Vehicle Segment:
Luxury Mid-size SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle)
Competitors 2003:
BMW X5, Lexus RX 330, Acura MDX, Volvo XC90, Land Rover Discovery
Luxury Appointments:
Premium interior materials, advanced comfort features, robust build quality.
Powertrain Options:
Powerful V8 and efficient V6 engine options, advanced 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system.
Safety Innovation:
Class-leading safety features including advanced airbag systems and stability control.
Target Audience:
Professional technicians and DIY enthusiasts working on the 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML350.
Engine:
Detailed diagnostics, repair procedures, overhaul specifications for the M112 V6 engine.
Transmission:
Service and repair of the 5-speed automatic transmission (722.6) including electronic control module diagnostics.
Drivetrain:
Front and rear axles, differentials, driveshafts, transfer case, and 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, steering linkage, and alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS, ESP, brake pad and rotor replacement, bleeding procedures, and component specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, rack and pinion, and power steering fluid specifications.
Electrical:
Complete electrical system, wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, component testing, ECU diagnostics, lighting, and accessories.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, doors, windows, interior trim, and chassis components.
Climate Control:
HVAC system operation, refrigerant handling, component testing, and climate control module diagnostics.
Safety Systems:
SRS airbag system diagnostics and replacement procedures, seatbelt mechanisms.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, common fault code analysis, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major mechanical and electrical components.
Overhaul:
Detailed procedures for engine and transmission rebuilds with torque specifications and clearances.
Diagnostics:
Extensive diagnostic procedures utilizing factory scan tools (e.g., STAR DIAGNOSIS concepts) for engine, transmission, ABS, ESP, and body control modules.
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete and detailed electrical wiring schematics for all vehicle systems.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and complete component overhauls.
File Type:
Software (e.g., executable application, PDF collection)
Searchability:
Likely searchable text for quick information retrieval.
Output Quality:
Printable pages, high-resolution diagrams and illustrations.
Binding:
N/A (Software format)
Paper:
N/A (Software format)
Estimated Pages:
Likely equivalent to over 1500-2000+ printed pages given the complexity of Mercedes-Benz systems.
Configuration:
4.3L (4266 cc) SOHC 90-degree V6
Horsepower:
232 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
284 lb-ft @ 3000-4500 rpm
Bore X Stroke:
92.0 mm x 84.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Valvetrain:
Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC) with 3 valves per cylinder
Induction:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
ECU:
ME 2.8 Engine Control Unit
Emissions:
Federal Tier 1 compliant
Type:
5-speed Automatic (722.6)
Gear Ratios:
3.362 (1st), 2.037 (2nd), 1.356 (3rd), 1.000 (4th), 0.731 (5th), 4.000 (Reverse)
Optional Types:
N/A for ML350 in 2003; 4-speed auto (722.4) was previously available on ML models.
Drive Modes:
Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes
Transmission Fluid:
MB Spec 236.10 (ATF 134 or equivalent)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
★★★★☆ (4 stars)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
★★★★☆ (4 stars)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:
★★★★☆ (4 stars)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:
★★★★☆ (4 stars)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good
Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Traction Control:
All-Season Traction Control (4-ETS)
Braking Assist:
Brake Assist (BAS)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger front airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags (optional).
Seat Belts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters.
Rollover Protection:
Roll-over sensor for airbag deployment and fuel pump shut-off.
Audio System:
Bose premium sound system with AM/FM stereo, CD player, and Nakamichi amplifiers (optional).
Navigation:
Optional COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system.
Parking Assistance:
Optional Parktronic parking assist system.
Phone Integration:
Optional telematics system with integrated cellular phone capability.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil).
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 20,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (using iridium-tipped plugs).
Transmission Fluid Flush:
Recommended every 60,000 miles (refer to manual for exact procedure and fluid type).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-40 Synthetic (MB Spec 229.5)
Engine Oil Capacity:
8.5 quarts (8.0 liters) with filter
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., ZEREX G-05) - 50/50 mix with distilled water
Power Steering Fluid:
MB Spec 236.3 (Pentosin CHF 11 S or equivalent)
Common Problems:
Mass Airflow (MAF) sensor issues, ignition coil failures, ABS/ESP sensor malfunctions, oil leaks from valve cover gaskets and rear main seal, catalytic converter issues, transmission conductor plate faults.
Manufacturer History:
Mercedes-Benz, a German luxury automobile manufacturer with a legacy of engineering excellence and innovation dating back to the late 19th century.
First Generation W163:
The W163 ML-Class was introduced in 1997 as Mercedes-Benz's first-ever SUV, blending luxury with off-road capability. The 2003 model represents a significant mid-cycle refresh for this generation.
2003 Refresh:
The 2003 model year saw cosmetic updates, interior enhancements, and powertrain revisions, including the introduction of the ML350 with the M112 engine.
Production Location:
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
Production Years W163:
1997-2005
