Vehicle Segment:
        
        
            Luxury Mid-size SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle)
        
     
    
    
        
            Competitors 2003:
        
        
            BMW X5, Lexus RX 330, Acura MDX, Volvo XC90, Land Rover Discovery
        
     
    
    
        
            Luxury Appointments:
        
        
            Premium interior materials, advanced comfort features, robust build quality.
        
     
    
        
            Powertrain Options:
        
        
            Powerful V8 and efficient V6 engine options, advanced 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system.
        
     
    
        
            Safety Innovation:
        
        
            Class-leading safety features including advanced airbag systems and stability control.
        
     
    
    
        
            Target Audience:
        
        
            Professional technicians and DIY enthusiasts working on the 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML350.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine:
        
        
            Detailed diagnostics, repair procedures, overhaul specifications for the M112 V6 engine.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission:
        
        
            Service and repair of the 5-speed automatic transmission (722.6) including electronic control module diagnostics.
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain:
        
        
            Front and rear axles, differentials, driveshafts, transfer case, and 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system.
        
     
    
        
            Suspension:
        
        
            Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, steering linkage, and alignment specifications.
        
     
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            Hydraulic brake system, ABS, ESP, brake pad and rotor replacement, bleeding procedures, and component specifications.
        
     
    
        
            Steering:
        
        
            Power steering system, steering column, rack and pinion, and power steering fluid specifications.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical:
        
        
            Complete electrical system, wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, component testing, ECU diagnostics, lighting, and accessories.
        
     
    
        
            Body And Chassis:
        
        
            Body panel removal and installation, doors, windows, interior trim, and chassis components.
        
     
    
        
            Climate Control:
        
        
            HVAC system operation, refrigerant handling, component testing, and climate control module diagnostics.
        
     
    
        
            Safety Systems:
        
        
            SRS airbag system diagnostics and replacement procedures, seatbelt mechanisms.
        
     
    
    
        
            Maintenance:
        
        
            Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
        
     
    
        
            Troubleshooting:
        
        
            Diagnostic flowcharts, common fault code analysis, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
        
     
    
        
            Repair:
        
        
            Step-by-step repair instructions for all major mechanical and electrical components.
        
     
    
        
            Overhaul:
        
        
            Detailed procedures for engine and transmission rebuilds with torque specifications and clearances.
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostics:
        
        
            Extensive diagnostic procedures utilizing factory scan tools (e.g., STAR DIAGNOSIS concepts) for engine, transmission, ABS, ESP, and body control modules.
        
     
    
        
            Wiring Diagrams:
        
        
            Complete and detailed electrical wiring schematics for all vehicle systems.
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and complete component overhauls.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            File Type:
        
        
            Software (e.g., executable application, PDF collection)
        
     
    
        
            Searchability:
        
        
            Likely searchable text for quick information retrieval.
        
     
    
    
        
            Output Quality:
        
        
            Printable pages, high-resolution diagrams and illustrations.
        
     
    
    
        
            Binding:
        
        
            N/A (Software format)
        
     
    
    
        
            Paper:
        
        
            N/A (Software format)
        
     
    
    
        
            Estimated Pages:
        
        
            Likely equivalent to over 1500-2000+ printed pages given the complexity of Mercedes-Benz systems.
        
     
 
    
    
    
    
        
            Configuration:
        
        
            4.3L (4266 cc) SOHC 90-degree V6
        
     
    
        
            Horsepower:
        
        
            232 hp @ 5500 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Torque:
        
        
            284 lb-ft @ 3000-4500 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Bore X Stroke:
        
        
            92.0 mm x 84.0 mm
        
     
    
        
            Compression Ratio:
        
        
            10.0:1
        
     
    
        
            Valvetrain:
        
        
            Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC) with 3 valves per cylinder
        
     
    
    
        
            Induction:
        
        
            Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Type:
        
        
            Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
        
     
    
    
        
            ECU:
        
        
            ME 2.8 Engine Control Unit
        
     
    
        
            Emissions:
        
        
            Federal Tier 1 compliant
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Type:
        
        
            5-speed Automatic (722.6)
        
     
    
        
            Gear Ratios:
        
        
            3.362 (1st), 2.037 (2nd), 1.356 (3rd), 1.000 (4th), 0.731 (5th), 4.000 (Reverse)
        
     
    
    
        
            Optional Types:
        
        
            N/A for ML350 in 2003; 4-speed auto (722.4) was previously available on ML models.
        
     
    
    
        
            Drive Modes:
        
        
            Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid:
        
        
            MB Spec 236.10 (ATF 134 or equivalent)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
        
        
            ★★★★☆ (4 stars)
        
     
    
        
            NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
        
        
            ★★★★☆ (4 stars)
        
     
    
        
            NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:
        
        
            ★★★★☆ (4 stars)
        
     
    
        
            NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:
        
        
            ★★★★☆ (4 stars)
        
     
    
        
            IIHS Frontal Offset:
        
        
            Good
        
     
    
    
        
            Stability Control:
        
        
            Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
        
     
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            All-Season Traction Control (4-ETS)
        
     
    
        
            Braking Assist:
        
        
            Brake Assist (BAS)
        
     
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags:
        
        
            Driver and front passenger front airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags (optional).
        
     
    
        
            Seat Belts:
        
        
            3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters.
        
     
    
        
            Rollover Protection:
        
        
            Roll-over sensor for airbag deployment and fuel pump shut-off.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Audio System:
        
        
            Bose premium sound system with AM/FM stereo, CD player, and Nakamichi amplifiers (optional).
        
     
    
        
            Navigation:
        
        
            Optional COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system.
        
     
    
    
        
            Parking Assistance:
        
        
            Optional Parktronic parking assist system.
        
     
    
    
        
            Phone Integration:
        
        
            Optional telematics system with integrated cellular phone capability.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil).
        
     
    
        
            Engine Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
        
     
    
        
            Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Every 20,000 miles or annually.
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement:
        
        
            Every 100,000 miles (using iridium-tipped plugs).
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Flush:
        
        
            Recommended every 60,000 miles (refer to manual for exact procedure and fluid type).
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Flush:
        
        
            Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Type:
        
        
            SAE 0W-40 Synthetic (MB Spec 229.5)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Capacity:
        
        
            8.5 quarts (8.0 liters) with filter
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Type:
        
        
            Mercedes-Benz Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., ZEREX G-05) - 50/50 mix with distilled water
        
     
    
        
            Power Steering Fluid:
        
        
            MB Spec 236.3 (Pentosin CHF 11 S or equivalent)
        
     
    
    
        
            Common Problems:
        
        
            Mass Airflow (MAF) sensor issues, ignition coil failures, ABS/ESP sensor malfunctions, oil leaks from valve cover gaskets and rear main seal, catalytic converter issues, transmission conductor plate faults.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Manufacturer History:
        
        
            Mercedes-Benz, a German luxury automobile manufacturer with a legacy of engineering excellence and innovation dating back to the late 19th century.
        
     
    
    
        
            First Generation W163:
        
        
            The W163 ML-Class was introduced in 1997 as Mercedes-Benz's first-ever SUV, blending luxury with off-road capability. The 2003 model represents a significant mid-cycle refresh for this generation.
        
     
    
        
            2003 Refresh:
        
        
            The 2003 model year saw cosmetic updates, interior enhancements, and powertrain revisions, including the introduction of the ML350 with the M112 engine.
        
     
    
    
        
            Production Location:
        
        
            Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
        
     
    
        
            Production Years W163:
        
        
            1997-2005