🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

M-Class

Model Variant:

ML350

Year:

2004

W Chassis Code:

W163

Engine Code:

M112 E37 (3.7L V6)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Luxury Mid-Size SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle)

Key Competitors:

BMW X5, Lexus RX, Audi Q7 (though Q7 arrived later, it was a key competitor in the broader luxury SUV segment), Acura MDX, Volvo XC90.

Luxury Appointments:

Premium interior materials, advanced comfort features, strong brand prestige.

Performance Orientation:

Comfortable ride, competent handling for its class, capable engine options.

Demographics:

Families and individuals seeking a luxurious, capable, and comfortable SUV with the prestige of the Mercedes-Benz brand.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

USA

Estimated Page Count:

Approx. 300-400 pages (typical for this model and year)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine lubrication, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, transmission operation, driveline.

Chassis:

Braking system, steering system, suspension system, wheels and tires.

Electrical:

Lighting systems (interior and exterior), instrument cluster, gauges, warning indicators, starter system, charging system, fuses, battery.

Comfort And Convenience:

Climate control system (manual/automatic), power seats, power windows, power locks, mirrors, interior lighting, roof systems (if applicable).

Infotainment:

Audio system operation, radio functions, CD player operation, navigation system basics (if equipped), display controls.

Safety And Security:

Airbag system, seat belt operation and adjustment, child seat installation, central locking system, anti-theft alarm, remote key operation.

Routine Maintenance:

Checking and topping up fluid levels (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement.

Basic Operation:

Starting and stopping the engine, gear selection, parking brake operation, using lights and wipers, adjusting mirrors and seats.

Troubleshooting Basic:

Understanding warning lights and indicators, basic troubleshooting for common minor issues.

Customer Assistance:

Contacting customer service, reporting safety defects (USA).

Depth:

Designed for the vehicle owner, focusing on operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or complete repair instructions typically found in a service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

Readability:

Requires a PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader) and compatible on any device capable of reading PDF files.

Resolution:

Factory standard, suitable for digital viewing. Printability depends on user's printer capabilities.

Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

V6, SOHC

Displacement:

3.7 Liters (3724 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

97.0 mm x 84.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.0:1

Horsepower:

232 hp @ 5750 rpm

Torque:

258 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm

Induction:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane recommended)

Coolant Type:

Mercedes-Benz specification coolant (e.g., G05)

Engine Oil Type:

Synthetic Engine Oil (e.g., SAE 0W-30 or 0W-40 meeting MB 229.5 specification)

Air Filter Location:

Typically located in a housing behind the grille or under the hood.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-Speed Automatic Transmission (722.6 '7G-TRONIC' variant for later models, but likely 5-speed for 2004 ML350)

Transmission Type:

N/A (standard for this model variant)

Drive System:

4MATIC All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

Transmission Fluid Type:

Mercedes-Benz Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) spec (e.g., MB 236.10 or MB 236.14 depending on specific transmission variant and Mercedes-Benz recommendations at the time)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 186.2 inches (4730 mm)

Width:

Approx. 71.9 inches (1826 mm)

Height:

Approx. 67.1 inches (1704 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 111.0 inches (2820 mm)

Cargo Volume:

Approx. 32.1 cu ft (with rear seats up), Approx. 72.4 cu ft (with rear seats folded)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 4430 lbs (2010 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Approx. 5732 lbs (2600 kg)

Towing Capacity:

Up to 5000 lbs (2268 kg) with optional towing package.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5 Stars (Driver), 4 Stars (Passenger)

NHTSA Side Impact:

4 Stars (Front), 4 Stars (Rear)

IIHS Moderate Overlap Front:

Good

Stability Control:

Electronic Stability Program (ESP) standard.

Traction Control:

All-Season Traction Control (4-ETS).

Braking System:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BAS).

Airbags:

Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, optional rear side-impact airbags.

Seat Belts:

3-point height-adjustable front seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters, 3-point rear seat belts.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system in rear seats.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory installed AM/FM/CD player, with optional Bose premium sound system.

Display:

Central display in dashboard for climate, audio, and vehicle status information.

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Parking Assist:

Optional rear park assist sensors.

Tele Aid:

Optional Mercedes-Benz Tele Aid system for emergency assistance and stolen vehicle tracking.

Keyless Entry:

Standard remote keyless entry and central locking.

Memory Seats:

Optional driver and front passenger seat memory function.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Severe driving conditions may require more frequent changes.

Transmission Service:

Intervals vary; consult manual. Typically around 40,000-60,000 miles for fluid and filter change.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Coolant Change:

Typically every 30,000-50,000 miles or as specified by Mercedes-Benz.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 8.5 quarts (8.0 liters) with filter change.

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 10.1 quarts (9.6 liters).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 Plus (or Mercedes-Benz specification).

Windshield Washer Fluid:

Water/washer fluid mix (use correct proportion for season and de-icing if necessary).

Common Problem 1:

Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor issues, leading to rough idling or poor performance.

Common Problem 2:

Cracked dashboard (especially on earlier W163 models), a common issue with this generation of Mercedes-Benz interior materials due to UV exposure.

Common Problem 3:

Electronic ignition switch (EIS) failure, preventing the vehicle from starting.

Common Problem 4:

Transmission conductor plate failures, which can cause shifting problems or complete transmission failure.

Common Problem 5:

Variable Intake Manifold (VIM) runner failures, causing performance issues and potential check engine lights.

Oil Filter Example:

Mercedes-Benz Part Number: A1121840125 (This is an example, always verify for exact vehicle).

Cabin Air Filter Example:

Mercedes-Benz Part Number: A1638300318 (This is an example, always verify for exact vehicle).

📚 Vehicle History

Founder:

Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler.

Established:

1926 (merger of Benz & Cie. and Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft).

First Generation Launch:

1997 (W163).

W163 Updates:

Received a facelift for the 2002 model year, which included updated styling, interior refinements, and powertrain enhancements, leading into the 2004 model.

Manufacturing Location:

Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA (for North American market).

Production Years W163:

1997-2005

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Model Recognition 1:

Named MotorTrend SUV of the Year in 1998 (for the first-generation M-Class).

Safety Recognition 1:

Achieved high safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS in its class for its model years.