Positioning:
High-performance luxury SUV that blended AMG's legendary powertrain and chassis tuning with the practicality and comfort of the W163 ML-Class.
Competitors:
Competed against other high-performance SUVs of its era, such as the Porsche Cayenne Turbo, BMW X5 4.6is/4.8is, and Land Rover Range Rover Sport.
Unique Selling Points:
Hand-built AMG V8 engine, enhanced AMG suspension and braking systems, distinctive AMG styling cues, and a luxurious interior.
Systems:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, Climate Control, Body, Interior, Diagnostics, Maintenance
Type:
Official Factory Service and Repair Manual Software
Format:
Digital Software (likely PDF or proprietary viewer)
Powertrain:
Comprehensive coverage of the M113.982 V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission (722.6xx series), and 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.
Chassis:
Detailed information on front and rear suspension, steering components, braking system (including ABS and ESP), and chassis lubrication points.
Electrical:
Extensive coverage of the vehicle's electrical system, including wiring diagrams, fuse/relay locations, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), and repair procedures for ECUs and various electrical components.
Body And Interior:
Coverage includes body panel alignment, interior trim removal and installation, seat adjustments, and exterior lighting systems.
Maintenance:
Step-by-step instructions for scheduled maintenance, including oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, and belt inspections.
Diagnostics:
In-depth diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and complex issues, including troubleshooting flowcharts and component testing methods.
Repair:
Complete repair procedures for major and minor components, covering engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension strut replacement, and body panel repairs.
Troubleshooting Common Failures:
Specific troubleshooting guides for common issues like starting problems, drivability concerns, and accessory malfunctions.
Depth:
Factory-level diagnostic and repair information, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Includes torque specifications, component tolerances, and special tool requirements.
Diagnostic Tools:
Details on using factory diagnostic tools like STAR DIAGNOSIS (or equivalent for the era) and interpreting diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V8
Displacement:
5.4 Liters (5439 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
97.0 mm x 92.0 mm
Valvetrain:
SOHC, 3 valves per cylinder
Horsepower:
349 hp (260 kW) @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
391 lb-ft (530 Nm) @ 3500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Automatic Transmission
Transmission Model:
Mercedes-Benz 722.6xx series (5G-TRONIC)
Drivetrain:
4MATIC All-Wheel Drive System
Gear Ratios:
Specific gear ratios detailed in the manual, typical for the 722.6xx series.
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
4-Star Driver, 4-Star Passenger (for W163 chassis)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Esp:
Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (ASR)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags for driver and passenger, front side-impact airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with belt tensioners and force limiters.
Oil Change Interval:
Refer to the manual; typically every 7,500-10,000 miles or annually, using synthetic oil.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Refer to the manual; typically every 30,000-50,000 miles, depending on driving conditions.
Engine Oil Type:
Mobil 1 0W-40 Synthetic (as specified by Mercedes-Benz for AMG models)
Engine Oil Capacity:
8.5 Liters (8.9 US Quarts)
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB 236.14 (ATF)
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz approved G-05 (or equivalent silicate-free HOAT coolant)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Plus (or DOT 4)
Power Steering Fluid:
Refer to manual; typically MB 236.3 specification or equivalent.
Differential Fluid Type:
Refer to manual; typically GL-5 specification.
Common Wear Items:
Suspension components (bushings, ball joints), catalytic converters, mass air flow (MAF) sensors, and crank position sensors.
Amg Specific Concerns:
Potential for oil leaks from valve cover gaskets or oil cooler seals; occasional transmission control module (TCM) issues.
Brand Focus:
Mercedes-Benz is renowned for luxury, engineering, and performance, with AMG representing its high-performance division.
Ml Class Introduction:
The W163 ML-Class was introduced in 1997 as Mercedes-Benz's first SUV, focusing on a unibody construction for improved on-road manners.
Ml55 Amg Introduction:
The ML55 AMG was introduced for the 2000 model year, bringing AMG's performance expertise to the ML platform.
Manufacturing Location:
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA (W163 ML-Class assembly plant)
Production Years:
2000-2003
