Segment:
Mid-size Luxury SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle)
Brand Heritage Impact:
Represents Mercedes-Benz's entry into the premium SUV segment, blending luxury, performance, and utility.
Key Competitors:
BMW X5, Audi Q7, Lexus RX, Land Rover LR4, Porsche Cayenne
Powertrain Focus:
Emphasis on the BlueTEC diesel engine for torque, fuel efficiency, and emissions compliance.
Drivetrain Advantage:
Standard 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system provides enhanced traction and stability in various conditions.
Luxury Appointments:
Expected Mercedes-Benz levels of interior comfort, material quality, and advanced features for its era.
Instrument Cluster And Controls:
Gauges, warning lamps, indicator lights, driver information system (DIS)
Infotainment And Comfort:
Audio system, navigation (if equipped), climate control, entertainment systems
Lighting And Visibility:
Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, wipers, washers, defroster
Driver Controls:
Steering wheel controls, cruise control, parking brake, gear selector, pedals
Locks And Security:
Keyless entry, central locking, anti-theft alarm, child safety locks
Seating And Restraints:
Seat adjustment, seat belt operation, airbag system explanation, child seat installation
Driving And Operation:
Starting and stopping the engine, driving modes, parking, towing, off-road driving techniques
Customer Assistance:
Service contacts, roadside assistance, warranty information
Vehicle Cleaning:
Exterior and interior cleaning recommendations
Maintenance And Specifications:
Recommended service intervals, fluid types, capacities, part numbers
Engine Compartment Overview:
Identification of major components, fluid reservoirs, check points
Engine Oil And Filters:
Oil type, viscosity, capacity, filter replacement information
Battery And Charging System:
Battery specifications, jump-starting procedure, maintenance
Fuel Information:
Fuel type, octane rating, diesel particulate filter (DPF) system information
Air Filter And Cooling System:
Air filter replacement, coolant type and capacity
Lubricant And Fluid Specifications:
Detailed specifications for all essential vehicle fluids
Accessories:
Information on approved Mercedes-Benz accessories
Basic Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels, tire pressure, tire rotation
Routine Service:
Oil changes, filter replacements, scheduled inspections
Emergency Procedures:
Jump starting, changing a flat tire, using spare tire/mobility kit
Troubleshooting Basic:
Interpreting warning lights, understanding dashboard indicators
Safety Feature Operation:
Correct use of seat belts, child seats, and airbag system
Infotainment System Setup:
Basic operation and configuration of audio and climate systems
Lighting Adjustment:
Headlight aim adjustment, interior lighting control
Depth:
Owner-level maintenance and operational guidance, not a comprehensive repair manual
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
5-Star (for models tested)
NHTSA Side Crash Test:
5-Star (for models tested)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (for many W164 models)
Electronic Stability Program:
Standard (ESP)
Anti-Lock Braking System:
Standard (ABS)
Traction Control System:
Standard (TCS)
Brake Assist:
Standard (BAS)
Downhill Speed Control:
Standard (optional on some models, integrated with off-road package)
Airbag System:
Front airbags, side-impact airbags, window airbags, front-seat pelvic airbags
Seat Belts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with belt tensioners and force limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
ISOFIX/LATCH system
Comand System:
Central COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation Display) system with integrated radio, CD/DVD player, optional navigation, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Harman Kardon Audio:
Optional premium sound system by Harman Kardon for enhanced audio experience.
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Optional DISTRONIC PLUS adaptive cruise control system.
Parking Assist:
Optional PARKTRONIC parking sensors and rearview camera.
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Optional BLIS (Blind Spot Information System).
Bluetooth Interface:
Standard or optional Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact schedule based on driving conditions).
Air Filter Replacement:
Recommended every 30,000 miles or as needed based on driving environment.
Fuel Filter Replacement:
Diesel fuel filter replacement typically recommended around 20,000-30,000 miles.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Check manual; often around 50,000-80,000 miles or based on service indicator.
Engine Oil Specification:
MB-Approval 229.51 or 229.52 (Low SAPS diesel engine oil, e.g., Mobil 1 ESP Formula 5W-30, Castrol EDGE Professional OE 5W-30)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 liters (8.9 US quarts)
Coolant Specification:
MB-Approval 325.0 or 326.0 (Glycol-based antifreeze/coolant concentrate, blue/green color)
Transmission Fluid Specification:
MB-Approval 236.14 (e.g., Pentosin ATF 134, Mobil ATF 134)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 Plus (MB-Approval 331.0)
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (Def) Requirement:
AdBlue (Urea solution) for SCR systems, refill as indicated by the vehicle.
Om642 Diesel Specific:
Potential for cracked intake manifold runners (plastic), swirl flap actuator issues, turbocharger problems, and EGR system fouling. Diesel Particulate Filter regeneration issues can occur with frequent short trips.
Suspension And Airmatic:
Air suspension compressor failure, air spring leaks, and Airmatic control module issues are common on vehicles equipped with the Airmatic suspension system.
Electrical Gremlins:
Can experience various electrical issues, often related to sensor failures or module malfunctions, typical of complex German vehicles of this era.
Adblue System Faults:
Issues with the AdBlue level sensor, pump, or injector can lead to warning lights and potential limp-home mode if not addressed.