🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

M-Class

Model Variant:

ML320

Year:

2000

First Generation Code:

W163

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class (W163) was a pivotal model for Mercedes-Benz, introducing them into the burgeoning luxury SUV market. It aimed to blend the refinement and luxury of a Mercedes sedan with the utility and capability of an SUV.

Competitors:

Competed against vehicles like the BMW X5, Lexus RX300, and Land Rover Discovery.

Highlights:

Standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive, comfortable ride, premium interior materials, strong safety features for its time, and the prestige associated with the Mercedes-Benz brand.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Vehicle operation, maintenance, and features

Secondary Coverage:

Safety, security, and basic troubleshooting

Estimated Page Count:

Approx. 200-300 pages (based on typical factory manuals for this era)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Instrument Cluster:

Gauges, warning lamps, multi-function display operation

Entertainment Systems:

Radio, CD player, antenna operation, speaker configuration

Climate Controls:

HVAC system operation, air conditioning, heating, ventilation modes, recirculate function

Lighting:

Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, fog lights, hazard lights operation

Driver Controls:

Steering wheel controls, gear selector operation, parking brake, cruise control

Locks And Security:

Central locking, remote key fob operation, anti-theft alarm system

Seating And Safety Restraints:

Seat adjustment, seatbelt usage, airbag system explanation, child seat installation

Driving:

Starting and stopping the engine, shifting gears, braking, parking, off-road driving considerations

Customer Assistance:

Contact information for Mercedes-Benz support, warranty overview

Reporting Safety Defects:

US-specific procedure for reporting safety-related defects

Cleaning:

Exterior and interior cleaning recommendations, material care

Maintenance And Specifications:

General maintenance guidelines and vehicle specifications

Engine Compartment:

Identification of engine components, fluid reservoirs, basic checks

Engine Oil:

Oil level check, recommended oil types and viscosity

Battery:

Battery location, jump-starting procedures, battery care

Fuel Information:

Recommended fuel grade, fuel tank capacity

Air Filter:

Location and general replacement information (though specific part numbers might be in a service manual)

Part Numbers:

Key part numbers for common maintenance items (e.g., filters, fluids) may be included

Refill Capacities:

Capacities for engine oil, coolant, windshield washer fluid, etc.

Lubricant Specifications:

Specifications for various lubricants (e.g., engine oil, transmission fluid, differential fluid) meeting Mercedes-Benz standards

Accessories:

Information on factory-installed or optional accessories

Service Information:

General guidance on when to seek professional service

Basic Maintenance:

Checking fluid levels, tire pressure, basic cleaning

Jump Starting:

Safe procedure for jump-starting the vehicle

Tire Changing:

Changing a flat tire, locating spare tire and jack

Fuse Replacement:

Locating and replacing blown fuses

Depth:

Comprehensive coverage of vehicle operation and owner-level maintenance. Not a substitute for a factory service manual for in-depth mechanical repairs.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Readability:

Requires PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader)

Searchability:

Typically searchable text within PDF for quick information retrieval

Quality:

Digital representation of original factory print quality

Type:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

Type:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M112 E32

Configuration:

3.2L SOHC 18-valve V6

Horsepower:

215 hp @ 5750 rpm

Torque:

229 lb-ft @ 3750 rpm

System:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Recommended Octane:

Premium Unleaded (91 AKI or higher recommended for optimal performance)

Engine Oil Type:

API SG, SH, or SJ specifications; SAE 5W-40 or 10W-30 viscosity recommended depending on ambient temperature (refer to manual for specific range).

Engine Oil Capacity:

7.5 quarts (7.1 liters) with filter change

Coolant Type:

Mercedes-Benz approved coolant (e.g., G48 or equivalent long-life antifreeze).

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 9.5 quarts (9.0 liters)

Air Filter Part Number Example:

A 112 094 01 04 (example, verify with VIN)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed automatic transmission with TOUCH SHIFT

Traction Control:

Integrated with ABS and ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation)

Transmission Fluid Type:

MB-Approval 236.10 (e.g., Pentosin ATF1 or equivalent)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 8.0 quarts (7.6 liters) for a dry fill; service fill lower. Always refer to dipstick or specific fill procedure.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

184.3 inches (4681 mm)

Width:

71.6 inches (1819 mm)

Height:

67.1 inches (1704 mm)

Wheelbase:

111.0 inches (2820 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 4,300 - 4,500 lbs (1950 - 2041 kg)

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:

Approx. 35.1 cubic feet (994 liters)

Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:

Approx. 75.1 cubic feet (2127 liters)

Towing Capacity:

Up to 5,000 lbs (2268 kg) when properly equipped with a trailer hitch and trailer brake controller.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test:

5-star rating (driver and passenger) for frontal crash protection (as per NHTSA data for similar models/era).

IIHS Small Overlap Front:

Not rated or tested by IIHS for this specific year/generation as the test wasn't standard.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Standard ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation)

Stability Control:

Not standard on all models for 2000. Likely referred to as ESP (Electronic Stability Program) if equipped.

Airbags:

Frontal airbags for driver and passenger; optional side airbags.

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants; three-point belts for rear occupants.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory-installed AM/FM radio with cassette player and/or CD player. Bose premium audio system was often an option.

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system available on some models.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control with steering wheel mounted buttons.

Parking Sensors:

Not commonly available on 2000 models; typically introduced in later generations.

Aux Input:

Unlikely to have standard auxiliary input for portable music devices; aftermarket solutions would be required.

Bluetooth:

Not available on 2000 models. Factory-installed phone kits might have been an option.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Severe driving conditions may require more frequent changes.

Transmission Service:

Fluid and filter change recommended around 60,000 - 100,000 miles, depending on driving conditions and manufacturer recommendations. Always check the manual.

Coolant Flush Interval:

Typically every 30,000 - 50,000 miles or 3-5 years, using long-life coolant.

Spark Plug Replacement:

For the M112 V6 engine, platinum-tipped spark plugs are typically used, with replacement intervals around 100,000 miles.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid meeting Mercedes-Benz specification.

Power Steering Fluid Type:

MB-Approval 236.3 or equivalent hydraulic fluid.

Interior Plastics:

Some W163 models can experience degradation of interior plastic and rubber components due to age and UV exposure, leading to stickiness or cracking.

Rust And Corrosion:

As with many vehicles of this era, particularly those in areas with road salt, rust can form on the undercarriage, wheel wells, and door sills.

Electronical Issues:

While generally robust, some common issues can include window regulator failures, SRS warning lamp illumination, and HVAC control module problems.

Cooling System:

Over time, radiator leaks or water pump issues can arise. Regular coolant checks and flushes are important.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for luxury, engineering excellence, and automotive innovation dating back to the late 19th century.

Generation 1 W163:

The W163 generation of the M-Class was introduced in 1997 as a 1998 model year vehicle. The 2000 model year saw minor updates and refinements. It was designed and initially produced in Alabama, USA, a significant move for a European luxury marque.

Manufacturing Location:

Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Auto Major Awards:

The M-Class (W163) was generally well-received for its comfort and luxury when introduced, though specific awards for the 2000 model year might be harder to pinpoint compared to its initial launch.

Safety Ratings Summary:

Achieved good safety ratings for its time, particularly in frontal impacts, reflecting Mercedes-Benz's commitment to safety engineering.