🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

M-Class

Model Variant:

ML350

Year:

2003

Chassis Code:

W163

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Luxury Mid-size SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle)

Key Competitors:

BMW X5, Lexus RX 330, Audi Q7 (though Q7 debuted later, it occupied a similar space), Volvo XC90, Cadillac SRX.

Brand Appeal:

Mercedes-Benz's reputation for luxury, build quality, advanced engineering, and safety.

Model Positioning:

The M-Class (W163 generation) offered a blend of off-road capability (though less emphasized in later models) and on-road luxury comfort, aimed at families and individuals seeking a premium utility vehicle.

Value:

Provides essential information for operating, maintaining, and understanding the features of the 2003 ML350, enabling owners to maximize their vehicle's utility and longevity.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Focus:

Owner's Information and Basic Maintenance

Specific Systems Covered:

Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lighting, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving Operation, Customer Assistance, Cleaning, Engine Compartment Components, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories, Service Information

Estimated Pages:

Varies by factory manual, typically 300-500 pages

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Cockpit And Controls:

Detailed explanation of all dashboard instruments, warning lights, infotainment system operation (radio, CD player, navigation if equipped), climate control functions (manual or automatic), steering wheel controls, and secondary controls.

Lighting And Visibility:

Operation of headlights (including automatic features), fog lights, interior lighting, and adjustments for exterior mirrors.

Security And Access:

Operation of central locking, keyless entry, anti-theft alarm system, and power windows/sunroof.

Safety And Restraints:

Explanation of airbag system, seat belt operation, child seat installation (ISOFIX/LATCH), and proper seating positions.

Powertrain And Chassis:

Basic information on engine compartment components, fluid checks (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), battery maintenance, tire pressure recommendations, and fuel information.

Maintenance And Specifications:

Lists part numbers for common filters, refill capacities for all essential fluids, lubricant specifications (e.g., engine oil viscosity), and basic maintenance recommendations.

Basic Maintenance:

Guidance on checking and topping up fluids, checking tire pressure, replacing wiper blades, and basic cleaning procedures.

Operation And Adjustment:

Instructions on adjusting seats, steering wheel, mirrors, and operating various vehicle functions for optimal comfort and safety.

Troubleshooting And Warnings:

Explanation of dashboard warning lights and indicators, and guidance on customer assistance procedures and reporting safety defects (U.S. only).

Depth:

Owner-level understanding; focuses on operation, basic checks, and identifying common issues. Does not cover in-depth diagnostic procedures or complex repairs, which would be found in a service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Portable Document Format (PDF)

Searchability:

Typically OCR (Optical Character Recognition) enhanced for searchable text, allowing quick access to specific topics.

Quality:

Digital reproduction of factory original, maintaining clarity of text and diagrams. Printing quality depends on the user's printer.

Binding:

Not Applicable (Digital PDF download)

Paper Type:

Not Applicable (Digital PDF download)

Device Compatibility:

Compatible with any device capable of reading PDF files (computers, tablets, smartphones) using standard PDF readers like Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader, or built-in viewers.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

V6, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) 18-valve

Engine Code:

M112 E37

Displacement:

3.7 Liters (3724 cc)

Horsepower:

Approximately 232 hp @ 5750 rpm

Torque:

Approximately 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) @ 3000-4500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Premium (91 octane or higher recommended, 89 octane acceptable if premium not available)

Coolant Type:

Mercedes-Benz Specification 325.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant, typically ethylene glycol-based)

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 0W-30 or 5W-40 meeting MB-Approval 229.5 or 229.51 specifications

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Automatic Transmission (5G-TRONIC)

Shifting Modes:

Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes

Transmission Fluid Type:

MB-Approval 236.10 or 236.12 Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)

Drivetrain:

All-Wheel Drive (4MATIC)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 180.3 inches (4580 mm)

Width:

Approx. 71.6 inches (1819 mm)

Height:

Approx. 67.1 inches (1704 mm)

Seating Capacity:

5-passenger (optional 3rd-row seating available on some W163 models, but less common for ML350)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 4500-4700 lbs (2040-2130 kg)

Towing Capacity:

Up to 5000 lbs (2270 kg) with proper towing package

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5 Stars (Driver and Passenger) in 2003 model year testing

NHTSA Side Impact:

4 Stars (Front and Rear Passengers)

Traction Control:

All-Season Traction Control (ASR)

Electronic Stability:

Electronic Stability Program (ESP)

Braking System:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger front airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags (optional or standard depending on trim).

Seat Belts:

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

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD audio system with optional Bose premium sound system. Features may include steering wheel audio controls.

Navigation System:

Optional COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system with integrated GPS navigation and color display.

Parking Assistance:

Optional Parktronic parking assist system with front and rear sensors.

Cellular Integration:

Optional hands-free cellular phone system with integrated microphone and controls.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Variable, typically every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, based on Mercedes-Benz flexible service system (ASSYST).

Major Service Intervals:

Key service points around 30,000 miles (e.g., spark plug replacement, transmission service, differential fluid change, coolant flush).

Engine Oil Capacity:

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

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 9.5 US quarts (9.0 liters)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 PLUS (MB-Specification 331.0)

Washer Fluid:

Recommended: mixture of washer fluid concentrate and distilled water, or a proprietary Mercedes-Benz windshield washer fluid.

Common Wear Items:

Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor issues, ABS/ESP sensor failures, blower motor resistor failure, evaporator core leaks (leading to AC issues), various suspension component wear (ball joints, control arm bushings).

Interior Maintenance:

The manual would detail how to clean upholstery (leather or MB-Tex), dashboard materials, and maintain interior surfaces to preserve the premium feel.

Engine Oil Filter Example:

e.g., Mann-Filter HU 821 X, Bosch 72158 (verify specific part number for exact vehicle)

Cabin Air Filter Example:

e.g., Mann-Filter CU 2356, Bosch 72440 (verify specific part number for exact vehicle)

Air Filter Example:

e.g., Mann-Filter C 30 140 (verify specific part number for exact vehicle)

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer Legacy:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing history of luxury vehicle manufacturing, pioneering safety innovations and advanced engineering since the early 20th century.

W163 Generation:

The first-generation M-Class (W163) was introduced in 1997 as Mercedes-Benz's first SUV. The 2003 model year represents a significant mid-cycle refresh with updated styling, interior, and powertrains, including the introduction of the ML350.

Manufacturing Location:

Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA (for North American market)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Awards:

The W163 M-Class generally received good safety ratings from organizations like NHTSA and IIHS during its production run, including top marks in frontal crash tests for the 2003 model.

Model Year Accolades:

The 2003 M-Class refresh aimed to keep it competitive, though specific 'awards' for that particular year are less distinct than overall model recognition. It continued to be a strong seller in the luxury SUV segment.