Segment:
Luxury Mid-size SUV
Target Audience:
Affluent consumers seeking a blend of luxury, utility, and brand prestige.
Key Competitors 2003:
BMW X5, Lexus RX330, Porsche Cayenne, Acura MDX, Volvo XC90
Distinguishing Features:
Mercedes-Benz engineering, luxurious interior appointments, powerful V8 engine option (ML500), 4MATIC all-wheel drive system, refined ride quality for an SUV.
Powertrain:
Engine operation, fuel system, cooling system, lubrication, exhaust system, transmission
Chassis:
Brakes, suspension, steering, drivetrain (4MATIC all-wheel drive)
Electrical:
Instrument cluster, lighting systems, infotainment, climate control, power accessories, security system
Body Interior:
Seats, restraints, locks, windows, doors, mirrors, interior trim
Operation:
Starting and driving, parking, using vehicle features (cruise control, wipers, etc.)
Maintenance:
Routine checks (oil, coolant, tires), fluid top-offs, basic cleaning procedures
Safety:
Seat belt usage, airbag system explanation, child seat installation recommendations
Troubleshooting:
Indicator lamps explanation, basic problem diagnosis for common issues
Customer Assistance:
Contact information for Mercedes-Benz support, reporting safety defects (US specific)
Depth:
Comprehensive owner-level information; does not cover in-depth repair procedures or diagnostic codes typically found in a service manual.
Compatibility:
Requires PDF reader (Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit, or similar)
Searchability:
Likely searchable text-based PDF if converted accurately from factory original.
Quality:
Digital, quality dependent on source scan resolution and OCR accuracy.
Binding:
N/A (Digital Format)
Paper:
N/A (Digital Format)
Length:
189.5 inches (4813 mm)
Width:
73.7 inches (1872 mm)
Height:
70.1 inches (1780 mm)
Wheelbase:
111.0 inches (2820 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 4,500 - 4,700 lbs (2041 - 2132 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 6,200 lbs (2812 kg)
Cargo Volume Behind Second Row:
Approx. 33.0 - 39.0 cu ft (variable)
Cargo Volume Max:
Approx. 72.4 - 81.2 cu ft (variable, seats folded)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5-Star (for 2003 model year)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5-Star (for 2003 model year)
IIHS Front Offset:
Good (for 2003 model year W163)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS)
Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Braking System:
4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BAS)
Airbags:
Front airbags, side-impact airbags (front seats), optional side curtain airbags
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters
Rollover Protection:
Enhanced body structure for rollover resistance
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD player with optional Bose premium sound system. Available navigation system.
Climate Control:
Dual-zone automatic climate control (COMAND system optional for more advanced climate features).
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Parking Assistance:
Optional parking sensors (Parktronic)
Connectivity Features:
Uplink communication for vehicle status and remote services (limited functionality compared to modern systems), optional telematics.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil. Refer to manual for specific ASSYST service indicator guidance.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended every 40,000 - 60,000 miles (64,000 - 96,000 km). Refer to manual for specific recommendations and fluid type.
Coolant Change:
Typically every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (48,000 - 80,000 km). Use Mercedes-Benz approved coolant.
Engine Oil Specification:
MB 229.5 (Full Synthetic SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 typically recommended for this engine)
Transmission Fluid Specification:
MB 236.10 or MB 236.12 (Specific ATF type for 722.6 transmission)
Coolant Specification:
MB 325.0 or MB 326.0 (Ethylene Glycol based, typically blue or green)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 Plus (MB Spec 331.0)
Common Wear Items:
Front suspension components (control arm bushings, ball joints), wheel speed sensors, catalytic converters, mass air flow sensor, ignition coils.
Typical Repair Focus:
Addressing oil leaks from valve cover gaskets or oil cooler seals, addressing potential HVAC blower motor issues, ensuring 4MATIC system is functioning correctly.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 U.S. quarts (8.0 liters) with filter
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 9.5 - 10.0 U.S. quarts (9.0 - 9.5 liters)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
24.6 U.S. gallons (93 liters)
Heritage Essence:
Mercedes-Benz, a brand synonymous with luxury, engineering excellence, and pioneering automotive technology since the late 19th century.
W163 Generation:
The W163 generation M-Class was introduced in 1997 as Mercedes-Benz's first foray into the SUV market. The 2003 model represents the facelifted version of this generation, which received updated styling, improved interior, and enhanced powertrain options.
Assembly Locations:
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Rastatt, Germany
