engine MERCEDES-BENZ ML550 2008 W164 Owner's Manual

Our company and staff congratulate you
on the purchase of your new
Mercedes-Benz.
Your selection of our product is a demon-
stration of your trust in our company
name. Furthermore, it exemplifies your de-
sire to own an automobile that will be as
easy as possible to operate and provide
years of service.
Your Mercedes-Benz represents the ef-
forts of many skilled engineers and crafts-
men. To help assure your driving pleasure,
and also the safety of you and your passen-
gers, we ask you to make a small invest-
ment of time:
Please read this manual carefully,
then return it to your vehicle where it
will be handy for your reference.

Please follow the recommendations
contained in this manual. They are de-
signed to acquaint you with the opera-
tion of your Mercedes-Benz.

Please pay attention to the warnings
and cautions contained in this manual.
They are designed to help improve the
safety of the vehicle operator and occu-
pants.
We extend our best wishes for many miles
of safe, pleasurable driving.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
A DaimlerChrysler Company

Contents
Introduction.......................................... 9
Product information ................................ 9
Operator’s Manual ............................... 10
Service and warranty information .. 10
Important notice for California
retail buyers and lessees of
Mercedes-Benz automobiles .......... 11
Maintenance .................................. 12
Roadside Assistance ...................... 12
Change of address or ownership.... 13
Operating your vehicle
outside the USA or Canada ............ 13
Where to find it .................................... 15
Symbols ............................................... 16
Operating safety .................................. 17
Proper use of the vehicle ............... 17
Problems with your vehicle .................. 18
Reporting safety defects...................... 19
Reporting safety defects ................ 19
Vehicle data recording ......................... 20
Information regarding electronic
recording devices ........................... 20At a glance.......................................... 21
Exterior view ......................................... 22
Cockpit ................................................. 24
Instrument cluster ................................ 26
Instrument cluster ................................ 28
Multifunction steering wheel ................ 30
Center console ..................................... 31
Upper part ...................................... 31
Lower part ...................................... 32
Overhead control panel ........................ 33
Storage compartments ......................... 34
Door control panel................................ 36Getting started................................... 37
Unlocking ............................................. 38
Unlocking with the SmartKey ......... 38
Unlocking with KEYLESS-GO*......... 39
Starter switch positions .................. 39
Adjusting .............................................. 43
Seats .............................................. 43
Steering wheel ................................ 46
Mirrors ............................................ 49
Driving .................................................. 51
Fastening the seat belts ................. 51
Starting the engine ......................... 54
Parking brake ................................. 57
Driving off ....................................... 58
Switching on headlamps ................. 59
Turn signals .................................... 60
Windshield wipers ........................... 60
Rear window wiper/washer ............ 62
Problems while driving.................... 63
Parking and locking .............................. 65
Parking brake ................................. 65
Switching off headlamps................. 66
Turning off the engine..................... 66
Releasing seat belts........................ 68
Locking ........................................... 68

Contents
Driving systems ................................. 244
Cruise control............................... 244
Downhill Speed Regulation
(DSR) ............................................ 249
Off-road driving program .............. 253
Air suspension program* ............. 254
Adaptive Damping System
(ADS)* .......................................... 255
Vehicle level control* ................... 255
Parktronic system* ...................... 259
Rear view camera* ....................... 264
Loading .............................................. 266
Carriers* ...................................... 266
Loading instructions ..................... 266
Cargo tie-down rings .................... 268
Hooks ........................................... 269
Expanding cargo compartment .... 269
Cargo compartment cover blind ... 271
Cargo net* ................................... 272
Cargo management system*........ 275Useful features .................................. 279
Storage compartments ................ 279
Parcel nets ................................... 283
Cup holders.................................. 284
Ashtrays ....................................... 285
Cigarette lighter ........................... 286
Power outlets ............................... 287
Floormats ..................................... 289
Heated steering wheel* ............... 290
Telephone* .................................. 291
Tele Aid ........................................ 294
Garage door opener ..................... 302
Compass ...................................... 307
Infrared reflecting windshield* ..... 308
Operation......................................... 309
The first 1000 miles (1500 km) ......... 310
Driving instructions ........................... 311
Drive sensibly – save fuel............. 311
Drinking and driving ..................... 311
Pedals .......................................... 311
Power assistance ......................... 312
Brakes.......................................... 312
Driving off .................................... 315
Parking......................................... 315
Tires ............................................. 315
Hydroplaning................................ 316
Tire traction ................................. 316
Tire speed rating .......................... 317
Winter driving instructions ........... 318
Standing water............................. 319
Off-road driving ............................ 319
Trailer towing ............................... 328
Passenger compartment .............. 334
Driving abroad ............................. 334
Control and operation of radio
transmitters ................................. 334
Catalytic converter
(gasoline engine).......................... 335

