🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

ML55 AMG

Year:

2002

Chassis Code:

W163

Engine Code:

M113 E55

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The 2002 ML55 AMG was a high-performance variant of the first-generation Mercedes-Benz M-Class (W163), positioned as a luxury performance SUV blending SUV utility with AMG's enhanced power and handling capabilities. It competed with other performance SUVs of the era.

Competitors:

Key competitors included the BMW X5 4.6is/4.8is, Porsche Cayenne Turbo (later models), and potentially high-performance variants of Range Rover and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Vehicle Highlights:

Hand-built AMG V8 engine, AMG-tuned suspension and braking, exclusive exterior and interior styling cues, robust all-wheel-drive system, luxurious appointments, strong acceleration and towing capabilities.

📋 Manual Details

Language:

English

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual Software

Format:

Digital Software (likely CD-ROM or downloadable)

Estimated Pages:

Extensive (typical for official Mercedes-Benz manuals, likely 1000+ pages of content)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanicals, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing system, lubrication, cooling, fuel injection, ignition, emissions control, engine management system (ECU), turbocharging (if applicable, though not for M113 E55), sensor diagnostics.

Transmission Systems:

Automatic transmission (5G-TRONIC 722.6 AMG variant), torque converter, valve body, electronic control unit (TCU), fluid specifications, removal and installation, overhaul procedures.

Drivetrain Systems:

All-wheel drive (4MATIC) system, front and rear differentials, drive shafts, CV joints, transfer case (if applicable).

Brake Systems:

Hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ESP (Electronic Stability Program), EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), brake calipers, rotors, pads, lines, master cylinder, parking brake.

Suspension Systems:

Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, ball joints, bushings, anti-roll bars, power steering system, steering gear.

Electrical Systems:

12V battery system, alternator, starter motor, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses and relays, wiring diagrams, body control module (BCM), power windows, power locks, mirrors, sunroof, wiper system.

Climate Control Systems:

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system, refrigerant, compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor, climate control module, diagnostic procedures.

Infotainment Systems:

Audio system, navigation system (if equipped), display units, speaker systems, antenna.

Body And Chassis:

Body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, glass, interior trim, body sealing, chassis components, corrosion prevention.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tire rotation, brake inspections, belt replacements, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides for common issues, fault code interpretation (OBD-II), system symptom analysis, diagnostic tool usage (e.g., STAR Diagnosis).

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, repair, reassembly, and installation for all major vehicle systems.

Electrical Troubleshooting:

Detailed wiring diagrams, component location charts, signal tracing procedures, diagnostic flowcharts for electrical faults.

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, advanced electrical diagnostics, and bodywork repairs. Includes specifications, tolerances, and torque values.

📊 Manual Specifications

Software Type:

Proprietary Mercedes-Benz diagnostic/service software format or a high-quality, searchable PDF. Given it's 'software', it implies interactive features or specialized viewer.

Digital Quality:

High-resolution, clear diagrams and text. Searchable text is a key benefit of software format.

Format Type:

Software (not applicable for physical binding)

Format Type:

Digital (not applicable for paper type)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated V8

Displacement:

5.4 Liters (5439 cc)

Engine Code:

M113 E55

Horsepower:

342 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque:

376 lb-ft (510 Nm) @ 3500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential multi-point fuel injection (SFI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Block Material:

Aluminum alloy

Cylinder Head Material:

Aluminum alloy

Valvetrain:

Single Overhead Camshafts (SOHC), 3 valves per cylinder (2 intake, 1 exhaust)

Bore X Stroke:

97.0 mm x 92.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.5:1

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Automatic with Manual Shift Mode (5G-TRONIC)

Amg Tuning:

AMG-tuned for faster shifts and increased torque capacity

Options:

N/A for ML55 AMG; 5-speed automatic was standard.

Drive Modes:

Comfort and Sport shift modes

Fluid Type:

MB Specification 236.10 (e.g., Pentosin ATF1, Mobil ATF 134)

Capacity:

Approximately 8.0 - 9.0 liters for a complete fluid change (refer to manual for exact amount)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

187.4 inches (4760 mm)

Width:

75.3 inches (1913 mm)

Height:

70.2 inches (1783 mm)

Wheelbase:

111.0 inches (2820 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 4,700 lbs (2132 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Approx. 6,100 lbs (2767 kg)

Towing Capacity:

5,000 lbs (2268 kg) (when properly equipped)

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:

Approx. 30.0 cu ft (850 liters)

Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:

Approx. 78.0 cu ft (2200 liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5-Star (Likely for driver and passenger)

NHTSA Side Impact:

4-Star (Likely for front and rear occupants)

IIHS Front Offset:

Good (Likely)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System

Esp:

Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP)

Traction Control:

Standard (integrated with ESP/4MATIC)

Airbags:

Front driver and passenger airbags, front side-impact airbags.

Seatbelts:

Height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters, rear three-point seatbelts.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) in rear seats.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Premium Bose sound system with CD player and AM/FM radio. Optional navigation system (APS 30 or COMAND 2.0).

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Parking Assist:

Optional rear park assist sensors.

Phone Integration:

Optional factory-installed cellular phone preparation kit.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (consult manual for specific conditions).

Transmission Fluid Change Interval:

Recommended every 40,000 - 60,000 miles, or per severe service schedule (refer to manual).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically every 100,000 miles for platinum or iridium plugs.

Engine Oil Spec:

MB Specification 229.5 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40, Castrol Syntec 0W-40)

Engine Oil Capacity:

8.5 liters (with filter change)

Coolant Type:

MB Specification 325.0 or 326.0 (Ethylene Glycol based, typically blue or green)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 Plus (MB Specification 331.0)

Common Problems 1:

Oil cooler leaks (seals), ignition coil failure, mass airflow sensor (MAF) issues, power steering pump leaks, front control arm bushings wear, ABS/ESP sensor issues, sunroof drain clogging leading to water ingress.

Common Problems 2:

Transmission conductor plate issues (722.6 transmission), thermostat housing leaks, catalytic converter failure (less common but possible).

📚 Vehicle History

Mercedes Benz Legacy:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, and safety, with a history of innovation in automotive technology.

Amg Legacy:

AMG (Aufrecht, Melcher, Großaspach) is Mercedes-Benz's high-performance division, known for tuning standard Mercedes models into exceptionally powerful and dynamically capable vehicles.

W163 Generation:

The W163 M-Class was Mercedes-Benz's first entry into the SUV market, launched in 1997. The ML55 AMG variant was introduced in 1999 for the 2000 model year, featuring AMG's hand-built 5.4L V8 and performance enhancements.

Ml55 Amg Positioning:

The ML55 AMG represented the pinnacle of performance within the W163 M-Class lineup, establishing the 'performance SUV' segment for Mercedes-Benz.

Production Period:

The W163 M-Class was produced from 1997 to 2005. The ML55 AMG variant was produced from 1999 to 2003 (model years).

Manufacturing Location:

Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA (for the M-Class platform).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Performance Awards:

While specific awards for the 2002 ML55 AMG might be scarce, it was widely recognized by automotive press for its powerful performance and unique blend of luxury, utility, and speed in the burgeoning performance SUV segment.