Segment:
Luxury Mid-size SUV
Target Audience:
Families seeking a premium, capable SUV with off-road potential and the comfort and prestige associated with the Mercedes-Benz brand.
Competitors:
BMW X5 (E53), Lexus RX (XU10), Audi allroad quattro (C5), Volvo XC90 (First Gen)
Distinctive Features Of W163:
Unibody construction (for improved on-road manners compared to body-on-frame), standard 4-wheel drive (4MATIC), luxurious interior appointments, powerful engine options.
Powertrain:
Engine Mechanical, Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Drivetrain (Front & Rear Axles, Driveshafts, Differentials)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System (including ABS/ESP), Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Engine Control Unit (ECU), Body Control Module (BCM), Lighting System, Instrumentation & Gauges, Audio System, Power Accessories (Windows, Locks, Seats), Airbag System (SRS), Climate Control System (HVAC), Cruise Control
Body:
Body Exterior & Interior Trim, Doors, Hood, Tailgate, Bumpers, Seats, Glass, Windshield Wipers & Washers
Climate Control:
Manual and automatic climate control systems, HVAC components (compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor), refrigerant handling, ducting, and controls.
Lighting:
Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, fog lights, bulb replacement, wiring diagrams for lighting circuits, headlight aiming.
Interior Systems:
Seat adjustment mechanisms (manual and power), seat heating, interior trim removal and installation, door panel removal, dashboard removal, center console access.
Maintenance:
Routine Maintenance (Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks/Changes), Tune-ups, Inspections
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake Service, Electrical Component Diagnosis & Replacement, Body Panel Repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-based Troubleshooting Guides, Electrical Schematics Analysis
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic procedures for engine management, transmission control, ABS/ESP systems, and other electronic modules using scan tools and manual methods. Includes troubleshooting flowcharts.
Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, diagnostic data (e.g., sensor readings, operating parameters), tolerances, and clearances.
Special Tools:
Lists necessary special tools required for specific repair procedures, often including Mercedes-Benz proprietary tools.
Depth:
Comprehensive - from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical diagnostics.
Electrical Diagrams:
Includes comprehensive wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, crucial for diagnosing electrical faults.
Content Style:
Step-by-step instructions with detailed photographic and diagrammatic illustrations for clarity.
Engine Options:
Early models featured 2.3L inline-4 (M111 E23), 2.7L inline-5 (OM612 DE27 LA - diesel), 3.2L V6 (M112 E32), and 4.3L V8 (M113 E43). Later models included 3.7L V6 (M112 E37) and 5.0L V8 (M113 E50).
Horsepower Range:
Approx. 170 hp to 295 hp depending on engine and year
Torque Range:
Approx. 200 lb-ft to 339 lb-ft depending on engine and year
Engine Variants Examples:
ML320 (3.2L V6), ML430 (4.3L V8), ML500 (5.0L V8), ML270 CDI (2.7L I5 Diesel).
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) for gasoline engines, Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI) for diesel variants.
Gasoline Engine Codes:
M111 (I4), M112 (V6), M113 (V8)
Diesel Engine Codes:
OM612 (I5)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2830 mm (111.4 in)
Length:
Approx. 4637 mm (182.6 in)
Width:
Approx. 1841 mm (72.5 in)
Height:
Approx. 1742 mm (68.6 in)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 200-215 mm (7.9-8.5 in) depending on suspension and tire size.
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1900 kg to 2200 kg (4189 lbs to 4850 lbs) depending on engine and configuration
Cargo Volume:
Approx. 550 to 2000 liters (19.4 to 70.6 cu ft) with rear seats folded
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
4-star (driver), 4-star (passenger) for models tested.
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) / Acceleration Skid Control (ASR), Traction Control System (TCS), All-wheel drive (4MATIC).
Passive Safety Features:
Front airbags, front side airbags (optional on early models, standard later), front seatbelt pretensioners, crumple zones.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters for front seats; three-point seat belts for all rear seating positions.
Infotainment System:
Available COMAND (Cockpit Management and Data) system with navigation, CD player, and early forms of voice control on higher trims. Basic radio and cassette players were standard on lower trims.
Driver Assistance Features:
Cruise Control, Rain-sensing wipers (on later models/higher trims), Parking assist sensors (optional on some models).
Connectivity Options:
Limited by modern standards; typically featured analog connectivity for cellular phones with integrated car kits on higher trims. No Bluetooth or USB as standard in early years.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions and specific engine.
Major Service Intervals:
Spark plug replacement (approx. 60,000-100,000 miles), transmission fluid change (approx. 60,000 miles), coolant flush (approx. 30,000-60,000 miles).
Engine Oil Specification:
Typically MB 229.1 or MB 229.3 compliant synthetic oil, viscosity grade varies by engine and climate (e.g., 0W-40, 5W-40, 5W-30). Consult manual for specific engine.
Transmission Fluid Specification:
MB 236.10 or MB 236.12 for 5-speed automatic transmission (e.g., Pentosin ATF1 or equivalent).
Coolant Specification:
Mercedes-Benz approved antifreeze/coolant (e.g., G05 or similar) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid Specification:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent hydraulic fluid (often specified for Mercedes-Benz power steering systems of this era).
Common Issues:
Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor failures, ignition coil failures (especially on V6/V8 engines), ABS/ESP module failures, crank position sensor failures, window regulator failures, rust on body panels (especially around wheel wells and rocker panels), transmission valve body issues, catalytic converter issues.
Common Maintenance Tasks:
Regular replacement of air filters, cabin filters, serpentine belts, and spark plugs; checking and topping off all fluid levels.
Brand Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for luxury, engineering excellence, and pioneering automotive technology, particularly in safety and comfort.
W163 Development:
The W163 was Mercedes-Benz's first foray into the SUV market, aiming to combine off-road capability with their signature luxury and on-road comfort. It was designed to appeal to a broader market seeking versatility.
Facelift:
Received a significant facelift for the 2002 model year, including updated front and rear styling, revised interior, and new engine options.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily produced in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA, and also in Rastatt, Germany.
