🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

M-Class

Model Variant:

ML320 CDI Sport

Year:

2009

Platform:

W164 (Second Generation)

Chassis Code:

W164

Engine Code:

642.820 (OM642 DE30 LA)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size Luxury SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle)

Target Audience:

Families and individuals seeking a premium, capable, and comfortable SUV with strong brand prestige and off-road potential (though often used in urban/suburban environments).

Key Competitors 2009:

BMW X5, Lexus RX, Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne, Land Rover LR3/LR4, Cadillac SRX, Volvo XC90.

Powertrain Emphasis:

Focus on the powerful and efficient CDI (Common Rail Direct Injection) turbodiesel engine, offering strong torque and good fuel economy for its class.

Sport Variant Features:

Sport package typically includes unique exterior styling elements, larger wheels, and potentially sport-tuned suspension for enhanced handling.

Brand Philosophy:

Embodies Mercedes-Benz's commitment to luxury, safety, performance, and technological innovation.

📋 Manual Details

Main Coverage:

All operational and maintenance aspects of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML320 CDI Sport.

Specific Sections:

Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Only), Cleaning, Maintenance and Specifications, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter(s), Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories, Service Information and Specifications, Maintenance Information and Specifications.

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for this vehicle generation's owner's manual).

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, fuel system, lubrication, cooling, exhaust, diesel specific components.

Chassis:

Suspension, steering, braking system overview.

Electrical:

Lighting systems, battery maintenance, basic electrical component identification.

Infotainment And Comfort:

Instrument cluster interpretation, climate control operation, entertainment system basic functions.

Safety And Security:

Airbags, seat belt operation, child restraint systems, door locks, anti-theft system.

Basic Maintenance:

Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, washer fluid), tire pressure, wiper blade replacement, jump starting procedures.

Operational Guides:

Starting and stopping the engine, gear selection, operating climate control, using lights and wipers, adjusting seats and mirrors.

Troubleshooting Basic:

Understanding dashboard warning lights and messages, basic troubleshooting for common alerts.

Cleaning And Care:

Interior and exterior cleaning recommendations.

Depth:

Designed for the end-user; covers essential information for safe operation and basic maintenance. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or component-level repair instructions typically found in a service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

Compatibility:

Compatible with any device capable of reading PDF files (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader, built-in PDF viewers on smartphones and tablets).

Resolution:

High-resolution scans of original factory documentation, ensuring clarity and readability.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Format)

Text Search:

Searchable text within the PDF document, allowing for quick information retrieval.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

3.0L V6 Turbocharged Diesel (OM642)

Horsepower:

217 hp @ 3,400 rpm

Torque:

398 lb-ft @ 1,600-2,400 rpm

Displacement:

2,987 cc (182 cu in)

0 To 60 Mph:

Approximately 7.7 seconds

Epa Fuel Economy Mpg City:

16 mpg

Epa Fuel Economy Mpg Highway:

21 mpg

Fuel Type:

Diesel

Injection System:

Common Rail Direct Injection (CDI)

Turbocharger:

Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

7-speed Automatic Transmission (7G-TRONIC)

Drive Type:

4MATIC All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

Driver Selectable Modes:

Comfort and Sport modes.

Manual Shifting Option:

TouchShift manual gear selection via steering wheel paddle shifters or selector lever.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

188.5 in (4,788 mm)

Width:

75.2 in (1,910 mm)

Height:

70.1 in (1,780 mm)

Wheelbase:

114.7 in (2,915 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 4,740 lbs (2,150 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 6,327 lbs (2,870 kg)

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:

Approx. 29.4 cu ft (832 liters)

Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:

Approx. 72.4 cu ft (2,050 liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 stars

IIHS Ratings:

Good (Frontal Offset), Good (Side Impact) - for models equipped with optional side airbags.

Electronic Stability Program:

Standard (ESP®)

Antilock Braking System:

Standard (ABS)

Traction Control:

Standard (ASR - Acceleration Skid Control)

All Wheel Drive:

Standard (4MATIC)

Airbags:

Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear side-curtain airbags (standard or optional depending on configuration).

Seat Belts:

3-point inertia-reel seat belts with belt tensioners and belt force limiters.

Child Restraint:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.

💡 Technology Features

Display:

Central color display in dashboard for infotainment and vehicle settings.

Audio System:

Standard Mercedes-Benz audio system with AM/FM radio, CD player, and aux input. Optional Harman Kardon® surround sound system available.

Navigation:

Optional COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation System).

Parking Assist:

Optional PARKTRONIC parking sensors (front and rear).

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control with SPEEDTRONIC variable speed limiter.

Bluetooth:

Optional Bluetooth® hands-free communication system.

Climate Control:

Dual-zone automatic climate control.

Seating:

Power-adjustable front seats with lumbar support, memory settings for driver's seat, steering column, and mirrors. Heated front seats standard.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Flexible, based on Mercedes-Benz Service A/B system, typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. Consult manual for specific conditions.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Mercedes-Benz recommended replacement at 50,000-80,000 miles, but often considered a lifetime fluid by some; professional consultation advised. Specific interval depends on driving conditions.

Air Filter Replacement:

Recommended every 20,000-30,000 miles, or sooner in dusty conditions. Consult manual for specific part numbers.

Fuel Filter Replacement:

Crucial for diesel engines. Typically recommended every 30,000-40,000 miles. Consult manual for specific part numbers and procedures.

Engine Oil:

SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 synthetic engine oil meeting MB 229.3 or MB 229.5 specification for diesel engines.

Engine Oil Capacity:

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

Coolant:

Mercedes-Benz Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (Glysantin G05 or similar) with a 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Transmission Fluid:

MB 236.14 (e.g., Shell ATF 134, Fuchs Titan ATF 4134).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 Plus specification.

Om642 Engine:

Potential for cracked intake manifold runners (plastic), glow plug failure, EGR valve issues, and oil cooler leaks. The manual covers basic maintenance, not detailed diagnosis of these specific common faults.

Suspension:

Air suspension compressor failures (if equipped with AIRMATIC), leaking air springs, and worn control arm bushings are potential issues not covered in detail by the owner's manual.

Electronics:

Various electronic module failures (e.g., SAM unit, ABS module) can occur, usually requiring specialized diagnostic tools.

📚 Vehicle History

Founder:

Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler

Established:

1886

First Generation M Class:

W163 (1997-2005)

Second Generation M Class:

W164 (2005-2011), introduced with significant redesign, improved luxury, and new powertrain options including the OM642 diesel.

Manufacturing Location:

Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA

Production Years:

W164: 2005-2011 model years.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Type Of Awards:

Various awards for safety, luxury, and diesel performance, common for the M-Class lineup during this period.

Type:

Consumer satisfaction and reliability ratings (e.g., J.D. Power and Associates) often placed the M-Class favorably, though specific ratings vary by year and survey.