Vehicle Segment:
Luxury Mid-size SUV / Sport Utility Vehicle
Brand Perception:
Known for luxury, comfort, advanced technology, and robust engineering.
Competitors 1998:
BMW X5 (E53), Lexus RX300, Acura SLX, Land Rover Discovery Series II, Jeep Grand Cherokee
SUV Design:
Unibody construction, independent suspension on all four wheels, providing a more car-like ride and handling than traditional body-on-frame SUVs.
Powertrain Options:
Available with a range of V6 and V8 engines, paired with a sophisticated automatic transmission and Mercedes-Benz's 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system.
Interior Appointments:
Luxurious interior materials, comfortable seating, and a focus on driver and passenger comfort and convenience.
Target Audience:
Professional automotive technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts seeking in-depth repair and maintenance information.
Value Proposition:
Provides the comprehensive technical data necessary for accurate diagnosis, repair, and maintenance, reducing guesswork and costly errors.
General Coverage:
Complete Repair and Service
Specific Systems:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Brakes, Steering, HVAC, Electrical Systems, Bodywork, Interior
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Detailed coverage of engine mechanicals, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, exhaust, and transmission (automatic).
Chassis:
Comprehensive information on front and rear suspension, steering system, brake system (including ABS), and wheel/tire specifications.
Electrical:
Extensive wiring diagrams, component testing, diagnostics for lighting, instruments, power accessories, and electronic control modules (ECU, TCU, ABS, etc.).
Body And Interior:
Coverage for body panel removal/installation, interior trim, seats, airbags, climate control system (HVAC), and glass replacement.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, lubrication points, and inspection procedures.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, and common problem resolution steps.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for major and minor component overhauls, adjustments, and replacements.
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) information, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), and procedures for using diagnostic tools.
Depth Level:
Professional-level, suitable for dealership technicians and experienced DIY mechanics.
Detail Level:
Includes torque specifications, special tool requirements, precise measurements, and component clearances.
Engine Type:
3.2L SOHC V6 (Aluminum Block & Heads)
Bore X Stroke:
89.9 mm x 84.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Horsepower:
215 hp @ 5,750 rpm
Torque:
229 lb-ft @ 3,000-4,500 rpm
Engine Type:
3.7L SOHC V6 (Aluminum Block & Heads)
Horsepower:
232 hp @ 5,750 rpm
Torque:
236 lb-ft @ 3,000-4,500 rpm
Engine Type:
5.0L SOHC V8 (Aluminum Block & Heads)
Bore X Stroke:
97.0 mm x 84.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Horsepower:
295 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque:
335 lb-ft @ 3,250 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (Premium recommended)
Transmission Type:
5-speed Automatic (5G-TRONIC)
Drive System:
4MATIC Permanent All-Wheel Drive
Transfer Case:
Integrated into transmission housing, features a planetary gearset for center differential action.
Transmission Fluid:
MB 236.10 (e.g., Pentosin ATF1 or equivalent approved by Mercedes-Benz)
Length:
Approx. 183.7 inches (4,666 mm)
Width:
Approx. 71.5 inches (1,816 mm)
Height:
Approx. 67.4 inches (1,712 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 111.0 inches (2,820 mm)
Curb Weight Ml320:
Approx. 4,387 lbs (1,990 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 5,732 lbs (2,600 kg)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4 Stars (Driver and Passenger)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Standard Electronic Traction System (ETS) - 4ETS for AWD models
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, optional side airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seat belts for all occupants, front seat belt pretensioners.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette or CD player, with options for premium sound systems (e.g., Bose).
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system available on some models.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Parking Sensors:
Optional Parktronic parking assist system available on later models, though less common on '98.
Remote Keyless Entry:
Standard remote keyless entry and central locking.
Teleaid:
Optional TeleAid emergency assistance system.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil).
Transmission Fluid Interval:
Refer to the manual for specific mileage, often around 60,000 miles or as indicated by the vehicle's maintenance system (ASSYST).
Engine Oil:
SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 Synthetic (API SM or higher, MB 229.3 or 229.5 approved)
Coolant:
MB 325.0 or 326.0 (Ethylene Glycol-based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (meeting MB 331.0 specification)
Power Steering Fluid:
MB 236.3 (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent)
Interior Plastics:
Dashboard and interior trim plastics can become brittle and crack over time due to UV exposure and age.
Mass Airflow Sensor:
The MAF sensor can become dirty or fail, leading to rough idling, stalling, or poor performance.
Harmonic Balancer:
The rubber element in the harmonic balancer can degrade, causing vibrations and potential engine damage if not addressed.
Window Regulators:
Power window regulators can fail, particularly in humid climates or with heavy use.
Integrated Tool Module Ibt:
Issues with the Integrated Transmission Control Module (ITM) or other electronic control units can cause shifting problems or diagnostic warnings.
Mercedes Benz Legacy:
A long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, and pioneering automotive technology since the early 20th century.
W163 Introduction:
The W163 generation (1997-2005) marked Mercedes-Benz's entry into the burgeoning luxury SUV market, designed to blend off-road capability with on-road refinement.
Model Year 1998:
The inaugural model year, establishing the ML-Class's core platform and initial powertrain offerings.
Manufacturing Location:
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
Vehicle Launch Accolades:
The ML-Class was generally well-received at launch for its innovative design, luxury appointments, and competent performance in its class.
Consumer Reports Initial Ratings:
Mixed initial reviews often cited reliability concerns as common for first-generation models, though performance and comfort were praised.
Epa Fuel Economy Ml320 AWD:
City: 15 MPG, Highway: 19 MPG (approximate EPA estimates for the period)
Epa Fuel Economy Ml500 AWD:
City: 13 MPG, Highway: 17 MPG (approximate EPA estimates for the period)
