Segment:
Mid-size Luxury SUV
Target Audience:
Owners seeking to perform DIY maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops, professional mechanics
Competitors:
BMW X5 (E53), Lexus RX (RX300/330), Audi Allroad Quattro (C5), Volvo XC90
Vehicle Strengths:
Comfortable ride, premium interior, robust construction, available V8 power, advanced safety features for its era
Manual Value Proposition:
Comprehensive, professional-grade repair information for DIY enthusiasts and technicians, saving on labor costs and ensuring proper maintenance
Coverage Scope:
Complete Factory Service Repair Workshop Manual
Estimated Page Count:
Hundreds (specific number not provided, but described as extensive)
Type:
Service Repair Workshop Manual
Language:
English (implied by product description and target market)
Engine:
Yes, detailed diagnostics, repair, and overhaul procedures
Transmission:
Yes, including automatic transmission servicing and repair
Drivetrain:
Yes, including 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system
Suspension:
Yes, including front and rear suspension components
Steering:
Yes, including power steering system
Brakes:
Yes, including ABS and electronic brake force distribution
Electrical System:
Yes, including wiring diagrams, component testing, and troubleshooting
Climate Control:
Yes, including HVAC system servicing
Body And Chassis:
Yes, including body panel repairs, interior trim, and structural components
Safety Systems:
Yes, including SRS airbag systems and seat belt pre-tensioners
Body Electronics:
Yes, covering various electronic control units (ECUs) and modules
Maintenance:
Yes, comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules and procedures
Troubleshooting:
Yes, detailed diagnostic charts and step-by-step troubleshooting guides
Repair:
Yes, all common and advanced repair procedures
Overhaul:
Yes, complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures
Component Replacement:
Yes, including detailed instructions for replacing individual parts
Diagnostics:
Yes, covering diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their resolutions
Installation:
Yes, for various components and accessories
Depth:
Full Professional Level
Illustrations:
Hundreds of detailed photos & diagrams
Diagrams:
Highly detailed exploded diagrams
Instructions:
Step-by-step instructions
Searchability:
Searchable text (implied by PDF format and professional use)
Printability:
Printable (single page or entire manual)
Binding:
Not Applicable (Digital Download)
Paper Quality:
Not Applicable (Digital Download)
Usage Rights:
Unlimited usage on multiple devices, lifetime access
Engine Options:
3.2L V6 (M 112 E32), 4.3L V8 (M 113 E43), 5.0L V8 (M 113 E50), 5.4L V8 AMG (M 113 E55 - ML55 AMG)
3.2L V6 (Ml320):
Approx. 215-221 hp @ 5750 rpm, 229-232 lb-ft @ 3000-3250 rpm
4.3L V8 (Ml430):
Approx. 268-275 hp @ 5750 rpm, 284-288 lb-ft @ 3250-3500 rpm
5.0L V8 (Ml500):
Approx. 292 hp @ 5500 rpm, 339 lb-ft @ 2750-4250 rpm
5.4L V8 Amg (Ml55 Amg):
Approx. 349 hp @ 5500 rpm, 376 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm
Injection:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Block Material:
Aluminum alloy (M112/M113)
Head Material:
Aluminum alloy (M112/M113)
Common Engine Codes:
M112 (V6), M113 (V8)
Type:
5-speed automatic (722.6 '5G-TRONIC')
Type:
AMG Speedshift 5-speed automatic (ML55 AMG)
Drivetrain:
Permanent All-Wheel Drive (4MATIC)
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB 236.10 (e.g., ATF LT 71141 or equivalent)
Length:
Approx. 184.5 inches (4689 mm)
Width:
Approx. 72.1 inches (1831 mm)
Height:
Approx. 67.7 inches (1720 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 111.0 inches (2819 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 4,500 - 4,800 lbs (2041 - 2177 kg) depending on engine and options
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-star driver, 5-star passenger (1999 model year)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for models tested during its production run)
Traction Control:
Yes, standard (ASR)
Electronic Stability Program:
Yes, standard (ESP)
Antilock Braking System:
Yes, standard (ABS)
All Wheel Drive:
Yes, standard (4MATIC)
Airbags:
Front airbags, optional side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seat belts with pre-tensioners
Audio System:
Optional Bose sound system, CD player, cassette player.
Navigation:
Optional COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation Device) navigation system.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Parking Sensors:
Optional park assist sensors (front and rear).
Telematics:
Optional Mercedes-Benz Tele Aid system for emergency assistance.
Oil Change:
Typically every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, with synthetic oil.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended every 40,000 - 60,000 miles (64,000 - 96,000 km) for optimal longevity.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Recommended every 2 years.
Coolant Flush:
Typically every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km) or 2-4 years.
Engine Oil:
SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 synthetic oil meeting MB 229.5 specification (check owner's manual for exact recommendations).
Coolant:
MB 325.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant concentrate - typically a blue ethylene glycol-based coolant)
Power Steering Fluid:
MB 236.3 (Hydraulic fluid or Pentosin CHF 11S)
Integrated Service Indicator:
Requires specific diagnostic tools for reset after service.
Mass Airflow Sensor:
Can become dirty, leading to rough idle and poor performance.
Brake Rotors:
Warping can occur, particularly on heavier-duty use.
Transmission Slippage:
Can occur if fluid and filter are not changed at recommended intervals.
Crankshaft Position Sensor:
Failure can lead to no-start conditions or stalling.
Rust And Corrosion:
Can affect body panels and frame components, especially in salt-belt regions.
Manufacturer:
Mercedes-Benz, established in 1926 with the merger of Benz & Cie. and Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft.
Introduction:
The W163 M-Class was Mercedes-Benz's first entry into the SUV market, launched in 1997 (as a 1998 model year) in the US, and later in other markets. It was developed with American input to cater to the large SUV market there.
Facelift:
Received a significant facelift for the 2002 model year (W163.9 generation) with updated styling, improved interior, and more powerful engine options (ML350 replaced ML320, ML500 replaced ML430).
Manufacturing Locations:
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA