MERCEDES-BENZ ML500 2006 W163 Owner's Manual

500 Technical dataFuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.Windshield washer and headlamp cleaning* system
Both the windshield washer and headlamp
cleaning* system are supplied from the
windshield washer fluid reservoir.
The windshield and headlamp washer fluid
reservoir has a capacity of approx.
8.1 US qt (7.7 l).

Refill the reservoir with MB Windshield
Washer Concentrate “S” and water (or
concentrate and commercially avail-
able premixed windshield washer sol-
vent/antifreeze, depending on ambient
temperatures).Windshield and headlamp washer fluid
mixing ratio
For temperatures above freezing point, use
MB Windshield Washer Concentrate “S”
and water:

1 part “S” to 100 parts water
(1.34 fl oz [40 ml] “S” to 1 gallon [4.0 l]
water)
For temperatures below freezing point, use
MB Windshield Washer Concentrate “S”
and commercially available premixed
windshield washer solvent/antifreeze:


1 part “S” to 100 parts solvent
(1.34 fl oz [40 ml]“S” to 1 gallon [4.0 l]
solvent)
Warning!
G
Washer solvent/antifreeze is highly flamma-
ble. Do not spill washer solvent/antifreeze
on hot engine parts, because it may ignite
and burn. You could be seriously burned.

501 Technical terms
ABS
(A
ntilock B
rake S
ystem)
Prevents the wheels from locking up
during braking so that the vehicle can
continue to be steered.
Accessory weight
(
page 365)
ADS*
(Adaptive D
amping S
ystem*)
Automatically adapts the optimum sus-
pension damping to prevailing driving
conditions.
Air suspension*
Automatically selects the optimum sus-
pension tuning and ride height for your
vehicle. Air suspension consists of two
components:


Adaptive Damping System


Vehicle level control
Air pressure
(
page 365)Alignment bolt
Metal pin with thread. The centering
pin is an aid used when changing a tire
to align the wheel with the wheel hub.
Aspect ratio
(
page 365)
Bar
(page 365)
BAS
(Brake A
ssist S
ystem)
System for potentially reducing braking
distances in emergency braking situa-
tions. The system is activated when it
senses an emergency based on how
fast the brake is applied.
Bead
(
page 365)
Bi-Xenon headlamps*
Headlamps which use an electric arc as
the light source and produce a more
intense light than filament headlamps.
Bi-Xenon headlamps produce low
beam and high beam.CAC
(C
ustomer A
ssistance C
enter)
Mercedes-Benz customer service
center, which can help you with any
questions about your vehicle and
provide assistance in the event of a
breakdown.
CAN system
(C
ontroller A
rea N
etwork)
Data bus network serving to control
vehicle functions such as door locking
or windshield wiping.
Cockpit
All instruments, switches, buttons and
indicator/warning lamps in the
passenger compartment needed for
vehicle operation and monitoring.
Cold tire inflation pressure
(
page 365)

502 Technical termsControl system
The control system is used to call up
vehicle information and to change
component settings. Information and
messages appear in the multifunction
display. The driver uses the buttons on
the multifunction steering wheel to
navigate through the system and to ad-
just settings.
Cruise control
Driving convenience system for
automatically maintaining the vehicle
speed set by the driver.
Curb weight
(
page 365)
DOT
(Department o
f Transportation)
(
page 365)
DSR
(Downhill S
peed R
egulation)
Driving convenience system for auto-
matically maintaining the vehicle speed
on downhill driving.Engine number
The number set by the manufacturer
and placed on the cylinder block to
uniquely identify each engine
produced.
Engine 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
®(Electronic 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
system’s threshold to tighten the seat
belts.
->SRSFSS PLUS (Canada vehicles)
(F
lexible S
ervice S
ystem PLUS)
Maintenance service indicator in the
multifunction 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
maintenance service, and calls for the
next maintenance 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.

