🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

M-Class

Model Variant:

ML55 AMG

Year:

2003

Chassis Code:

W163

Vin Prefix:

4JG

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Luxury Mid-size SUV (Performance Variant)

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts seeking a blend of SUV practicality with high-performance capabilities and luxury appointments.

Competitors 2003:

BMW X5 4.6is, Porsche Cayenne S, Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 (emerging), Range Rover HSE.

Engine:

Hand-built AMG 5.5L V8 engine.

Performance Orientation:

Tuned suspension, brakes, and exhaust for enhanced driving dynamics.

All Wheel Drive:

Standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.

Luxury Appointments:

Premium interior materials, advanced comfort features, and distinctive AMG styling.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Owner's Information and Operation

Secondary Coverage:

Maintenance, Specifications, Customer Assistance

Estimated Page Count:

200-300 (estimated based on typical Mercedes-Benz manuals for this era)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF (Instant Download)

📖 Manual Coverage

Instrument Cluster:

Includes detailed explanations of all gauges, warning lamps, and indicator lights.

Entertainment Systems:

Covers operation of the factory audio system, CD player, and any integrated navigation or communication features.

Climate Controls:

Details operation of the automatic climate control (THERMATIC/THERMOTRONIC), A/C, heating, and air recirculation functions.

Lighting:

Explains operation of headlights (including automatic functions), fog lights, interior lighting, and exterior bulb replacement.

Driver Controls:

Covers steering wheel controls, cruise control, gear selector, parking brake, and other primary driver interfaces.

Locks And Security:

Details operation of the central locking system, remote keyless entry, alarm system, and immobilizer.

Seating And Safety Restraints:

Covers power seat adjustments, memory functions, seatbelt operation, SRS airbag system, and child seat installation (ISOFIX where applicable).

Driving Operations:

Provides guidance on starting the engine, driving modes (e.g., AWD), braking, and general vehicle operation.

Customer Assistance:

Information on dealer services, roadside assistance, and warranty details.

Reporting Safety Defects Us:

Specific instructions for reporting safety-related defects in the United States.

Cleaning And Care:

Guidance on interior and exterior cleaning, upholstery care, and protecting finishes.

Maintenance And Specifications:

General maintenance recommendations and key vehicle specifications.

Engine Compartment:

Identification of key components, fluid checks, and basic under-hood inspections.

Engine Oil And Lubrication:

Specific oil type, viscosity, capacity, and recommended change intervals.

Battery Maintenance:

Information on battery location, care, and jump-starting procedures.

Fuel Information:

Recommended fuel octane rating and fueling procedures.

Air Filter Replacement:

Information on air filter type and replacement intervals/procedures.

Part Numbers:

May include reference numbers for common service items (e.g., filters, spark plugs - often general, not specific).

Refill Capacities:

Detailed capacities for engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid.

Lubricant Specifications:

Detailed specifications for all required lubricants and fluids, including Mercedes-Benz approved types (e.g., MB-Approval numbers).

Accessories:

Information on factory-installed accessories and their operation.

Service Information:

General guidance on routine servicing and recommended maintenance.

Maintenance Information:

Details on scheduled maintenance based on mileage or time intervals.

Basic Maintenance:

Oil changes, fluid checks, tire pressure checks, wiper blade replacement.

Jump Starting:

Correct procedure for jump-starting the vehicle.

Tire Changing:

Information on changing a flat tire, including jack points and spare tire location.

Fuse Replacement:

Location of fuse boxes and identification of fuses for various circuits.

Bulb Replacement:

Guidance on replacing exterior and interior light bulbs.

Fluid Level Checks:

Step-by-step instructions for checking engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and washer fluid.

Child Seat Installation:

Guidelines for securing child restraint systems.

Remote Key Operation:

Proper use of the remote key fob for locking, unlocking, and other functions.

Depth:

Comprehensive owner-level operational and maintenance guidance. Not a full repair manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Readability:

Requires PDF reader (Acrobat Reader, Foxit, etc.). Works on any device capable of reading PDF.

Searchability:

Likely searchable text within the PDF.

