Segment:
Luxury Mid-size SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle)
Target Audience:
Individuals seeking a premium, comfortable, and capable SUV with Mercedes-Benz engineering and luxury.
Competitors:
BMW X5, Audi Q7, Lexus RX, Volvo XC90, Land Rover Discovery
Powertrain:
3.2L V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive
Comfort And Luxury:
Leather upholstery, premium sound system, climate control, comfortable seating for up to seven (optional third row)
Off Road Capability:
Slightly higher ground clearance, available off-road package (though primarily focused on on-road comfort)
Engine:
3.2L 6-cylinder (M112 E32) - complete overhaul, diagnostics, tuning, emissions
Transmission:
Automatic Transmission (e.g., 5G-TRONIC 722.6) - overhaul, diagnostics, fluid service, electronic control
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (4MATIC), differentials (front, center, rear), drive shafts, CV joints
Suspension:
Independent front and rear suspension, struts, shocks, springs, control arms, bushings, anti-roll bars, self-leveling suspension (if equipped)
Brakes:
Hydraulic braking system, ABS, EBD, brake calipers, rotors, pads, lines, master cylinder, parking brake
Steering:
Power steering system, steering gear, tie rods, power steering pump, fluid service
Electrical:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starter, ignition system, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, multiplexing systems
Climate Control:
HVAC system, A/C compressor, refrigerant, blower motor, evaporator, heater core, climate control modules
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, sunroof, seats, upholstery, trim, dashboard, interior components, exterior trim
Safety Systems:
Airbags, seat belts, SRS module, anti-theft systems
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, cabin, fuel), spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting common faults, identifying symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), using diagnostic tools (e.g., STAR Diagnosis)
Repair:
Component removal and installation, component rebuilding, leak diagnosis and repair, sensor replacement, module calibration
Overhaul:
Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, timing procedures, fluid capacities, electrical component testing
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for all systems
Depth:
Comprehensive - from basic maintenance and routine checks to advanced diagnostics, component overhaul, and full vehicle repair. Suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
File Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format) - typically, allowing for searchability and printability.
Print Quality:
Expected to be high, with clear diagrams, illustrations, and text, suitable for printing individual sections or the entire manual.
Binding Type:
Digital format implies no physical binding; however, if a printed version were available, it would typically be professionally bound (e.g., comb binding, spiral binding, or perfect binding) for durability in a workshop environment.
Paper Type:
Not applicable for digital format. If printed, it would likely be on durable paper stock suitable for workshop use.
Length:
Approx. 181.6 inches (4613 mm)
Width:
Approx. 71.6 inches (1819 mm)
Height:
Approx. 66.9 inches (1700 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 111 inches (2820 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 8.0 inches (203 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 4450 - 4600 lbs (2018 - 2087 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 5800 - 6000 lbs (2630 - 2722 kg)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:
Approx. 39.5 cu ft (1118 liters)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:
Approx. 75.1 cu ft (2127 liters)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
4 Stars (for models prior to the 2003 facelift)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
4 Stars (for models prior to the 2003 facelift)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:
4 Stars
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Standard Electronic Traction System (ETS) or ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation)
Stability Control:
Available Electronic Stability Program (ESP) on later models or optional.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, optional side airbags
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
Rollover Protection:
Structural design considerations for SUV rollover resistance, although specific ratings vary by year and testing methodology.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 20,000 - 30,000 miles (32,000 - 48,000 km)
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Annually or every 10,000 - 15,000 miles (16,000 - 24,000 km)
Transmission Fluid Service:
Every 30,000 - 40,000 miles (48,000 - 64,000 km), often including filter replacement.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with iridium spark plugs.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-30 or 0W-40 Synthetic Engine Oil meeting MB-Approval 229.5
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 US quarts (8.0 liters)
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., G05 or G48) at a 50/50 mixture with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Plus Brake Fluid
Icm Module Failure:
The Ignition Control Module (ICM) is a known failure point, causing intermittent or no-start conditions.
ABS Esp Sensor Failure:
Wheel speed sensors for the ABS and ESP systems can fail, leading to warning lights and loss of ABS/ESP function.
Biodegradable Wiring Harness:
Early models experienced issues with the insulation on wiring harnesses degrading, leading to short circuits and electrical problems.
Rear Main Seal Leaks:
Common to experience oil leaks from the rear main crankshaft seal.
Catalytic Converter Failure:
Catalytic converters can fail prematurely due to various engine issues or age.
Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for luxury, engineering, and automotive innovation, established in the early 20th century. This heritage brings a commitment to quality and refinement to their SUV offerings.
First Generation W163:
Introduced in 1997 for the 1998 model year, the W163 marked Mercedes-Benz's entry into the premium SUV segment. It was designed to blend luxury car comfort with the versatility of an SUV. Key updates occurred with a facelift in 2001, introducing revised styling and enhanced features.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily produced at the Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA, plant, which was a significant investment for Daimler-Benz.
Production Years:
1998-2005