503 Technical terms
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.
GPS
(G
lobal P
ositioning S
ystem)
Satellite-based system for relaying
geographic location information to and
from vehicles equipped with special re-
ceivers. Employs CD or DVD digital
maps for navigation.
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.
Instrument cluster
The displays and indicator/warning
lamps in the driver’s field of vision, in-
cluding the tachometer, speedometer,
engine temperature and fuel gauge.
KEYLESS-GO*
System for entering and operating the
vehicle without the use of a SmartKey.
Kickdown
Depressing the accelerator past the
point of resistance shifts the transmis-
sion down to the lowest possible gear.
This very quickly accelerates the vehi-
cle and should not be used for normal
acceleration needs.
Kilopascal (kPa)
(
page 366)Line of fall
The direct line that an object moves
downhill when influenced by the force
of gravity alone.
Locking knob
Knob on the door which indicates
whether the door is locked or un-
locked. Pushing the locking knob down
on an individual door from inside will
lock that door.
Maintenance System (U.S. vehicles)
Maintenance service indicator in the
multifunction display that informs the
driver when the next vehicle mainte-
nance service is due. The Maintenance
System in your vehicle tracks distance
driven and the time elapsed since your
last maintenance service, and calls for
the next maintenance service accord-
ingly.
Maximum load rating
(
page 366)
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(page 366)

504 Technical termsMaximum tire inflation pressure
(
page 366)
Modular COMAND System
Information and operating center for
vehicle sound and communications
systems, including the radio and the ra-
dio and navigation system, as well as
for other optional equipment (CD
changer, telephone, etc.).
Memory function*
Used to store three individual seat,
steering wheel and exterior mirror
positions.
MON
(Motor O
ctane N
umber)
The Motor Octane Number for gasoline
as determined by a standardized meth-
od. It is an indication of a gasoline’s
ability to resist undesired detonation
(knocking). The average of both the
MON (Motor Octane Number) and
->RON (Research Octane Number) is
posted at the pump, also known as
ANTI-KNOCK INDEX.Multifunction display
The display field in the instrument clus-
ter used to present information provid-
ed by the control system.
Multifunction steering wheel
Steering wheel with buttons for operat-
ing the control system.
Normal occupant weight
(
page 366)
OCS
(Occupant C
lassification S
ystem)
The system automatically turns the
front passenger front air bag on or off
based on the classified occupant size
category determined by weight sensor
readings from the seat.
Overspeed range
Engine speeds within the red marking
on the tachometer dial. Avoid this en-
gine speed range, as it may result in se-
rious engine damage that is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.Parktronic (Parking assist)*
System which uses visual and acoustic
signals to assist the driver during park-
ing maneuvers.
Poly-V-belt drive
Drives engine-components (alternator,
AC compressor, etc.) from the engine.
Power train
Collective term designating all compo-
nents used to generate and transmit
motive power to the drive axles, includ-
ing


Engine


Clutch/torque converter


Transmission


Transfer case


Drive shaft


Differential


Axle shafts/axles

505 Technical terms
Production options weight
(
page 366)
PSI
(P
ounds per s
quare i
nch) (
page 366)
Recommended tire inflation pressure
(
page 366)
REST
(Residual engine heat utilization)
Feature that uses the engine heat
stored in the coolant to heat the vehi-
cle interior for a short time after the en-
gine has been turned off.
Restraint systems
Seat belts, belt tensioner, air bags and
child restraints, lower anchors and
tethers for children (LATCH). As inde-
pendent systems, their protective func-
tions complement one another.
Rim
(page 367)RON
(R
esearch O
ctane N
umber)
The Research Octane Number for gaso-
line as determined by a standardized
method. It is an indication of a gaso-
line’s ability to resist undesired detona-
tion (knocking). The average of both
the ->MON (Motor Octane Number)
and RON (Research Octane Number) is
posted at the pump, also known as
ANTI-KNOCK INDEX.
Sidewall
(
page 367)
SRS
(Supplemental R
estraint S
ystem)
Air bags, air bag control unit (with
crash sensor), emergency tensioning
device. Though independent systems,
they are closely interfaced to provide
effective occupant protection.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
activated 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.

506 Technical termsTIN
(Tire I
dentification N
umber)
(
page 367)
Tire load rating
(page 367)
Tire ply composition and material used
(page 367)
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.
Tread
(
page 367)
Treadwear indicators
(page 367)
TWR
(Tongue W
eight R
ating)
The TWR is the maximum permissible
weight on the trailer tongue.Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards
(
page 367)
Vehicle capacity weight
(page 367)
Vehicle level control*
The ground clearance of the vehicle is
automatically controlled according to a
selected setting and speed.The driver
can set the ground clearance manually
for example on very rough roads.
Vehicle maximum load on the tire
(page 368)
VIN
(Vehicle I
dentification N
umber)
The number set by the manufacturer
and placed on the body to uniquely
identify each vehicle produced.

