Segment:
Luxury Mid-size SUV
Target Audience:
Affluent individuals and families seeking a blend of luxury, capability, and off-road prowess in an SUV.
Key Competitors:
BMW X5, Lexus RX, Audi Q7 (later years), Volvo XC90.
Premium Appointments:
High-quality interior materials, advanced comfort features, powerful engine options, sophisticated styling.
Capability:
Standard 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system (on most models), respectable towing capacity, optional off-road packages.
Covered Regions:
Global (factory specifications applicable to all markets)
Estimated Page Count:
Thousands (typically over 2000 pages for comprehensive factory manuals)
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF or similar, based on product description)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, engine management (ECU), cooling system, lubrication system, transmission (automatic), transfer case, drivetrain (4MATIC AWD).
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear, independent), steering system, braking system (ABS, ESP), wheels, tires.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starter, lighting system, instrument cluster, infotainment system, body control modules (BCM), comfort systems (HVAC, power windows, seats), diagnostic systems (OBD-II), SRS airbag system.
Body:
Exterior body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, glass, seals, bumpers, aerodynamic components.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, brake pad/rotor replacement, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation (DTCs), diagnostic procedures for all major systems, wiring diagrams, component testing.
Repair Rebuild:
Engine overhaul and rebuilding, transmission service and repair, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, electrical component repair, body panel repair.
Installation Adjustment:
Component installation and removal, alignment procedures, system adjustments, calibration procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Ml320 Engine:
3.2L M16.3 V6 (Gasoline)
Ml350 Engine:
3.7L M112 E37 V6 (Gasoline)
Ml430 Engine:
4.3L M113 E43 V8 (Gasoline)
Ml500 Engine:
5.0L M113 E50 V8 (Gasoline)
M55 Engine:
5.4L M113 E55 AMG V8 Supercharged (Gasoline)
Ml320 Horsepower:
215 hp @ 5750 rpm
Ml320 Torque:
229 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Ml350 Horsepower:
232 hp @ 5750 rpm
Ml350 Torque:
236 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Ml430 Horsepower:
268 hp @ 5500 rpm
Ml430 Torque:
288 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Ml500 Horsepower:
290 hp @ 5500 rpm
Ml500 Torque:
302 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
M55 Horsepower:
349 hp @ 5500 rpm
M55 Torque:
376 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Fuel Injection:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) / Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher)
Type:
5-speed Automatic (722.6 '5G-Tronic')
Type:
N/A (5-speed automatic was standard across the range)
Drivetrain System:
4MATIC All-Wheel Drive (Standard)
Transfer Case:
Two-speed transfer case with center differential lock (on select models/off-road packages).
Length:
Approx. 189.2 inches (4806 mm)
Width:
Approx. 74.4 inches (1890 mm)
Height:
Approx. 70.0 inches (1778 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 111.0 inches (2820 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 4400 - 4700 lbs (2000 - 2130 kg), varies by model and equipment.
NHTSA Front Impact:
4/5 Stars (Driver/Passenger, pre-2000s testing protocols)
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable (varies by year, often improved with later facelifts)
Esp:
Electronic Stability Program (standard on most models)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (standard)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags (optional on early models, standard later).
Seatbelts:
Pretensioning seatbelts with force limiters.
Navigation:
Optional COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system, often featuring a CD-ROM based navigation.
Audio:
Premium audio systems (e.g., Bose) available on higher trims, CD changer integration.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control, optional Distronic adaptive cruise control on some later models.
Parking Assist:
Optional parking sensors (front and rear).
OBD Ii:
Standard OBD-II diagnostic port for fault code reading.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil.
Major Service Intervals:
Refer to manual for specific mileage/time intervals for spark plugs, transmission fluid, coolant, etc. (e.g., 30,000-60,000 miles for certain items).
Engine Oil:
SAE 0W-30 or 0W-40 Synthetic (MB 229.5 approved)
Transmission Fluid:
MB 236.10 (e.g., Pentosin ATF 1 or equivalent)
Coolant:
MB 325.0 (Ethylene Glycol based, blue color)
Interior Wear:
Cracking dashboard, worn leather, failing seat adjustments, pixelated instrument cluster displays.
Engine Components:
Misfires due to coil pack failure, vacuum leaks, Crankshaft Position Sensor (CPS) issues, intake manifold leaks (plastic manifold).
Suspension Steering:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, control arm bushings, leaking power steering pumps/hoses, premature wear on SLS (Self-Leveling Suspension) components if equipped.
Electrical Issues:
Window regulator failures, HVAC blower motor resistor failure, ABS/ESP module faults, CAN bus communication errors, fuel pump failures.
Rust:
Corrosion on fender lips, rocker panels, rear wheel wells, and tailgate.
Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for luxury, engineering excellence, and robust vehicle construction.
Introduction Year:
1997 (as a 1998 model year vehicle)
Facelift Year:
2001 (significant updates including styling, interior, and powertrain enhancements)
Manufacturing Plant:
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
Production Years:
1997-2005