Quality:

Digital reproduction of factory original, quality is dependent on source scan.

Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M113 E55 ML

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated V8 SOHC (3 valves per cylinder)

Displacement:

5.4 Liters (5439 cc)

Horsepower:

349 bhp @ 5500 rpm

Torque:

376 lb-ft (510 Nm) @ 3250 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (SFI)

Recommended Octane:

Premium Unleaded (91 AKI or higher)

Coolant Type:

MB-Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (typically a silicate-free, ethylene glycol-based concentrate)

Coolant Capacity:

Approximately 11.4 Liters (12.0 US Quarts)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Automatic (AMG Speedshift)

Shifting Modes:

Manual mode for driver-selectable gear changes.

Fluid Type:

MB 236.10 or MB 236.12 Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)

Capacity:

Approximately 8.0 Liters (8.5 US Quarts) for a fluid change (pan drop).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4675 mm (184.1 inches)

Width:

1874 mm (73.8 inches) (excluding mirrors)

Height:

1779 mm (70.0 inches)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 2100 kg (4630 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approximately 2710 kg (5975 lbs)

Cargo Volume Seats Up:

Approximately 630 Liters (22.2 cubic feet)

Cargo Volume Seats Down:

Approximately 2015 Liters (71.2 cubic feet)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Resistance:

4/5 stars (for the W163 platform)

Traction Control:

ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation)

Stability Control:

ESP (Electronic Stability Program)

Braking System:

4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist (BAS).

All Wheel Drive:

4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive.

Airbags:

Front SRS airbags, front side-impact SRS airbags, and optional rear side-impact SRS airbags. Curtain airbags were not standard on all models.

Seat Belts:

3-point inertia-reel seat belts with belt tensioners and force limiters for front seats. Rear 3-point seat belts.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH/ISOFIX lower anchorages and top tether anchors in rear seats.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory premium audio system with AM/FM radio, CD player, and often a cassette deck. Optional Bose sound system.

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system (COMAND system).

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Parking Sensors:

Optional Parktronic parking assist system.

Phone Integration:

Optional factory-installed hands-free telephone system (often requiring a specific cradle).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil.

Major Service Points:

15,000 miles (cabin air filter), 30,000 miles (engine air filter, spark plugs - often longer interval for premium plugs), 40,000 miles (transmission fluid change recommended, though some sources say longer).

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 0W-40 Synthetic Engine Oil (MB 229.5 or API SM/SL)

Engine Oil Capacity:

8.0 Liters (8.5 US Quarts) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

Mercedes-Benz approved coolant (e.g., MB 325.0 or MB 326.0 concentrate)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 Plus (e.g., MB 331.0)

Power Steering Fluid Type:

MB 236.3 Hydraulic Fluid

Common Wear Items:

Ball joints, control arm bushings, sway bar links, and blower motor resistors can wear prematurely.

Oil Leaks:

Valve cover gaskets and oil cooler seals can develop leaks over time.

Electronics:

Minor electrical gremlins, particularly with window regulators and interior electronics, can occur.

Rust:

While generally well-protected, rust can appear on the undercarriage, particularly in areas exposed to road salt.

Engine Oil Filter:

Example: Mann Filter HU821X, Bosch 72162 (verify specific application).

Engine Air Filter:

Example: Mann Filter C35150/2 (verify specific application).

Cabin Air Filter:

Example: Mann Filter CU2123 (verify specific application).

📚 Vehicle History

Mercedes Benz Legacy:

Renowned for engineering, luxury, and safety innovations since its inception.

W163 Generation:

The first-generation M-Class (W163) was introduced in 1997, marking Mercedes-Benz's entry into the SUV market. The ML55 AMG was a high-performance variant developed by AMG.

Ml55 Amg Introduction:

The ML55 AMG was introduced for the 2000 model year and was produced until the W163's redesign in 2005.

Manufacturing Location:

Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA (for North American market) and Graz, Austria (Magna Steyr for global markets).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Performance Acclaim:

Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its blend of SUV utility and V8 supercar performance in its class.

Track Testing Results:

Offered impressive acceleration and braking figures for an SUV of its size and era.