Engine Mechanical:
Complete teardown and reassembly procedures, component specifications, timing, valve adjustments, cylinder head, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, lubrication system.
Engine Management:
Fuel injection system (Bosch Motronic ME 2.8), ignition system, emission control systems (OBD-II), sensor diagnostics, ECU (Electronic Control Unit) troubleshooting.
Transmission:
5-speed automatic transmission (722.6), fluid types and capacities, torque converter, valve body, planetary gear sets, electronic control module diagnostics, overhaul procedures.
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive system, driveshafts, differential, axle shafts, wheel bearings, seals.
Suspension:
Front and rear independent suspension, Adaptive Damping System (ADS), Active Body Control (ABC) system (if equipped), shock absorbers, struts, springs, control arms, bushings, alignment specifications.
Steering:
Hydraulic power steering system, steering gear, steering column, power steering fluid specifications, troubleshooting.
Brakes:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), brake fluid type and specifications, brake disc and pad replacement, hydraulic system bleeding, parking brake, brake caliper overhaul.
Electrical System:
12V battery system, charging system (alternator), starter motor, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), wiring diagrams, fuse box locations and identification, relays, control modules (SAM, EIS, etc.), CAN bus system.
HVAC:
Automatic climate control, refrigerant type and charge, AC compressor, evaporator, condenser, heater core, blower motor, control panel diagnostics.
Bodywork:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, hood and trunk latches, glass replacement, interior trim panels, sound deadening.
Interior:
Seats, seatbelts, airbags, dashboard, center console, instrument cluster, door panels, headliner, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, sunroof.
Diagnostics:
OBD-II fault codes (DTCs), diagnostic connector locations, troubleshooting flowcharts, using diagnostic scan tools, resetting service indicators.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid and filter replacement procedures (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, tire rotation and balancing.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation across all vehicle systems.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Diagnostic charts and flowcharts to identify and resolve common and uncommon issues.
Technical Specifications:
Detailed torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical schematics, and component measurements.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, advanced electrical diagnostics, and chassis repairs.
Engine Type:
5.4L (5439cc) Supercharged V8 (M113 E55 ML)
Bore X Stroke:
97.0 mm x 92.0 mm
Horsepower:
493 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque:
516 lb-ft (700 Nm) @ 2650-4500 rpm
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic ME 2.8)
Forced Induction:
Lysholm-type positive displacement supercharger with intercooler
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz G48 (Ethylene Glycol based, blue color) or equivalent.
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 12.0 Liters (with heater core)
Oil Type:
MB 229.5 approved synthetic oil (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40, Pennzoil Platinum Euro 5W-40)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 8.0 Liters (8.5 US quarts) with filter change
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating:
Not specifically rated for 2002 model year as per current NHTSA standards at the time.
IIHS Ratings:
Likely 'Good' in frontal offset based on contemporaneous Mercedes-Benz testing and design philosophy.
Active Safety Systems:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Brake Assist (BAS), Traction Control System (ASR).
Airbags:
Front airbags (driver and passenger), side airbags (front and rear), curtain airbags (front and rear), supplemental restraint system (SRS).
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with belt tensioners and force limiters.
Chassis Construction:
High-strength steel safety cell, crumple zones.
Infotainment System:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system with CD player, optional navigation, and integrated audio controls.
Speaker System:
Bose premium audio system often standard or optional.
Driver Assistance Features:
Cruise control, parking assist sensors (front and rear), rain-sensing wipers, automatic climate control.
Connectivity Options:
Analog cellular phone integration (often optional), pre-wiring for future communication systems.
Comfort Features:
Multi-contour heated and ventilated front seats, power-adjustable steering column, dual-zone automatic climate control, ambient interior lighting.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil.
Transmission Service Interval:
Recommended every 40,000-60,000 miles, including fluid and filter change.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Recommended every 60,000-100,000 miles (dependent on spark plug type; often iridium recommended).
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2-4 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Plus (or MB 331.0 approved)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
MB spec 343.0 (Hydraulic fluid, e.g., Pentosin CHF 11S)
Washer Fluid:
Mercedes-Benz concentrated washer fluid or equivalent with anti-freeze properties in colder climates.
Common Issues:
ABC suspension (struts, hydraulic pump, lines leaking), ignition coils, MAF sensor, blower motor resistor, transmission conductor plate, crank position sensor, oil leaks (valve cover gaskets, oil cooler seals).
Supercharger Maintenance:
Supercharger belt and idler pulley inspection and replacement, intercooler integrity check.