Segment:
Mid-size Luxury SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle)
Key Competitors:
BMW X5, Audi Q7, Lexus RX, Cadillac SRX, Volvo XC90
Luxury Appointments:
Premium interior materials, advanced comfort features, sophisticated styling, strong brand prestige.
Performance Orientation:
Powerful V8 engine, standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive, comfortable ride, capable handling for its class.
Primary Topics:
Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. only), Cleaning, Maintenance and Specifications, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter(s), Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories, Service Information and Specifications, Maintenance Information and Specifications
Estimated Pages:
N/A (Digital PDF format, page count may vary based on PDF reader and zoom)
Powertrain:
Engine operation, lubrication, fuel system, cooling system, ignition system, exhaust system, transmission operation.
Chassis:
Braking system, steering system, suspension system.
Electrical:
Lighting systems, instrument cluster functions, infotainment system operation, climate control operation, power locks, security systems, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System).
Comfort And Convenience:
Climate controls, seating adjustments, power accessories, door locks, interior features.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid checks and refills (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid), filter replacement (oil filter, air filter, cabin air filter), tire pressure checks, battery maintenance.
Operation:
Starting and stopping the engine, driving techniques, gear selection, use of climate control, operation of infotainment and navigation systems, lighting controls, power windows and seats, locking mechanisms.
Safety:
Understanding and using safety restraints (seat belts, airbags), child seat installation guidelines, emergency procedures.
Troubleshooting Basic:
Interpreting dashboard warning lights and messages, basic troubleshooting for common issues (e.g., battery issues, fluid leaks).
Scope:
Comprehensive owner-level information covering vehicle operation, features, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Does not typically include detailed repair procedures or diagnostic codes found in a service manual.
Compatibility:
Requires a PDF reader such as Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader, or comparable software. Compatible with all devices capable of reading PDF files (desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones).
Quality:
Digital PDF format, original factory quality information.
Binding:
N/A (Digital format)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital format)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V8
Displacement:
5.5 Liters (5461 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
98.0 mm x 90.5 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.7:1
Horsepower:
382 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
391 lb-ft @ 2800-4800 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Oil Filter Part Number Example:
A2731800009 (Consult manual for specific part number)
Air Filter Part Number Example:
A2720900152 (Consult manual for specific part number)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 4762 lbs
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 6459 lbs
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row If Equipped:
N/A (This model typically came with a 2-row configuration, optional 3rd row may have existed)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 39.5 cu ft
Cargo Volume With 2Nd Row Folded:
Approx. 72.4 cu ft
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (Driver), 5-Star (Passenger) - 2008 Model Year
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (Top Safety Pick status may depend on specific year and options)
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard (ESP - Electronic Stability Program)
Traction Control:
Standard (ASR - Acceleration Slip Regulation)
Antilock Brakes:
Standard (ABS)
Brake Assist:
Standard (BAS - Brake Assist System)
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags for front and rear occupants.
Seat Belt Pretensioners:
Standard on front seats.
Head Unit:
COMMAND NTG 2.5 system with integrated CD player, AM/FM radio, and optional navigation.
Display:
Central color display in the dashboard for infotainment, climate, and vehicle settings.
Audio System:
Standard 8-speaker audio system, optional Harman Kardon LOGIC 7 surround sound.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control, optional DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control.
Parking Assistance:
Optional front and rear parking sensors (PARKTRONIC), optional rearview camera.
Lighting:
Halogen headlamps with automatic on/off, optional Bi-Xenon headlamps with active curve illumination, LED taillights.
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil, as recommended).
Major Service Schedule:
Refer to the 'Service A' and 'Service B' intervals typically indicated by the vehicle's 'Assyst' system, usually around 10,000-20,000 miles or 12-24 months, with progressively more comprehensive checks at higher mileages.
Engine Oil Type:
MB 229.5 (Fully Synthetic SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 recommended, consult manual for exact specs).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 quarts (8.0 liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
MB 325.0 or 326.0 (Propylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically blue or green).
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB 236.14 (ATF 722.9)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Plus (MB 331.0)
Common Complaints W164:
Air suspension (Airmatic) issues (struts, compressor), crankcase ventilation valve (PCV) failure, balance shaft gear wear (in some earlier M272/M273 engines but less common in this specific variant), transmission conductor plate issues, various electrical gremlins.
Cabin Air Filter P N:
A2518300218 (Consult manual for specific part number)
Origin:
Germany, founded in 1886 by Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler.
Reputation:
Known for luxury vehicles, advanced engineering, safety innovations, and performance.
First Generation M Class:
Introduced in 1997 (W163 chassis).
Second Generation M Class:
Introduced for the 2006 model year (W164 chassis), featuring a significant redesign, improved styling, and enhanced technology.
Ml550 Introduction:
The ML550 variant, featuring the larger V8 engine, was introduced as part of the W164 generation for the 2008 model year, replacing the previous ML500.
Manufacturing Location:
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA (for North American market models)
