Segment:
Mid-size Luxury SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle)
Target Audience:
Buyers seeking premium comfort, advanced features, and robust performance in an SUV package.
Key Competitors:
BMW X5, Lexus RX, Audi Q7, Volvo XC90, Cadillac SRX
Powertrain Options:
Powerful V6 and V8 engines, advanced 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.
Interior Appointments:
High-quality materials, comfortable seating, advanced climate control, premium sound options.
Safety And Handling:
Robust safety structure, advanced driver assistance systems (optional), refined ride and handling characteristics.
Powertrain:
Engine (M112 E37/E32, M113 E50), Transmission (722.6 5-speed Automatic), Drivetrain (4MATIC All-Wheel Drive)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front: Independent, MacPherson strut; Rear: Independent, Multi-link), Steering (Hydraulic Power Steering), Brakes (Front: Ventilated Discs; Rear: Solid Discs, ABS, ESP)
Electrical:
Engine Control Module (ECM), Transmission Control Module (TCM), Body Control Module (BCM), Lighting, Instrumentation, HVAC Controls, Audio System, Power Accessories (Windows, Locks, Seats)
Body And Trim:
Exterior Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Tailgate, Interior Trim, Seats, Safety Restraints (Airbags, Seatbelts)
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance (Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plugs), Fluid Checks and Replacements (Coolant, Brake Fluid, Power Steering Fluid, Transmission Fluid), Belt Inspections and Replacements
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Fault Code Interpretation (OBD-II), Symptom-based Troubleshooting Guides, Electrical System Diagnostics (Wiring Diagrams, Component Testing)
Repair And Overhaul:
Engine Mechanical (Timing, Pistons, Valves), Transmission Overhaul, Brake System Repair (Calipers, Rotors, Lines), Suspension Component Replacement (Shocks, Bushings), HVAC System Repair
Component Replacement:
Alternator, Starter Motor, Fuel Pump, Radiator, Water Pump, Power Steering Pump, AC Compressor
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance, detailed repair procedures, diagnostic information, component specifications, and electrical system schematics. Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Engine Code Variant:
M112 E37 (ML 350)
Configuration:
3.7L (3724cc) SOHC V6
Horsepower:
232 hp @ 5750 rpm
Torque:
258 lb-ft @ 3000-4500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multi-Point
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 AKI or higher recommended)
ECU Type:
ME 2.8 (Motronic Electronic Control Unit)
Emission Control:
Catalytic Converter, Oxygen Sensors, Secondary Air Injection (specific models)
Transmission Type:
5-speed Automatic (722.6 '7G-TRONIC' precursor)
Gear Ratios:
First: 3.59, Second: 2.19, Third: 1.41, Fourth: 1.00, Fifth: 0.73, Reverse: 3.40
Optional Transmission:
N/A for ML 350 (V8 models may differ)
Drive Modes:
Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes
Torque Converter:
Lock-up clutch for improved efficiency
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB Spec 236.10 (e.g., Mobil ATF 134, Pentosin ATF 7700)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 8.0 Liters (dry fill); 5.5 Liters (fluid change)
Length:
4637 mm (182.6 in)
Height:
1715 mm (67.5 in)
Wheelbase:
2820 mm (111.0 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2020 kg (4453 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 2700 kg (5952 lbs)
Towing Capacity:
Up to 3500 kg (7716 lbs) with optional towing package
Cargo Volume:
Approx. 630 Liters (22.2 cu ft) behind rear seats; 2019 Liters (71.3 cu ft) with rear seats folded
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (Driver and Passenger - for models equipped with side airbags and rollover protection)
IIHS Ratings:
Good (Frontal Offset, Side Impact - varies by specific features and testing year)
Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Traction Control:
ASR (Acceleration Skid Control)
Braking Systems:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BAS)
Airbags:
Frontal Airbags (Driver and Passenger), Side Airbags (Front and Rear Optional), Side Curtain Airbags (Optional)
Seat Belts:
3-point Inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters
Rollover Protection:
Integrated structural reinforcement, potential for active rollover prevention systems (optional)
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player with optional premium sound systems (e.g., Bose), SiriusXM satellite radio readiness.
Navigation:
Optional COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system with CD-ROM based maps.
Parking Assist:
Optional front and rear PARKTRONIC parking sensors.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control; optional Distronic adaptive cruise control on some higher-trim models.
Bluetooth:
Optional factory-installed or aftermarket Bluetooth integration for hands-free calling.
Climate Control:
Dual-zone automatic climate control with optional rear AC vents.
Seating:
Power-adjustable front seats with memory function, heated front seats (optional), leather upholstery.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (based on Flexible Service System, 'ASSYST')
Transmission Fluid Service:
Recommended every 40,000 - 60,000 miles (64,000 - 96,000 km) for optimal longevity. Check manual for specific recommendations.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Coolant Flush:
Initial fill typically good for 5 years or 100,000 miles; subsequent flushes every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40, API SM or higher, MB-Approval 229.5
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 8.0 Liters (16.9 US Quarts) with filter change
Coolant Type:
MB Spec 325.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant, Blue or Green)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
MB Spec 236.3 (Hydraulic Fluid, Green)
Common Wear Items:
Ignition coils, spark plugs, mass airflow sensor (MAF), catalytic converters, oxygen sensors, various suspension bushings and control arms, transmission conductor plate.
Electrical Gremlins:
Can experience issues with window regulators, central locking actuators, and sometimes HVAC blower motor resistors due to age and electrical component fatigue.
Rust And Corrosion:
Areas prone to rust include wheel arches, rocker panels, and the underside, especially in regions with road salt. Regular inspection and rustproofing are advisable.
Brand Focus:
Luxury automobiles, pioneering SUVs with the G-Wagen, focus on engineering excellence and durability.
W163 Introduction:
Introduced in 1997 as Mercedes-Benz's first mid-size luxury SUV, aiming to blend traditional Mercedes comfort with off-road capability.
Facelift 2001:
Significant update for the 2002 model year, affecting styling, interior, and powertrain options, aligning with the models covered by this manual.
Production Location:
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA (for North American market and global export)
Production Timeline:
W163 generation produced from 1997 to 2005. ML 350 model introduced in 2003 as a successor to the ML320.
Past Awards:
While specific awards for the ML 350 model year 2002-2005 are not prominently listed in general reviews, the W163 platform generally received positive feedback for its luxury appointments and capability upon its introduction. It was a strong contender in the luxury SUV segment.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Varied over the years; some models and components showed average to below-average reliability in certain reports due to complexity and specific part failures.
Emission Standards:
Designed to meet EPA and CARB emissions standards for the respective model years.
