Positioning:
The Mercedes-Benz M-Class (W163) was positioned as a premium mid-size luxury SUV, offering a blend of off-road capability (with optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive) and on-road refinement characteristic of the Mercedes-Benz brand. It competed with vehicles like the BMW X5, Lexus RX, and Volvo XC90.
Key Competitors:
BMW X5 (E53), Lexus RX (XU10), Volvo XC90 (preceded by V70XC/XC70), Audi allroad quattro (C5).
Standout Features:
Available V8 engine (ML430), optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive, luxurious interior appointments, and the Mercedes-Benz safety reputation.
Primary Coverage:
Owner's Manual
Secondary Coverage:
Maintenance Information, Specifications, Customer Assistance, Safety Defects Reporting (US only), Cleaning
Estimated Page Count:
Refer to original factory manual (typically 300-500 pages for this era)
Type:
Factory Original Owner's Manual (Digital Reproduction)
Format:
PDF (Digital Download)
Interior:
Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints
Powertrain:
Engine Compartment Overview, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter(s), Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications
Chassis:
General Driving Information, Maintenance and Specifications, Service Information and Specifications
Operation:
Operating vehicle controls, using infotainment and climate systems, understanding dashboard indicators, locking/unlocking doors, adjusting seats and restraints.
Maintenance:
Basic checks (oil, coolant, tire pressure), fluid refill procedures, air filter replacement, battery maintenance, cleaning recommendations.
Safety:
Operation of safety restraints, understanding warning lights, reporting safety defects (US).
Troubleshooting:
Basic troubleshooting for common system operations (e.g., climate control not working correctly, unusual dashboard lights).
Depth:
Owner-level information for daily operation, basic maintenance, and understanding vehicle features. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or component-level repair instructions.
Engine Type:
4.3L V8 SOHC (3 valves per cylinder)
Displacement:
4266 cc (4.3 Liters)
Horsepower:
275 hp @ 5750 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
284 lb-ft @ 3750 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Location Of Components:
The manual covers the identification and general location of key components such as the battery, engine oil fill cap, dipstick, coolant reservoir, brake fluid reservoir, and windshield washer fluid reservoir.
Wheelbase:
111.0 inches (2820 mm)
Length:
184.5 inches (4686 mm)
Width:
71.6 inches (1819 mm)
Height:
67.5 inches (1715 mm)
Curb Weight:
4475 lbs (approx.)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
5997 lbs (approx.)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
34.7 cu ft (1000 L) (approx.)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
73.5 cu ft (2080 L) (approx.)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4-star (for models tested)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4-star (for models tested)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good (for models tested, though testing protocols evolved)
Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) (standard on ML430)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) (integrated with ESP)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) (standard)
Airbags:
Driver and front-passenger airbags, front side-impact airbags (optional/standard depending on specific build).
Seat Belts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with front-seat pretensioners and force limiters.
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced A-pillars and B-pillars, integrated roll-over protection system.
Head Unit:
Factory radio/cassette/CD player with AM/FM tuner. Options for Bose premium sound system. Navigation system was also an option on later models.
Display:
Typically a monochrome or color LCD screen for radio information, climate control, and potentially navigation. No touchscreen.
Audio Controls:
Steering wheel mounted audio controls were becoming more common, alongside controls on the head unit itself.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Parking Assistance:
Rear parking sensors were optional on some models, but not a standard feature across the board.
Bluetooth:
Not available on this model. Cell phone integration would typically be via an aftermarket Bluetooth adapter or a cradle for older analog phones.
Usb Aux:
Not available on this model. Aftermarket solutions required for digital media playback.
Oil Change Interval:
Refer to the manual; typically 7,500 to 10,000 miles or 12 months, depending on driving conditions.
Major Service Intervals:
Key intervals around 30,000, 60,000, 90,000, and 120,000 miles, involving checks of transmission fluid, coolant, brakes, suspension, and belts.
Engine Oil:
Refer to manual for specific viscosity (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40 Synthetic or equivalent, meeting MB 229.3 or MB 229.5 spec is common for this era).
Coolant:
Antifreeze/coolant (e.g., Mercedes-Benz Genuine Antifreeze/Coolant, typically a silicate-free, ethylene glycol-based type like MB 325.0 or MB 326.0 compatible).
Transmission Fluid:
Refer to manual for specific type (e.g., MB 236.10 or similar spec for the 5-speed automatic).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Low Viscosity brake fluid (MB spec 331.0 or DOT 4 Plus).
Power Steering Fluid:
Refer to manual; typically a Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent hydraulic fluid.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 quarts (8.0 liters) with filter change for the 4.3L V8.
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 10.5 quarts (10.0 liters).
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 9 quarts (8.5 liters) for a complete refill.
Common Problems:
Cracked dashboard plastic, sagging headliner, malfunctioning HVAC blend door actuators, ABS sensor failures, transfer case issues (especially on earlier models), transmission control module (TCM) issues, catalytic converter failures, rust in common areas.
