Segment:
Mid-size Luxury SUV
Competitors:
BMW X5, Audi Q7, Lexus RX, Volvo XC90, Cadillac SRX
Luxury Appointments:
Premium interior materials, advanced comfort features, sophisticated design
Performance Capability:
V6 engine power, 4MATIC all-wheel drive for enhanced traction and stability
Safety And Technology:
Comprehensive safety features, advanced infotainment, driver assistance systems
Content Areas:
Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. only), Cleaning, Maintenance and Specifications, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter(s), Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories, Service Information and Specifications, Maintenance Information and Specifications
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 300-400 pages (estimated based on typical Mercedes-Benz owner's manuals for this era)
Powertrain:
Engine operation, fuel system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system
Drivetrain:
4MATIC all-wheel drive system operation and basic care
Chassis And Suspension:
Basic information on suspension and steering (owner level)
Brakes:
Brake system operation and warning indicators
Electrical And Electronics:
Instrument cluster functions, lighting controls, basic electrical component identification (fuse boxes, battery)
Infotainment And Comfort:
COMAND infotainment system, climate control operation, audio system basics
Safety Systems:
Airbags, seat belts, child seat installation, electronic stability program (ESP)
Body And Interior:
Door locks, security system, seating adjustments, interior lighting, cleaning procedures
Routine Maintenance:
Engine oil and filter change guidance, air filter replacement, fluid level checks (coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks
Basic Operation:
Starting and stopping the engine, gear selection, parking brake operation, using vehicle controls
Troubleshooting:
Understanding warning lamps and indicators, basic troubleshooting steps for common alerts
Safety Procedures:
Correct use of safety restraints, child seat installation, emergency procedures
Cleaning And Care:
Interior and exterior cleaning recommendations, specific material care
Depth:
Owner-level information focused on operation, basic maintenance, and understanding vehicle features. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or component-level repair instructions typically found in a service manual.
Engine Code:
M272.967 (typical for ML350 4MATIC in this year)
Configuration:
3.5L (3498 cc) V6, SOHC, 24 Valves
Horsepower:
268 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
258 lb-ft @ 2400-5000 rpm
Induction:
Naturally Aspirated, Multi-point Fuel Injection
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Cooling System Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 liters (8.9 US quarts) of MB 325.0 specification coolant
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts) with filter change
Oil Specification:
MB 229.5 or MB 229.51 (SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40)
Part Number Example:
A2720900001 (Genuine Mercedes-Benz)
NHTSA Ratings:
Generally strong ratings, often 4 or 5 stars in various categories for this generation (specific model year may vary slightly, consult NHTSA for definitive data).
Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Crosswind Assist
Traction Control:
All-Season Traction Control (4-ETS)
Brake Assist:
Brake Assist System (BAS)
Airbags:
Front airbags, side airbags, window curtain airbags, front-seat pelvis airbags
Seat Belts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with belt tensioners and force limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
System Name:
COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation)
Display:
7-inch color display
Features:
CD/DVD player, AM/FM radio, navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity (for phone), optional auxiliary input.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control, optional DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control.
Parking Assistance:
Optional parking sensors (front and rear), optional rearview camera.
Bluetooth:
Integrated Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming.
Oil Change Interval:
Flexible, determined by the 'Active Service System' (ASSYST) based on driving conditions, typically every 10,000 miles or 1 year.
Major Service Interval:
Refer to ASSYST messages or specific mileage markers (e.g., 20k, 40k, 60k miles for fluid checks, filter replacements, spark plugs etc.)
Brake Fluid:
MB 331.0 (DOT 4 Plus)
Power Steering Fluid:
MB 343.0 (Hydraulic fluid)
Common Wear Items:
Suspension components (control arms, bushings), various sensors (e.g., crankshaft position sensor), A/C blower motor, potential for oil leaks from valve covers or oil filter housing.
Engine Component Concern:
Some M272 engines (prior to specific production date improvements) could be prone to balance shaft wear, indicated by check engine lights and rough running. This manual does not cover diagnostics for this, but owner awareness is key.
Brand Focus:
Long history of luxury vehicles, engineering innovation, and pioneering automotive technologies.
M Class Introduction:
First introduced in 1997 as a mid-size luxury SUV.
Second Generation W164:
Launched for the 2006 model year, with a significant facelift for 2009, continuing through 2011 for this specific manual.
Manufacturing Location:
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA (for North American market vehicles)
