🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

ML320

Year:

2000

Chassis Code:

W163

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 2000 Mercedes-Benz ML320 (W163) was positioned as a luxury mid-size SUV, blending Mercedes-Benz's renowned engineering with off-road capability and executive comfort. It competed with vehicles like the BMW X5, Lexus RX300, and Volvo XC90.

Competitive Analysis:

The ML320 distinguished itself with its premium interior, robust build quality, and advanced safety features. Its powertrain offered a balance of performance and refinement. This manual provides the specific technical data required to maintain and repair this sophisticated luxury vehicle.

Key Features:

Luxury SUV segment, V6 engine, advanced safety systems (ABS, ASR, optional ESP), upscale interior materials, all-wheel drive, capable for light off-roading.

Model Series:

W163

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, HVAC, Bodywork, Interior, Diagnostics

Page Count:

Extensive (Exact count not specified, but typical for full service manuals)

Manual Type:

Service & Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Software (likely digital download or CD-ROM)

Licensing:

Officially Licensed

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine Mechanical, Engine Control (ME-SFI), Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Intake System, Automatic Transmission (5G-TRONIC), Transfer Case, Drive Axles, Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Power Steering, Brake System (ABS, ESP), Antilock Braking System, Electronic Stability Program, Airbags, Seat Belt Systems, Lighting System, Power Accessories, Climate Control (HVAC), Instrument Cluster, Body Control Module (BCM), Chassis Electrical, Wiring Diagrams, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Emission Controls

Procedures Included:

Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Tune-Ups, Engine Overhaul, Transmission Repair & Overhaul, Brake Pad & Rotor Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement, Steering System Repair, Electrical Troubleshooting, HVAC System Diagnosis & Repair, Body Panel Alignment & Repair, Interior Trim Removal & Installation, Diagnostic Procedures, Component Testing, Wiring Harness Repair, Software Diagnostics

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive; from basic maintenance and routine service to advanced diagnostics and complete component rebuilds. Includes detailed torque specifications, component tolerances, and diagnostic flowcharts.

Diagnostics:

Detailed diagnostic procedures for all major systems, including OBD-II scan tool data interpretation, live data stream analysis, and fault code lookups.

Body And Trim Coverage:

Exterior body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, tailgate, bumpers, interior trim panels, seat removal, dashboard disassembly.

Chassis Coverage:

Frame specifications, unibody construction details, jacking points, lifting procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Digital Software (e.g., executable, PDF collection)

Print Quality:

N/A (Software-based, digital display)

Binding Type:

N/A (Software-based)

Paper Type:

N/A (Software-based)

Completeness:

Official service and repair manual software providing comprehensive diagnostic and repair information.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

3.2L M112 E32 V6 SOHC (Spark Ignited)

Horsepower:

215 hp @ 5750 rpm

Torque:

229 lb-ft @ 3750 rpm

Fuel System:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Multi-point injection

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)

Engine Management System:

ME-SFI (Motronic

Engine Layout:

V-6

Displacement:

3.2 Liters (3199 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

3.50 x 3.37 inches (88.5 x 85.5 mm)

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Engine Code:

M112 E32

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Automatic Transmission (5G-TRONIC)

Transmission Features:

Driver-adaptive shift logic, Electronic control unit (ETC), Lock-up torque converter

Drive Type:

4MATIC All-Wheel Drive (Permanent)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

111.0 inches

Overall Length:

186.2 inches

Overall Width:

73.2 inches

Overall Height:

67.7 inches

Curb Weight:

4580 lbs

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

5990 lbs

Towing Capacity:

5000 lbs

Passenger Capacity:

5

Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up:

39.5 cubic feet

Cargo Volume Rear Seats Down:

78.3 cubic feet

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Driver Impact Rating:

5-Star

NHTSA Front Passenger Impact Rating:

5-Star

Active Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Acceleration Skid Control (ASR), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Traction Control System (TCS)

Stability Control System:

Electronic Stability Program (ESP)

Passive Features:

Front Dual-Stage Airbags, Side-Impact Airbags (front), Side Curtain Airbags (front), Seatbelt Pretensioners, Crumple Zones

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Optional COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system, AM/FM/CD stereo with optional cassette player, premium sound system options.

Driver Assistance Features:

Cruise Control, Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers (optional), Xenon Headlights (optional).

Parking Assist:

Optional Parktronic system

Connectivity Features:

Limited compared to modern vehicles; typically involved auxiliary input for audio devices.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil)

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months

Transmission Fluid Change Interval:

Refer to service manual; typically every 40,000-60,000 miles for severe duty, or based on service indicator.

Engine Oil Specification:

MB 229.1 or MB 229.5 approved SAE 0W-30 or 5W-40 Synthetic Engine Oil

Transmission Fluid Specification:

MB 236.10 Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) (e.g., Pentosin ATF1 or equivalent)

Coolant Specification:

MB 325.0 (Ethylene Glycol based, purple color)

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 4

Transfer Case Fluid Specification:

MB 235.6 (Gear oil)

Front Differential Fluid Specification:

MB 235.5 (Gear oil)

Rear Differential Fluid Specification:

MB 235.5 (Gear oil)

Known Issues:

Cracked 'supercharger' intake manifold (on some early W163 models, though less common on the ML320), electronic module failures (e.g., TCU, ECU), climate control blower motor resistor failures, rust on the rear wheel arches and tailgate, occasional drivetrain clunks, ABS sensor failures, and SRS warning light issues.

Specific Repair Focus:

Addressing common electronic faults, proper fluid management for the transmission and differential, and body rust prevention/repair.

Engine Oil Capacity:

7.5 quarts (7.1 liters)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

8.5 quarts (8.0 liters)

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, and safety, dating back to the invention of the automobile.

Model Evolution:

The ML-Class (W163) was Mercedes-Benz's first foray into the burgeoning SUV market. Launched in 1997, it was designed to offer the practicality of an SUV with the comfort and refinement of a Mercedes-Benz sedan. The 2000 model year represents an early iteration of this successful platform.

Production Location:

Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA

Model Codes:

W163 (Platform), 163.172 (Specific VIN code for ML320)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

The ML-Class generally received positive reviews for its comfort and luxury appointments in its era, though some critics noted its handling characteristics compared to more car-like SUVs.