximum tire load ........................ 376
Maximum tire inflation pressure ... 376
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (U.S. vehicles) .............. 377
Tire ply material ............................ 379
Tire and loading terminology......... 379
Rotating tires ................................ 382
Winter driving ..................................... 384
Winter tires ................................... 384
Block heater (Canada only) ........... 385
Snow chains.................................. 385
Maintenance....................................... 386
Maintenance service indicator
message ....................................... 386
Calling up the maintenance
service indicator display ............... 388
Resetting the maintenance
service indicator ........................... 388
Vehicle care........................................ 389
Cleaning and care of the vehicle ... 389
Practical hints.................................. 399
What to do if … ................................... 400
Lamps in instrument cluster ......... 400
Lamp in center console ................ 411
Vehicle status messages in the
multifunction display .................... 413
Where will I find ...? ............................ 448
First aid kit.................................... 448
Vehicle tool kit.............................. 448
Minispare wheel
(except ML 63 AMG) ..................... 452
Collapsible tire
(ML 63 AMG only) ......................... 453
Unlocking/locking in an emergency .. 455
Unlocking the vehicle ................... 455
Locking the vehicle ....................... 456
Unlocking and opening
the tailgate ................................... 456
Fuel filler flap ................................ 457
Resetting activated head restraints.... 458
Vehicles without Rear seat
entertainment system*................. 458
Vehicles with Rear seat
entertainment system*................. 459
Replacing SmartKey batteries ............ 461

25 At a glance
Cockpit
ItemPage
1Cruise control lever245
2Instrument cluster26
3Multifunction steering
wheel30
4Horn
5Steering wheel gearshift
buttons193
6Gear selector lever for
automatic transmission54
7Front Parktronic* warning
indicators262
8Overhead control panel33
9Glove box release
Glove box lock279
280
ItemPage
aGlove box279
CD changer*279
AUX-socket1279
bPower outlet288
cCenter console31
dStarter switch40
eSteering wheel adjustment,
manual47
fHood lock release341
gParking brake release57
hParking brake pedal65
jPower tailgate switch*121
1Depending on vehicle configuration.
ItemPage
kDoor control panel36
lExterior lamp switch59,
135
mSteering wheel adjustment,
electrical*
Heated steering wheel*48
290
nCombination switch

High beam

Turn signals

Windshield wipers

Rear window wiper
139
59
60
60
62

29 At a glance
Instrument cluster
ItemPage
8Multifunction display with:

Trip odometer146

Main odometer147
9Tachometer with:
406
qPreglow indicator
lamp1
1Vehicles with Diesel engine only.
55
1Supplemental
Restraint System
(SRS) indicator lamp72,
410
?Engine malfunction
indicator lamp,
USA only403
±Engine malfunction
indicator lamp,
Canada only403
AHigh beam headlamp
indicator59,
139
ItemPage
aFuel gauge with:
Fuel tank reserve warning
lamp410
4Fuel filler flap indica-
tor: The fuel filler flap
is located on the rear
right-hand side.337
bMultifunction display
with:

Outside temperature
indicator or digital speed-
ometer (depending on
selected setting in the
control system)147,
168

Transmission position
indicator187

Gear range indicator192

Selected program mode
indicator1195
1AMG vehicles only.
ItemPage

Downhill Speed Regula-
tion (DSR) indicator251

Off-road driving program
indicator253

Rear window wiper
indicator62

Set speed for cruise
control246

40 Getting started
Unlocking
SmartKey
Starter switch
0For removing SmartKey
1Power supply for some electrical con-
sumers, such as seat adjustment
2Ignition (power supply for all electrical
consumers) and driving position
All lamps (except high beam headlamp
indicator lamp and turn signal indicator
lamps unless activated) in the instru-
ment cluster come on. If a lamp in the
instrument cluster fails to come on
when the ignition is switched on, have
it checked and replaced if necessary. If
a lamp in the instrument cluster re-mains on after starting the engine or
comes on while driving, refer to “Lamps
in instrument cluster” (
page 400).
3Starting position
iWhen you switch on the ignition, the indica-
tor and warning lamps (except high beam head-
lamp indicator lamp and turn signal indicator
lamps unless activated) in the instrument cluster
come on. The indicator and warning lamps (ex-
cept high beam headlamp indicator lamp and
turn signal indicator lamps if activated) will go
out when the engine is running. This indicates
that the respective systems are operational.
iIf the SmartKey does not belong to the
vehicle, the SmartKey can be turned in the start-
er switch. However, the ignition does not switch
on and the engine does not start.
iWhen the SmartKey is removed from the
starter switch and the automatic transmission is
in a position other thanP, the automatic trans-
mission automatically shifts toP.
!If the SmartKey cannot be turned in the
starter switch, the battery may not be sufficient-
ly charged.

Check the battery and charge it if necessary
(
page 489).

Get a jump start (page 497).
To prevent accelerated battery discharge or a
completely discharged battery, always remove
the SmartKey from the starter switch when the
engine is not in operation.

