Segment:
        
        
            Luxury Mid-size SUV
        
     
    
        
            Positioning:
        
        
            Positioned as a premium, capable, and comfortable SUV blending off-road prowess with on-road refinement.
        
     
    
    
        
            Key Competitors:
        
        
            BMW X5, Audi Q7, Lexus RX, Volvo XC90, Land Rover LR3/LR4.
        
     
    
    
        
            Design Philosophy:
        
        
            Robust construction, sophisticated interior, advanced safety and technology features.
        
     
    
        
            Unique Selling Points:
        
        
            Mercedes-Benz engineering, 4MATIC all-wheel drive, optional AIRMATIC suspension, high-quality interior materials.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Primary Coverage:
        
        
            All repair, servicing, and troubleshooting procedures for the Mercedes-Benz ML Class W164 2006.
        
     
    
        
            Geographic Scope:
        
        
            Global (based on factory service standards, may vary slightly by region).
        
     
    
    
        
            Estimated Page Count:
        
        
            Hundreds (as stated, specific count not provided, but typical for factory manuals).
        
     
    
    
        
            Type:
        
        
            Factory Service Repair Workshop Manual
        
     
    
        
            Purpose:
        
        
            Repair, maintenance, diagnostics, and troubleshooting.
        
     
    
    
        
            Language:
        
        
            Likely English (standard for downloadable factory manuals unless specified otherwise).
        
     
    
    
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine:
        
        
            Detailed diagnostics, repair, and overhaul for all W164 engine variants available in 2006 (e.g., ML350, ML500, ML63 AMG).
        
     
    
        
            Transmission:
        
        
            Repair, adjustment, and troubleshooting for automatic transmissions (e.g., 7G-TRONIC).
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain:
        
        
            Four-wheel drive system (4MATIC), differentials, drive shafts, and CV joints.
        
     
    
        
            Suspension:
        
        
            Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, and AIRMATIC (if equipped).
        
     
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            Brake system diagnostics, component replacement (pads, rotors, calipers), ABS, ESP, and SBC (if applicable to the model year).
        
     
    
        
            Steering:
        
        
            Power steering system, steering column, steering rack, and associated components.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical:
        
        
            Complete electrical system schematics, component testing, fuses, relays, lighting, and battery system.
        
     
    
        
            Electronics:
        
        
            Engine control module (ECM), transmission control module (TCM), body control module (BCM), infotainment, climate control, and comfort electronics.
        
     
    
        
            Bodywork:
        
        
            Exterior panels, doors, hood, tailgate, glass, interior trim, and associated hardware.
        
     
    
        
            Climate Control:
        
        
            HVAC system diagnostics, refrigerant handling, compressor, blower motor, and climate control unit.
        
     
    
        
            Safety Systems:
        
        
            Airbag system, seatbelt pretensioners, and related sensor diagnostics.
        
     
    
    
        
            Maintenance:
        
        
            Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, brake service.
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostics:
        
        
            Fault code interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting, component testing procedures, diagnostic tool usage (e.g., STAR Diagnosis).
        
     
    
        
            Repair:
        
        
            Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and adjustment for all covered systems.
        
     
    
        
            Overhaul:
        
        
            Full engine and transmission overhaul procedures, where applicable.
        
     
    
        
            Troubleshooting:
        
        
            Systematic approaches to identify and resolve common and complex issues.
        
     
    
        
            Wiring Diagrams:
        
        
            Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems.
        
     
    
        
            Torque Specifications:
        
        
            Exact torque values for all fasteners and critical components.
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            Professional-level diagnostics and repair, suitable for both experienced technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
        
     
    
        
            Detail Level:
        
        
            Highly detailed with step-by-step instructions, exploded diagrams, and high-quality photographic illustrations.
        
     
 
    
    
    
    
        
            Searchability:
        
        
            Likely text-searchable (common for modern PDF manuals).
        
     
    
    
        
            Printability:
        
        
            High-quality, printable pages (single or full manual) as confirmed by product description.
        
