Segment:
Luxury Mid-size SUV
Target Audience:
Premium SUV buyers seeking comfort, utility, and luxury.
Key Competitors 2003:
BMW X5, Lexus RX 330, Acura MDX, Volvo XC90.
Platform:
Built on the W163 platform, shared components with other Mercedes-Benz models.
Drivetrain:
Standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive system for enhanced traction and stability.
Luxury Appointments:
High-quality interior materials, advanced comfort features, and refined ride quality.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Comprehensive diagnostic procedures, fault code interpretation, and troubleshooting guides for all major systems.
Repair Procedures:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for mechanical, electrical, and body components.
Maintenance Schedules:
In-depth maintenance schedules including fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections, and lubrication points.
Electrical System:
Complete coverage of the vehicle's electrical system, including wiring diagrams, component locations, and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly and disassembly, internal component specifications, timing, and overhaul procedures for all variants.
Transmission Service:
Detailed procedures for automatic transmission service, including fluid changes, filter replacement, and internal component repair.
Suspension Steering:
Diagnosis and repair of suspension and steering components, including alignment specifications.
Brake System:
Complete service and repair procedures for the braking system, including ABS and traction control.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, chassis adjustments, and collision repair information.
Climate Control HVAC:
Service and repair procedures for the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.
Safety Systems:
Information on SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) components and service, including airbag system precautions.
Fuel System:
Fuel injection system diagnosis and repair, fuel pump, injectors, and fuel tank service.
Exhaust System:
Service and repair procedures for the exhaust system, including catalytic converters and muffler replacement.
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, and coolant system service and repair.
Wheels And Tires:
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) information, wheel installation, and tire specifications.
Estimated Pages:
Likely over 1500 pages (typical for comprehensive factory-level service manuals).
Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual
All Major Systems:
Covers all major mechanical and electrical systems of the W163 ML-Class.
Routine Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements.
Engine Repair:
Internal engine diagnostics, component replacement, cylinder head service, timing chain/belt service (if applicable).
Transmission Overhaul:
Full overhaul procedures for the 5-speed automatic transmission (722.6), including torque converter, valve body, and clutch pack service.
Brake System Overhaul:
Brake caliper, rotor, and fluid service, ABS modulator and sensor diagnosis.
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), and electrical component replacement.
Suspension And Steering Diagnosis:
Ball joint, control arm, shock absorber, strut, and power steering system repair.
Body Repair:
Door, hood, trunk, bumper, and interior trim component replacement and adjustment.
HVAC System Service:
Refrigerant handling, compressor, evaporator, and heater core replacement.
Fuel System Diagnosis:
Fuel injector testing, fuel pressure regulation, and fuel pump replacement.
Depth:
Professional-level diagnostic and repair information suitable for experienced technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Diagnostic Tools:
References diagnostic procedures typically requiring Mercedes-Benz specific diagnostic tools (e.g., Star Diagnosis).
Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed procedures for rebuilding key components like engines, transmissions, and differentials.
Transmission Type:
5-speed automatic (722.6)
Optional Transmission:
N/A (Standard for all variants in 2003)
Drivetrain Integration:
Integrated with 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.
Transmission Fluid Spec:
MB 236.14 (or equivalent ATF)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 8.0 liters (8.5 US quarts) for complete fluid change.
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4-star (Frontal Offset Crash Rating)
Traction Control:
4-ETS (Electronic Traction System) standard.
Stability Control:
ESP (Electronic Stability Program) standard.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard.
Airbags:
Front and side airbags, optional rear side airbags.
Seatbelts:
Height-adjustable front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, three-point rear seat belts.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
Audio System:
Optional COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system with integrated GPS navigation, CD player, and premium sound systems (e.g., Bose).
Parking Assist:
Optional Parktronic parking assist system.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Phone Integration:
Optional integrated mobile phone preparation with Bluetooth connectivity (depending on market and option package).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, with synthetic oil.
Transmission Fluid Interval:
Recommended every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 3-4 years, although some sources suggest earlier intervals.
Coolant Change Interval:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2-3 years.
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 0W-30 or 0W-40 Synthetic Engine Oil meeting MB 229.5 specification.
Coolant Spec:
Mercedes-Benz approved coolant (e.g., G05 or equivalent) mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio).
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 4 specification.
Common Problem Aos:
Air oil separator (AOS) leaks leading to oil consumption and potential intake manifold contamination.
Common Problem Intake Manifold:
Cracked plastic intake manifolds (particularly on V6 engines) leading to vacuum leaks and performance issues.
Common Problem Transmission Conductor Plate:
Failure of the transmission conductor plate in the 722.6 transmission, causing shifting problems and limp mode.
Common Problem Balance Shaft Sprag Clutch:
Failure of the sprag clutch within the balance shaft assembly on certain M112 engines, leading to starting issues.
Common Problem Rust:
Potential for rust on wheel arches, rocker panels, and tailgate, especially in rust-prone climates.
Common Problem Window Regulators:
Failure of power window regulators.
Mercedes Benz Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, and safety dating back to the late 19th century.
W163 Generation:
The W163 generation ML-Class debuted in 1997 and received a significant facelift for the 2002 model year, which carried into 2003.
Manufacturing Location:
Initially produced in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA.
Production Years W163:
1997-2005
Model Recognition:
The ML-Class has generally been well-received for its luxury, comfort, and off-road capability for a luxury SUV.
Desempeño Adac:
Mercedes-Benz vehicles often rank highly in European automotive club surveys like ADAC for reliability and breakdown statistics.
Engineering Standards:
Adheres to stringent Mercedes-Benz engineering and quality standards.