Vehicle Segment:
Luxury Mid-size SUV
Target Audience:
Owners seeking to perform maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops, DIY enthusiasts
Key Competitors 1999:
BMW X5 (E53), Lexus RX300, Jeep Grand Cherokee (WJ), Land Rover Discovery II
Manual Advantage:
Provides factory-level accuracy and detail, equivalent to dealer technician manuals, comprehensive A-Z coverage, digital format benefits (searchability, portability, selective printing)
Vehicle Selling Points 1999:
Premium build quality, sophisticated comfort, advanced safety features for its time, Mercedes-Benz brand prestige, available 4MATIC all-wheel drive system
Powertrain:
Engine (All Variants), Lube, Fuel Service, Intake/Exhaust/Cooling, Ignition, Starting, Charging, Automatic Transmission, Manual Transmission, Transfer Case, Drive Shafts, Differentials, Axles
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering (Column & Power), Wheels & Tires, Brakes (Hydraulic, Parking), Brake Control Systems
Electrical:
Wiring Schematics, Electrical System Diagnosis, Engine Control System, Supplementary Restraint System (SRS), Seat Belts, Cruise Control, Meter/Audio/Visual Systems, Horn, Windshield Wipers & Washers, Door Locks, Exterior & Interior Lighting, Instrument Panel, Multiplex/CAN Communication
Body And Interior:
Engine Hood, Doors, Glass, Mirrors, Seats, Interior Trim, Exterior Trim, Air Conditioning System
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Inspections
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Fault Code Interpretation, System Diagnosis
Repair:
Component Removal & Installation, Reassembly Procedures, Adjustment Specifications
Specifications:
Torque Values, Clearances, Fluid Capacities, Electrical Data, Dimensions
Depth:
Vehicle Specific, Factory Level Detail, Comprehensive Diagnostic Procedures, Component-Level Repair, Wiring Schematics, System Overviews
Compatibility:
Windows (Vista 32/64, XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000), Mac OS
Required Software:
Adobe PDF Reader, Winzip (or equivalent archive utility)
Printability:
All pages printable, ability to enlarge images for detailed viewing
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF Format)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital PDF Format)
Text Search:
Yes (Likely OCR enabled for searchable text)
Type:
5-Speed Automatic Transmission (5G-TRONIC)
Type:
5-Speed Automatic Transmission (5G-TRONIC)
Drive System:
Permanent All-Wheel Drive (4MATIC)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
MB 236.10 Specification ATF (e.g., Febi Bilstein 000000004324)
Ml320 Ml430:
4517 mm (177.8 in)
Ml320 Ml430:
1837 mm (72.3 in)
Ml320 Ml430:
1777 mm (69.9 in)
Ml320 Ml430:
2820 mm (111.0 in)
Ml320 Ml430:
Approx. 8.2 inches (208 mm) with standard suspension
Ml320:
Approx. 4,400 lbs (1996 kg)
Ml430:
Approx. 4,550 lbs (2064 kg)
Ml320 Ml430:
Approx. 39.8 cubic feet (rear seats up)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4 Stars (for 1998-2000 models)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4 Stars (for 1998-2000 models)
Traction Control:
Yes (ASR - Acceleration Skid Control)
Electronic Stability Control:
Optional (ESP - Electronic Stability Program)
Airbags:
Frontal Airbags (Driver & Passenger), Optional Side Airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners
Child Seat Anchors:
ISOFIX (LATCH) compatible for rear seats
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD Player, Optional Bose Premium Audio System
Navigation:
Optional Factory Navigation System (often a primitive CRT screen)
Parking Assistance:
Optional Rear Parking Sensors (Parktronic)
Exterior Features:
Power-adjustable mirrors, Rain-sensing wipers (optional), Xenon Headlights (optional)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended every 50,000-70,000 miles, refer to manual for exact procedure and filter change.
Coolant Change:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years
Engine Oil:
SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 Synthetic (MB 229.5 Specification)
Engine Coolant:
MB 325.0 or 326.0 Specification (Antifreeze/Coolant, typically ethylene glycol based, blue/green)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (Mercedes-Benz recommends DOT 4 Plus, e.g., Febi Bilstein 000000012162)
Power Steering Fluid:
MB 236.3 Specification Hydraulic Fluid (e.g., Febi Bilstein 000000013700)
Common Problems W163:
Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor issues, Crankshaft Position Sensor (CPS) failure, EGR valve clogging (diesel models, not prevalent in 1999 US models), Transmission conductor plate issues, Rust on the undercarriage and wheel wells, Door lock actuator failures, Heater control valve failure, Oil cooler seal leaks
Brand Focus:
Luxury automobiles, engineering excellence, innovation
W163 Introduction:
Introduced in 1997 as Mercedes-Benz's first entry into the SUV market, designed to offer luxury and off-road capability
W163 Midcycle Refresh:
Facelifted for the 2002 model year, introducing updated styling, improved interior features, and new engine options.
Manufacturing Location:
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
Production Years W163:
1997-2005