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

Contents
Replacing bulbs ................................. 463
Bulbs ............................................ 463
Replacing bulbs for front lamps.... 466
Replacing bulbs for rear lamps ..... 471
Adjusting headlamp aim ............... 473
Replacing wiper blades ...................... 475
Front wiper blades ....................... 475
Rear wiper blade .......................... 476
Flat tire .............................................. 478
Preparing the vehicle.................... 478
Mounting the spare wheel ............ 479
Bleeding the fuel system
(diesel engine only) ............................ 488
Battery ............................................... 489
Disconnecting, removing,
reinstalling and
reconnecting the battery .............. 491
Charging the battery .................... 496
Jump starting ..................................... 497
Towing the vehicle ............................. 499
Installing towing eye bolt.............. 501
Stranded vehicle .......................... 503Fuses ................................................. 504
Fuse box in
engine compartment .................... 505
Fuse box in
cargo compartment...................... 505
Fuse box in passenger
compartment ............................... 506
Emergency engine shut-down ...... 506
Technical data................................. 507
Parts service ...................................... 508
Warranty coverage............................. 509
Loss of Service and Warranty
Information Booklet ..................... 509
Identification labels ........................... 510
Layout of poly-V-belt drive ................. 512
ML 320 CDI .................................. 512
ML 350, ML 550 .......................... 512
ML 63 AMG .................................. 512
Engine................................................ 513
Rims and tires.................................... 515
Same size tires ............................. 516
Spare wheel ................................. 518Electrical system ............................... 519
Main Dimensions ............................... 520
Weights ............................................. 521
Fuels, coolants, lubricants ................. 522
Capacities .................................... 522
Engine oils ................................... 525
Engine oil additives ...................... 525
Air conditioning refrigerant .......... 525
Brake fluid.................................... 525
Premium unleaded gasoline
(gasoline engine).......................... 526
Fuel requirements ........................ 526
Gasoline additives
(gasoline engine).......................... 527
Coolants ...................................... 528
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system*......... 530
Index................................................. 531

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
Service (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
Center (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
catalytic converters may not be avail-
able; the use of leaded fuels will
damage the catalysts,

gasoline may have a considerably
lower octane rating, and improper fuel
can cause engine damage.

17 Introduction
Operating safety
Operating safety
Proper use of the vehicle
Proper use of the vehicle requires that you
are familiar with the following information
and rules:

the safety precautions in this manual

the “Technical data” section in this
manual

traffic rules and regulations

motor vehicle laws and safety stan-
dards
Warning!G
Work improperly carried out on electronic
components and associated software could
cause them to cease functioning. Because
the vehicle’s electronic components are in-
terconnected, any modifications made may
produce an undesired effect on other sys-
tems. Electronic malfunctions could
seriously impair the operating safety of your
vehicle.
See an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center for repairs or modifications to
electronic components.
Other improper work or modifications on the
vehicle could also have a negative impact on
the operating safety of the vehicle.
Some safety systems only function while the
engine is running. You should therefore nev-
er turn off the engine while driving.
Warning!G
Heavy blows against the vehicle underbody
or tires/wheels, for example when running
over an obstacle, road debris or a pothole,
may cause serious damage and impair the
operating safety of your vehicle. If you feel a
sudden significant vibration or ride distur-
bance, or you suspect that damage to your
vehicle has occurred, you should turn on
your hazard warning flashers, carefully slow
down, and drive with caution to an area
which is a safe distance from the road.
Inspect the vehicle underbody and
tires/wheels for possible damage. If the ve-
hicle appears unsafe, have it towed to the
nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center or other qualified maintenance
or repair facility for further inspection or re-
pairs.
Warning!G
Various warning labels are attached to your
vehicle. These warning labels are intended
to make you and others aware of various
risks. You should not remove any of these
warning labels unless explicitly instructed to
do so by information on the label itself. Re-
moval of any of these labels may cause you
and others to be unaware of certain risks
which may result in an accident and/or per-
sonal injury.

23 At a glance
Exterior view
ItemPage
1Tailgate119
Power tailgate*119
Cargo compartment

Loading instructions266

Cargo tie-down rings268

Hooks269

Expanding269

Cover blind271

Cargo net*272
Vehicle tool kit448
Spare wheel452
2Rear window defroster206
3Rear lamps464
4Fuel filler flap337
Refueling337
Fuel338,
526
ItemPage
5Exterior rear view mirrors
Adjusting49
Auto-dimming rear view
mirrors*199
Power folding*200
6Towing eye bolt499
Installing towing eye bolt501
7Tires and wheels348,
515
Checking tire inflation
pressure359
General information348
Flat tire478
Spare wheel452
8Hood341
Opening341
Engine oil343
Coolant345
ItemPage
9Windshield wipers60
Wiper blades, replacing475
Wiper blades, cleaning395
aWindshield
Cleaning with wiper fluid62
Cleaning395
bRoof rails266
Carriers*266
cPower tilt/sliding sunroof240
dDoors
Locking and unlocking110
Opening118
Unlocking/locking in an
emergency455
eFront lamps464
fHeadlamp cleaning system*199

27 At a glance
Instrument cluster
ItemPage
1LLeft turn signal
indicator lamp
2To dim instrument cluster
illumination145
3Reset button for:

Resetting trip odometer

Resetting all settings
146
164
4To brighten instrument
cluster illumination145
5KRight turn signal
indicator lamp
6Clock169
ItemPage
7Speedometer with:
-Antilock Brake
System (ABS)
indicator lamp400
’Variable speed limiter
indicator lamp1
lDistance warning
lamp1
1Lamp without function. It illuminates when the
ignition is on. It should go out when the engine is
running.
ItemPage
;Brake warning lamp,
USA only401
3Brake warning lamp,
Canada only401
vElectronic Stability
Program (ESP®)
warning lamp
405
HCombination low tire
pressure/TPMS mal-
function telltale,
USA only
Low tire pressure
telltale*, Canada only408
408

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