Segment:
Mid-size Luxury SUV
Target Audience:
Affluent consumers seeking a premium, capable, and comfortable SUV for family use and general driving.
Key Competitors:
BMW X5, Lexus RX, Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne, Volvo XC90
Luxury Appointments:
High-quality interior materials, advanced comfort features, sophisticated styling.
Performance Capabilities:
Powerful V8 engine, available 4MATIC all-wheel drive, towing capacity.
Safety Technology:
Advanced airbag systems, stability control, optional driver assistance features.
Brand Philosophy:
Engineering excellence, luxury, and performance.
Systems:
Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lighting Systems, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving Operations, Customer Assistance, Cleaning and Care, Engine Compartment Components, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter(s), Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories, Service Information and Specifications, Maintenance Information and Specifications, Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. only)
Procedures:
Understanding dashboard indicators, operating infotainment and climate systems, proper use of lighting, control functions, keyless entry and alarm operation, seat adjustment and SRS airbag system, safe driving practices, customer support contact, reporting safety issues, vehicle cleaning techniques, basic maintenance checks, understanding engine compartment layout, checking and adding engine oil, battery maintenance, fuel recommendations, air filter replacement guidance, fluid refill procedures, lubricant type recommendations, accessory installation overview, general service information, routine maintenance guidance
Depth:
Owner-level understanding of vehicle operation, features, and basic maintenance. Does not include in-depth repair procedures typically found in a service manual.
Engine Type:
4.6L V8 (M113 E46)
Displacement:
4663 cc (284.6 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
97.0 mm x 102.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Horsepower:
335 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
339 lb-ft @ 2700-4750 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (Sequential Port Injection)
Engine Placement:
Front-longitudinal
Engine Block Material:
Aluminum Alloy
Cylinder Head Material:
Aluminum Alloy
Valve Train:
SOHC, 3 valves per cylinder
Cooling System:
Liquid-cooled, pressurized
Length:
189.4 in (4811 mm)
Height:
70.1 in (1780 mm)
Wheelbase:
114.7 in (2913 mm)
Front Track:
63.5 in (1613 mm)
Rear Track:
64.5 in (1638 mm)
Curb Weight:
4,894 lbs (2220 kg) (approx.)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
6,504 lbs (2950 kg) (approx.)
Towing Capacity:
5,000 lbs (2268 kg) (with optional towing package)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
39.0 cu ft (1104 L) (approx.)
Cargo Volume With 2Nd Row Folded:
72.4 cu ft (2050 L) (approx.)
NHTSA Front Crash Rating:
5-Star (for driver and passenger)
IIHS Side Impact Rating:
Good (Top Safety Pick for its generation)
Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Traction Control:
All-Season Traction Control (ASR)
Brakes:
4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BAS)
Airbags:
Dual-stage front airbags, front side airbags, side curtain airbags (front and rear), front seatbelt pretensioners
Seat Restraints:
Height-adjustable front seatbelts, ISOFIX child seat anchors
Anti Theft:
Factory-installed anti-theft alarm system, immobilizer
Audio System:
COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation)
Navigation:
Optional GPS Navigation system with map display and voice guidance.
Connectivity:
Optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio, optional Harman Kardon surround sound system.
Climate Controls:
Dual-zone automatic climate control (THERMATIC), optional multi-zone climate control (THERMOTRONIC).
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control. DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control was an optional feature.
Parking Assistance:
Optional Parktronic parking sensors (front and rear), optional rearview camera.
Headlights:
Halogen projector-beam headlights, optional Bi-Xenon headlights with active curve illumination.
Exterior Lighting:
LED taillights, front fog lamps.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (synthetic oil)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on conditions
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 20,000 miles or annually
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years
Coolant Change:
Initial change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles or 2 years
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 Synthetic Engine Oil, MB Approval 229.5
Engine Oil Capacity:
8.5 quarts (8.0 liters)
Power Steering Fluid:
MB Approval 343.0 Hydraulic Fluid
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Plus (MB Approval 331.0)
Coolant Type:
Antifreeze/Coolant (G 05) based on ethylene glycol, MB Approval 325.0
Common Problems:
Air suspension compressor failure (if equipped), crankcase ventilation (PCV) issues, early model balance shaft wear (less common on ML500), electronic throttle body issues, fuel pump failures, transmission conductor plate issues (722.6)
Oil Filter Part Number Example:
A 272 180 00 09 (example, verify for specific VIN)
Air Filter Part Number Example:
A 164 830 00 00 (cabin), A 273 090 03 00 (engine - example, verify for specific VIN)
IIHS Award:
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick for its class and year.
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Varied, generally good ratings for performance and comfort, but some noted reliability concerns in certain areas (consult specific year reviews).
