Vehicle Class:
Mid-size Luxury SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle)
Key Competitors:
BMW X5, Lexus RX300, Volvo XC90 (later models), Cadillac Escalade
Driving Experience:
Comfort-oriented, refined ride quality, robust build
Drivetrain Emphasis:
Standard 4MATIC AWD for enhanced traction and stability
Luxury Appointments:
High-quality interior materials, advanced safety and comfort features for its era
Engine:
3.2L M112 V6 (Naturally Aspirated)
Engine Management:
ME 2.8 (ECU, sensors, actuators, emissions)
Transmission:
5G-TRONIC (722.6) Automatic Transmission
Drivetrain:
4MATIC All-Wheel Drive System (including transfer case, differentials)
Suspension:
Independent Front and Rear, Adaptive Damping System (optional)
Steering:
Hydraulic Power Steering
Brakes:
Front: Ventilated Discs, Rear: Solid Discs, ABS, BAS (Brake Assist)
Climate Control:
Automatic Climate Control (Thermatic/Thermotronic)
Cooling System:
Engine Coolant System
Fuel System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Exhaust System:
Catalytic Converter, Mufflers
Body And Chassis:
Unibody Construction
Interior Trim:
Removal and Installation
Exterior Trim:
Body Panels, Bumpers, Lighting
Electrical System General:
12V Battery, Alternator, Starter
Lighting System:
Headlights, Taillights, Interior Lighting
Audio System:
OEM Radio/Cassette/CD, Speaker Replacement
Security System:
Anti-theft Alarm, Central Locking
Routine Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks
Engine Tune Up:
Spark Plug Replacement, Ignition System Service
Brake Service:
Pad/Rotor Replacement, Fluid Flush
Suspension Component Replacement:
Shocks, Struts, Control Arms
Transmission Service:
Fluid/Filter Replacement, Solenoid Testing
Drivetrain Component Repair:
CV Axle Replacement, Differential Service
Electrical Component Testing:
Sensor Diagnosis, Actuator Testing
Climate Control System Repair:
AC Recharge, Blower Motor Replacement
Engine Mechanical Repair:
Timing Chain, Cylinder Head, Gaskets
Fuel System Repair:
Fuel Pump, Injector Replacement
Body Panel Alignment:
Door, Hood, Trunk Adjustment
Diagnostic Trouble Code Interpretation:
OBD-II Codes
Wheel Alignment:
Specifications and Adjustment
Tire Replacement And Rotation:
Specifications
Depth:
Expert-level, covering complete overhauls and advanced diagnostics
Troubleshooting Methodology:
Systematic fault finding using diagnostic trees and symptom analysis
Torque Specifications:
Detailed for all critical fasteners
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive, color-coded for clarity
Special Tools Required:
Listed and described where applicable
Engine Type:
V6, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft per bank), 18 valves
Displacement:
3.2 Liters (3199 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
89.9 mm x 84.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Valve Train:
SOHC with 3 valves per cylinder (2 intake, 1 exhaust), 2 spark plugs per cylinder
Horsepower:
215 hp @ 5750 rpm
Torque:
229 lb-ft (310 Nm) @ 3250 rpm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-point Fuel Injection (SFI)
Engine Cooling:
Liquid-cooled, Pressurized System
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil-on-plug
Length:
185.5 inches (4712 mm)
Width:
73.3 inches (1862 mm)
Height:
70.9 inches (1801 mm)
Wheelbase:
111.0 inches (2819 mm)
Ground Clearance:
8.0 inches (203 mm) (approximate, variable with suspension)
Cargo Volume Behind Second Row:
37.0 cubic feet (1047 liters)
Cargo Volume With Second Row Folded:
81.5 cubic feet (2307 liters)
Curb Weight:
4500 - 4600 lbs (2041 - 2087 kg) (approximate, depending on options)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
5985 lbs (2715 kg)
Towing Capacity:
5000 lbs (2268 kg) (when properly equipped with trailer hitch)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4 Stars
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4 Stars
IIHS Front Offset Deform:
Good
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (Standard)
Bas:
Brake Assist System (Standard)
Esp:
Electronic Stability Program (Standard, called ESP or ASR/ETS)
Airbags Front:
Driver and Front Passenger Airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional Front Side-Impact Airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point Inertia-reel Seat Belts with Pretensioners and Force Limiters
Rollover Protection:
Advanced Body Structure, Optional Side Curtain Airbags (later models/packages)
Audio System Features:
AM/FM Radio, Cassette Player, CD Player (single disc or changer), optional Bose premium sound system
Navigation:
Optional COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control
Parking Assist:
Optional rear park assist sensors
Traction Control:
ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation) and ETS (Electronic Traction System) integrated with ESP
Phone Integration:
Optional integrated hands-free telephone system (early UHI system)
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (flexible service system 'ASSYST')
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 10,000 - 15,000 miles (16,000 - 24,000 km)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) due to dual-plug design (NGK Platinum or Iridium recommended)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 40,000 - 60,000 miles (64,000 - 96,000 km) (Mercedes-Benz spec fluid required)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 Synthetic (MB-Approval 229.5 or 229.3)
Engine Oil Capacity:
8.5 US quarts (8.0 liters) with filter
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB-Approval 236.10 (ATF 320)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based, HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology), MB-Approval 325.0 (Blue/Green)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Plus (low viscosity, high boiling point)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
MB-Approval 236.3 (ATF Dexron II/III compatible)
Common Problems Engine:
Oil leaks from valve cover gaskets, intake manifold gaskets; Crankshaft Position Sensor (CKPS) failure leading to no-start condition; PCV system issues
Common Problems Transmission:
Harsh shifting, delayed engagement, failure to select gears (often related to conductor plate or transmission control module - TCM)
Common Problems Suspension:
Sagging springs, worn control arm bushings, leaking shocks/struts
Common Problems Electrical:
Window regulators failing, blower motor resistor failure, ABS/ESP sensor issues, faulty door lock actuators
Common Problems Climate Control:
Blend door actuator failure, AC compressor clutch failure
Brand Origin:
Germany, founded 1926
Brand Focus:
Luxury vehicles, performance, engineering excellence
Introduction Year:
1997 (for the W163 generation)
Design Philosophy:
First Mercedes-Benz SUV, designed to combine off-road capability with on-road luxury and safety.
Facelift Year:
2001 (major facelift for W163)
Production Period:
1997 - 2005 (W163 generation)
Manufacturing Locations:
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Graz, Austria (for some markets/variants)