🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

M-Class

Model Variant:

ML55 AMG

Year:

2001

Model Generation:

W163

Vin Decoder Prefix:

WDB

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Luxury Mid-size SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle)

Target Audience:

Affluent buyers seeking a premium, high-performance, and versatile SUV with the cachet of the Mercedes-Benz brand.

Key Competitors:

BMW X5, Porsche Cayenne (later models), Land Rover Discovery, Lexus RX300.

Amg Performance:

The ML55 AMG variant signifies a performance-oriented version developed by Mercedes-AMG, featuring a larger, more powerful engine and sport-tuned suspension.

Brand Philosophy:

Represents Mercedes-Benz's commitment to luxury, safety, and engineering excellence, applied to the SUV segment.

Off Road Capability:

While performance-oriented, retains some level of off-road capability inherent to the M-Class platform, including AWD and available low-range gearing.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format Offered:

Digital PDF

Estimated Page Count:

Refer to original factory manual (typically 200-300 pages for this model)

📖 Manual Coverage

Infotainment:

Includes details on the COMAND 2.0/2.5 entertainment system, radio operation, CD changer (if equipped), navigation system (if equipped), and speaker system.

Climate Control:

Operation of manual and automatic climate control systems, A/C, heater, and recirculation modes.

Lighting:

Exterior and interior lighting controls, automatic headlamp activation, fog lamps, and interior illumination.

Driver Controls:

Steering wheel controls, power mirrors, power windows, sunroof operation, and dashboard layout.

Locks Security:

Remote locking/unlocking, central locking system, immobilizer, and alarm system operation.

Seating Restraints:

Adjustment of front and rear seats, seat belt operation and adjustment, child seat installation (ISOFIX/LATCH where applicable), and airbag system overview.

Engine Compartment:

Identification of engine components, fluid reservoirs, and basic checks.

Electrical System:

Fuse box locations and functions, basic electrical checks, and battery maintenance.

Brake System:

Information on ABS, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), and proper brake fluid maintenance.

Suspension Steering:

General information on the independent suspension and power steering system.

Basic Maintenance:

Detailed instructions for checking engine oil, coolant, washer fluid, and tire pressure.

Fluid Management:

Specifications for engine oil type, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid, along with refill capacities.

Tire Maintenance:

Recommended tire pressures, wheel torque specifications, and general tire care.

Cleaning Care:

Guidelines for interior and exterior cleaning, care for leather and upholstery, and wheel care.

Driving Techniques:

Tips for efficient driving, handling in different conditions, and use of vehicle features.

Customer Assistance:

Information on contacting Mercedes-Benz customer service and dealer support.

Safety Defect Reporting:

Instructions for reporting safety-related defects, specific to the U.S. market.

Level Of Detail:

Comprehensive owner-level information covering all operational and basic maintenance aspects. Does not include detailed repair procedures or diagnostic codes.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Readability:

Requires PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader).

Device Compatibility:

Compatible with all devices capable of reading PDF files (computers, tablets, smartphones).

Digital Quality:

High-resolution digital reproduction of the original factory manual.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M113 E55

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated V8

Displacement:

5.4 Liters (5439 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

97.0 mm x 92.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.5:1

Valve Train:

SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 3 valves per cylinder (2 intake, 1 exhaust)

Horsepower:

349 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque:

391 lb-ft (530 Nm) @ 3750 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-point Fuel Injection (SFI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

Approximately 19.0 gallons (72 liters)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Automatic with Touchshift

Gear Ratios:

Refer to vehicle-specific service manual for detailed ratios.

Drivetrain:

All-Wheel Drive (4MATIC)

Transfer Case:

Electronically controlled all-wheel drive system, likely with optional low-range gearing.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 189.1 inches (4803 mm)

Width:

Approximately 75.2 inches (1910 mm)

Height:

Approximately 69.7 inches (1770 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approximately 111.0 inches (2820 mm)

Ground Clearance:

Approximately 8.0 inches (203 mm) (standard, without off-road package adjustments)

Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up:

Approximately 39.0 cubic feet (1105 liters)

Cargo Volume Rear Seats Folded:

Approximately 76.9 cubic feet (2178 liters)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 4784 lbs (2170 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approximately 6283 lbs (2850 kg)

Towing Capacity:

Typically rated for 5000 lbs (2268 kg) with proper towing package.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

4-star (driver), 5-star (passenger) - Reflects ratings for 2001 M-Class.

IIHS Side Impact:

Good (for models equipped with side airbags, which became more common in later W163 variants).

Esp:

Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP) for enhanced vehicle control.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Traction Control:

ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation) integrated with ESP.

Airbags:

Frontal airbags for driver and passenger; optional side-impact airbags available.

Seat Belts:

3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters for all seating positions.

Child Seat Anchors:

ISOFIX (in Europe) or LATCH (in North America) anchor points for child safety seats.

💡 Technology Features

Comand System:

Features the COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation Display) system, offering radio, CD player, optional navigation, and audio controls.

Speaker System:

Premium sound system, often Bose, for enhanced audio quality.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control with steering wheel mounted buttons.

Rain Sensing Wipers:

Available feature on some models, automatically adjusting wiper speed based on rainfall.

Headlight Control:

Automatic headlamp activation (based on ambient light sensor) and manual controls.

Phone Integration:

Pre-wiring for a Mercedes-Benz approved mobile phone, often with a cradle and antenna connection.

🔧 Maintenance

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 the manual for specific mileage-based service milestones (e.g., 30,000 miles, 60,000 miles) covering inspections and replacements of various components.

Engine Oil:

MB Approved Synthetic Oil SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 8.5 quarts (8.0 liters) with filter change.

Coolant:

MB Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., MB 325.0 or 326.0 specification), typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Transmission Fluid:

MB Approved ATF fluid, e.g., MB 236.10 or 236.14 (check specific transmission type).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) Brake Fluid.

Power Steering Fluid:

MB Approved Power Steering Fluid (e.g., MB 001 989 24 03).

Common W163 Issues:

Could include issues like premature wear of valve cover gaskets leading to oil leaks, potential issues with the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) or transmission control module, and aging suspension components (bushings, ball joints). The ML55 AMG specific concerns might involve cooling system capacity for high-performance use and brake wear.

Specific Amg Concerns:

Given the AMG nature, regular inspection of the robust M113 engine's performance and potential for minor oil leaks from the valve covers is prudent. Brake system components may wear faster due to increased performance.

📚 Vehicle History

Mercedes Benz Legacy:

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

M Class Introduction:

The M-Class (W163) was Mercedes-Benz's first entry into the popular SUV market, launched in 1997 for the 1998 model year.

Amg Integration:

The ML55 AMG variant was introduced in 1999, bringing AMG's renowned V8 performance to the M-Class platform.

W163 Facelift:

The W163 received a significant facelift for the 2002 model year, with the 2001 model representing the pre-facelift design.

Production Location:

Primarily manufactured at the Mercedes-Benz U.S. International (MBUSI) plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA.

Production Years W163:

1997-2005

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press Reviews:

The M-Class, particularly the AMG variants, generally received positive reviews for its blend of luxury, performance, and utility, though sometimes criticized for on-road refinement compared to some competitors.

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Consumer Reports ratings for this era of M-Class often indicated average to below-average reliability, a common theme for many luxury SUVs of this period. Specific ML55 AMG ratings would be performance-focused.

Safety Certifications:

Meets all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for the 2001 model year.