Segment:
Luxury Mid-size SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle)
Target Audience:
Consumers seeking a premium, capable, and comfortable SUV with German engineering.
Key Competitors:
BMW X5, Lexus RX300, Land Rover Discovery, Audi allroad quattro.
Vehicle Features:
Powerful V8 engine, standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive, luxurious interior, robust build quality.
Manual Value Proposition:
Essential resource for understanding and operating the ML430, ensuring safe and optimal use, and performing basic owner maintenance.
Powertrain:
Engine operation, fluid requirements, fuel information, basic engine compartment layout.
Chassis:
Braking system overview, steering system basics, suspension fundamentals.
Electrical:
Instrument cluster indicators and functions, lighting controls, basic electrical system operation, battery information.
Interior:
Climate controls, entertainment systems, seating adjustments, safety restraint systems (airbags, seatbelts).
Driver Controls:
Steering wheel controls, pedal operation, gear selector, parking brake.
Locks Security:
Keyless entry, central locking, anti-theft system overview.
Comfort Convenience:
Power windows, mirrors, sunroof operation.
Operation:
Starting and driving the vehicle, parking, use of climate control, audio system operation.
Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, basic cleaning instructions.
Safety:
Proper use of safety restraints, understanding warning lights and indicators, emergency procedures.
Depth:
Focuses on owner-level understanding and basic checks. Does not include detailed repair procedures or diagnostic information typically found in a service manual.
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable, allowing for quick information retrieval.
Compatibility:
Compatible with standard PDF readers on various devices (PC, Mac, tablets, smartphones).
Quality:
Digital reproduction of factory original, quality depends on the source scan. Typically high resolution for clarity.
Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
Configuration:
4.3L V8 SOHC 24-valve
Displacement:
4266 cc (260.4 cubic inches)
Horsepower:
275 hp @ 5750 rpm
Torque:
280 lb-ft @ 3750 rpm
Induction:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (Bosch LH-SFI 2.8)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Layout:
Front-engine, longitudinal placement.
Oil Type:
SAE 0W-40 or SAE 5W-40 Synthetic Engine Oil (MB-Approval 229.5 recommended)
Oil Capacity:
8.5 US quarts (8.0 liters) with filter change
Air Filter Part Number:
A2020940101 or equivalent
Type:
5-speed Automatic with TouchShift
Transmission Code:
722.696
Drive Modes:
Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes selectable by driver.
Fluid Type:
MB-Approval 236.10 specification Automatic Transmission Fluid (e.g., ATF 3403 M-115)
Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 8.0 US quarts (7.5 liters) for a typical drain and refill (pan gasket replacement may increase)
Length:
187.4 inches (4760 mm)
Width:
73.2 inches (1859 mm)
Height:
70.4 inches (1788 mm)
Wheelbase:
111.0 inches (2820 mm)
Curb Weight:
4552 lbs (2065 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
6000 lbs (2722 kg)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
39.5 cubic feet (1118 liters)
Cargo Volume With 2Nd Row Folded:
81.3 cubic feet (2290 liters)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Good
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Good
IIHS Front Offset:
Acceptable
Braking:
4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Traction Control System (TCS).
Suspension:
Independent front and rear suspension, often with optional self-leveling rear suspension.
Airbags:
Front driver and passenger airbags, front side-impact airbags (optional).
Restraints:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters for front occupants, height-adjustable front belts, 3-point belts for rear occupants, LATCH-style child seat anchors.
Rear Child Seat:
ISOFIX (LATCH) compatible rear seating positions.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette or CD player (with optional navigation and/or CD changer). Brands include Becker or Clarion.
Navigation:
Optional COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system, typically CD-ROM based.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Parking Assistance:
No factory backup camera or parking sensors on this specific model year. Parking assistance is purely through driver awareness and mirrors.
Phone Integration:
Optional factory installed Mercedes-Benz hands-free phone system (often requiring specific phone cradles).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (with synthetic oil). Consult the manual for specific interval based on driving conditions (e.g., 'Flexible Service System' - ASSYST).
Transmission Service Interval:
Recommended service every 40,000 to 60,000 miles (64,000 to 96,000 km) for fluid and filter change, depending on driving conditions. Refer to manual for specific ASSYST indications.
Engine Coolant Interval:
Initial change at 100,000 miles (160,000 km), then every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 2 years. Use only MB-Approval 325.0 coolant.
Power Steering Fluid:
MB-Approval 236.3 Hydraulic Fluid (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11S)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (MB-Approval 331.0 or equivalent)
Common Problems:
Fuel pump failures, O2 sensor issues, radiator end tank leaks, HVAC blower motor failures, electronic module glitches (e.g., SAM unit), rust on the frame rails, door lock actuator problems.
Maintenance Recommendations:
Regularly inspect for oil and coolant leaks, check battery terminals for corrosion, maintain proper tire inflation, and address any warning lights promptly.
Windshield Washer Fluid:
Approx. 4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters)
Car And Driver SUV Comparison:
The M-Class generally performed well in contemporary SUV comparisons for its blend of luxury, comfort, and performance, although sometimes criticized for on-road handling compared to some competitors.
Consumer Reports:
Consumer Reports ratings for this generation often reflected average to below-average reliability in later years, a common trait for some Mercedes-Benz models of this period.
