Segment:
Luxury Mid-Size SUV
Positioning:
Designed to blend Mercedes-Benz luxury and engineering with SUV utility and capability.
Competitors 2001:
BMW X5, Lexus RX 300, Volvo XC90, Cadillac Escalade
Distinctive Elements:
Unibody construction for improved handling, advanced safety features, upscale interior appointments.
Demographic:
Families, affluent individuals seeking a versatile luxury vehicle.
Primary Coverage:
Vehicle Operation, Maintenance, and Safety Features
Secondary Coverage:
Infotainment, Climate Control, Security Systems
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for factory manuals of this era)
Powertrain:
Engine Compartment Overview, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter(s), Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications
Instrumentation:
Instrument Cluster (Gauges, Warning Lamps)
Comfort And Convenience:
Climate Controls (HVAC System), Entertainment Systems (Radio, CD Player), Locks and Security, Seating, Driver Controls
Safety:
Seating and Safety Restraints (Airbags, Seatbelts), Driving Safety
Lighting:
Lights (Exterior and Interior Operation)
Routine Maintenance:
Engine Oil Checks and Changes, Fluid Top-offs, Air Filter Replacement, Battery Maintenance
Operation:
Starting and Driving Procedures, Using Climate Controls, Operating Entertainment Systems, Locking/Unlocking Doors
Safety Procedures:
Understanding Safety Restraints, Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Specific)
Cleaning And Care:
Interior and Exterior Cleaning Recommendations
Depth:
Owner-Level Maintenance and Operation, Not a Repair Manual
Displacement:
3.2 Liters (3199 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
89.9 mm x 84.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Horsepower:
215 hp @ 5750 rpm
Torque:
229 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Air Filter Type:
Cartridge Type (likely a specific Mercedes-Benz part number)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 8.0 quarts (with filter)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 10.5 quarts
Engine Oil Specification:
MB 229.1 or MB 229.3 (e.g., SAE 0W-40, 5W-40, 5W-30)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 4,387 lbs
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approximately 5,600 lbs
Towing Capacity:
Up to 5,000 lbs (with optional towing package)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approximately 31.7 cu ft
Cargo Volume With 2Nd Row Folded:
Approximately 72.4 cu ft
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5 x 112 mm
Standard Wheel Size:
17 inches
Standard Tire Size:
255/60R17
NHTSA Front Driver Impact:
Good (as per NHTSA data for similar models of this era, specific 2001 data may vary)
NHTSA Front Passenger Impact:
Good (as per NHTSA data for similar models of this era, specific 2001 data may vary)
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable (typical for SUVs of this generation, specific data may vary)
Traction Control:
Standard (ASR - Acceleration Slip Regulation)
Electronic Stability Control:
Optional (ESP - Electronic Stability Program)
All Wheel Drive:
Standard (4-ETS - 4-wheel Electronic Traction System)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags for driver and passenger, optional front side airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional Bose premium sound system.
Navigation:
Optional COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Telematics:
Optional Tele Aid emergency assistance system.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions (refer to manual for severe conditions).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 40,000-60,000 miles or as per specific driving conditions and manual recommendations.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on driving environment.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 100,000 miles for iridium-tipped spark plugs.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
MB Spec 236.3 or equivalent ATF
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., G05 or G48)
Common Wear Items:
Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor, ignition coils, ABS sensors, blower motor resistor, suspension components (ball joints, control arms).
Electrical Gremlins:
Potential for minor electrical issues or sensor failures common in vehicles of this era.
Rust Susceptibility:
Check for rust in wheel wells, rocker panels, and around the tailgate.
Engine Oil Filter Example:
e.g., Mann Filter HU 718/5 y, Mahle OX 157/3 D, or Mercedes-Benz A1121800109
Air Filter Example:
e.g., Mann Filter C35100, Bosch 243748008, or Mercedes-Benz A1120940804
Brand Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz is renowned for its automotive engineering excellence, safety innovations, and luxury vehicles dating back to the late 19th century.
First Generation:
The W163 M-Class was Mercedes-Benz's first foray into the SUV market, launched in 1997 (for the 1998 model year).
W163 Facelift:
The 2001 model year represented a mid-cycle refresh (facelift) for the W163 M-Class, introducing updated styling, interior refinements, and improved features.
Manufacturing Location:
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
Production Years W163:
1997-2005
