Segment:
Luxury Mid-size SUV
Target Audience:
Discerning SUV buyers seeking premium comfort, advanced features, and robust performance.
Key Competitors:
BMW X5, Audi Q7, Lexus RX, Volvo XC90, Cadillac SRX.
Platform:
Based on the Mercedes-Benz M-Class (W164) platform.
Drivetrain Emphasis:
Standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.
Comfort And Luxury:
High levels of interior comfort, premium materials, and advanced amenities.
Safety Focus:
Emphasis on advanced safety features and structural integrity.
Engine:
All gasoline and diesel engine variants, including troubleshooting, overhaul, and component testing.
Transmission:
Automatic transmission (e.g., 7G-TRONIC PLUS), including maintenance, diagnostics, and repair procedures.
Drivetrain:
All-wheel drive (4MATIC) system, transfer case, differentials, drive shafts, and CV joints.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, including components like control arms, ball joints, shock absorbers, springs, and air suspension (if equipped).
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, and related components.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS, ESP, brake calipers, rotors, pads, lines, and bleeding procedures.
Electrical System:
Complete electrical schematics, battery, alternator, starter, fuses, relays, lighting, power windows, mirrors, and comfort features.
Climate Control:
HVAC system, climate control modules, blower motor, refrigerant system, and cabin filters.
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, chassis components, and structural integrity.
Infotainment And Electronics:
COMAND infotainment system, audio components, navigation, telematics, and dashboard displays.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, and general inspections.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults across all vehicle systems, including fault code interpretation.
Component Removal And Installation:
Detailed, step-by-step instructions for removing and installing major and minor components.
Overhaul And Rebuilding:
Instructions for overhauling engines, transmissions, and other major mechanical assemblies.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for all systems, aiding in diagnosis and repair.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage instructions for specialized tools required for specific repair procedures.
Torque Specifications:
Accurate torque values for all critical fasteners.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Detailed diagnostic trees and testing methods for various systems and faults.
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced electrical diagnostics.
Engine Options:
Multiple gasoline and diesel engines, including: ML350 (3.5L V6), ML500 (5.0L V8), ML63 AMG (6.2L V8), ML320 CDI (3.0L V6 Turbodiesel), ML350 CDI (3.0L V6 Turbodiesel).
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 228 hp to 507 hp (depending on engine variant).
Torque Range:
Approximately 339 lb-ft to 450 lb-ft (depending on engine variant).
Injection Type:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) for gasoline, Common Rail Direct Injection (CDI) for diesel.
Block Material:
Aluminum alloy (V6/V8 gasoline), Cast iron (diesel).
Cylinder Head Material:
Aluminum alloy.
Valve Train:
DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) with 4 valves per cylinder.
Length:
Approximately 188.5 inches (4788 mm).
Width:
Approximately 75.9 inches (1928 mm).
Height:
Approximately 70.7 inches (1796 mm).
Wheelbase:
Approximately 114.7 inches (2916 mm).
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up:
Approximately 26.7 cu ft (756 L).
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Down:
Approximately 72.4 cu ft (2050 L).
Curb Weight:
Approximately 4,600 - 5,000 lbs (2087 - 2268 kg), depending on engine and configuration.
Towing Capacity:
Up to 7,200 lbs (3266 kg) when properly equipped.
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
5-Star rating.
IIHS Front Overlap Side Impact:
Good rating (for models tested).
Traction Control:
Standard electronic traction control (ETC) and stability control (ESP).
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Brake Assist:
Brake Assist (BAS).
Airbags:
Front, front-side, and side-curtain airbags.
Seatbelts:
Pretensioning seatbelts with load limiters.
Rollover Protection:
Active rollover protection system.
Head Unit:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system, featuring CD player, radio, optional navigation, and auxiliary input.
Display Type:
Color LCD screen.
Parking Assistance:
Optional parking sensors (front and rear) and rearview camera.
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Optional DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control.
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling.
Seat Adjustment:
Power-adjustable front seats with memory function, heated and ventilated seat options.
Headlights:
Halogen or optional Bi-Xenon headlights with automatic leveling and cornering illumination.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (based on 'Flex Service' indicated by the vehicle's computer).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended around 60,000-80,000 miles (96,000-128,000 km) for the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-4 years or approximately 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km).
Engine Oil Spec:
MB 229.5 or 229.51 for gasoline engines (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40, 5W-40); MB 229.51 for diesel engines (e.g., Mobil 1 ESP Formula 5W-30).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Varies by engine, typically 7.7 - 8.5 quarts (7.3 - 8.0 liters).
Coolant Type:
MB Specification 325.0 or 326.0 (antifreeze/coolant, blue).
Air Suspension:
Leaking air springs (Airmatic), compressor failures, and valve block issues can occur with age and mileage.
Diesel Particulate Filter:
Clogging of the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) on diesel models, often due to short driving cycles or sensor faults.
Power Steering Pump:
Potential leaks or failure of the power steering pump or lines.
Exhaust Gas Recirculation Egr:
EGR valve issues and clogging, especially on diesel engines, can lead to performance problems.
Manufacturer:
Mercedes-Benz AG, a division of Daimler AG (now Mercedes-Benz Group AG).
Generation Introduction:
The W164 generation was introduced in 2005 as a successor to the W163 M-Class.
Design Philosophy:
Focused on improved on-road refinement, enhanced luxury, and more sophisticated styling compared to its predecessor.
Production Plants:
Primarily manufactured at the Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA plant.
Production Years:
2005-2011 (for the W164 generation).
