Segment:
Luxury SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle)
Initial Launch Purpose:
To compete with established luxury SUVs and expand Mercedes-Benz's product portfolio.
Key Competitors:
BMW X5, Lexus RX, Land Rover Discovery, Porsche Cayenne (later years)
Drivetrain:
Standard 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Suspension Type:
Independent Suspension on all wheels (front double-wishbone, rear multi-link)
Off Road Capability:
Available Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) and lockable center differential (on some models/trims).
Years Covered:
1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
Estimated Page Count:
1000+
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Format:
Downloadable Digital File (typically PDF)
Powertrain:
Engine (ML320, ML430, ML500, ML55 AMG), Transmission (5-speed Automatic)
Chassis:
Suspension (Independent Front/Rear), Steering (Hydraulic Power), Brakes (ABS, Disc Front/Rear)
Electrical:
Engine Control Module (ECM), Body Control Module (BCM), Lighting, Instruments, HVAC Controls, Audio Systems, SRS Airbag System
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Interior Trim, Seating Systems, Sunroof
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks & Changes, Belt Inspection & Replacement, Spark Plug Replacement, Tire Rotation
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Component Testing Procedures
Repair:
Engine Component Replacement (e.g., heads, pistons), Transmission Rebuild/Replacement, Suspension Component Overhaul, Brake System Servicing, Electrical Component Repair
Installation:
Component Installation Guides, Alignment Procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds)
Ml320 Engine:
3.2L M112 E32 V6 SOHC
Ml430 Engine:
4.3L M113 E43 V8 SOHC
Ml500 Engine:
5.0L M113 E50 V8 SOHC (later models)
Ml55 Amg Engine:
5.4L M113 E55 AMG V8 SOHC Supercharged
Ml320 Horsepower:
215 hp @ 5750 rpm
Ml320 Torque:
229 lb-ft @ 3000-4600 rpm
Ml430 Horsepower:
268 hp @ 5500 rpm
Ml430 Torque:
280 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm
Ml55 Amg Horsepower:
342 hp @ 5500 rpm
Ml55 Amg Torque:
376 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Type:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Required Fuel Octane:
Premium Unleaded (91+ Octane Recommended)
Length:
Approx. 186.1 inches (4727 mm)
Width:
Approx. 71.6 inches (1819 mm)
Height:
Approx. 68.1 inches (1730 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 111 inches (2817 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 4,500 - 4,900 lbs (2041 - 2223 kg) depending on engine/options
Cargo Volume:
Approx. 34.5 - 80.0 cu ft (977 - 2265 L) with rear seats folded
NHTSA Front Impact:
4 Stars (Driver & Passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact:
4 Stars (Front Passenger), 3 Stars (Rear Passenger)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Standard Electronic Traction System (ETS) / 4ETS
Stability Control:
Optional Electronic Stability Program (ESP) on some models/years
Airbags:
Frontal Driver and Passenger Airbags, Optional Side Airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (synthetic oil).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 50,000 - 60,000 miles (80,000 - 96,000 km)
Engine Coolant Change:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years
Engine Oil Type Ml320:
Mobil 1 0W-40 Synthetic (or equivalent meeting MB 229.5 spec)
Engine Oil Capacity Ml320:
Approx. 8.5 quarts (8.0 liters)
Crankshaft Position Sensor:
Common failure leading to no-start or stalling.
Mass Airflow Sensor:
Can cause rough idle, poor acceleration, and check engine lights.
Transmission Conductor Plate:
Can lead to shifting problems, slipping, or a complete loss of gear engagement.
Rust On Body Panels:
Areas like wheel arches, rocker panels, and tailgate are susceptible.
Brand Focus:
Luxury, Performance, Engineering Excellence
W163 Introduction Year:
1997 (as a 1998 model year)
Facelift Year:
2001 (for the 2002 model year)
Facelift Changes:
Revised exterior styling, interior updates, introduction of ML500 engine.
Manufacturing Locations:
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Graz, Austria (for some export markets)
