Positioning:
Premium mid-size SUV, known for luxury, comfort, and robust engineering.
Competitors:
BMW X5, Lexus RX, Audi Q7 (though Q7 arrived later, it competed in the luxury SUV segment).
Vehicle Strengths:
Comfortable ride, capable off-road performance (4MATIC models), luxurious interior, strong safety features.
Benefit To Owner:
Empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs themselves, saving costs and increasing vehicle knowledge.
Source:
Exact manual used by dealership technicians, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
Primary Coverage:
2005 Mercedes-Benz M-Class (W163) - All Models
Repair Scope:
A-Z, from basic maintenance to complex repairs
Estimated Pages:
Extensive (not specified, but implied to be comprehensive)
Type:
Factory Service and Repair Manual
Accessibility:
Windows and Mac compatible
Powertrain:
Engine Mechanical, Engine Control System, Fuel Service Specifications, Emission Control, Intake, Exhaust, Cooling, Lube, Ignition, Starting, Charging, Automatic Transmission, Manual Transmission (if applicable), Transfer Case, Propeller Shaft, Drive Shaft, Differential, Axles
Chassis:
Suspension, Tire & Wheel, Brake Control, Brakes, Parking Brake, Steering Column, Power Steering
Electrical And Electronics:
Electrical System, Multiplex/CAN Communication, Engine Immobilizer, Cruise Control, Wiper & Washer, Door Locks, Meter Audio/Visual, Horn, Air Conditioning, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), Seat Belts
Body And Interior:
Body Repair, Exterior and Interior Trim, Engine Hood/Doors, Seats, Instrument Panel, Windshield/Glass/Mirrors
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Inspections
Repair:
Engine Rebuilds, Transmission Overhauls, Brake System Repairs, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair, Body Panel Repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), System Analysis
Depth:
Factory-level, detailed step-by-step instructions, diagrams, illustrations, wiring schematics, and specifications for complete repair.
Engine Options:
Likely includes M112 (4.3L V8, ML430), M113 (5.0L V8, ML500), and M111 (2.7L I4, ML270 CDI - Diesel) or M166 (3.2L V6, ML320) and M112 (3.7L V6, ML350) gasoline engines, depending on market and specific 2005 configurations. *Manual will detail specific VIN-based engine codes.*
Horsepower Torque:
Details will vary by engine. For example, the ML350 (M112 E37) produced approximately 235 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. The ML500 (M113 E50) offered around 288 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. *Manual contains precise figures.*
Injection Type:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) or Direct Injection (DI) for later diesel variants, depending on specific engine.
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz recommended coolant (e.g., MB 325.0 specification, typically a silicate-free, long-life antifreeze concentrate).
Oil Capacity:
Varies by engine, typically around 8-9 quarts for V6/V8 engines. *Manual specifies exact capacity.*
Oil Specification:
Likely MB 229.3 or MB 229.5 specification synthetic oil, depending on engine and service recommendations. Example: Mobil 1 0W-40 or equivalent.
Type:
5-speed automatic transmission (722.6 '5G-TRONIC') was standard on most gasoline models. Some diesel models may have featured a different automatic transmission.
Transmission Options:
While not explicitly stated for 2005, some markets or performance variants may have had slight variations or specific configurations. The manual will cover any applicable variations.
Transmission Fluid:
MB 236.10 specification automatic transmission fluid (ATF) for the 5G-TRONIC. Example: Pentosin ATF1 or equivalent.
Transfer Case:
Permanent all-wheel drive (4MATIC) system.
Length:
Approximately 189.3 inches (4,809 mm)
Width:
Approximately 73.2 inches (1,859 mm)
Height:
Approximately 69.5 inches (1,765 mm)
Curb Weight:
Varies by engine and options, typically ranging from 4,400 to 4,800 lbs (2,000 to 2,180 kg).
Cargo Volume:
Approximately 38.5 cu ft behind the second row, expandable to 82.1 cu ft with seats folded. *Manual provides exact figures and loading capacities.*
NHTSA Front Impact:
Likely 5-star rating for driver and front passenger in frontal impact tests, reflecting Mercedes-Benz's safety focus.
IIHS Side Impact:
Likely 'Good' rating from IIHS for side impact protection.
Stability Control:
Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP) on all models.
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (ASR).
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, and optional side curtain airbags.
Seat Belts:
Pretensioning front seat belts with force limiters, and three-point belts for all seating positions.
Rollover Protection:
Built-in structural reinforcements and potentially rollover sensors for airbag deployment.
Audio System:
Optional COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system, premium sound systems (e.g., Bose).
Navigation:
Available GPS navigation system. *Manual details system operation and troubleshooting.*
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system. Manual covers its operation and potential faults.
Multiplex Communication:
CAN (Controller Area Network) bus system for communication between various electronic modules. Manual includes wiring schematics for diagnosis.
Oil Change:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil meeting MB specifications. *Manual provides specific interval based on driving conditions.*
Air Filter:
Recommend replacement every 30,000-50,000 miles or as needed based on driving environment. *Manual specifies exact interval and part number.*
Cabin Filter:
Recommend replacement every 15,000-30,000 miles. *Manual specifies exact interval and part number.*
Transmission Service:
Fluid and filter change typically recommended around 50,000-80,000 miles. *Manual provides definitive interval and procedure.*
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Plus (MB Specification 331.0).
Power Steering Fluid:
Likely Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent hydraulic fluid meeting MB specification 345.0. *Manual specifies correct fluid.*
Common Problems:
Potential issues include: premature wear on some suspension components (e.g., control arm bushings), SRS warning light due to seat occupancy sensor issues, ABS sensor failures, and potential for oil leaks from gaskets or seals (e.g., valve cover gaskets).
Troubleshooting Guides:
The manual provides detailed troubleshooting procedures for common and uncommon faults across all systems.
Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz has a long history of engineering excellence, safety, and luxury vehicles.
W163 Introduction:
The W163 M-Class was first introduced in 1997, marking Mercedes-Benz's entry into the premium SUV market. The 2005 model represents a later stage in this generation, often featuring updates and refinements.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily manufactured at the Mercedes-Benz U.S. International (MBUSI) plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
Safety Award Example:
While specific awards for the 2005 model year may vary, the W163 generation generally received high safety ratings from organizations like NHTSA and IIHS, contributing to Mercedes-Benz's reputation for safety.
Build Quality:
As a Mercedes-Benz, it is expected to have high build quality and durable components, as detailed in the manual's specifications and repair procedures.
