🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

ML350

Year:

2009

Chassis Code:

W164

Engine Code Prefix:

M272

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size Luxury SUV

Target Audience:

Affluent families and individuals seeking luxury, comfort, and capability.

Key Competitors:

BMW X5, Audi Q7, Lexus RX, Cadillac SRX, Volvo XC90

Design Philosophy:

Mercedes-Benz hallmark of luxury, robust build quality, and advanced engineering.

Drivetrain:

Standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive for enhanced traction and stability.

Interior Appointments:

Premium materials, comfortable seating, and sophisticated design.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Owner's Manual

Secondary Coverage:

Basic Maintenance, Operation, Safety Features

Estimated Pages:

350-450

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, fluid checks, basic troubleshooting

Drivetrain:

4MATIC all-wheel drive operation overview

Chassis:

Braking system warnings, steering system basics

Electrical:

Instrument cluster explanation, lighting controls, basic warning lamps

Comfort Controls:

Climate control system operation, seat adjustments

Infotainment:

COMAND APS operation overview, audio system basics

Safety:

Airbag system warnings, seatbelt usage, child restraint installation

Operation:

Starting and stopping the engine, shifting gears, parking

Maintenance:

Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, wiper blade replacement (basic guidance)

Troubleshooting:

Interpreting warning lamps and messages, basic operational checks

Emergency:

Changing a flat tire (basic steps), jump-starting procedures (with precautions)

Depth:

Consumer-oriented, focused on safe and proper operation and basic owner maintenance.

Advanced Topics Excluded:

Detailed diagnostic procedures, component-level repair instructions, wiring diagrams.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Type:

PDF

Searchable:

Yes

Printable:

Yes

Quality:

High-resolution scans of original factory document

Type:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

Type:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

Completeness Level:

Comprehensive Owner's Manual

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated V6

Displacement:

3.5 Liters (3498 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

92.9 mm x 86.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.7:1

Valvetrain:

DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, variable valve timing (VVT)

Horsepower:

268 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

258 lb-ft @ 2400-5000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane recommended)

ECU Type:

Bosch Motronic (specific variant may vary)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

7-speed Automatic Transmission (7G-TRONIC)

Gear Ratios:

Refer to specific model documentation for detailed ratios (e.g., 4.377 / 2.859 / 1.929 / 1.373 / 1.000 / 0.821 / 0.728)

Transfer Case:

Integrated with 4MATIC system

Shift Modes:

Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes

Fluid Type:

Mercedes-Benz Specification 236.14 (e.g., Mobil ATF 134, Pentosin ATF1)

Capacity:

Approximately 9.0 liters (dry fill) / 7.0 liters (service refill)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

189.3 inches (4808 mm)

Width:

75.9 inches (1928 mm)

Height:

70.2 inches (1783 mm)

Wheelbase:

114.7 inches (2916 mm)

Seating Capacity:

5 Passengers

Passenger Volume:

104.3 cu ft (2953 L)

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

29.4 cu ft (833 L)

Cargo Volume Max:

72.4 cu ft (2050 L)

Curb Weight:

4740 lbs (2150 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

6327 lbs (2870 kg)

Towing Capacity:

7700 lbs (3500 kg) (with optional trailer hitch)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test:

5-Star

NHTSA Side Crash Test:

5-Star

NHTSA Rollover Test:

4-Star

IIHS Front Crash Rating:

Good

IIHS Side Impact Rating:

Good

IIHS Roof Strength Rating:

Good

Stability Control:

Electronic Stability Program (ESP)

Traction Control:

ASR (Acceleration Skid Control)

Braking Assistance:

Brake Assist (BAS)

Airbags:

Dual-stage front airbags, front side airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters

Child Restraints:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system, ISOFIX compatible

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation).

Display Size:

7-inch Color Display

Navigation:

Optional, CD-ROM or HDD-based navigation system.

Audio System:

AM/FM/CD, optional Harman Kardon surround sound system.

Connectivity:

Optional Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling, optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Parking Assistance:

Optional Parktronic parking assist system (audio and visual parking sensors).

Lighting:

Halogen or optional Bi-Xenon headlamps with active curve lighting.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (based on Flexible Service System 'FSS'). Refer to FSS display for specific interval.

Air Filter Replacement:

Recommended every 30,000 - 40,000 miles (48,000 - 64,000 km) or as indicated by service.

Cabin Filter Replacement:

Recommended every 15,000 - 20,000 miles (24,000 - 32,000 km) or annually.

Transmission Service:

Recommended every 60,000 - 80,000 miles (96,000 - 128,000 km) for fluid and filter change. Always use correct fluid specification.

Engine Oil Type:

Synthetic SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 meeting Mercedes-Benz Specification 229.5

Engine Oil Capacity:

8.5 US quarts (8.0 liters)

Coolant Type:

Mercedes-Benz Specification 325.0 / 326.0 (Blue or Green Antifreeze/Coolant)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 Plus (SAE J1704)

Power Steering Fluid Type:

MB Specification 236.3 (typically a mineral oil-based fluid)

Common Problems:

M272 engine balance shaft wear (affecting variable valve timing), oil leaks from valve cover gaskets and oil cooler seals, potential failure of the crankshaft position sensor, transmission shudder or delayed shifting.

Service Bulletins Recalls:

Refer to NHTSA or Mercedes-Benz service bulletins for specific recalls or technical service bulletins (TSBs) relevant to this model year.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer Origin:

Germany

Luxury Focus:

Long-standing reputation for engineering excellence and luxury vehicles.

Ml Class Introduction:

First introduced in 1997 (W163 generation) as Mercedes-Benz's entry into the luxury SUV market.

W164 Generation:

The W164 generation was produced from 2005 to 2011, with the 2009 model representing a mid-cycle refresh. The ML350 was the primary powertrain offering in many markets.

Manufacturing Plant:

Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA (primary)

Model Year Run:

2006-2011 (W164)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Awards General:

Consistently received high safety ratings from organizations like NHTSA and IIHS during its production run.

Segment Awards General:

Often praised for its ride comfort, luxurious interior, and powerful V6 engine, making it a strong contender in its class.