     
    
    
        
            Binding:
        
        
            N/A (Digital Download PDF)
        
     
    
    
        
            Paper Quality:
        
        
            N/A (Digital Download PDF)
        
     
    
    
        
            Usage License:
        
        
            Unlimited, lifetime usage on multiple devices, no expiry dates or renewal fees.
        
     
    
    
        
            Operating Systems:
        
        
            Windows and macOS compatible.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Length:
        
        
            Approx. 4807 mm (189.2 in)
        
     
    
        
            Width:
        
        
            Approx. 1911 mm (75.2 in)
        
     
    
        
            Height:
        
        
            Approx. 1745 mm (68.7 in)
        
     
    
        
            Wheelbase:
        
        
            Approx. 2915 mm (114.8 in)
        
     
    
    
        
            Curb Weight Example:
        
        
            Approx. 4,700 - 5,100 lbs (2130 - 2313 kg), varies by engine and options.
        
     
    
        
            Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Example:
        
        
            Varies by model, typically around 6,000 - 6,500 lbs.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
        
        
            5 Stars (for applicable model years).
        
     
    
        
            NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
        
        
            5 Stars (for applicable model years).
        
     
    
        
            IIHS Front Overlap Moderate:
        
        
            Good (for applicable model years).
        
     
    
    
        
            Active Safety Systems:
        
        
            ABS, EBD, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), Traction Control.
        
     
    
    
        
            Passive Safety Features:
        
        
            Front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, active front head restraints.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Infotainment System:
        
        
            COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation EXperience) system with options for navigation, radio, CD/DVD changer, and auxiliary inputs.
        
     
    
        
            Display Type:
        
        
            Central color display screen.
        
     
    
    
        
            Driver Assistance Features:
        
        
            PARKTRONIC (parking assist), optional adaptive cruise control (DISTRONIC).
        
     
    
    
        
            Connectivity Options:
        
        
            Bluetooth interface for hands-free calling (functionality may vary based on phone compatibility), optional media interface for external audio devices.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval Example:
        
        
            Flexible service system (ASSYST PLUS), typically around 10,000-15,000 miles or 12 months, based on driving conditions.
        
     
    
        
            Major Service Example:
        
        
            Around 30,000-50,000 miles, includes brake fluid change, spark plugs (at higher intervals), air filter, cabin filter, transmission fluid service.
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Type:
        
        
            MB 229.5 or 229.51 compliant synthetic oil, viscosity usually 0W-30 or 5W-40 depending on climate.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Type:
        
        
            MB 236.14 (for 7G-TRONIC transmissions).
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Type:
        
        
            MB 325.0 or 326.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant).
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid Type:
        
        
            DOT 4 Plus (MB Spec 331.0).
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine M272 Flankshaft Issues:
        
        
            Some early M272 V6 engines (including potentially some in 2006 models) experienced camshaft adjuster wear leading to check engine lights and rough running. This was later addressed by Mercedes-Benz.
        
     
    
        
            Airmatic Suspension Leaks:
        
        
            Air suspension compressor or air struts can develop leaks over time, leading to a sagging ride height. The manual will cover diagnosis and repair.
        
     
    
        
            Eletcrical Connector Corrosion:
        
        
            While not exclusive to this model, various electrical connectors can be susceptible to corrosion in certain climates, affecting sensor readings and module function.
        
     
    
        
            Tailgate Latch Issues:
        
        
            Some owners report issues with the power tailgate latch mechanism.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Heritage Note:
        
        
            Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for luxury, engineering, and safety, translating into the ML Class.
        
     
    
    
        
            W164 Introduction:
        
        
            The W164 generation replaced the W163 and brought significant advancements in styling, technology, and driving dynamics.
        
     
    
        
            W164 Facelift:
        
        
            A significant facelift occurred for the 2009 model year, affecting styling and features, but this manual covers the pre-facelift 2006 model.
        
     
    
    
        
            Production Location:
        
        
            Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA (for North American market) and various other plants globally.