Vehicle Segment:
Luxury Mid-Size SUV
Target Audience:
Affluent families, individuals seeking luxury and capability
Primary Competitors:
BMW X5, Lexus RX, Audi Q7 (early models), Land Rover Discovery
Premium Interior:
High-quality materials, comfortable seating, advanced features for its time
Performance:
Powerful V8 engine, refined ride, capable off-road (for an SUV of its class)
Safety And Reliability:
Mercedes-Benz engineering, robust construction
Engine:
M113 5.0L V8 (SOHC)
Transmission:
5G-TRONIC Automatic Transmission (722.6)
Drivetrain:
4MATIC All-Wheel Drive System
Suspension:
Front and Rear Independent Suspension, AIRMATIC Suspension (if equipped)
Brakes:
Hydraulic Disc Brakes (Front and Rear), ABS, ESP
Steering:
Hydraulic Power Steering
Electrical System:
Engine Control Unit (ECU), Lighting, Instrumentation, Body Control Modules, SRS (Airbag) System
Body And Frame:
Exterior Panels, Doors, Windows, Interior Trim, Structural Components
HVAC:
Automatic Climate Control System
Fuel System:
Fuel Tank, Fuel Pump, Fuel Injectors, Fuel Filter
Exhaust System:
Manifolds, Catalytic Converters, Mufflers
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Top-offs, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection/Replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Component Testing, Fault Isolation
Engine Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Cylinder Head Removal/Installation, Piston/Connecting Rod Replacement, Valve Train Servicing
Transmission Repair:
Transmission Overhaul, Torque Converter Replacement, Valve Body Servicing, Gearbox Reassembly
Brake System Repair:
Brake Pad/Rotor Replacement, Caliper Overhaul, Brake Line Replacement, Bleeding Procedure
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Shock Absorber/Strut Replacement, Bushing Replacement, Power Steering Pump/Rack Replacement, Alignment Procedures
Electrical System Repair:
Wiring Diagram Interpretation, Component Replacement (Sensors, Actuators), Module Programming (limited), Battery and Charging System Diagnostics
Body Repair:
Panel Replacement, Door Hinge/Latch Adjustment, Window Regulator Repair, Weatherstripping Replacement
HVAC System Repair:
Compressor Replacement, Evaporator/Condenser Servicing, Refrigerant Charging, Blower Motor Replacement
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds)
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic procedures with DTC explanations and troubleshooting trees
Torque Specifications:
Extensive list of torque values for all critical fasteners
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete electrical system wiring diagrams
Engine Type:
V8, SOHC, 3-valve per cylinder
Displacement:
4966 cc (5.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
97.0 mm x 84.0 mm
Horsepower:
302 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
339 lb-ft @ 2800-4500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., G48)
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
SAE 0W-30 or 5W-40 (check owner's manual/manual for specific MB approvals)
Length:
Approx. 189.5 inches (4813 mm)
Width:
Approx. 73.6 inches (1869 mm)
Height:
Approx. 70.1 inches (1780 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 111.0 inches (2819 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 4700 - 4850 lbs (2132 - 2200 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 6393 lbs (2900 kg)
Cargo Volume Seats Up:
Approx. 37.7 cu ft (1068 liters)
Cargo Volume Seats Down:
Approx. 73.0 cu ft (2065 liters)
Towing Capacity:
Up to 5000 lbs (2268 kg) (with optional towing package)
NHTSA Front Crash Test Rating:
4 Stars (Driver), 5 Stars (Passenger) - Model Year Specific
IIHS Side Impact Rating:
Good (Refer to IIHS archives for specific year)
Traction Control:
ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation)
Electronic Stability:
ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
Braking System:
4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Airbags:
Frontal Airbags, Side Airbags, Optional Front and Rear Head Curtain Airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point Inertia Reel Seat Belts with Pretensioners and Load Limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system (rear seats)
Audio System:
Optional Bose premium sound system, CD player, AM/FM radio
Navigation:
Optional COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system
Climate Control:
Standard automatic climate control (THERMATIC), optional dual-zone climate control (THERMATIC)
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Parking Sensors:
Optional PARKTRONIC parking assist system
Headlights:
Halogen projector headlights, optional Xenon headlights
Auxiliary Input:
Optional auxiliary input for audio devices (may require adapter)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 1 year (whichever comes first), using synthetic oil (refer to ASSYST system)
Transmission Fluid Service:
Every 40,000 - 60,000 miles (64,000 - 96,000 km) (dependent on driving conditions, refer to manual)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 100,000 miles (160,000 km) (use long-life iridium plugs)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on operating environment
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 20,000 miles (24,000 - 32,000 km)
Engine Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 9.5 Liters (9.0 US quarts)
Windshield Washer Fluid:
Approved Washer Fluid Concentrate or Water
Common Problem 1:
Mass Airflow (MAF) Sensor failure leading to poor performance and Check Engine Light
Common Problem 2:
Cracked dashboard (especially in warm climates)
Common Problem 3:
Oil leaks from valve cover gaskets or oil filter housing
Common Problem 4:
Water pump leaks
Common Problem 5:
Transmission control module (TCM) issues (less common but possible)
Common Problem 6:
AIRMATIC suspension component failure (struts, compressor) on equipped models
Brand Focus:
Luxury vehicles, engineering excellence, safety innovations
First Generation:
Introduced in 1997 as the W163 M-Class, Mercedes-Benz's first SUV offering
Facelift Impact:
The 2001 facelift brought significant styling updates, interior improvements, and powertrain enhancements, including the introduction of the ML500 model
Manufacturing Location:
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
Production Years W163:
1997-2005
