Segment:
Luxury Mid-size SUV
Competitors:
BMW X5, Lexus RX, Audi allroad, Volvo XC90
Key Selling Points:
Mercedes-Benz build quality, V6/V8 engine options, sophisticated interior, advanced safety features, standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive.
Vehicle Highlights:
Commanding road presence, comfortable ride, spacious interior, robust powertrain options, excellent towing capacity for its class.
Coverage:
Comprehensive service, repair, maintenance, diagnostics, and troubleshooting for the specified Mercedes-Benz ML-Class models.
Page Count Estimate:
~2000+ pages (typical for a complete factory service manual)
Manual Type:
Factory Repair Service Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine control systems (ME, ECM), fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, emissions control.
Drivetrain:
Transmission (automatic), transfer case, drive shafts, differentials (front and rear), axles, wheel hubs.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear independent), steering system, brake system (ABS, ESP), wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Vehicle electrical system, battery, charging system, lighting system (headlamps, tail lamps, interior), starter system, fuse boxes, relays, wiring diagrams, CAN bus communication.
Body:
Body structure, exterior panels, doors, windows, sunroof, interior trim, seats, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), SRS airbags, security system.
Maintenance Procedures:
Routine maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad and rotor replacement, tire rotation.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides based on symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, use of diagnostic tools (e.g., STAR diagnosis), circuit testing.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, overhaul, and replacement of engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, electrical components, body panels, and interior parts.
Adjustment Procedures:
Wheel alignment, steering wheel alignment, parking brake adjustment, headlight aim adjustment.
Depth Of Coverage:
Extremely comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians. Includes detailed specifications, torque values, diagnostic flowcharts, and repair strategies.
Ml320 Engine:
3.7L V6 (M112 E37), 18-valve, SOHC
Ml350 Engine:
3.7L V6 (M112 E37), 18-valve, SOHC (Later models may have 3.7L M112 E37 or 3.7L M272 E35)
Ml500 Engine:
5.0L V8 (M113 E50), 24-valve, SOHC
Ml320 Horsepower:
215 hp @ 5750 rpm
Ml320 Torque:
229 lb-ft @ 3000-4250 rpm
Ml350 Horsepower:
232 hp @ 5750 rpm (for 3.7L)
Ml350 Torque:
258 lb-ft @ 3000-4250 rpm (for 3.7L)
Ml500 Horsepower:
292 hp @ 5600 rpm
Ml500 Torque:
339 lb-ft @ 2800-4500 rpm
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Injection System:
Sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection (SFI)
Transmission Type:
5-speed automatic with TOUCHSHIFT
Optional Transmission:
N/A (5-speed automatic was standard across all models)
Transmission Features:
Electronic control, adaptive shifting, manual mode (TOUCHSHIFT).
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB Spec 236.10 ATF (e.g., Mobil ATF 134, Pentosin ATF1)
Length:
185.4 inches (4710 mm)
Width:
73.3 inches (1862 mm)
Height:
70.1 inches (1780 mm)
Wheelbase:
111.0 inches (2820 mm)
Passenger Volume:
~104.8 cubic feet (2968 liters)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:
~37.5 cubic feet (1062 liters)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:
~75.0 cubic feet (2124 liters)
Curb Weight Ml320:
~4,343 lbs (1970 kg)
Curb Weight Ml350:
~4,365 lbs (1980 kg)
Curb Weight Ml500:
~4,550 lbs (2064 kg)
Towing Capacity:
~5,000 lbs (2268 kg) with optional tow package
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4/5 Stars (as per NHTSA for similar vehicles of this era)
Electronic Stability Program:
ESP (Electronic Stability Program) standard
Traction Control:
ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation) standard
All Wheel Drive:
4MATIC all-wheel drive standard
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, optional rear side-impact airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
โครงสร้าง:
High-strength steel body structure, crumple zones.
Infotainment System:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system with CD player, optional navigation, and external CD changer.
Audio System:
Bose premium sound system available on higher trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Parking Assist:
Optional rear parking sensors (PARKTRONIC)
Connectivity Options:
Optional telematics systems (e.g., Mercedes-Benz Tele Aid).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific conditions).
Transmission Service Interval:
Every 60,000 miles or as per manufacturer's recommendations (fluid and filter replacement).
Spark Plug Replacement:
ML320/ML350: ~100,000 miles (Long-life iridium spark plugs). ML500: ~60,000-100,000 miles (depending on plug type).
Engine Oil Specification:
MB Spec 229.5 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40)
Coolant Specification:
MB Spec 325.0 (Blue/Green antifreeze concentrate, typically 50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 Plus (e.g., Pentosin DOT 4 LV)
Common Problems:
Mass airflow sensor (MAF) issues, crank position sensor failure, radiator leaks, transmission conductor plate issues, rust on body panels (especially rear wheel arches), HVAC blower motor resistor failure, ignition coil failure (older models).
Mercedes Benz Legacy:
Founded in 1926, Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for luxury, engineering excellence, and innovation in automotive technology.
W163 Generation:
The W163 ML-Class, introduced in 1997, was Mercedes-Benz's first foray into the SUV market. The 2004 model represents the facelifted version of the first generation, receiving updated styling and features.
Manufacturing Location:
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA (for North American market)