41 Getting started
Unlocking
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
Vehicles equipped with the KEYLESS-GO
feature are supplied with a SmartKey with
integrated KEYLESS-GO function and a
removable KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button.
With the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
inserted and the SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO present in the vehicle, press-
ing the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button

without the brake pedal depressed
corresponds to the various starter
switch positions (
page 42)

with the brake pedal firmly depressed
will start the engine (
page 54)
If you wish or should there be a need to
insert the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO in
the starter switch, the KEYLESS-GO
start/stop button can be easily removed
by pulling it out of the starter switch.1KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
2Starter switch
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
3USA only
4Canada only
The SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO must be
located in the vehicle.
Insert KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button1 into starter switch2 (if not
inserted already).
Make sure the automatic transmission
is set toP (
page 185).
Do not depress the brake pedal.
iThe KEYLESS-GO start/stop button does
not need to be removed from the starter switch
when you leave the vehicle. However, always
take the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO with you
when you leave the vehicle. As long as the
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO is in the vehicle, the
vehicle’s electrical systems can be switched on
or the engine can be started using the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button.

54 Getting started
Driving
Starting the engine Automatic transmission
Gearshift pattern for automatic
transmission
PPark position
RReverse gear
NNeutral
DDrive position
For more information on how to operate
the gear selector lever, see “Automatic
transmission” (
page 183).
Warning!G
Do not pass belts over sharp edges. They
could tear.
Do not allow the belt to get caught in the
door or in the seat adjustment mechanism.
This could damage the belt.
Never attempt to make modifications to
seat belts. This could impair the effective-
ness of the belts.
Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may
severely weaken them. In a crash, they may
not be able to provide adequate protection.
Damaged seat belts or belts that were highly
stressed in an accident must be replaced.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center.Warning!G
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to
your health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can cause un-
consciousness and possible death.
Do not run the engine in confined areas
(such as a garage) which are not properly
ventilated. If you think that exhaust gas
fumes are entering the vehicle while driving,
have the cause determined and corrected
immediately. If you must drive under these
conditions, drive only with at least one win-
dow fully open.

55 Getting started
Driving
Starting with the SmartKey
For information on turning off the engine
with the SmartKey, see “Turning off the en-
gine” (
page 66).
Gasoline engine
Make sure the automatic transmission
is set toP.
The transmission position indicator in
the multifunction display should be
on
P (page 147).
Do not depress the accelerator.
Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch
to position3 (
page 39) and hold until
the engine starts.Diesel engine
Make sure the automatic transmission
is set toP.
The transmission position indicator in
the multifunction display should be
on
P (page 147).
Do not depress the accelerator.
Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch
to position2 (
page 40).
Preglow indicator lampqin the
instrument cluster comes on.
As soon as preglow indicator
lampq goes out, turn the SmartKey
in the starter switch to position3
(
page 40) and release it.
The engine starts automatically.Starting with KEYLESS-GO*
You can start your vehicle without the
SmartKey in the starter switch using the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button in the
starter switch.
The SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO must be
located in the vehicle.
iYou can also use the “touch-start” function.
Turn the SmartKey to position3 and release it
again immediately. The engine then starts auto-
matically.
iIf the engine is at operating temperature,
preglow indicator lampqmay not stay on
and you can start the engine without preglowing.
Warning!G
As long as the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO
is in your vehicle, the vehicle can be started.
Therefore, never leave children unattended
in the vehicle, as they could otherwise acci-
dentally start the engine.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO with you and
lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unat-
tended in the vehicle, or with access to an
unlocked vehicle.

56 Getting started
Driving
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
1USA only
2Canada only
Make sure KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button1 is inserted in the starter
switch (
page 41).
For information on turning off the engine
with KEYLESS-GO, see “Turning off with
KEYLESS-GO*” (
page 67).Gasoline engine
Make sure the automatic transmission
is set toP.
The transmission position indicator in
the multifunction display should be
on
P (page 147).
Depress the brake pedal during the
starting procedure.
Do not depress the accelerator.
Press KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button1 once.
The engine starts if the SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO is in the vehicle.Diesel engine
Make sure the automatic transmission
is set toP.
The transmission position indicator in
the multifunction display should be
on
P.
Depress the brake pedal during the
starting procedure.
Do not depress the accelerator.
Press KEYLESS-GO start / stop
button1 once.
The engine preglows and starts if the
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO is in the
vehicle.
iIf you wish to start the engine using the
SmartKey instead of the KEYLESS-GO feature,
remove the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button from
the starter switch (
page 41).
iIf the engine is at operating temperature,
the time the engine needs to preglow is reduced.

58 Getting started
Driving
Driving off
Depress the brake pedal.
The gear selector lever can now be
used.
Shift automatic transmission toD orR
(
page 185).
Release the brake pedal.
Carefully depress the accelerator
pedal.After a cold start, the automatic transmis-
sion shifts at a higher engine revolution.
This allows the catalytic converter (gaso-
line engine) or the oxidation catalyst (die-
sel engine) to reach its operating
temperature earlier.
iWait for the gear selection process to com-
plete before setting the vehicle in motion.
iShifting from gear positionP to positionR,
N, orD is only possible with the brake pedal
depressed. Without the brake pedal depressed,
the gear selector lever can be moved, but the
parking pawl remains engaged, not allowing
shifting to occur.
!If you hear a warning signal and the
message
Release Parking Brake appears in
the multifunction display when driving off, you
have forgotten to release the parking brake.
Release the parking brake (
page 57).
iOnce the vehicle is in motion, the automatic
central locking system engages and the locking
knobs drop down.
The automatic door lock feature can be
deactivated (
page 175).
You can open a locked door from the inside.
Open door only when conditions are safe to do
so.
Warning!G
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift
in order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehi-
cle control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not pre-
vent this type of loss of control.
Warning!G
It is dangerous to shift the automatic trans-
mission out ofP orN if the engine speed is
higher than idle speed. If your foot is not
firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could
accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You
could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear
when the engine is idling normally and when
your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.