507 Index
A
ABS 93, 501
ABS control 93
Malfunction indicator lamp 382
Messages in display 397
Off-road - ABS 94
Warning lamp 382
Accelerator position, automatic
transmission 190
Accessory weight 365
Accident
In case of 59
Activating
Air circulation mode 226
Air conditioning (cooling) 211
Air recirculation mode 209, 224
Anti-theft alarm system 101
Central locking (control system) 172
Defrosting 208
Easy-entry/exit feature* 173
ESP
®
98Exterior headlamps 54
Hazard warning flasher 145
Headlamps 54
High beams 142
Ignition 34
Immobilizer 62, 100
Rear window defroster 201
Rear window wiper 58
Residual heat 212, 227
Seat heating* 134
Tow-away alarm 102
Warning indicators (Parktronic*) 256
Windshield wipers 55
Adaptive Damping
System (ADS)* 249, 501
Adding
Coolant 333
Engine oil 331
Additional turn signals 443Adjusting 38
Air distribution 207, 222
Air volume 207, 208, 222
Backrest tilt 40
Compass zone 171
Exterior rear view mirror 44
Head restraint height 40
Head restraint tilt 41
Headlamp aim 451
Instrument cluster illumination 148
Interior rear view mirror 44
Mirrors 43
Multicontour seat* 132
Seat cushion depth 132
Seat cushion tilt 40
Seat fore and aft adjustment 39
Seat height 39
Seats 38
Steering column height 43
Steering wheel 41
Adjusting steering column 43
ADS* 501

508 IndexAir bags 67
Children 68
Front 71
Passenger 71
Safety guidelines 70
Side impact 72
Window curtain 72
Air conditioning
Turning off 211
Turning on 211
Air conditioning refrigerant 495
Air distribution
Adjusting 207, 222
Air pressure 365, 501
Air pressure see Tire inflation pressure
Air recirculation mode 209, 223
Activating 209, 224
Deactivating 210, 225
Air suspension package* 249
Air suspension* 501Air volume
Adjusting 207, 208, 222
Alarm
Audible 91, 102
Canceling 102
Visual 100
Alarm system
Anti-theft 100
Alignment bolt (vehicle tool kit) 501
Anticorrosion/antifreeze 499
Antilock brake system (ABS) 501
Anti-theft alarm system
Arming 101
Canceling alarm 102
Disarming 101
Anti-theft systems
Anti-theft alarm system 100
Immobilizer 100
Tow-away alarm 102
Aquaplaning see HydroplaningArmrest
Storage compartment in front of 272
Storage compartments 272
Armrest in rear seat bench 275
Ashtray*
Front center console 275
Aspect ratio 365
ATF (automatic transmission fluid) 332
Attaching a trailer 316
AUDIO menu 157
Selecting radio station 157
Selecting satellite radio*
station (USA only) 157
Audio system
CD mode 158
Auto-dimming rear view mirror* 195
Auto-dimming*
Rear view mirror 195
Automatic central locking
Activating/deactivating
(control system) 172

509 Index
Automatic climate control (3-zone)*
Adjusting air distribution 222
Adjusting air volume 222
Air recirculation mode 223
Defrosting 223
Rear passenger compartment 227
Rear window defroster 200
Residual heat utilization 226
Residual ventilation 226
Setting the temperature 221
Automatic climate control*
3-zone automatic climate
control* 216
Automatic climate control* (3-zone) 216
Automatic headlamp mode 139
Automatic lighting control
Deactivating 146
Automatic locking when driving 125Automatic transmission 49
Accelerator position 190
Emergency operation
(Limp Home Mode) 192
Gear ranges 187
Gear selector lever position 184, 185
Gear shifting malfunctions 192
Gearshift pattern for 49
Kickdown 190
Towing a trailer 191
Transmission fluid 332
B
Backrest
Folding forward 261
Backup lamps 444, 451
Bulbs 444
Bar 365, 501
BAS 95, 501
Batteries, SmartKey
Check lamp 109, 115Batteries, vehicle
Messages in display 398, 407
Battery
Key batteries 440
Replacing key batteries 440
Battery discharged
Jump starting 470
Battery, vehicle 462
Charging 469
Dis-/reconnecting 464
Removing/installing 464
Bead 365, 501
Belt reel 267
Bi-Xenon headlamps* 501
Block heater (Canada only) 370
Blocking
Rear door window operation 89
Brake assist system (BAS) 501
Brake fluid 495
Message in display 409
Brake lamp bulbs 444