Jeep Cherokee, Toyota 4Runner, Mitsubishi Pajero (Montero), Land Rover Discovery, Nissan Pathfinder
Key Features
Design Philosophy:
Rugged SUV design with Mercedes-Benz engineering and quality standards, often featuring robust chassis and drivetrains.
Market Strategy:
Offered as a more affordable entry into the SUV market under the Mercedes-Benz umbrella, often utilizing shared components with other manufacturers (SsangYong).
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Primary Coverage:
Workshop Service and Repair
Secondary Coverage:
General Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Electrical Systems, Chassis, Body
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
Hundreds (precise count not specified, but indicates extensive detail)
Complete disassembly and reassembly procedures for all major components and systems
Maintenance:
General Maintenance, Periodic Lubrication, Fluid Changes
Technical Depth
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Detailed troubleshooting guides and electrical system diagnostics with wiring diagrams
Repair Complexity:
Suitable for both do-it-yourself owners and experienced mechanics, covering step-by-step procedures for complete vehicle service and repair.
Documentation Style:
Hundreds of photos and illustrations, detailed substeps, notes, cautions, warnings, numbered instructions, and call-out figures for clarity.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Delivery Format:
Downloadable PDF
Software Requirement:
Adobe PDF Reader
Print Quality
Printability:
Printable without restriction, entire manual or selected pages
Binding Type
Digital Binding:
N/A (Downloadable PDF)
Paper Type
Digital Paper Equivalent:
N/A (Digital PDF allows for printing on any paper type)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Options:
Likely included a range of gasoline and diesel engines. Common for the era and platform: 2.3L Inline-4 gasoline, 3.2L Inline-6 gasoline, 2.9L Diesel Inline-5 (OM602).
Performance
Horsepower Range:
Varies significantly by engine. Gasoline engines typically ranged from 125-170 hp, while diesel engines were around 95-125 hp.
Torque Range:
Diesel engines generally offered higher torque for off-road capability, typically in the 200-240 Nm range, while gasoline engines were in a similar or slightly higher range depending on displacement.
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Fuel Injection (MPI for gasoline, Direct Injection or Indirect Injection for diesel depending on specific engine codes).
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
Likely offered a 5-speed manual transmission as standard on base models and a 4-speed automatic transmission as an option or standard on higher trims.
Optional
Optional Transmission:
4-speed automatic transmission (e.g., 722.4 or similar MB variants).
Features
Drivetrain:
Part-time 4WD system with selectable 2WD/4WD and low-range gearing.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Body Styles:
5-door SUV
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approximately 1,800 - 2,000 kg (4,000 - 4,400 lbs) depending on engine and configuration.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Information:
Specific official crash test ratings for this model and era are not widely published. However, it would have been designed to meet the safety standards of its time.
Active Features
Active Safety:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) likely standard or optional on higher trims.
Passive Features
Passive Safety:
Front airbags for driver and passenger, seatbelt pre-tensioners, reinforced chassis.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory fitted AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD player. Likely basic speaker configuration.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Likely available as an option on higher trim levels.
Connectivity
Auxiliary Inputs:
Limited by era, typically no standard USB or Bluetooth connectivity. May have an auxiliary input for external audio devices on some later models.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions. Specific details in the manual.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Specification:
Likely API SJ or similar, viscosity grade depending on climate (e.g., 10W-30, 15W-40 for diesel; 5W-30, 10W-40 for gasoline). Refer to manual for exact MB approval numbers.
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant, typically MB-approved coolant (e.g., G48 or equivalent) with a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
ATF DEXRON III or equivalent, specific MB approval may apply (e.g., MB 236.1).
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4, complying with Mercedes-Benz specifications.
Known Issues
Common Wear Items:
Suspension components (bushings, ball joints, tie rods), exhaust system corrosion, potential for diesel injection pump issues on OM602 engines, electrical connector corrosion.
பராமरण Recommendations:
Regular inspection of chassis and body for rust, timely fluid changes, especially engine oil and transmission fluid, to ensure longevity.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Mercedes Benz SUV Lineage:
Represents an early foray for Mercedes-Benz into the SUV market segment, predating the M-Class (W163) which was launched around the same time in North America.
Model Evolution
Production Origins:
The Mercedes-Benz Musso was developed by SsangYong Motor Company in South Korea and rebadged and sold under the Mercedes-Benz marque in many markets, benefiting from Mercedes-Benz technology and quality control.
Production
Production Period For This Manual:
1997-2000
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Market Acceptance:
While not a major award winner, its success lay in offering a Mercedes-Benz branded SUV at a more accessible price point, leveraging SsangYong's manufacturing expertise.